Jungee

Doaba..Respect to akali Hari Singh.... but you guys know...Akali Jageer singh keeps it real, especially by giving joga to the dal...... sending metab to taksaal and sukha staying at home to work on the farm. There is one thing everybody should know. Baba Jageer singhs Family have been following the Nihang and Taksaal Maryada for over 10 generations... where half the family are nihangs and the other half taksalis..( but not mehta chonkis ) just watching the video brings back good memories... doaba i think my suitcase is big enough...u can definatly try traveling in that. while i relax in first class on uzbekistan airways.lol to all the people coming to holla mohalla 2005 in anandpur..see u there...I'll be the one with the big smile

people who are genuinely interested should contact the organisers i guess they only have a handful of tickets left, now. from my understanding, to miss this oppurtunity will be a grave mistake for people who wanna see the real deal.

Good Post Nirajana Hopefully your way of thinking will spread and teach people to question everything. no matter how good it looks logicl and a practical approach is necesary, with a touch of faith and honesty to ones innerself to understand the truth. keep up the good posting

oh yeah, if any body is interested, on tuesday the 15th of february, @ 11:00 there will be a small discussion on Sikh Women ( linked to the talk in warwick uni) on the BBC Asian radio Network with Sonia deol ( I think she is the presenter) Sorry but i dont know the frequency. but if anybody does can you please post the details.

Sorry for the late reply, been busy at work. Due to the inconvenience caused in the previous events in November, it was decided that we would not state which Sikh societies supported the events (but just to let you know there are over 15 Sikh societies in the UK which are behind this event). This event is open to everyone, especially the Sikhs in Birmingham and Wolverhampton. From the Joe Bloggs to the Khalsitani, from the chauvinists to the lesbians. ALL WELCOME !!! But remember, this is a academic talk looking at historical evidence and facts, not hear say. See you all there 6:30 pm sharp.

hi, sorry for the late feed back in regards to the talks in november. Been away on business, thought some one else may have posted the articles on the net by now. any way, below is the review of the first talk. any constructive feedback welcome. Review: SANATAN SIKHS Traditional to modern British Raj Sikhism The series of talks which occurred in November 2004 were organized to make people more aware of their history; they were designed to cater for students studying philosophy, history, humanities, Asian languages, anthropology, and anyone with general interest. The talks were purely presented in a manner where one could do a comparative study of how dharma was practiced in the past with the present mainstream way of practicing a religion, but broadly Sikhism was the main religion used for illustration. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The following is a review by several correspondents who have put in writing a concise breakdown of each seminar Lecture 1: DHARMA THROUGH THE AGES 'Dharma', the universal divine law of righteousness has existed since before the beginning of time. Throughout the four cosmic ages, Sat Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapar Yuga, and Kali Yuga, Dharma has been propagated according to the needs of the age. As the great scribe, Bhai Gurdas Ji states: In 'Satyug', 'Vishnu' in the form of 'Vasudev' is said to have incarnated and 'V' Of 'Va-He Guru' reminds of Vishnu. The true Guru of Dwapar is said to be 'Hari Krishna', and 'H' of Va-He Guru reminds of Hari. In the the 'Treta' was 'Raam' and 'R' of Va-He Guru tells that rembering Raam will produce joy and happiness. In 'Kalijug', 'Gobind' is in the form of Nanak and 'G' of Va-He Guru gets Govind recited. The recitations of all the four ages subsume in 'Panchayan' (the soul of the common man). When joining four letters Va-He Guru is remembered, the 'jiv' (life force) merges again in its origin. Bhai Gurdas, Vaar 1, Pauri 49 All the Sikh Gurus advised mankind to pursue 'Dharma' in whichever form an individual finds appropriate. For example, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first of the Sikh Gurus advised both Muslims and Hindus to removed the dirt that stains the soul, and seek compassion and truth, only then may they consider themselves to be true devotees of their faith. Guru Gobind Singh Ji explains in his writings of how all creation is one, but misunderstandings are of many types. Where a Hindu may refer to the Almighty as 'Apekh', a Muslim may use the term 'Allah', and a Sikh may utilise 'Va-He Guru'. The sacred Qu'ran and Puraanas speak of the glory of the Almighty, but due to dogma, ego, and ignorance, the focus is lost, and man begins to fight with his neighbour. The fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji commented: 'Some say 'Raam, Raam', some 'Khuda'. Some serve God, believing him to be 'Gursai', some 'Allah'. The Creator, the merciful One is but one. Some bathe at Hindu pilgrim centers, others go to Mecca. Some pray in the Hindu manner, some in the Muslim. Some read 'Vedas', some Katebs. Some advocate wearing blue, others white. Some call themselves Muslim, others Hindu. Some desire to go to 'Bahist' (Muslim heaven), some desire 'Surgind' (Hindu heaven). Says Nanak, only he knows the true secret of the Master; one who recognizes his divine will.' Adi Guru Durbar, 'Raag Ramkali', Pa. 885 Bhagat Kabir, the Muslim Hindu saint asked if all men are creations of the same Almighty, then who is better or worse? It is this universal 'Dharma' that all great beings such as Raam, Krishna, Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), Jesus Christ, Buddha, Bhagat Kabir, Sheikh Farid, Ramanand, Jaidev, Akali Guru Nanak, etc., all sought to perpetuate. That Dharma, which binds and harmonises humanity. Lecture 2: ESTABLISHING DHARMA Clockwise from top left: 1. Sriman 108 Sant Ji Maharaj Shri Dhian Das Ji Dhoonay Valay Malipur (left) and Sriman 108 Sant Ji Maharaj Shri Charan Das Ji Dhoonay Valay Malipur (right) 2. Sriman 108 Baba Sham Singh Ji Sewa Panthi 3. Jatha of Akali Nihang Singhs, c. 1840-50 4. Sriman 108 Baba Gyan Dev Singh Nirmala, the present head of the Nirmala order After a first successful lecture at Queen Mary University, Gurdev Nihang Nidar Singh (ShastarVidiya Teacher) approaches the question of how dharma is established by Guru Gobind Singh. In front of an audience coming from various religious and ethnic backgrounds (Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, Rastafarians, Atheists) Nihang Nidar Singh has explained how Guru Gobind Singh used four orders or sampradayas to protect dharma against its worse enemy: religious fanaticism. The four orders are: the Udasis, the Sevapanthis, the Nirmalas and Nihangs. One needs to understand that these are not sects as they are not offshoots of Sikhi but orders comparable to Special Forces in an army. The Udasis, mystics and specialists of Ayurveda had as a mission to bring the awareness of Nam Simran and devotion among people. As itinerant preachers they spread Sikhi to place such as Bihar, Sindh (hence the Sindhi Sikhs), Bengal, Nepal and even Russia! Because they circulated among and looked like sadhus they were able to look after Sikhs shrines during times of persecution. They also acted as spies for the Khalsa informing the Singhs of enemy troop movements. The Sevapanthis have their origin in Bhai Khanaya who dedicated his life to selfless service. The order was given the mission to serve all beings and be embodiments of compassion. Known for being non-violent Sevapanthis would rather die than killing even if it were to save their own lives. Under Addan Shah this famous order has received a scholarly dimension. Gurbani, comparative religion as well as Sufi writings were studied. The Nirmalas were founded by Guru Gobind Singh 1686 as an order of scholars who had as a mission to offer education to the Sikhs and others as well as fight against religious fanaticism by challenging narrow minded scholars. One only needs to think of Pandit Lal Singh who destroyed brahminical caste discrimination using Sanskrit sources. The Nirmalas’ intellectual, cultural and theological contributions to the Sikh Panth are invaluable. Bhai Santokh Singh and Giani Gian Singh are probably some of the most renowned Nirmala scholars who through their Suraj Prakash Granth and Panth Prakash have enabled Sikh tradition and history to be known to us today. The Nihangs were the original Khalsa, knights serving Akal Purakh with a mission to protect not only Sikhs but all those who were persecuted by fanatics of all kind. Bearers of a unique tradition of religious chivalry the Nihangs are probably the only example of such a tradition nowadays. These orders were all part of Guru Gobind Singh’s struggle against fanaticism and establishment of dharma. Nihang Nidar Singh clearly showed how the concept of dharma in Sikhi was beyond sectarian definitions and how the institutions of Guru Gobind Singh served a universal ideal: dharma, the order of the universe. Dharma is what keeps the planets moving, it is what regulates nature's seasons, it is the deep nature of each one of us. If we ignore dharma we suffer and provoke suffering. Fanatics of any religion be they Sikh, Hindu, Muslim or Christian, by enforcing his religion on others go against dharma by creating an imbalance as the diversity of religions is part of the divine order. The diverse religions of humanity that have been revealed why God are all expressions of the same divine and eternal order of things: all creation worships the One Divine. In British society where many communities live next to another without living with each other this message of unity within diversity would be of great profit not only to Sikhs but to all members of society. Dharma as the son of Compassion provides for the good of all: in this lies the true mission of the Khalsa. Lecture 3: WAR AGAINST RELIGIOUS FANATICS ( 18TH century) Left: Emperor Aurangzeb, c. 1700 Right: Banda Bahadur, wallpainting, late 19th century Review to be added soon Some picture from the series of talks: Only a few pictures to be added, as some people requested not have there pictures viewed on the net. (i.e government officials, civil servants, and mainly girls)

THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL, REGARDLESS OF THERE VIEWS AND OPINIONS. EVERY ONE IS WELCOME! note: due to certain Dignateries coming to these events, there will be adequate security present to quell any problems. also as this is mainly a family event, the seminars are designed for people who are tolerant of others and have a thirst to feed there mind with knowlegde.

the below attacment gives details of where the series of talks are occuring for any more information please contact Amardeep Singh 07950 323 785 or Sanatan sikhs on sanatansikhs@yahoo.com

This event has been organised to make people more aware of their history, WHILST DOING A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE PAST WITH THE PRESENT. the series of talks have been designed to cater for students studing philosophy, history, humanities, asian languages, anthrophology, et al. senior lectures and distinguished guest from various backgrounds will be attending. including people from the shia, hindu, christian, bhuddist, jewish communties. please do your best to attend and please bring your family and friends with you. synopsis of lectures: 1) Expounding the concept of all-embracing, eternal Sikh 'Dharma' - spoken of by the Sikh Gurus as being the 'son of compassion and support of all’. The seminar refutes the notion that Sikhism is a 'religion', and that the great Sikh Gurus sought to convert any individual to a particular religion. 2) The tenth Sikh Guru, Sodhibans Dasam Patshah Baaja-Waley Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh, asked the four traditional Sikh orders - the Udasis, Nirmalas, Sevapanthis/Addan Shahis and Akali Nihangs, to isolate the fanatics within religious communities, and establish universal 'Dharma' in cultures througout India. Sanatan Sikhism accepts that no one indidivual, or group may monopolise the concept of the true One Almighty, and that 'Dharma' is to be found within all great religious and spiritual traditions. 3) Exploring the physical struggle of Sanatan Sikhs against hostile religious fanatics in India, during the turbulent 18th century. Historical quotes by the enemies of the Khalsa reveal that, by being just to all during both war and peace, the Sikhs ultimately triumphed during these hostile times. Further highlights include glimpses into the world of the non-martial orders: the Udasis, Nirmalas and Sevapanthis/Addan Shahis. 4) The final episode of the series discusses the major differences between Sanatan Sikhism, and the morally inept Tat Khalsa Singh Sabhia Sikhism, that today holds sway over the vast majority of Sikhs. The lecture covers the fall of the Sanatan Sikh kingdoms and the rise of the British Raj-accomodating Tat Khalsa Singh Sabhias. The role of the Tat Khalsa Singh Sabhia Sikhs and their progeny in the systematic destruction and of Sikh history and heritage is also examined.

