Sikh student not allowed on bus for wearing kirpan

New York, 18 October, 2013-A Sikh student in the US was not allowed to board a bus because he was wearing a knife called kirpan, a symbol of his faith, media reported. Harsimran Singh, a student of University of California in Davis, said he was not allowed to board an Amtrak bus Saturday because the driver was against Singh wearing the ceremonial knife. The student said he has travelled for the last two years with the knife in full view and had not had any issues till the incident Saturday, CBS News reported Wednesday.
“They don't say anything. They always wish me safe travel, and they continue on with their business... they didn't see me as a potential threat,” Singh said.

SGPC rues treatment of Sikh student in US

Amritsar, 18 October, 2013-Not letting an Amritdhari Sikh student board a bus at Amtrak in Davis city of US state California was distressing, Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) president Avtar Singh Makkar has said. In a statement issued here  Makkar requested the Indian government to take up the issue of attacks on Sikhs with various foreign governments at the diplomatic level. "Everyday, Amritdhari Sikhs abroad were insulted on some pretext or the other," he said, adding that the SGPC intended to deal with the issue. The SGPC planned to open International Sikh Centre at Yuba City in the US to disseminate information about the distinct Sikh identity, Makkar said.

SGPC curtails fireworks’ duration to cut pollution on Bandi Chhod Diwas

Amritsar, 18 October, 2013(Nikhil Bhardwaj)-After conducting several trials of smokeless firecrackers and laser shows with the motive of reducing pollution around the Golden Temple, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has given its nod to continue with the practice of traditional fireworks to celebrate Bandi Chhod Diwas (Diwali) this year too.However, showing concern over the rising pollution around the Golden Temple because of the fireworks’ shows, the SGPC has decided to curtail the fireworks’ duration this year.Darbar Sahib manager Partap Singh said the step was taken to curtail pollution, which would also come as a relief to the people residing near the Golden Temple.
“Otherwise, there was a practice in the past to keep the fireworks’ show on for half an hour, which was causing huge pollution in and around the Darbar Sahib’s vicinity. Now, the fireworks’ show timing will be curtailed to 12-15 minutes at the most,” he added.

Historical play ‘Sirhind di Deewar’ staged in Mohali

Mohali, October 18, 2013-A play, ‘Sirhind di Deewar’, was staged at the open-air theatre of the Baba Banda Singh Bahadar Jangi Yadgar at Chappar Chiri, near here. The staging of the much-acclaimed play, written by Harpal Tiwana, opened with the lighting of the lamp by Mohali Deputy Commissioner Tejinder Pal Singh Sidhu. The historical play is dedicated to the martyrdom of Baba Zorawar Singh, Baba Fateh Singh and Mata Gujar Kaur. The role of Wazir Khan, the then Sirhind Governor in the play, was performed by Manpal Tiwana. The other actors of the play included Tarshinder Soni (Zafar Beg), Rashpal Bharti (Dewan Sucha Nand) and Sukhwinder Sohi (Nawab of Malerkotla Sher Mohammed Khan). Director Manpal Tiwana said this was the first time the play had been staged at this historical place and on a historic Day, the birth anniversary of Baba Banda Singh Bahadar.

Volunteers of the Guru Nanak Ekta Mission organised the ‘Gurmat Sant Samagam’

Jammu, October 18, 2013(Dinesh Manhotra)-With an aim to spread the message of peace and harmony among the people of the state, volunteers of the Guru Nanak Ekta Mission  organised the ‘Gurmat Sant Samagam’ here.  “The aim of our peace-promoting function is to educate people that humanity was above all,” Karanjeet Singh, one of the organisers of the Samagam said. He added that there was a deliberate attempt to organise such a function on the auspicious day of Eid-ul-Azha. Keeping in view the prevailing tension among different communities after the unfortunate incidents at Kishtwar and Rajouri districts earlier this year, our volunteers deliberately chose the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Azha to organise the Gurmat Sant Samagam, he said.

4 World War II veterans from Sikh regiment receive award in UK

London, 18 October, 2013-Four World War II veterans from the Sikh regiment have been presented with the 'Jewel of Punjab' (Punjab Ratan) award at the World Punjabi Organisation's annual event at the Park Lane Hotel here. Britain's Secretary of State for Community Welfare Eric Pickles presented the coveted awards to 100-year-old Samitter Singh, 93-year-old Gulzara Singh, 92-year-old Rajinder Singh Dutt and 89-year-old Mukhtiar Singh Rai last night for their patriotism and dedicated service during the World War II.
A Charitable services award was presented to APS Chawla, founder chairman of the Roko Cancer, for raising awareness of Breast Cancer. His award was collected by his brother. Also a cheque for 2,000 pounds was presented to Gurpal S Oppal, who ran the London Marathon to raise funds for Bowel Cancer Charity.

