ECB is about differentiating Sikhs
from the word 'Asian.'
Its a Vision to help raise awareness
of Sikhs in the Western World,
their history,beliefs and identity.
The Sikh Coalition have launched the 'Enlighten' project in order the facilitate education of all Americans about Sikhism. This is a library based project which aims to get books and DVD's on Sikhism in every library in the US. This aims to address ignorance about Sikhs in the US on national level and address the ethnic confusion which has led to atrocities against Sikhs in the US.
The Sikh Coalition has provided Sikhs with a Beacon of light in the vision to educate Americans about the origins of Sikhi and its History. Ultimately this will raise awarenes at a grass roots level across the the states. Here in the UK we have not yet seen a similar initiative run to tackle 'ethnic confusion Britain' , perhaps the vibrance, energy and dynamism of the Sikh Coalition will inspire the UK Sikhs to address the same issues which are so evident across the United Kingdom following on from 9/11 and 7/7. The paranoia that the average englishman/woman has when they sees a bearded bloke with a turban in the UK or US NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. Geography is academic.Over the last Few years i have been involved with a number of Books on Sikhism for key stage three of the national curriculum , 'Sikh Gurudwara'and 'Sikh Faith and practise' are two examples , the PDF of Sikh Gurudwara is attatched for your viewing. It would be monumental if British Sikhs were to follow the example set by the coalition........
The theme for the Sikh Freedom Lobby is ‘Sikh identity and appearance’ as this will keep the lobby more focused. Despite the theme of the lobby, individual Sikhs from different countries may lobby individual MEPs about other current issues they believe relevant in a European context, as they currently only visit Brussels on an annual basis. For example, although Sikhs were prevented from entering the European Parliament on 31 May 2006 they did raise a number of issues where they may wish to enquire about progress or what else can be done.
The first case concerning freedoms associated with the Sikh identity and appearance is likely to reach the European Court of Human rights in early June. We need to get several of the main party groupings together to influence the Court prior to the decision.
As we liaise with Sikhs across Europe the one concern that is being repeated is the need for some early written assurance from the administration/ security of the European Parliament that any Sikhs wearing a normal size Kirpan will not this time or in the future be prevented from entering the European Parliament. We will clarify the situation on Wednesday 2 May 2007. We are working with UK MEPs to obtain a written assurance from the highest authority in the European Parliament so practising Sikhs can avoid the situation that occurred last time.
Note:
Each MEP can sign in (accredit) a maximum of 9 people each day and may require information in advance about who is attending. Contact your MEP and inform him/her you will be taking part in the lobby at the European Parliament. Agree a time to meet the MEP and allow time for accreditation.
Email details of all meetings organised – Name of MEP, names of those meeting the MEP and the time of the meeting to info@sikhfederation.com
For more information contact any of those belonging to Sikh Lobby Networks in different European countries. Some contacts for each country are shown on the attached poster.
Tensions flared in Birmingham over the weekend and resulted in an orgy of violence in Handsworth Park in Birmingham during a Vasaikhi Mela , one man was critically injured and several others injured as a consequence of the eruption of violence............
Coalition here wants Ottawa to allow two organizations linked to violence
Kim Bolan, Vancouver Sun
Published: Tuesday, April 17, 2007
A coalition of Canadian Sikhs is putting forward a new "Sikh agenda for the Canadian government" to make a series of demands, including reversing a ban on terrorist organizations and support for the creation of a separate Sikh country called Khalistan, The Vancouver Sun has learned.
A draft of the eight-point program was posted on a popular Sikh chatroom April 12 to elicit support and comments from members of the Canadian Sikh community.
The comprehensive document says it is important for Sikhs in Canada to have a common position in lobbying the federal government and opposition members of Parliament.
"An eight-point Sikh agenda is being launched on the eve of the next national elections in Canada to make public a distinct range of aims and objectives for the Canadian Sikh community," says the document pre-amble.
"The Sikh agenda has been arrived at after widespread consultation and represents the aspirations of the disparate parts of the Canadian Sikh community. It is hoped the agenda will be progressed over the next four years with the Canadian government, the Opposition and individual members of Parliament."
The most contentious points in the document call for removal of the terrorist ban on Sikh separatist groups and support for the Khalistan movement.
In June 2003, the Canadian government outlawed the Babbar Khalsa, blamed in the 1985 Air India bombing, as well as the International Sikh Youth Federation, some members of which were convicted of political violence in Canada.
Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day said Monday the Conservative government has no intention of delisting any terrorist organizations, including the Babbar Khalsa or the ISYF.
"It is certainly not the position of the government of Canada to delist, nor to get in any way involved in this question of separatism in India," Day said.
"Our position clearly is when it comes to listing terrorist groups, safety and security of Canadians is number one."
The online document says Sikhs need to work to "make known and explain the reasons why Sikhs want to establish an independent sovereign state of Khalistan to the Canadian public, political organizations and the Canadian government."