Wish of Mardana’s descendent may not be fulfilled Varinder Walia Tribune News Service Amritsar, October 3 Ghulam Mohammad Chaand (70), a Muslim rababi, who is a descendent of Bhai Mardana, a life-time companion of Guru Nanak Dev, is unlikely to get permission from the SGPC to perform ‘kirtan’ in the Golden Temple. He visited Amritsar — his birthplace — for the first time after Partition. Immediately after paying obeisance at the Golden Temple, he expressed desire to perform ‘kirtan’ there. However, he was told that this was not possible due to change of ‘maryada’. As per the new ‘maryada’ rules, the SGPC has mentioned particular dress code for the ‘raagis’. His uncle, Bhai Gyan Chaand, was the last Muslim rababi who performed ‘kirtan’ at Darbar Sahib. According to new norms, only baptised Sikhs can perform ‘kirtan’ in the Golden Temple. Before Partition of the country, Muslim rababis were given special permission to perform ‘kirtan’ there. Talking to TNS here today, Ghulam Mohammad Chaand said it was his last wish to perform ‘kirtan’ in the Golden Temple like his uncle. He would be performing ‘kirtan’ at the gurdwara of Sector 34, Chandigarh, on October 8. He said there should ne no such restriction on Muslim rababis who remained with Gurus (till Guru Teg Bahadur) and enthralled the Sikh Sangat with ‘kirtan’. He said he had been performing ‘kirtan’ in Nankana Sahib and Dehra Sahib Gurdwara, Lahore, without any restriction. He visited Gali Rababian where more than 200 families of Muslim rababis used to live before Partition. They migrated to Pakistan after Partition. However, he felt sad to see that there was no trace of his ancestral house following expansion of Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal. He said the well of the house that could have been preserved was also filled with earth. He is accompanied by his nephews, Amzad and Ryaz. They are visiting India on the invitation of Ms Shumita of United Colours of Punjab. Dr S.P. Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, has promised to arrange Ghulam Mohammad Chaand’s performances on the university campus and in affiliated colleges of the university. ... I SWEAR NOWADAYS I THINK SIKHI'S DONE A COMPLETE U TURN ON WHAT GURU JI WAS TRYING TO TEACH US. SGPC WILL BE THE DEATH OF THE PANTH!!! or am i over reacting??

SO BAC TO THE TOPIC has anybody got any opinions on the article... any constructive/ productive feedback?

from what i know... based on a spritual level... it has to do with the way the planet moves, the way the sun moves and also a bit on teh 5 khands and the tre gun. sorry i cant elaborate, i am quite poor in explaining it. but Guru ji more or less explains it all in jap ji sahib. but if u need a literal breakdown in english ( the translation wont do it justice) ask shaka, narsingha, dynamic banda, or some else knowledgeable. on this forum

just curious 1.has anybody read the article? 2.what do you think of the questions krisna asked? 3.do you think the pictures provided were good in explaining the techniques? 4.is the magazine gonna do another article on it? my own opinion is that the aricle was quite informative. four pages of brilliant images and knowledge on a very deadly art. it was the best article in the magazine in the last 6 months. krisna asked some pretty good questions and the answers were quite good in enligtening individuals who have come across this style for the first time. my opinion is the article shoud be a monthly thing for the magazine, its a different and more original approach to self defense unlike some conventional styles who have become too corupted over time due to politics and limitations whilst converting to a sport. please can people who have ACTUALLY read the article put some input to this topic. people keep going of on a tangent with there own personal issues. (n also could some one if they could, put up a copy of thearticle on this site. it doesnt have to be the whole thing, just part of it so some of the readers can have a look.)

Mr Singh 47 and anybody else who thinks along your lines I have three questions for you. 1. Do you have any martial arts or combat experience (be it in a classroom, street, or other environment)? If you don’t, your general opinions on Shastervidiya or any other art are irrelevant and carry no credence. 2. Have you yourself ever lived and studied with the Nihangs in India, to develop such a strong opinion to compare them to the Nihangs in the UK. 3. Have you any strong evidence to proof that Gatka is the true art of Sikhism and Shastervidya is false. Also before you ask… • I have 11 years of martial arts experience, and have summed up some combat experience in various environments around the world with various martial individuals. • I have also lived and studied with the Nihangs ( since 1999) • And I also have a small amount of evidence to proof that Gatka is a British empire influenced art which was actually a warm up style like sanjam kriya to loosen the body before training, and some other material proofing Shastervidya can be traced far back as the 9th century. Here’s some free advice mate, if you believe this art to be false, challenge Niddar Singh yourself ( like I did ) and try beating him. Or just write a letter to the MAI Editor expressing your opinion on the style.