British teenage girl pleads guilty to assault on elderly Sikh

London, 18 October, 2013-A teenaged girl who was captured on camera severely assaulting an elderly Sikh man in August this year has pleaded guilty in a British court.  Coral Millerchip, 19, pleaded guilty at the Warwick Crown Court to assaulting the 80-year-old Sikh pensioner, causing him actual bodily harm.
The incident captured on a mobile phone showed the pony-tailed girl, accompanied by three young males, kicking and knocking down the 80-year-old Sikh on Trinity Street in Coventry city centre around 8.30 pm on August 10. According to an earlier report, the incident was also captured on a closed circuit television (CCTV) footageThe victim, who suffered a cut nose and swelling, hails from the Canley neighbourhood of the city Millerchip also spat on the victim and verbally abused him. The shocking clip sparked outrage on social networking sites. Millerchip's lawyer David Murray told the court that she had entered her plea on a basis which was acceptable to the prosecution.

Sikh student with kirpan not allowed to board bus in US

Los Angles, 17 October, 2013-A Sikh student in California (US) was not allowed to board a bus after the driver objected to his wearing the kirpan (ceremonial dagger) and called the police. Harsimran Singh, a student of University of California in Davis, said he had travelled for the past two years with kirpan in full public view and did not face any issues until Saturday morning. "They do not say anything. They always wish me safe travel, and they continue on with their business. They did not see me as a potential threat," Harsimran was quoted . However, the driver of the Amtrak bus, Al Smithee, was concerned at the presence of a 'weapon' on the bus.

Dr Harpreet Singh sucessfully conducted operation of a woman

Hamirpur(HP), 16 October, 2013- The severed righthand thumb of 31-year-old Jahoo village resident here has been successfully operated upon. Thanks to the timely efforts of doctors at Alchemist Hospital in Panchkula, who despite the expiry of golden period of six hours successfully conducted the operation.
The woman, Meena Kumari, injured herself on October 11 at Jahu village in Bhoranj block of Hamirpur district in Himachal Pradesh with a grass-cutting machine.The golden period of six hours had expired and the woman was brought to the hospital in a serious condition, as her thumb had completely detached and got infected. The victim was taken to government hospital in Hamirpur, but authorities advised them to rush her to Chandigarh.

Sri Guru Granth Sahib World World University organized Extension Lecture on the occasion of Birthday of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur

Fatehgarh Sahib, October 16,2013( Prof. BirBikram Singh)-Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh sahib organized extension lectures on the occasion of 344th birth anniversary of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Dr Sukhdial Singh, Professor, Punjabi University, Patiala was the chief speaker at the occasion. The function was presided over by Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar, Former President, SGPC. Giani Jaswant Singh, Damdami Taksal also graced the occasion.

For ‘ Akhand Patha ’ at Har Ki Pauri in Golden Temple , wait till 2016

Amritsar, October 15, 2013(Nikhil Bhardwaj)-If you want to have “akhand path” conducted at the most sacred and pious place of Sikhs, Har Ki Pauri in the Golden Temple, then you will have to wait for a few more years for your turn. Because of the sudden rush of advance booking at the sacred place, the Golden Temple authorities have stopped the booking for holding “path” till 2016.
No special favour is given at the Golden Temple and the “path” booking is done on a first come, first served basis. Darbar Sahib manager Partap Singh said that owing to the huge rush of devotees at the booking centre, booking of “path” at Har Ki Pauri had been stopped for  the next three years till 2016.

Sikh leader charged with forgery in NZ

Wellington, 15 October, 2013-A Sikh leader in New Zealand was on Monday charged with forging election documents in a bid to win a local body election three years ago. Daljit Singh, a former Labour Party candidate, who was running for the Otara-Papatoetoe local board in Auckland Council in 2010, is on trial at the high court in Auckland on 20 charges of using a forged document, Radio New Zealand reported.
Seven men who helped Daljit are also on trial for the same charges, but on fewer counts. Daljit, a real-estate agent, however, pleaded not guilty.

Golden Temple Plaza project sees first hope

Amritsar, October 14, 2013(Harkirat Singh)-Running behind schedule, the much-awaited Golden Temple Entry Plaza project has begun to take shape finally, with the first phase likely to be ready by Diwali.So began
the project to beautify the 30-metre periphery around the Golden Temple, with liberal funding from the union government. The first four phases, of demolishing the buildings and creating an open green space that will include musical fountains, were planned and completed in five years.
The Clock Tower entrance remained the only gap. The area outside the SGPC serais (rest houses) and offices turned an eyesore. After 2003, the market opposite the entrance gave way to small trees. However, in 2007, when the Akalis were voted back to power, chief minister Parkash Singh Badal asked for a new design to go with the shrine’s marble flooring.In the late 2010, under the supervision of the-then deputy commissioner, KS Pannu, the plaza began to take shape.