It calls for an "increase of political pressure on the Canadian government to have the ban removed in Canada and to clear the name of the many thousands that previously belonged to and associated with the banned organizations since 1984."
The Sikh agenda also calls for greater Sikh political representation, government funding for Sikh schools and Punjabi language training.
A British group called the Sikh Federation (UK) posted the Canadian Sikh agenda and stresses that community members don't have to support every item in the document.
UK PM sends Vaisakhi Message to Sikh community Wednesday 11th of April 2007
Its Great News , The PM has given the Sikhs in the United Kingdom of Great Britain yet another Pat on the back for their way of life, tolerance of others and principles of the Faith. Perhaps he can now look at safeguarding the Sikh identity/way of life he compliments from the growing ills of ignorance and Race hatred within the UK. Perhaps not...........
I am pleased to send my very best wishes to the Sikh community in Britain for the festival of Vaisakhi.
This is a time for Sikhs here in Britain and right across the world to come together to celebrate their faith, history and tradition. The principles of the Sikh faith are inspiring - equality, an obligation to help those who are less fortunate than themselves, tolerance and respect for other individuals, communities and faiths.
As you celebrate Vaisakhi, we can all reflect on the valuable role that the Sikh community plays in Britain and your contribution to our economy, society and national life.
Why am I wandering from temple to temple looking for God?
When I stop searching, I realise that God is in me and I am in God.”
Kabir, Dhanasree, GURU GRANTH SAHIB
Date: 9th April 2007
Contact: jagdeesh singh
SIKH COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, Slough
2007 VAISAKHI MESSAGE OF PEACE:
Care for the Planet, Care for Animals!
On 14th April 2007, the global 22 million Sikh population will mark its national day. Vaisakhi represents the beginning of the annual Sikh-Panjaabi year, based on the natural cycle of seasons in Panjaab. Sikhs activists in Slough will use the occasion to highlight the need for positive Sikh action for the planet and animals.
Sikh ethics urge positive respect for the earth and its animal creatures. Sikh ideals speak of a wholesome, collective existence between the diverse species and natural processes of the earth. "Sikh ideals celebrate the air, the rain, the sky, the diversity of animals, the mountains and the seen and unseen panorama of creation. All aspects of life - human, animal, bird, reptile, oceans, forests, rivers, sky and more - represent an equal and interconnected part of natural EARTHLY CREATION."
Sikh ideals, expressed through the seminal lives of Ten Gurus, from 1469 to 1708, speak passionately about the interconnection between earth, animals and human life. The Gurus lived and demonstrated an earth-conscious lifestyle. They lived in the woods; slept amongst grass and forests; washed in natural waterways and rivers; travelled by foot and horse; respected and cared for animals; and, ate a plant based natural diet. They spoke of the wonders and splendours of the earthly creation. 'Pavan Guru Pani Pitha, Matta Dharth Mahat' - The Air is the Guru, Water is the father, and Earth is the paramount mother.
"Wonderful are the animated beings and their distinctions. Their forms and their colours. Wonderful are the winds, the waters, and the fires that play wonders. Wonderful is the earth, and the sources of production."
Guru Nanak, Asa ki Vaar, Guru Granth Sahib
Sikh principles stress the EARTH is a sacred creation and a supreme mother of worldkind. "The Sikh Gurus demonstrated a positive love for the earth and its creatures. They spoke of a natural spiritual and ecological unity of life between them all; a unity of trust, interdependence and oneness. They opposed its unnatural fragmentation into sectarian races and species and the dominance of human interests and desires that we are witnessing globally."
Sikh belief attributes the entirety of earthly life to a supreme creator, manifest through the diversity of nature around us. Sikh ethics stress becoming one with the Creator by harmonising with universal natural creation, and not living against it - living by hukam (Hukam Rajai Chalana, Nanak Likhia Naal). Sikh principles stress life is a spiritual journey and earth is a spiritual home (before passing onto a higher life dependent on ethical living). The benevolent treatment of fellow humans, animals and ecology is a central part of that conscientious life. "All earthly life pulsates with the benevolent infusion of the global creator. For this loving creation and sustenance, all that the creator asks is love and harmony to all aspects of creation." Protection of the earth and its animals from the savagery of human egotistical actions is central part of ethical Sikh living.
The living earth and diverse life forms, are in peril due to centuries of pollution, hunting, animal killing, deforestation and wasteful consumption that human elites have inflicted on it. Rich powerful humans have dominated and subjugated the earth for so long, rather than live in harmony and equal respect with it. "Human leaders have self-assumed superiority over the earth and its natural creatures. They have battered, poisoned and tortured the earth. How much longer can we expect the earth to silently accept that oppression." Sikhs believe in the power of HUKAM (unrecognised by governments and worldly authorities) of the one ever present creator, and the ability of the same to react and give humanity a telling response through acts of natural upheaval and otherwise.