lol ok singh

SORRY, I'M NOT TRYING TO GO OFF TOPIC..JUST TRYING TO ADVERTISE THE SIKH STUDENT CAMP...AND MY OWN OPINION OF WHAT THE CAMP HAS TO OFFER.. The essence of a Sikh is the the search for Waheguru. The path towards reaching this goal is most elusive. It requires tempering one’s mind, colouring one’s mind with thirst for reaching this goal and love for Waheguru and everything within Waheguru’s creation. Ultimately, it is the mind alone that holds the key. But the mind is not easily tempered. It is so easily distracted. Try sitting even for a few minutes closing your eyes and thinking of one thing, and the mind quickly jumps elsewhere. The mind both holds the key and presents the greatest obstacle. It quickly angers at the slightest provocation, becomes enamoured with the opposite sex, seeks to have all of that which it does not have, grows attached to that which it does have, and, worst of all, thinks only of its own immediate pleasures. Though the obstacles seem insurmountable, Gurbani, the experience of the Gurus, can serve as a guide. The essence of being a Sikh is to allow the experience of the Guru’s to serve as our guide. The Guru’s have tread this path, faced these same obstacles that we face, and they overcame these obstacles and reached their goal, through both simran and seva, meditation and service. But, from the Guru’s experiences, it is also clear that one cannot tread this path alone. One requires two elements in one’s life. One is sangat, the company of those who also walk on this path. Our sangat, the people we hang around with, has such an influence over us that with time we begin to mould ourselves into the shape of our sangat. If our sangat’s focus is on sports, then we will mould ourselves to also enjoy those sports. If our sangat’s focus is on drugs, then eventually we will be led towards experimenting with drugs and maybe addiction. If our sangat’s focus is on reaching Waheguru, then the influence of that sangat will awaken a spiritual thirst amongst our own selves as well. But Sangat is just one ingredient. The second is discipline. Reaching any goal requires discipline. Ask any olympic athlete how much discipline they have had to have in their own lives in order to reach the stage they have. The spiritual goal, perhaps more difficult than any other endeavour in life, requires much discipline in every aspect of our lives (emotional, mental, and physical). And, though the spiritual journey towards Waheguru is purely an internal one, the mind is so affected by external influences that one must seek to eliminate negative external influences in one’s life and surround themselves with positive external influences that will assist them on the internal journey. Sangat, for instance, is one external influence. Receiving Amrit, one chooses to follow the Sikh way, and one adopts an external form that is intended to promote disciplined living. The kakkar’s, the daily routine of Nitnem, all of these should be used to one’s advantage towards a disciplined lifestyle. This is not to say that all of those that adopt the external form of a Sikh are living a disciplined lifestyle and making progress on the spiritual journey. Many, perhaps most, are not. The inward journey is so difficult that many who have sought to walk on this spiritual path have fallen from it, due to their inability to disengage their minds from the vices the mind covets, and the inability to temper their minds with love for Waheguru. For them, the external manifestations are all that remain to show that, once, they had attempted to walk on this path. For them, the external manifestations are a constant, daily, reminder that they must make the attempt again. They may fail again, but if the external remains, the self, which is so easily affected by external queues, will eventually pick itself up and make the attempt again to walk on the spiritual path. Life, for many who try to walk on this path, becomes a constant struggle, but without the external queues to remind them of their journey, there may be no struggle towards Waheguru at all. The one that has struggled but failed in the spiritual journey is richer still than the one that has never even attempted the journey. Our minds, it seems, constantly seek out the negative in others, to convince ourselves that we are doing pretty well ourselves (even if we are not). Seeing other people engaged in things we perceive as wrong provides us an opportunity to forgive our own mistakes and feeds our egos. It is not "society", Sikh or otherwise, that is hypocritical. It is our own minds that are hypocritical. The important thing is to not look towards those who have fallen from the path and be dissuaded from walking it yourselves, because on any journey, there will always be more people that attempted and failed than have reached their goals successfully. For the millions of children that toil with their footballs on a daily basis and dream of playing professionally, most will not succeed. But it is the few that do succeed that inspire others to continue to try to make the attempt. The important thing, in the spiritual journey, whether you walk on that path as a Sikh or otherwise, is to look at the example of those that have tread that path and succeeded, and to gain inspiration from them. Saying this, if you have a hunger to learn about the sikh religion at your own pace, you cant afford to miss a summer camp being held in South England called SIKH STUDENT CAMP. This camp is organised for people who are looking for pure bliss with sports, activities, langar, kirtaan, meditation and discussions, plus something “extra†that you may not find in your normal day to day lifestyle. some of the great activities planned at this camp this year are,Horse Riding, Archery, Gladiators, Yoga, Kabbadi, rock climbing, the now legendary Operation Aloo and much more. As well as this, Sikh Student camp gives you a chance to learn and chill out and with people of your same generation that have been thorough the cycles of schools, uni's and all the burden that goes with it and would like to learn more about their roots in a friendly and social atmosphere. Everyone has experiences to share, and knowledge that can help others, the camps have amazing effects and can be a real catalyst for improvements in life, Let's call it a "Spring board" into the Soul, through education and understanding and a wicked time. Also on a personal note, I have attended many camp in the last few years, and the one thing that l have learned is that you cant just become a enlightened one over night unless your neo, you cant just look like a sikh and do ritualistic praying hoping to find inner peace. You have to EXPERIENCE sikhi, and the only way you can do that is when you are having fun and spending time with like minded people. Come to this camp, EXPERIENCE a unique feeling in a friendly atmosphere where you move at your own pace with many guides to help answer any questions you may have. SikhStudent Camp What: 6 days of great activities with a chance to explore our rich heritage in a relaxed & friendly environment When: Sunday 22nd - Friday 27th August 2004 Who: If you are aged 17 and above, then your are most welcome!

if anybodies looking for a shaster to purchase, have a look at this website. http://www.akaalarms.com/ i recommend this website to the serious buyer. I have bought some shasters from this company. very professional, good quality puratan styles provided from all over asia and middle east. any enquires please contact the seller.

i believe this is a medium in which we can help people learn about who we are. can you please spread the word. and check it out www.sarblohwarriors.com any ideas for future projects are more than welcomed. you can contact the designers through the website.

