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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle
Vaisakhi
2017 SPECIAL EDITION
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2017 VAISAKHI SPECIAL COLLECTOR’S EDITION Publishers: Gurvinder Singh Hundal Ramneek Singh Dhillon
12 Feature: The Strength of Khalsa
Editor: Petrina D’Souza
22 Spotlight: Kaur Project
20 Sikh Trailblazers: Sarabjit Singh Marwah 32 A Tribute to Dr. Raghbir Singh Bains
Assistant Editor: Garima Goswami
34 Sikh Trailblazers: Jagdish Singh Khehar
Contributing Writers: Chardi Kala Sikh Sangat Dr. Pargat Singh Bhurji Garima Goswami Gurleen Kaur Bajwa Harpal Singh Sokhi Maneet Bhamra Petrina D’Souza Puneet Sooch Shanel Khaliq Surender Pal Singh Graphic Design: Vinay Giridhar
36 Feature: Vaisakhi: Remembering Our Past and Forging Our Future 42 Sikh Trailblazers: Ajaypal Singh Banga 44 Feature: Vaisakhi in Surrey: Then & Now 52 Feature: Significance of Nagar Kirtan 62 Spotlight: Puneet Sandhar 68 Feature: Moving the Conversation 76 Kids Corner 82 Feature: Vaisakhi Activities for Kids
Photography: Amrit Photography A Master Media
90 Fashion: Go Traditional this Festive Season 94 Feature: The Vaisakhi Food Journey
Online Editor: Sumesh Sharma
100 Festive Recipes by Harpal Singh Sokhi
Advertising & Sales: Gurvinder Hundal Ramneek Dhillon
112 Festive Recipes by Vicky Ratnani
Published By: Darpan Publication Ltd.
138 Spotlight: Amrit Kaur Lohia
126 Pride & Promise: 50 Years of the Sikh Foundation
Darpan Magazine is published once every two months. Any Reproduction of this magazine, editorial content, images or advertisement cannot be reproduced or reprinted in any form, without prior written permission of the publisher. The Views expressed by the writers in this publication are not necessarily the views of the publishers. The publishers assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright 2017 Darpan Publications Ltd. All rights reserved. Publications sales agreement no. 4116014.
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146 Spotlight: Jagmeet Singh Dhaliwal 154 Order of the Sikh Gurus
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VAISAKHI FEATURE
The Strength
of
Khalsa
The Khalsa was created to live the example so that we have that inner strength to be the vanguard of helping all people live a pure, honest and courageous life.
B
hai Hari Nam Singh Khalsa is a world-renowned spiritual leader, healer and master Kundalini yoga teacher. His approach to spreading the Guru’s message is very clear, simple and effective. Now more than ever, he is breaking down religious and cultural boundaries by speaking in public schools and educating our youth, our future leaders, on how we can help shape a future of peace, acceptance and unity. As we celebrate
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VAISAKHI 2017
VAISAKHI FEATURE
“God is our Father; we are all his children, hence equal. No one of us by birth is superior or inferior to others.” ~Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, Ang 97
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VAISAKHI 2017
Vaisakhi this year – the celebration of the birth of the Khalsa, we ask Bhai Hari Nam Singh Khalsa to reflect upon its significance and the meaning of Khalsa in this day and age. When asked what the difference is between the Khalsa of Guru Gobind Singh ji’s time and the Khalsa of today, Bhai Hari Nam Singh replies: “the difference today is the approach. At the time of Guru Gobind Singh ji it was to take up arms, create the army of the Khalsa (to defend against persecution) and so fight
on the battlefield. Ours is a battlefield of education, inspiration, personal practice, and prayer. The Khalsa was created to live the example so that we have that inner strength to be the vanguard of helping all people live a pure, honest and courageous life. It’s having the spirit of Khalsa, the state of mind, attitude and a united effort to work towards the abolishment of discrimination and crimes against women and children in this world; this is what Khalsa is to me in this day and age.” Guru Nanak Dev ji
Wishing you & your family a Very Happy Vaisakhi!
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VAISAKHI FEATURE
Guru Nanak Dev ji gave us the perfect formula for living a life with purpose and integrity, as Bhai Hari Naam Singh (right) explains, there are three essential pillars, Kirat Karo,
Vand Shako and Naam Simran.
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was certainly ahead of his time in many aspects, but especially in his principle of equality: “God is our Father; we are all his children, hence equal. No one of us by birth is superior or inferior to others.� (Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, Ang 97). The equality of women is emphasized in the Sikhi teachings and Bhai Hari
VAISAKHI 2017
Nam Singh Khalsa believes that peace will only prevail on this planet when all women are treated with respect and honour. Guru Nanak Dev ji gave us the perfect formula for living a life with purpose and integrity, as Bhai Hari Naam Singh explains, there are three essential pillars, Kirat Karo, Vand Shako and Naam Simran.