Feted abroad, Olympian Swaran Singh neglected at home

Mansa, 14 October, 2013(Bharat Khanna)- Son of a marginal farmer and belonging to Dalelwala village of the “backward” Mansa district, Swaran Singh (24), who brought laurels to the country and Punjab by bagging a gold medal in the 15th Asian Senior Rowing Championship at Luan in China this year, has been ignored by the state government. There was no official reception for Swaran, when he returned to his native village a week ago. He is waiting for the government to take notice of his achievement even though it had no hand in his success.Swaran was not a sportsperson till he joined the army. Initially, it may be the outcome of his “greed” for promotion in the army, but later all he had on mind was to bring laurels to the country, state and the village too. “After I got defeated by rowers of other countries, it became a challenge for me to outclass them and I did it,” said Swaran Singh.

DSGMC president’s attack on Sarna motivated: SAD (Delhi)

New Delhi, October 14, 2013( Syed Ali Ahmed)-The Shiromani Akali Dal-led Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee’s (DSGMC) attack on former president Paramjit Singh Sarna was aimed to gain political mileage in the Delhi Assembly elections, claimed Harvinder Singh Sarna, general secretary of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi), here . The DSGMC president Manjit Singh (GK) had alleged that Sarna had instigated one of his aides to file a criminal petition in the Delhi High Court, challenging the authority of Akal Takht.

Attacked Gujarat Sikh farmers seek fresh FIR

Chandigarh, October 14, 2013(Sarbjit Dhaliwal)-A delegation of Sikh farmers from Gujarat today met the Bhuj district police authorities to complain against the content of the FIR regarding the attack on certain Sikh farmers in Loria village of Bhuj on October 8.The delegation complained that the FIR was based on half truth and not the statements by victims. Important facts about the attack and the assailants had not been mentioned in the FIR, the delegation alleged. A member of the delegation said a written submission had been made by Jaswinder Singh, who was gravely injured in the attack, seeking a fresh FIR based on facts.

Prof. Ajit Singh fondly remembers his teacher, now PM Dr Manmohan Singh

Chandigarh, October 13, 2013(Srishti Choudhary)  : "Dr Manmohan Singh was one of the most well-trained professors of Economics of our time, who had set high standards for the teachers to come," recalls an ex-student, the world-renowned Economist, Professor Ajit Singh, who holds the prestigious Dr Manmohan Singh Chair, instituted after the name of his teacher at Panjab University.
On his third visit to the university since being appointed to the Chair, Professor Singh congratulated the university for its recent feat of being among the top 250 universities of the world. "It is indeed a big achievement, and more importantly because other developing countries are closely monitoring the progress of India. So when a university from India is ranked among the top 250 of the world, it acts as a morale booster to all the other countries," he said.

Balwant Singh Rajoana looks to field his candidate in general elections

Patiala, October 13, 2013(Amaninder Pal Sharma)-Balwant Singh Rajoana, on death row convict for assassinating former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh, on Saturday said that he would field an individual, who would contest the upcoming general elections and convey the "voice of Khalsa" and "voice of rights of nationality" to the entire world through the Indian Parliament. In a letter purportedly written by Rajoana, who is currently lodged in the high security Patiala central jail, he said that he would field his independent candidate either from Patiala or Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha seat. "In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, I want to field my candidate, who would be dedicated to the truth and who, while performing his duties towards his nationality (community), would convey the voice of Khalsa, grief of blood-ridden land of five rivers...and voice of entire humanity to the entire world through the parliament of India," reads the press statement, delivered by his family members in Patiala .

Delhi boy and first US Sikh soldier Simranpreet Lamba gets corporal rank

Chandigarh, October 13,2103( Rohan Dua)-Twenty-nine-year-old Delhi-born Simranpreet Lamba, the US army's only enlisted Sikh soldier, has also now become the first of the community to be promoted to the corporal rank in America in three decades. Corporal is the 5th rank in the US army, above specialist and directly below sergeant. Lamba, who went to the US in 2006 to finish his education, is thrilled. "I'm a proud US army soldier today. There's nothing about my beard and hair that bars me from doing anything any other soldier would do," Lamba said  over phone from the US.

Current, former DSGMC chiefs at loggerheads over memorial issue

Amritsar, 13 October, 2013(Yudhvir Rana)-Once again, current and former presidents of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) are at loggerheads over the issue of erecting a memorial for the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims in Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi. While DSGMC president Manjit Singh GK termed former chief Paramjit Singh Sarna as "traitor" of the Sikh panth (faith), the latter retorted and blamed GK for unnecessarily dragging his name for achieving his political motives.  GK said that Sarna had allegedly instigated one of his close aides Jatinder Singh Sayali to file a criminal petition in the Delhi high court challenging the authority of Sikhs' supreme temporal seat - Akal Takht. General secretary of DSGMC Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that when the Delhi Sikh body announced to built the memorial in Rakab Ganj, Sarna had moved a petition before the Delhi high court, raising objection over the proposed structure, following which jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Gurbachan Singh had summoned him, where he (Sarna) had accepted to withdraw the case.