from my understanding a terrorist is someone who doesnt distinguish between the innocent and the presumed 'target'. they do deliberate acts of violence, or threats of violence to both innocent and not so innocent to produce a particular psycological effect- 'terror'. on the assumption that this will lead to a shift in the 'targets' attitudes and behavior. Militants from what i know are military trained soldiers who revolt against the goverenment, but only targeting the political target. Not innocents,as they in some cases are there souce of finance and shelter. however both use similar 2 step methods to get there message heard. ( I would rather not discuss these methods on this forum) also terrorism is normally JUST related to the death of civilians, while militants are related to political figures or soldiers casualty. at the moment there is a lot of research being done on the topic of terrorists and militants, and what makes them tick. the most common pattern i seem to have found amont them (this also includes the terrorist, militants, and so called freedom fighters of punjab) regarding there existence is : 1. they are trying to self preserve themselves. 2. overthrow political and alternative policies by government. 3. is a extreme version of rackerteering. just violence and fear to create a source of finance. and et al both use Guerialla Warfare and Psycological Warfare.. to end of with did you know that the term terrorist was first used in the 17th century to describe the revolutionaries in France who werer trying to overthrow the political and royal figures of state.

The below article was written by a friend of mine who intends to make this in to a movie. it is a true story. we were able to record this from one of the survivors. teh event is based around of LOYALTY and TRUST Between Sikh Brothers, Hindu Brothers, and Mulsim Brothers. ( Regardless of there beliefs and values, they were tolerant of each other. unlike some sikhs of today, who use our dharam as a sheild to preach there insecure beliefs based around confusion and phanaticism.) remember Education and Compassion is the way to destroy Ignorance. any way enough jabbering.. read the below summary written by my friend kamal krishan Ghaloo-Ghara (A Punjabi term meaning Great destruction, loss of life in the battle of Sikhs with Ahmed Shah Abdali in which the Sikhs sustained a loss of many thousand lives. There are two Ghaloo-Ghara recorded in the history of the Sikhs) based on a True Story of Sikh cavalryman in the First World War. One hundred Indian troops of the British Army have arrived at Kabul, Afghanistan, after a four months' march from Constantinople. The men were captured in Flanders by the Germans and were sent to Turkey in the hope that, being Mohammedans, they might join the Turks. But they remained loyal to Great Britain and finally escaped, heading for Afghanistan. They now intend to join their regimental depot in India, so it is reported. New York Times, July 1915 Had Ranjoor Singh and his men been Muhammadans their accomplishment would have been sufficiently wonderful. For Sikhs to attempt what they carried through, even under such splendid leadership as Ranjoor Singh's, was to defy the very nth degree of odds. Amid the echoes of the roar of the guns in Flanders, the world is inclined to overlook India's share in it all and the stout proud loyalty of Indian hearts. May this tribute to the gallant Indian gentlemen who came to fight our battles serve to remind its readers that they who give their best, and they who take, are one – Ted Mundy In the first world war, during the campaign in Flanders, France, a regiment of Sikh Cavalrymen, or what was left of them, some 323 men, was stranded behind enemy lines and captured by Central (Germany) forces. Risaldar Major Ranjoor Singh commanded the regiment after the death of their English Officer. Seen as Muslims, they were given a choice either to fight against the allied forces on the Turkish front at Gallipolis or to perish in POW camps (coal mines). It was not a choice after all, even when their sense of honor and loyalty were discounted. To fight against the British meant that they would never see India and hence their families again. Coalmines were a quick death and oblivion. Turkey, to them was a death with dishonor (NAMAK HARAMI). After some thinking Ranjoor Singh asked them to trust him and sign the paper forswearing their allegiance to Great Britain and claiming allegiance to the Germans, in the hope that once at Gallipolis they would cross over to the British. They were transported through though Axis controlled areas of Austria and Poland by train and some of the way across Danube by Steamer. A German officer by the name of Fritz Tugendheim was attached to the regiment to over seer. He knew Hindustani and the regiment was fore warned. The Germans wanted the Sikh Muslims, as they put it to their consternation, to be used as propaganda to exhort the Muslims and Indians fighting with the British to switch sides. Let me throw some light on the political situation in that part of the world, which the Sikhs endured: The German monarch at the time was intent on carving out an empire of his own. His eyes fell on the America and the Raj-British India from Khyber to Rangoon. The Khalipha Anwar Pasha of turkey was with him. It was optimistically believed by Turkish and German leaders that Muslims from French North Africa to British India would spontaneously revolt against their infidel masters( GERMAN KAISER HAS CONVERTED TO ISLAM was one of the a million rumors bandied around to hoodwink the gullible Muslims). The Czarist Russia also had an eye on the Raj but their plans were less threatening for the time being as they had joined the British in the Great War. The whole area was the hotbed of German agents provocateurs. Many of the tribal warlords were listening to them. They exhorted the Indian soldiers to join the Jihad against the British, if they were Muslims and throw the yoke of two hundred years of British slavery, if they were Hindus or Sikhs. In early 1915, Wassmus, German head spy, was sent to Iran as German consul. On his way through Southern Iran, during the following three years, he was able to cause such widespread mayhem in the area that he became known as the "German Lawrence." Anticipating the rapid defeats of British forces in Mesopotamia, he decided to open a corridor from the southeastern reaches of the Turkish Empire to India to be used as a prospective route for an invasion of the Raj. At that moment in time, the Busher-Shiraz road was in total control of Qashqai Tribe, even if the Shah of Iran wanted something passed through, he had to pay. But before our Sikhs could reach Basher-Shiraz, they had to contend with the marauding Turkish and Kurdish tribes for whom loot, plunder and massacre were just another day at the job. Not to mention the regular forces who were stung by their audacity. As history would have it no uprisings took place, chiefly because Iranian and afghan rulers remained neutral to the war and Indian soldiers remained loyal to their masters, for whatever reasons. But it was not for want of German trying. Ranjoor Singh knew the odds he was up against and he could only share it with his at the risk of their own peril. So he kept a brave face. Yet was difficult for the regiment to trust their commander as they saw doom every which way. Risaldar Major kept his plans to himself, if he had any. What followed after they reached Istanbul is a tale of such bravery against such odds, a tale of such leadership and honor that it must be dusted out of the archives and retold. What the Risaldar had in mind was to keep an open mind that looked for an opportunity to escape after they reached Istanbul. Going over to British at Gallipolis was not an opportunity but suicide. The British were not expected to be too trustful of a bunch of bearded men who might be Sikhs, charging from the German side in German uniforms to have held their shells and rifles. He devised to commandeer a small steamship at Istanbul and escaped with his men to land some way off. Rasaldar’s men would outride the Turks, outwit the Kurds, outfight them, and outdare them all. They passed through Syria, Kurdistan, Iraq, Persia and and Afghanistan to reach at the Khyber Pass. It took them more than three months and two thirds of their strength. It was a miracle that they could achieve this feat at all. Savage and lawless Turks, Kurd and Persian cutthroats in all their tribal glory infested their entire path, all the more brutal in the frenzy of war. When they landed from the steamer with Tugendheim and a Greek doctor as hostages, all they had was German mousers Rifles and some ammunition. And when they reached Afghanistan all the survivors were mounted on horses, having purchased their way from a tribe of Qashqai all the way through Persia with 25 Kg of German gold. It required more than bravery. Ranjoor Singh employed great cunning, sometimes ruthlessness but never without honor. They witnessed the genocide of Armenian Christians and barbarity of Kurds and Turks. hope u guys enjoyed that..just wanna end this with saying Bravery is a individual trait than hereditary and is tested only when one faces the strong than the meek. ( a Sher walks with honour, Gidrs roam in packs ) read your history,learn about the Nihangs, the heros of old and read about the traiters, the confused phanaticis who did more damage than good, learn to recognise these Gidrs today.