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VAISAKHI FEATURE
“It’s not about me, it’s not about you, it’s about we. Khalsa was created by Guru Gobind Singh ji to be a message and for us to be messengers, not saviours, missionaries or converters, but to be a voice of peace and acceptance and to embrace everyone.” Bhai Hari Nam Singh Khalsa
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Kirat Karo – “Work hard and be part of society, don’t isolate yourself, raise your families, enjoy life, prosper in this life and make a mark in this society.” Vand Shako – “Share what you have with others, give that dasvand (10 per cent of your earnings) to others and you will get 10 times back what you give.” Naam Simran – “Settle the mind down, meditate on that Naam. Our spiritual discipline is our strength and it has to be maintained.” That spiritual connection is what’s important especially when practiced during amrit vela – the early ambrosial hours, “there is a science to waking up in the morning before the sun rises when everything is still, when there are certain angles and certain effects to the energy within the human form, that when vibrating Gurbani and Simran, it gives us the experience of enlightenment.” Bhai Hari Nam Singh
VAISAKHI 2017
Khalsa beautifully sums up what it means to live in a harmonious society: “It’s not about me, it’s not about you, it’s about we. Khalsa was created by Guru Gobind Singh ji to be a message and for us to be messengers, not saviours, missionaries or converters, but to be a voice of peace and acceptance and to embrace everyone.” The write-up is a message from Bhai Hari Nam Singh Khalsa provided by Chardi Kala Sikh Sangat.
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SIKH TRAILBLAZERS
Sarabjit
Marwah
Singh
The first Sikh to be appointed to the Canadian Senate
Sfirst Sikh to be appointed to
arabjit Singh Marwah is the
the Canadian Senate. With this, he becomes the only Indian-origin member of the Canadian Senate and the third Sikh person in the Canadian parliament after Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and
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Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains. He is among six people from Ontario who have been appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In appointing him to the Senate, the
VAISAKHI 2017
Canadian PM has lauded Marwah for his efforts “to showcase the rich diversity of Sikh and South Asian art and culture.” Marwah, who was born in Kolkata in 1952, did his schooling from St. Xavier’s School. He is an alumnus of New Delhi’s St. Stephen’s College and the Delhi School of Economics and holds an MBA degree from the University of California in Los Angeles. Toronto-based Marwah is a former Scotiabank vice-chairman who retired from Scotiabank in 2014. The experienced Sikh leader joined the bank in Toronto as a financial analyst in 1978. Rising through the ranks, he went on to become the chief financial officer of the bank in 1998. In 2002, he was made the bank’s senior executive vice-president and chief financial officer. He retired as vice chairman and chief operating officer of the Bank of Nova Scotia in 2014, a position he held since 2008. As vice-chairman, Marwah was responsible for Scotiabank’s corporate financial and administrative functions and was actively involved in developing the bank’s strategic plans and priorities. He is one of the founders of the Sikh Foundation of Canada that promotes Sikh culture and art among the diaspora community. In 2012, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Ryerson University’s Ted Rogers School of Management. In 2002, Marwah was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for his contributions to Canada.
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VAISAKHI SPOTLIGHT
KAUR PROJECT
REFLECTING ON FEMALE SIKH IDENTITY By Shanel Khaliq The Kaur Project is a storytelling and photography website that highlights the lives, struggles, and achievements of Sikh women in North America.
“T
he name Kaur is an equalizer; enabling Sikh women to be able to identify themselves without their fathers or husbands,” says Jessie Kaur Lehail, a writer, story-teller, feminist and the proud co-founder of Kaur Project.
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VAISAKHI 2017
VAISAKHI SPOTLIGHT
(L-R) Kaur Project co-founders Jessie Kaur Lehail and Saji Kaur Sahota
“For me Kaur literally means whatever God provides us. Coming from a place where everything is taken away, having no money, no direction, it is my belief, my faith in something bigger that helps me to overcome the heartaches and rejoice in the goodness.” ~ Chanan Kaur
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VAISAKHI 2017
The Kaur Project is a storytelling and photography website that highlights the lives, struggles, and achievements of Sikh women in North America. Co-founders Lehail and Saji Kaur Sahota met in 2015 at a Women’s conference. They immediately bonded over feminism, identity politics, and their mutual realization that many women in Sikhism stood in the shadows of their fathers or husbands. Through the project, Lehail and Sahota aim to create a safe online space
for Sikh women to share their stories, each written in the first person, aiming to highlight the diversity within Sikhism. “We have seen a lot of feminist theory incorporated into mainstream media, but there’s been nothing specifically for and about Sikh women. So we created it,” says Lehail, further adding, “We wanted a safe place for women to share the untold stories of power and resilience from women who have the name Kaur.” Lehail has worked on constructing the theoretical framework
VAISAKHI SPOTLIGHT Kaur is part of all facets of my life. It resonates the most for me when its framed as overcoming obstacles and engaging with family, career, and health. The name Kaur gave me comfort and identity as I was growing up. I went to Punjabi school and being a Kaur provided a sense of community and belongingness during my teenage year. When I went to a non-Punjabi high school, I turned to my identity as a Kaur and knowing my roots helped overcome feelings of being different. Being a Kaur gave me strength.” ~ Beant Kaur
“We didn’t want to limit the project to Kaurs who wear turbans because it would create otherness within the Sikh religion, instead we chose to showcase the diversity within Sikhism.”