- THE END -
FACTS & FIGURES:
Over 40 million cattle, calves, sheep, pigs and 800 million poultry are slaughtered each year for meat in Britain. (RSPCA).
Every year, the global fur industry kills more than 55 million animals for fashion (fur coats, leather garments, perfumes, etc). (RSPCA)
In Canada, the annual cull of seals is currently underway: "270,000 seals will be killed in this year's cull - from which the pelts (fur) are exported for the fashion trade, mainly to Europe and East Asia. There are real fears that some of the seals - some of which are under three months old - remain conscious when skinned." (RSPCA)
Each year in Britain, we throw away 28 million tonnes of household rubbish; equivalent in weight to 3.5 million double-decker buses.
Each British mother uses for 5,850 nappies for their baby, equivalent to 8 million every day.
Every British household throws away 6 trees worth of paper.
If all alumininium cans sold in a year were recycled, there would 12 million fewer full dustbins each year.
In Slough we produce over 60,000 tonnes of rubbish each year - equivalent to 7,500 double-decker buses.
In Britain, we landfill 300 million square miles of land with rubbish each year. Equal to 28,450 Manchester United football grounds.
In South America, an area equal to Scotland and England has has been stripped of natural forests.
70% of the global ocean life has been exterminated due to intense fishing practises.
Britons throw away 1/3 of the food they buy, week by week; equalling 3.3 million tonnes whilst billions of people in Africa, India, Central Asia and Far East starve.
During Christmas, Britons throw away the equivalent of 400,000 double-decker buses of paper and food waste combined.
Irish Sikh community participate at St Patrick's Festival Parade in Ireland
Wednesday 21st of March 2007 (Panthic Weekly)
Satwinder Singh, PR officer, Irish Sikh Council
Dublin, Ireland - Irish Sikh Community displayed their rich cultural heritage this weekend by participating at the St Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, one of the most celebrated events in Ireland.
The Sikh pageant was organised by Irish Sikh Council. With the theme of the parade being 'Legendaries', the Sikh community pageant was titled "Portraits of Courage" displaying the sheer valour and the vibrant cultural beauty that marked the golden era of Sikh rule in Punjab.
The two hour parade route was flocked by millions of spectators. Parade was kick-started at Parnell Square on a very positive note and the response received was outstanding. The outfits of both the gatka players and dancers were a fresh addition to the diverse assortment of costumes at the event and did not fail to engage the interest of onlookers. Parade was also watched by Honourable President Mrs Mary McAleese and Prime Minister Mr Bertie Ahern.
All the participants gave brilliant performance and despite the fact that both the Gatka demonstration and the dances were a bit more physically demanding than merely strutting along in the parade, as they required continuous expert body movement and synchronisation, all the participants had trained hard enough and were prepared to deliver their best. The performance also included a 9 feet Sikh warrior puppet and a float carrying the Nagara (Drum) that was specially brought over from UK for the event.
Fortunately enough, the rain too kept off for the two hours, while the cooling light drizzle was rather welcome. The parade drew over half million spectators and was broadcast live in Ireland and Germany. Over 70 TV channels from around the globe including Channel Punjab covered the event.
For a community just establishing itself, the pressure was immense to live up to the expectations of the parade, which is famous for its elaborate floats and colourful performances. Irish Sikh Council collaborated with Baba Deep Singh Gatka Akhara (Ireland), Baba Ajit Singh Gatka Akhara (UK).
A lot of ground work went into preparing the performance. As per Harpreet Singh, President of Irish Sikh Council,
"Preparations started from the Day 1 when we submitted application for participation at the parade in September last year. From drafting the theme on paper to presenting the performance at the parade, every member of Sikh community put lot of efforts in making this event a big success. Young children aged 5 and above enthusiastically practiced Gatka, every weekend regularly for nearly 6 months. After- school sessions were demanding on them, yet their enthusiasm and excitement was enough to ward off any lethargy." The skills of Irish Gatka team were brushed up by Surinder Singh and Gurmeet Singh Gill of Baba Deep Singh Gatka Akhara. Generating finances for the parade participation was another challenge for Irish Sikh Council. "We were provided 50% of funds by the St Patrick's Festival Office. Raising another 50% was a big challenge. But we were surprised to see the immense support of the Sikh community. The remaining funds were raised with in days" said Hardip Singh, treasurer for Irish Sikh Council.
"It was not work of a single person. Voluntary service by number of community members and support of the St Patrick Festival Office went a big way in helping organise the pageant. Designing of floats, arranging PA systems, booking training halls, choreography and a lot of other efforts went into preparing for the day", Satwinder Singh, PR Officer, Irish Sikh Council.
"Sikhs are a law abiding, hardworking and vibrant community and have always given more then their capacity to the countries they live in. Irish Sikhs feel proud to have been part of the national festival of Ireland and thank everyone who helped achieve this."
to check out more pictures of the event go to.......