hi My friend emailed me the below article... very powerful and very moving when i read it and compared it to the way some sikhs behave in society againest others who are different, or have different beliefs and practices.. it seems to me they are the worst ones who tend to look the most religious and pretend to be the most religious. who also seem to be causing the most problems in our community... instead of creating bridges of knowledge they create barriers of ignorance and hatred againest everyone this is just my opinion, and i dont want to offend anyone. however i felt this should be said so people who do embrace dharam, understand daya is the core of sikhi. not nindia one should be very careful to approach people like them one should converse with God with love and not empty confused bitterness. any way...heres the article which i read.... enjoy I wrote this film reveiw for a multifaith newsletter VjkkVjkfateh! Watched a film the other day called "The Passion of Christ". I dont know much about jesus, but It was a story about a simple guy who tried to help people. Looking at the pain of others he tried to do what he could to relieve their pain, and help them. When a woman was being stoned for adultery, Jesus stopped them and said "let the one who is without sin, throw the first stone", showing compassion, for someone who in the eyes of others was an evil bad person, showed great compassion and strength. at the same time there were religious priests. Jewish priests who didn’t like some of the things he was saying and preaching. According to their religion, they believed it was blasphemy. They seized him and beat him severely, laughing at him and mocking him. He was brought into the priest’s court and they judged that he was a blasphemer and that he should be severely punished. They slapped his face and through things at him, all in the name of religion. I wont tell you what happens in the rest of the film but there is one scene that really made me think. There is a scene where the Jewish High Priests hand Jesus over to the roman authorities and want him executed, the roman does not want to execute Jesus. He says that because its a special day today they usually release a prisoner, and they offer to release Jesus or Barabas who is a ruthless Murderer. Suprisingly, the high priest says release Barabas the murderer.... they would rather let out a murderer then one of their own..... Because religion is more important to them. Throughout the film you see the religious priests, condemning and cursing Jesus, with no mercy and no feeling. It is amazing to see that the most religious of people can be the most ruthless and harsh people. The same thing made me think about certain things I have seen, sometimes people can get so caught up in their religious beliefs that they forget all their humanity, love and compassion and rationality. Blinded by religious fury, blinded by rituals and techniques and beleifs and laws they forgot what the aim of it all was.... Was Jesus, who saw the world differently, who believed in something different, so bad? Was he worse then a murderer..... Truth is about humanity, compassion, love, help ..... and these things transcend gender, status, wealth, education and even religion. WAS JESUS RIGHT?, was he wrong... was he evil was he good. I don’t think it really matters, , they failed to see a fellow human as a brother as a human being, as someone who is different, but of the same flesh and of the same jyot(Light) He hadn’t committed any major crime other then to challenge the beliefs of the religious elitists. A wise Singh said to me once, - people are like pitchers(clay pots), those who make the most noise are usually empty inside, . ......I can only pray and hope that that I don’t end up like those religious high priests. VjkkVjfkateh! Taranjitsingh

I would just like to say... instead of insulting people and certain groups. why dont you be postively constructive yourself. ( this is refering to the reader, not anyone in particular) if you think nobody is doing anything to help create a sikh armed forces... WHY DONT YOU DO SOME THING YOUR SELF, WHY DONT YOU JOIN YOUR NATIONS ARMED FORCES!!!! as other sikhs have doen in india, England, Malaysia, Canada, and even America. et al anybody can do lip service.... but when it comes to actually doing something... hardly anyone comes forward either they make excuses or they just outta shape... physically and mentally.. the ones who are doing something... i doubt they are gonna come on a forum only read by a few hundred and bragg about being in the services. creating the armed forces isn't the problem, it's the long term and progressive commitment required by people. in my opinion..the Nihangs are keeping the Martial Military traditions alive. they have done good. the same goes for them kharkoo fanatics..who to me act more like mindless terrorists hurting everybody around them. Trying to solve a problem through intimidation rather than conversation and negotiation.( they have no expertise in any thing martial or diplomacy, just in mob mentality. i doubt they could face a foe on their own ) they seem to be just confused misdirected people. lashing out angerly at any one different to them. for a sikh armed forces to be created we need to build bridges with other organisations and countries. we need professional cool minded people. who know how to communicate and help people from all walks of life. not silly fanatics who create barriers and differences between people. anyway i dont want to sound negative. a Sikh Armed forces will happen we just have to be patient. have faith in VaheGuru and live the truth with no fear of any Gidrs