26
and website, meanwhile Saji has intertwined the theoretical framework with photographing each Kaur. According to Lehail, Kaurs make up 48 per cent of the Sikh population but their voices are not heard enough. They are not on the mainstream of religious events and gatherings as leaders and their contributions in Sikh history are not talked about as much. To date, the Kaur Project has catalogued 60 Sikh women, from diverse backgrounds. The first wave
VAISAKHI 2017
of stories poured in when Lehail and Sahota reached out to Sikh women in their own circles. The word spread soon and now Kaurs from across the world are showing interest in wanting to be a part of the project. “At first women were not certain why they were being asked about their names. I believe it’s because no Kaur has ever been asked, ‘what'’s your story?’ Then to have your picture taken and your story told, it’s a little intimidating,” shares Lehail. The interviews happen over the phone in order to allow women to share detailed information openly with a sense of anonymity. “When I interview them over the phone that’s the first question I ask; how do you identify yourself? Usually they don’t have an answer and as we go through our 20-minute interview session. I ask them the same question again and they are usually able to identify themselves, which is such an empowering process,” says Lehail. The creators have been overwhelmed by the response but feel that this is just the first step towards starting a
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VAISAKHI SPOTLIGHT The word Kaur means strength to me. In truth, I didn’t realize the power of this name until I started to draw connections in my life, especially with my mother. In my opinion, being a Kaur is no different than being a Singh. We are just as, if not stronger, than our male counterparts. I don’t think there is anything that can stop a Kaur from life. We have this immense fire in our hearts and that is what drives us, especially during challenging times. I would say being Kaur has an element of sacrifice, especially to ourselves because of the greater good. Sikh women have sacrificed a lot for our communities. Kaurs are more compassionate, I just think we have a few extra ounces of compassion.” ~ Bobby Kaur
The co-founders want their project to play a role in educating mainstream society about Sikh culture and identity. In doing so, they feel that it is imperative to reflect and showcase the diversity in practice and interpretation of Sikhism and identification of the name Kaur.
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larger conversation on colonialism; religion; the clash between parental expectations and lived existence; the experience of living between two different identities; self love; the reconciliation (or no reconciliation) of individual and cultural/religious feminism with that of mainstream feminism. They want their project to play a role in educating mainstream society about Sikh culture and identity.
VAISAKHI 2017
In doing so, Lehail and Sahota feel that it is imperative to reflect and showcase the diversity in practice and interpretation of Sikhism and identification of the name Kaur. They also want to draw linkages between religion, academia and art in order for these themes and issues to reach a wider audience. “We didn’t want to limit the project to Kaurs who wear turbans because it would create otherness within the Sikh religion, instead we chose to showcase the diversity within Sikhism,” states Lehail, who believes this project has been a selfexploratory journey for her and Sahota. They have grown along the way and are hopeful to continue. “The experience of interviewing this diverse intersection of women has been a cathartic experience for Saji and I. We have been able to discover so much about ourselves and other Kaurs; as South Asian women, as Canadians, as Sikhs, daughters of immigrants, and the myriad of other identities we have, its been interesting to witness the unveiling of all these multilayers of identities,” concludes Lehail. Photos: Kaur Project/ Saji Kaur Sahota
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A Tribute to
Dr. Raghbir Singh
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VAISAKHI 2017
Bains
A
renowned Sikh encylopaedist, an esta- Kenya and Uganda. His sole aim was in promoting blished museologist of robotic technol- humanitarianism, mutual understanding, ogy, highly awarded scholar, submissive universal brotherhood, human welfare, life value philanthropist, environmentalist, committed drug system, peace and prosperity in the world, and therapist, tireless volunteer, and an energetic social indeed he managed to do it successfully over the activist – the late Dr. Raghbir Singh Bains took on years. various roles during his lifetime. But above all these Dr. Bains immigrated to Canada in 1990, roles, he was a living legend, a global history maker, and since then worked tirelessly as a volunteer, and a true human being. His shocking demise in community activist and educator for many orNovember 2016 was a great loss not only to the ganizations to promote cultural understanding Sikh community in India but also to the South and mutual respect between the Indo-Canadian Asian community in British Columbia. A great and other communities in BC. A humble human role model to the young and old, there was never a being, he was never the one to step back from person who wasn’t inspired by Dr. Bains’ life after helping others and believed in preaching and pracmeeting him. Such was the magic of Dr. Bains, who ticing the values of humanity and brotherhood only aimed at doing selfless service in the society. in Canada and outside its borders. “Volunteering is Dr. Bains was born in my passion. I have an inIndia at Dagana Kalan in stinct in my mind that I 1936 and grew up in the have to help others, because village Manak Dheri in A renowned Sikh encylopaedist, I have taken so much from district Hohiarpur. Clearly society. I have to pay it back,” an established museologist a born volunteer, he started said Dr. Bains in an interview of robotic technology, highly volunteering at the age of with DARPAN in 2015. 