 An old couple grieves over the body of their only son The Chittisinghpura Massacre refers to the cold blooded murder of 35 Sikhs, which occurred on the evening of March 20, 2000 at small Jammu and Kashmir village called "Chittisinghpura". The massacre was carried out by about 20 unidentified terrorists though a member of the Islamic fundamentalist militant group Lashkar-e-Toiba ("LeT") has confessed to their involvement in the massacre. According to Amnesty International, the massacre was linked to other massacres in the region where the people have doubted the government's account of the story.
1
Several witnesses have said that about 20 men, clad in olive green combat fatigues, arrived in the village at 7-15 p.m. They told the people that they were Indian soldiers, and ordered the men out to be questioned. The captors spoke Urdu. The village men were lined up in two groups, a few hundred metres from each other. One of the captive men who had been lined up recognised someone among the gunmen. He asked, "Chattiya, tu idhar kya kar raha hai?" ("Chattia, What are you doing here?"). The person he spoke to immediately opened fire. At the same time all captors began firing. As they started firing, the gunmen shouted 'Jai Mata Di' and 'Jai Hind'. In theatrical fashion, one of them took swigs from a bottle of rum even as the killing went on. While leaving, one of the men called out to his associates: "Gopal, chalo hamare saath" ("Gopal, Come with us"). .....More
During the late 1800's and the early part of 1900's, Daulat Rai, an Arya Samajist living in India, was so disturbed by the publication of books by some Hindu activists whose writings maligned the Sikh Gurus that he was forced to pick up the pen himself to author the book: “Sahib-e-Kamal” - (Par Excellent Master Guru Gobind Singh). In his book he reminded Punjabi and Hindus of the humiliation and degradation to which their ancestors were subjected under Mughal rule before the Khalsa liberated them. Quoting various historical sources, he wrote:
- Not only did Mughal invaders kill Hindus by the thousands, looted their properties and carried away men and women as slaves in the thousands, but also under some Muslim rulers Hindus were not allowed even the comforts of life like -- good clothes, good food, ride horses, wear turbans or keep good homes or valuables or even beautiful children or wives. They were allowed to have minimum of possessions for their mere survival. Often they were given two alternatives: either conversion to Islam or pay Jizya (The jizya was a so called 'protection tax' (ed. often said to be 60%) inflicted upon non-believers). .....More
- .... that Bhagat Sain whose Bani is included in the Guru Granth Sahib was an Indian saint who was influenced by the Bhagti Movement; He was barber at the court of King Raja Ram of Rewa and one of 12 main disciples of Bhagat Ramanand. He promoted Ram Naam (The name of God) and the abolishment of the caste system.
The temple of Jagan Nath, was one of the four most revered temples of the Hindus. It is said that Jagan Nath's idol was sculptured by the architect of the gods and it was installed at the temple by Lord Brahma himself. It was the anniversary of installation of the idol when Guru Nanak reached the temple. The Guru visited the temple not to adore their Lord but to educate the people that the worship of God was superior to the worship of the deity.
It was the evening time and the priests brought a salver full of many lighted lamps, flowers, incense and pearls and then all stood to offer the salver to their enshrined idol-god. The ceremony was called 'Aarti', a song of dedication. The high-priest invited the Guru to join in the god's worship. The Guru declined to join their service which enraged the priests.
On being asked the reason the Guru explained that a wonderful serenade was being sung by nature before the invisible altar of God. ....More
Langar or free kitchen was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the world regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status. In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness and oneness of all humankind. "..the Light of God is in all hearts." (sggs 282).
For the first time in history, Guruji designed an institution in which all people would sit on the floor together, as equals, to eat the same simple food. It is here that all people high or low, rich or poor, male or female, all sit in the same pangat (literally "row" or "line") to share and enjoy the food together.
The institution of Guru ka Langar has served the community in many ways. It has ensured the participation of women and children in a task of service for mankind. Women play an important role in the preparation of meals, and the children help in serving food to the pangat. Langar also teaches the etiquette of sitting and eating in a community situation, which has played a great part in upholding the virtue of sameness of all human beings; providing a welcome, secure and protected sanctuary. .....More
 Protest against the cutting of Sikh prisoner Jagmohan Singh Ahuja hair forcibly at Duval County Jail
see more at Flickr's Parvinder Singh. |
The Joy of Vaisakhi
|
| Vaisakhi is the most festive day for the Sikhs and is celebrated on the 13th and 14th April annually. This unique occasion marks the establishment of the Khalsa Panth and the idea of creating a universal brotherhood and a casteless society...... → read more
|
My Relationship With The Guru -1
|
| Sat Mitar Kaur talks about how the Guru is a miracle to her, and how she has gained gratitude in the face of displeasure. Bani and Kirtan help her connect to the Guru...... → read more
|
Sikh Delegation meets Rabbi Froman -1
|
| While the orthodox followers of one like to wear loose white clothes and the orthodox followers of the other like to dress in formal black suits, they both admire long flowing beards very much. It promised to be an interesting afternoon and evening...... → read more
|
Do Seva and reserve a seat in Heaven!
|
| My name is Dr. Pargat Singh Bhurji MD, FRCP(C.) I am a specialist in paediatrics and neonatology. I was trained at the prestigious University of British Columbia, Vancouver. At the Children's Hospital I am the only turbaned Sikh Specialist. .....read more
|
Bhai Taru Singh - A Review
|
| It was a soul-touching, eye-wetting and emotional roller-coaster experience. The movie made a very sincere attempt in regenerating the Spirit of Warrior-Saint, through the life of legendry Bhai Taru Singh jee...... → read more
|
"Sikh Environment Day" to be celebrated on March 14
|
| "Under this Sikh plan, we propose to coordinate an annual EcoSikh holiday season corresponding with Gur Har Rai ji Gurgaddi Diwas," Dr Singh said. "Guru Har Rai Ji’s legacy provides one of the most inspiring models for our ecological consciousness...... → read more
|
Two kidnapped Sikhs rescued in Khyber
|
| Pakistani security forces recovered alive two of three Sikhs kidnapped for ransom in the country's volatile northwest, a security official said, days after the body of the third Sikh who had been killed was found. .....read more
|
Birmingham Sikh nursery is a little school of calm
|
| The Nishkam Nursery, which was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, is indeed a calm place. For a place with 30 children in, it feels surprisingly peaceful and very safe. All the furniture is made from wood rather than plastic...... → read more
|
Recent Articles
|
Popular Articles
|
|