CAN I Offer You a New Lifestyle Thanks to www.sridasmesh.com Malaysia Amritdharis’ cannot go to the movies cannot socialize with non-Amritdhari friends cannot eat meat must cover their heads 24 hours a day cannot wear jewelry cannot be fashionable cannot go swimming cannot share food with others must wear only Punjabi suits everyday cannot listen to pop music food must be cooked separately from other family members cannot eat in restaurants must be able to read and write Punjabi cannot dance and some more weird stuff that we don’t have the space to put here………… That’s what they told you, right? It is my pleasure to inform you that none of the above is true. All those were old practices, unchanged for centuries, the result of ultra-orthodox interpretations and cultural influences of the Sikhs living in the Punjab. That Sikhi was good for that time. Today, Sikhi is a global religion, just like Guru Nanak wanted it to be. For years now, Amrit has constantly been modernizing to keep up with the times. Amritdharis today are just ordinary folk like you and me. They are not from another planet. They love fast food, fast cars and super bikes too !! When Guru Gobind Singh first introduced Amrit, His instructions were so simple that they rang out like a bell. And at his first sermon, out of 80,000 people gathered to listen, 25,000 took their Amrit immediately! The only reason the others didn’t take was fear of their priestly class, the Brahmins, the Mullahs and their own family elders. Otherwise there would have been much much more. He said only 3 things First – an Amritdhari must wear the 5 K’s. Second – he/she must not commit the following misconduct : a) Cut one’s hair with intention, Consume intoxicants, c) Eat meat that has been slaughtered by another religion’s rites, d) Be unfaithful to your spouse. And third, be a God-conscious person. Amrit was so simple that Guru Gobind Singh baptized His two younger sons Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, who were only 4 years and 1 year old. !! (Should you meet anyone who disagrees with our approach to Amrit, please ask the individual how, do they think, a 4 year old and a 1 year old child could take Amrit) They cannot possibly know how to do any path or prayers. A one year old child does not even have enough hair on his head to keep a kangha, let alone carry a kirpan. This is complete proof of the flexibility and maturity of our Guru’s approach, as compared to the fanatical and unreasonable attitude of some Sikh groups today. They have caused so much damage to the Sikh psyche in their preaching of Amrit that even the more devout Sikhs move quietly away as soon as someone speaks about Amrit. If we do not start preaching the real truth about Amrit, how are we going to save our religion. How are we going to interest our young to take Amrit when even Sikhs in their 50’s and 60’s, after going to Gurdwaras all their lives, serving the Guru faithfully, then still refuse, or are afraid to take Amrit for fear of committing some sin that will condemn them to Hell ! Their fear of Amrit is so extreme that they rather go to their deathbed unamritised and unbaptised, with no one to help them in the after life, than to take their Amrit and have the Guru to receive them and save them from Hell and rebirth!! So, what is Amrit ……………? Amrit Is A Lifestyle God gives us life. We give it style. And there it is – lifestyle. There are many lifestyles around today. Most will lead you to ruin. Look around you. You are surrounded by conflict everywhere – in homes, marriage, work, life. This is resulting in domestic violence, divorce, broken homes and frightened children, court battles, social problems, confusion, hopelessness and suicide, just to name a few. Amrit teaches us to be a wonderful, God loving person. It saves us from the bad habits that that have brought this world to where it is today, The Guru is life. Amrit is a oasis in the desert, where you will find cool water and shade from the burning sands of kalyug. Amrit Is a Passport One day (we never know when), we shall leave this world. The prophets of every religion including ours, tell us that we shall go to judgment. Our Gurus promise that if we take our Amrit, it becomes His responsibility, and He will personally be there n the other side, to receive us and take us to Sachkhand (heaven). Sachkhand, or Gurpuri, is a realm, a place where those who are blessed, go after death. Some people say that ‘as long as I am a good person and pray to God, I’m sure everything will be alright’. On this matter, I shall not speak. I should not talk about things I do not know. But what I do know is that I can be the best citizen in my country. I obey all the rules and have done great and wonderful things for my country. I may even have many testimonials to prove it but on the day I decide to migrate to the U.S. or anywhere, I will have to produce my passport at New York airport. If I do not carry one, I will be put on the on the next flight out of the U.S. and made to pay for it too. They will not allow me to enter even if I showed them all the fantastic testimonials and medals that I won while I was loyally serving my country. I will need a passport. I can land anywhere in the world. Without a passport, I will be turned back. But as long as I have a passport, someone will have to attend to me. Amrit is that passport ! Amrit Is Freedom Freedom is something we feel when we feel totally safe and secure. Have you seen a child at a park playing happily, skipping around without a care in the world, when the parents are nearby. That’s the feeling. Amrit is freedom because you will have the Guru, your guardian angel watching over you all the time. And when tough times come, the Guru will shine like a lighthouse to show you the way. Amrit Is Salvation When we are born, we come from God. We are spiritual beings on a human journey , sent here to rejoice and spread the word of God’s greatness. One day we must leave this life, this world. Salvation means going back to God after having achieved that goal; going back to the Guru or Gurpuri – the city of our Guru. Salvation comes to those who listen to the message of their prophet and become higher beings by practicing the wonderful teachings, which also bring us respect in society. If you take Amrit and keep improving as a good human being, the Guru shall save you. He will guarantee your salvation. And you know what – the best part is – your prayers will save your family and many others too. So, here we are. Now you know, that Amrit was never about borders and limitations, can’t do this and can’t do that; it was never about whether a girl can wear jeans or whether a boy can wear a turban scarf with tails! It was never about whether you can eat chicken, or vegetarian pizza only. Amrit is about becoming a greater person than what you are now, a person of higher consciousness, higher thinking and higher living. Amrit is about a lifestyle, a choice to live life to its fullest, while observing all the things that good people all over the world value – honesty, discipline, charity, humility and worship. Never hurt anyone. Be sensitive to the feelings of others. Always help those who need it. Never look down on anyone, (even who you perceive as the lowest sinner). And pray for everyone – sarbatt dha bhalla. Amrit is about becoming a "Lighted Candle" so that you can light the candles of others who need this light in their lives. Amrit is about becoming a "blanket of God" ( raam rezaii ), so you can offer warmth to those who are ‘out in the cold dark night of spiritual loneliness’. There is no one they can go to when their heart is troubled. Amrit is about becoming a higher being, one who is here in this world but lives high above it, and cannot be touched by any of its impurities. As part of our celebrations for the 400th anniversary of the ‘Pahela Parkaash of Guru Granth Sahib’ to be celebrated by us on the 31 Aug 2004, we invite you to join ‘The March of The 1000 Khalsa’. We are inviting 1000 Sikhs to take their Amrit baptism together, all at once, on that historical day. I am inviting you too. This would be the greatest opportunity in your lifetime. An event of this nature has never ever been held anywhere, outside of India. Take some time out to think about it. It will secure your life and the life of your loved ones. It will bring balance into you life. Your children will grow up confident and upright. The reason we have all been born is to rise higher on the spiritual scale, from being ordinary men (maanas) to transform into angels (deveteh). If we do not go up this scale, we shall go down in our next life. Please contact us if you have any questions or for details of this event. Please be there, and you will see for yourself that Amrit was never ever about those silly little things all those people had been telling you all this time. It was always about something much more special. you will find fanatics in all walks of life. best thing is to live and let live. there not worth the trouble!!!