10 in 1946 by forming a A true hero, Dr. Bains’ awarded scholar, submissive group of his peers to clean honest labour, commitment dirty and smelling streets philanthropist, environmentalist, and hard work has honoured of his village. A powerful him with more than 60 advocate on the dangers committed drug therapist, tireless prestigious local, national of drugs and other evils, volunteer, and an energetic social and international awards. he organized dozens of He was declared Scholar of activist – the late Dr. Raghbir seminars and conferences the 20th Century by the worldwide on the subjects Government of Punjab, Singh Bains took on various of drugs and youth, rapes and received the Order of and prostitution, HIV Khalsa, the Good Citizen of roles during his lifetime. and AIDS awareness, the Year Award from the City environmental issues and of Surrey, and the Queen’s world peace. He always dreamed of creating a drug- Golden Jubilee Medal for outstanding community free haven for global communities so that people service, among many others. In 2015, Dr. Bains can live a peaceful and harmonious life. was presented the Prime Minister’s Volunteer An iconic educator, Dr. Bains is popularly known Award by the then Prime Minister of Canada, as the author of the Encyclopaedia of Sikhism on Stephen Harper. multimedia technology, an educational reference His kind-heartedness, interest in doing good that covers Sikh religion, history, culture and for others, and creating unity among everyone was heritage. He also produced and programmed the limitless. A tribute to this notable personality is Multimedia Sikh Museum in India, the first-of-its- well-deserving and an ideal way to thank him for kind in the world, using new technology to make being a motivating force among the South Asians. it easily accessible and interactive for all. He is a Dr. Bains has contributed so much to society and well-known writer who has authored many classic achieved so much good will in return that it is books and created various CDs dealing with impossible to pen everything down on paper. Yet socio-economic evils in the world. one can assume that he has led a very fulfilling This inspiring leader toured dozens of countries and enriching life. His only message to everyone in the world to create awareness about the dangers would be, “I wish everybody becomes a good of poverty, drugging, prostitution and AIDS, and human being. This world needs good human did extensive research work on AIDS in Tanzania, beings, we should be helping hands.” VAISAKHI 2017
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SIKH TRAILBLAZERS
Jagdish
Khehar
Singh
The 44th and current Chief Justice of India
J 44th
agdish Singh Khehar is the and current Chief Justice of India. He was sworn in by President Pranab Mukherjee on January 4, 2017. The 64-yearold will hold the tenure till his retirement on August 27, 2017. Khehar completed graduation
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in law in 1977 from Panjab University. He got a LLM degree in 1979 and stood first to win a gold medal from the same university. He enrolled as an Advocate in 1979 and initially practised in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh
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High Court, Shimla, and the Supreme Court of India in New Delhi. The honourable Sikh personality was appointed as Additional Advocate General, Punjab, in January 1992, and then as Senior Standing Counsel of Chandigarh. He was designated as Senior Advocate in February 1995. Khehar was elevated to the Bench of High Court of Punjab and Haryana, in Chandigarh in February 1999. He was appointed as Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2008 and 2009. 2016 saw Justice Khehar helm a number of sensitive decisions, including his verdict forcing the government to withdraw President’s Rule in Arunachal Pradesh in January last year. He was a member of the Judges Inquiry Committee for investigating the grounds for removal of Justice P.D. Dinakaran, when the latter was Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court. He also headed a bench which recently gave a significant verdict holding that the principal of ‘equal pay for equal work’ has to be made applicable to those engaged as daily wagers, casual and contractual employees who perform the same duties as the regulars. Khehar earned a place in history when the five-judge bench headed by him shot down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act for appointment of judges in 2015.
VAISAKHI 2017
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VAISAKHI FEATURE
Vaisakhi
Remembering Our Past and Forging Our Future
V
By Gurleen Kaur Bajwa
aisakhi is an important day for many. It is considered as the birth date of the Khalsa, a key event in Sikh history, which is why it is celebrated so extravagantly each year around the world. As can be seen in Surrey, Canada. Vaisakhi however is more than a social event; it shows the liveliness and strength of a great culture that overcame many struggles. The Vaisakhi parade in Surrey is only one of the many proofs that Sikhism is now accepted by other communities in British
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Columbia. We as a culture have come a long way in the last century. It may be hard to tell now, but the first Sikhs in British Columbia were outcasts of society and despised by many. A Major in the British India Army, Kesur Singh, is said to be the first Sikh settler in Canada. He arrived in 1897 sailing from Hong Kong to Vancouver on board Empress of India on his way to London for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. There were other Sikhs with him, and they soon found employment in the form of building the Canadian Pacific
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VAISAKHI FEATURE
Buckam Singh
Kesur Singh Railroad. While they earned less than other workers, eventually they gathered enough money to allow their relatives to immigrate. In 1906, there were 1,500 Sikhs in Canada. Many know that white workers disliked immigrants in general, but they were specifically spiteful towards Sikhs due to their appearance that stuck out. Sikhs were also known as Hindus due to a lack of knowledge about Eastern religions. The Canadian government at this time wanted to halt immigration from South Asia, and passed laws specifically to keep out Punjabis. This eventually led to the famed tragic Komagata Maru incident when 340 Sikhs in 1914 were turned away at the dock of a country that is now considered the most accepting. By coincidence, the Komagata Maru event was around the time of
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World War 1. Buckam Singh was one of the few Sikhs living in Ontario and served with the 20th Canadian Infantry Battalion in the distinguished battlefield of Flanders. Buckam Singh was wounded twice. The hospital he stayed at was run by none other than the famous soldier poet Doctor Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae who wrote the acclaimed war memorial poem In Flanders Fields. The Vaisakhi Buckam Singh however tragically parade in Surrey died after contracting tuberculosis is only one of the at the hospital at age 25. His grave is many proofs that the only known World War 1 SikhSikhism is now Canadian soldier grave in Canada. He is now not only considered and accepted by other celebrated as a Sikh hero, but a communities in Canadian hero as well. Around 1940, some immigrationCAR British Columbia. restraints were lifted and the South We as a culture Asian population in Canada began have come a long to grow. The habit for South Asians to live in large families gave great At B way in the last moral support during the depression. cust century. By 1947, South Asians gained the right to vote and no longer felt like uniq
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Rare photo showing passengers on board the Komagata Maru in a jubilant mood just after arriving in Vancouver, full of hope. The jubilation was shortlived after the racist treatment by concerned Canadian authorities of the time.
more inclusive and welcoming environment in Canada. The turnout for Vaisakhi 2012 was over 200,000, which included second-class citizens. many politicians such as current 1960s and 1970s saw thousands BC Premier Christy Clark. The of Sikhs settle across Canada, and following year, the month of April Gurdwaras started springing up in major was proclaimed as Sikh Heritage cities. The Khalsa Diwan Society grew Month by the legislature of Ontario. massively during this period. A huge landmark in Canadian During Vaisakhi history can be marked right here in In the months prior to Operation last year, Bluestar in India, the University of Surrey. Surrey Nagar Kirtan 2015 British Columbia, and University of was declared the largest parade of Prime Minister Toronto gave admittance to Sikh stuits kind outside of India. The same Justin Trudeau dents. Due to Operation Bluestar there year Sikhs took on some political were protests in Vancouver that includ- apologized for the spotlight in Canada. The 2015 ed the burning of the Indian National Komagata Maru Canadian election marked the first Flag. 1986 marked the year the Metro time the cabinet of Canada had incident. Toronto Police allowed Sikhs to wear more Sikhs as ministers than the turbans on duty. In the same year cabinet of India. In even bigger Khalsa Credit Union was established. Sikhs were news, Harjit Sajin became the first now being accepted as Canadians. Amritdhari Sikh to hold a cabinet position In 1995 the Vancouver Nagar Kirtan was officially since the Sikh empire as Canada’s Defense recognized by the government. It was a moment Minister. of great pride when in 2002 Prime Minister During Vaisakhi last year, Prime Minister Jean Chretien named the Gur Sikh Temple in Justin Trudeau apologized for the Komagata Abbotsford a national historic landmark. It is the Maru incident. All in all, Sikhs have much to only Gurdwara outside of South Asia to have this celebrate. Vaisakhi is the birth date of Khalsa, title. To top all that, 2011 was declared the but it is also the day on which we celebrate centennial year for Canadian Sikhs. how far we have come, and how much we have 2011 onwards, Sikhs have enjoyed a much to be grateful for.
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SIKH TRAILBLAZERS
Banga
Ajaypal Singh President and chief executive officer of MasterCard Incorporated
Acurrent
jaypal Singh Banga is the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of MasterCard Incorporated. He was appointed president and CEO in 2010, and became a member of MasterCard’s board of directors. He joined MasterCard in 2009.
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The Sikh leader is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, The Economic Club of New York, and is a fellow of the Foreign Policy Association. He is a member of The Financial Services Roundtable and of the Business Roundtable, where he chairs the Information
VAISAKHI 2017
and Technology Initiative. He is also the chairman of the U.S.India Business Council representing more than 300 of the largest international companies investing in India; a member of board of directors of the Dow Chemical Company; and member of International Business Council of the World Economic Forum. Talking about his role, he said in a past interview, “I’m very passionate, but I take time to work my passion. I study something and I try to understand both sides of the debate. But you have to have a point of view, and so I believe in having a point of view on an issue and not ducking the issue.” Banga has also served on the boards of trustees of Enterprise Community Partners, Inc., the National Urban League, and the New York Hall of Science, and was a director of the Council for Economic Education. He has a keen interest in social development issues and was named by The Economic Times of India as the fourth “Most Powerful Indian” in the world. In February 2015, former United States President Barack Obama appointed Banga to serve as a Member of the President’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. The Government of India awarded him the civilian honour of the Padma Shri in 2016.
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VAISAKHI FEATURE
The Surrey parade has grown in more ways than one.
Vaisakhi in Surrey
Then & Now BY PUNEET SOOCH
With an estimated 350,000 people in attendance last year, the event attracts spectators from all over the Lower Mainland and beyond.
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V
aisakhi is celebrated in many cities around the world but the grandeur of the celebrations held in Surrey is unparalleled. In fact, it is the largest of its kind outside of Punjab. With an estimated 350,000 people in attendance last year, the event attracts spectators from all over the Lower
VAISAKHI 2017
Mainland and beyond. This is a feat that was likely not foreseen by the organizers of the event when it first began in 1998 to accommodate the growing Sikh population in the area. While the celebrations continue to commemorate the birth of Khalsa for Sikhs and the harvest festival for the people
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VAISAKHI FEATURE
Groups promoting awareness on the Sikh religion and Punjabi culture have also found unique ways to endorse these initiatives. Tying turbans, offering complimentary books, singing traditional hymns, and performing folk arts on stages are just a few examples of this.
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of Punjab, the event itself has grown in more ways than one. In the early years, the stalls were predominately run by families from the Sikh community. However, there has been an increasing participation in the event by local businesses. From law firms and local grocery stores to national banks, logos from these establishments can be seen embellished on helium balloons, reusable bags, and pens which are distributed at
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the event. Some businesses have also found creative ways to promote themselves, like hosting contests and draws for attendees to win a variety of prizes. Groups promoting awareness on the Sikh religion and Punjabi culture have also found unique ways to endorse these initiatives. Tying turbans, offering complimentary books, singing traditional hymns, and performing folk arts on stages are just a few examples of this. Furthermore, as spectators have increased, so has the appearance of politicians. Members from various levels of government can be found taking
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VAISAKHI FEATURE
Above: The late Dr. Raghbir Singh Bains at the 2015 Surrey Vaisakhi parade with his message against drug abuse/ DARPAN Archives
In recent years, the celebration has also been used as a platform to bring awareness to social issues affecting the South Asian
pictures, socializing and speaking on stage. Since the event is so successful, it has become a great opportunity to appeal to an entire demographic of people. In recent years, the celebration has also been used as a platform to bring awareness to social issues affecting the South Asian community. These social issues include
community. These social issues include the abuse of human rights, gang violence, substance abuse, and female foeticide/ infanticide.