Mr David Edge- expert in oriental/asian weapons.... curator at the wallace collection museum Nihang Nidar Singh - Expert in ShastarVidiya, Nihang history, et al 2 Lt H. Gill - first Sikh Army Officer to go through Sandhurst in the last 20 years. will be giving his input on his regiment and experiances in the Army Cpl S. Mann - RAF personal. will be giving talk on the RAF and issues regarding Ethnicity in the armed forces. also she will be talking about her experiances in the RAF. there will also be a few other dignateries there. cant really say who they are at the moement. as the list keeps getting longer. there will be a few specialists there from the War Studies Dpt. and a few government personal. other that that i dont know?

i got this email sent to me by a friend. it looks very interesting. as there seem to be many people on the egroup interested in Nihangs and Nihang Reyat. this may help us understand more about the martial concept of war. anyway. read the below attachment and check out the picture. p.s. also there is a Yudh (Gatka) tournamment being held in the U.K. birmingham on teh 7th of march ( Holla Mohalla). oldbury Gurudwara. HOLLA MOHALLA SIKH CELEBRATION OF MARTIAL GAMES VENUE & TIME 18:30 - 21:00 Tuesday March 9 2004 Harris Lecture Theatre, Hodkins Building, King's College London, Guy's Campus, SE1 1UL Nearest Tube Station - London Bridge HISTORY Holla Mohalla is the great annual Sikh martial festival of the Khalsa, which falls in late March. The event was specifically inaugurated by Guru Gobind Singh to infuse a permanent martial spirit into the Sikh community. It was in March 1700 that Guru Gobind Singh added the Sikh martial festival of Holla Mohalla to the end of the traditional Hindu Indian festival of Holi. On this annual event, Guru Gobind Singh would organise martial contests between two Khalsa armies, one of attackers (‘Holla’) and other of guardians (‘Mohalla’). The aim of the Holla team was to dislodge the Mohalla team off the hill fort of Lohgarh (Iron Fort) and capture it. The aim of the Mohalla team was to drive back the attackers and keep hold of the fort until sunset. In this military war game, the contestants clashed with each other fiercely, and fought bone-breaking contests with the wooden clubs and sticks. This contest would begin early in the morning and ended at sunset, after which the Guru would reward the victorious Khalsa warriors and those who had shown exceptional daring and skill. EVENT The Guru’s clear lessons of physical and mental preparedness as epitomised by the celebration of Holla Mohalla are being forgotten daily by the Sikh community. The skills and training imbibed by the individual participating in Holla Mohalla are those that are not only applicable in a battlefield context but are also useful in today’s hectic, fast-paced lifestyles. This event has been organised to help young Sikhs to understand the meaning and hidden treasures that are embodied in Holla Mohalla, the Guru’s game. The event promises to be both exciting and educating, with world class speakers specially selected to present a range of talks covering the Sikh martial heritage. CONTACT Tel - Amardeep Singh - 07950 323 785 Email - sikh.soc@kcl.ac.uk Coach leaving from Coventry University, Priory St., for details email sikhsocietycu@khalsa.com Tel Satnam : 0796 0055 104 Supported by the following Sikh Societies: Kings, UCL, Imperial College Westminister , Royal Holloway , Queen Mary's , Goldsmiths , Coventry Uni, Middlesex, Southbank, LSE, SOAS, Greenwich, Warwick, Guildhall, SOP, et al Image courtesy of the Institute of Sikh Martial Heritage