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the abuse of human rights, gang violence, substance abuse, and female foeticide/ infanticide. Additionally, many community organizations and NGOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s have also used this opportunity to gather support and funds for their respective initiatives. Whether it is for the local food bank, a home for the elderly and disabled in India or support for abandoned children, the donation boxes of these organizations are usually full at the end of the celebration. In fact, some of these organizations manage to raise thousands of dollars in donations from the event itself. In the past five years alone, the attendance rate has doubled. In fact, the celebration has become so renowned that drone footage and recordings from the event have been broadcasted in other parts of Canada and across the globe. Likewise,
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Above: Members of Sikh Motorcycle Club participate at the 2009 Surrey Vaisakhi Parade/ DARPAN Archives
In the past five years alone, the attendance rate has doubled. In fact, the celebration has become so renowned that drone footage and recordings from the event have been broadcasted in other parts of Canada and across the globe. Likewise, the breadth of the event has also caught the attention of many mainstream news channels.
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the breadth of the event has also caught the attention of many mainstream news channels. As the event gets larger, volunteers begin to prepare weeks and sometimes months in advance. Tents begin to assemble earlier and the array of foods found at the stalls increase with every passing year. While the concept of serving â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;complimentary foodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has its roots in the Sikh principles of vand ke chhako (the concept of sharing) and langar (a communal space where food is served), the overabundance of par-
ticipation in the event has contributed tremendously to the overall economy. In fact, the Surrey Vaisakhi celebrations contributed an estimated $12 million towards the provincial economy in 2014. Ultimately, the Vaisakhi celebration in Surrey is something the Sikh community should be very proud of. While the event has grown tremendously, the roots of the celebration have stayed intact. As Surrey prepares to celebrate its 19th year of the event, I expect nothing short of an increase in grandeur and participation.
Happy Vaisakhi!
VAISAKHI 2017
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VAISAKHI FEATURE
Nagar Kirtan Significance of
Nagar means town and kirtan means to sing holy hymns from Guru Granth Sahib.
Sethnically-diverse
By Dr. Pargat Singh Bhurji MD, FRCP(C)
urrey in British Columbia is an community which is part of the Greater Vancouver regional district. It has rapidly grown into a big city with a population estimated to surpass Vancouver soon. Every year we see the famous Surrey Nagar Kirtan in the month of April. This year it is scheduled on Saturday, April 22, arranged by Gurudwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar. Last year over 400,000 devotees participated in it making it the
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biggest Nagar Kirtan in Canada, the biggest in North America, and the biggest outside India. Nagar means town and kirtan means to sing holy hymns from Guru Granth Sahib. Hence it is a day of devotional pursuit with singing the glory of universal God while walking in a congregation with Sadh Sangat (God-oriented people) along with the Shabad Guru. The concept of Nagar Kirtan is to bring the
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Guru Gobind Singh then took an iron bowl and poured some water in it. Sahib Devan, Guru ji’s wife added some sugar crystals (patasey) to the water, and the Guru stirred this mixture with a double-edged sword called khanda whilst reciting the five banis.
message of God to the doorstep of the community. This Nagar Kirtan commemorates the birth of Khalsa. The usual interpretation of the word Khalsa is pure or khalis. Khalsa is also used for a property which belongs to the emperor directly. The official language in the Mughal era was Persian, which contains the word khalis that directly translates to the word pure in English. This may give a new meaning to the word Khalsa. On these grounds and as per the writings
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of Guru Gobind Singh, the father of the Khalsa, wherein the great Guru describes the Khalsa as an army of the Akal Purakh (timeless-being), it is evident that Khalsa means timeless sovereignty. Guru Nanak Dev ji is the founder of Sikh religion which developed during the start of Mughal rule led by Babar. The early Mughal emperors had a peaceful relationship with the first four Guru ji’s. In 1609, Guru Arjan Dev ji, the fifth Guru, was persecuted by Jahangir in Lahore. Subsequently, the ninth Nanak Guru Tegh Bahadur ji was beheaded during Aurangzeb’s rule in 1675 for saving the religious rights of Kashmiri Hindu Brahmins in Delhi. At that time, Guru Gobind Singh ji, the tenth Guru’s, age was merely nine years. A great day in religious history and democracy arrived on the Vaisakhi of 1699. Guru Gobind Singh ji addressed a huge congregation of over 80,000 from the entry-
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VAISAKHI FEATURE to the Guru. Guru Gobind Singh took the volunteer inside the tent, and emerged shortly with blood dripping from his sword. He then demanded another head. One more volunteer came forward, and entered the tent with him. The Guru again emerged with blood on his sword. This happened three more times. Then the five volunteers came out of the tent unharmed dressed in the Khalsa Uniform with the five K’s – Kesh, Kanga, Kara, Kachera, and Kirpan. These five beloved brave hearts, who were willing to sacrifice their lives for their Guru, were called the Panj Pyares (five beloved ones). Bhai Daya Singh ji
Daya Ram from Lahore worked as a labourer. Bhai Dharam Singh ji
These five beloved ones came from different parts of Greater India doing ordinary jobs but with a desire to serve and sacrifice for the Guru. These five brave hearts were called the
Panj Pyares.
Dharam Das from Hastinapur, Uttar Pradesh, worked as a farmer. Bhai Himmat Singh ji
Himmat Rai from Jagannath Puri, Orrisa, worked as water carrier. Bhai Mohkam Singh ji
Mohkam Chand from Dwarka, Gujarat, worked as a tailor. Bhai Sahib Singh ji
way of a tent pitched on a hill in Anandpur Sahib. He drew his sword and asked for a head to be sacrificed on the path of righteousness. Every one was astonished, no one answered his first call, nor the second call, but on the third invitation, a person called Daya Ram (later known as Bhai Daya Singh) came forward and offered his head
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Sahib Chand from Bidar, Karnataka, worked as a barber. Hence, one can see that these five beloved ones came from different parts of Greater India doing ordinary jobs but with a desire to serve and sacrifice for the Guru. Guru Gobind Singh then took an iron bowl and poured some water in it. Sahib
Happy Vaisakhi SURREY CITY COUNCIL WISHES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A VERY
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VAISAKHI FEATURE
Devan, Guru ji’s wife added some sugar crystals (patasey) to the water, and the Guru stirred this mixture with a double-edged sword called khanda whilst reciting the five banis. The resultant solution is called as Khandey Di Pahul (ceremony of the double-edged sword) or commonly known as amrit (nectar of immortality). Each of the Panj Pyares was given the amrit to drink, and had amrit sprinkled in their eyes five times. Each time they repeated the phrase “Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji ki Fateh.” After this, the Guru then bowed in front of the five beloved ones to ask for the amrit. This is the very first incident in religion that a Guru or a Master asks his disciples to initiate into the Order of Khalsa that he created himself, indicating democracy in religion. “Waho Waho Gobind Singh ji, Apey Gur Chela.” This place is now called Takht Shri
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Keshgarh Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh gave them the title (analogous to Knight or Sir in English culture) of Singh (meaning lion). Similarly, for females the title of Kaur (meaning princess) was given. It is noted that about 20,000 men and women took this baptism of steel on the first day. The uniform of a Singh/Kaur of the Khalsa comprises the five K’s. These are for identification and representation of the ideals of Sikhism, such as honesty, equality, fidelity, meditating on God, never bowing to tyranny, for helping/protecting the weak, and self-defence. The spiritual leadership is in Shabad Guru as inscribed in Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji (Guru Granth). The temporal leadership is in the hands of Panj Pyare (Guru Panth). All Nagar Kirtan’s are led by Panj Pyares in
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Photo: Aziz Dhamani
Tips when participating in the Nagar Kirtan Show reverence and respect Wear appropriate attire Cover your head as a sign of respect Abstain from tobacco, alcohol and drug use Eat food as a prasad Do not waste food or water Watch for moving parade vehicles Freshen up with sanitary facilities Participate in seva preparation and clean-up
Khalsa Bana with an open sword. After that, an ardaas (prayer), and the Guru Granth Sahib ji is brought to the float. At the start, the Khalsa martial arts Gatka is also presented by our youth with all the traditional elements. There are several floats which include schools, community groups, humanitarian groups, Sikh Motorcycle Club, that follow the Nagar Kirtan along
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with the devotees. I participate wearing the Khalsa Uniform along with a first-aid kit for medical help and a water flask remembering and role modelling Bhai Kanhaiya ji who served with love the whole human kind irrespective of caste, colour, religion or gender. When participating in the Nagar Kirtan, one can find solace and peace even when thousands are walking with you. One can reach a state of nirvana when indulging in the singing of kirtan while following the Guru Granth Sahib. This is what the Nagar Kirtan is all about. There are young, old, Sikhs and non-Sikhs that follow the Nagar Kirtan route, stand on the side and freely distribute refreshments to all alike. The Nagar Kirtan is concluded as the sacred Guru Granth Sahib ji re-enters the Gurudwara Sahib and the whole congregation stands still for the ardaas. Nagar Kirtan is not merely a day of social gathering or advertising; nor is it a fair or a free food day. It is day of celebration of the birth of Khalsa. It is also a day of honesty, integrity, love, justice and truth. It is a day to explore oneself, and through the guidance and blessings of Shabad Guru ji start one’s exploratory journey of spiritual path within. “Jo Tau Prem Khelan Ka Chao, Sirr Dhar Tali Gali Mori Aao”
If you want to walk on the path of love, then surrender your ego first. “Khalsa Akal Purakh Ki Fauj, Pragteo Khalsa Parmatam Ki Mauj”
Khalsa is the army initiated by God to protect human values. Always strive for equality, honesty, integrity, love, forgiveness and compassion. Together we can make our city, province and Canada the best place to live in the world.
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VAISAKHI SPOTLIGHT “Throughout all of my involvement with various community groups, I understood how important it is to be able to think outside the box to find solutions and get the job done.”
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provincial election. When the idea of running for MLA was suggested by Premier Clark, Sandhar was unsure of stepping away from a successful law firm to
VAISAKHI 2017
run for Surrey-Panorama. But the lessons taught by her parents on community service and the importance of creating a strong province for her children made Sandhar believe that it was a right decision to make. “My parents instilled the importance of community service in me at an early age. Since then I have taken every opportunity available to work with community groups to find solutions and support the community in which I live,” shares the mother of two daughters. Sandhar immigrated to Canada from India in 2002, and quickly established herself in her career as a named partner with Sanghera Sandhar Law Group in Surrey after being called to the BC Bar in 2006. She is a well-known face in the South Asian community, all thanks to her excellent skills as a lawyer and her continuous involvement in community initiatives and organizations. She is a part of the Board of Legal Services Society British
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VAISAKHI SPOTLIGHT
Once elected, Sandhar plans to use her experiences as an immigrant, a mother, and business owner to be a strong and accurate voice for the community. Columbia, Surrey Board of Trade, and Surrey-Newton Rotary Club, among others. She is also the director of the South Asian Business Association of BC and sits on the Mayor’s Business Advisory Committee for the City of Surrey. “I am a candidate that is focussed on the grassroots. I am involved with a number of local organizations that are addressing issues like homelessness and food security, and also advocating for everything from legal aid to increased resources for immi-
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grants and refugees.” Sandhar’s role in the community has given her a closer look at the needs of the people – which will help her put forward ideas that are truly representative of the voters. “Throughout all of my involvement with various community groups, I understood how important it is to be able to think outside the box to find solutions and get the job done. As a MLA, I will always be willing to consider new idea’s that can help us [in] finding solutions and
VAISAKHI 2017
make British Columbian’s lives easier,” says Sandhar, who was awarded the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for all of her community efforts. Besides community involvement, Sandhar’s law experience will be an added advantage to her political career. “Being a lawyer and part owner in a law firm has taught me how to quickly understand people’s issues and work with them to find solutions as well as how government can support business in creating jobs,” she states. With both these skill sets, she is confident that she can support constituents in finding solutions to their needs and ensure that BC continues to lead Canada in job growth. Once elected, Sandhar plans to use her experiences as an immigrant, a mother, and business owner to be a strong and accurate voice for the community. “I will advocate for continued investments in the riding, such as in education and transportation
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VAISAKHI SPOTLIGHT so that we can keep up with the immense growth we are seeing in Surrey,” she asserts. The MLA candidate believes that a healthy economic climate is key to making record investments in education, healthcare, public safety, and infrastructure. She wants to use her political role as a platform to keep the economy growing. “As the MLA I will only ensure our economy continues to grow, but that the success of this growth is returned back to British Columbians by ensuring they can keep more of their hard earned money,
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and also that investments are made in our education and healthcare system that keep up with this growth,” Sandhar promises. Her message to the residents of Surrey-Panorma is: “British Columbia needs leadership that does not flip flop on issues for political gain. Government is not only about putting a plan together for voters to consider, but also about taking decisive action to implement it when elected. Secondly, it is no accident that British Columbia is leading the country in economic growth, and I be-
VAISAKHI 2017
lieve that it is critical that we have a government that will advance our progress rather than cripple it.” In conclusion she urges British Columbians to exercise their right to vote in this election. “The pioneers before us fought hard so that every Canadian regardless of gender, faith or ethnicity can vote. If we give up this right, we turn back the progress that our forefathers fought so hard for,” she states.
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VAISAKHI FEATURE
Conversation Moving the BY SURENDER PAL SINGH
The will of the Divine mandates a colourful diverse society. Let ours be one of those.
V
aisakhi is back, and we join again to move forward the conversation we started the previous year. Earlier we debated the significance of the occasion across cultures, and how the Guru brought about a transformation of this cultural confluence from folk to Divine. The basis of this culture is a Divine imbued society that guarantees a dignified, free and just life. It is based on the premise of an essential unity of all existence; its yearning for a perpetual
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VAISAKHI FEATURE
In a fast shrinking world, societies and cultures are interacting more in the wake of mass migrations, either in search of greener pastures or to escape persecution.
connection and harmony. As we celebrate Vaisakhi year after year, we are confronted with an ugly reality that is in stark contrast to these ideals. Despite its progressive outlook, the current world order is clearly in a regressive shift. But, this is not a recent phenomenon as some would make us believe. The move has been slow and steady, but sure; it is just more evident now.
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World over, institutions are exhibiting illiberal ethos, driven by xenophobia, racism, sexism, religious hatred, and supremacist tendencies. In a fast shrinking world, societies and cultures are interacting more in the wake of mass migrations, either in search of greener pastures or to escape persecution. As a result, there is disruptive change in the demographics of local populations that feel threatened on multiple counts. A backlash is evident. Conservative and protectionist governments have been elected around the globe in response to this, more so in supposedly liberal democracies. The facade of civilization erected on the premise of education, evolution of thought and modernity is crumbling. The hatred is
VAISAKHI 2017
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visible across classes in the public sphere pales out in front of the physical everywhere. Democratic processes have backlash faced by them in North America, only facilitated majoritarian rule with particularly the US. sectarian overtones, This tells us that supported by the super As we celebrate Vaisakhi year the issue is global, structure of nation state though uneven. But after year, we are confronted that, ironically, only something major is with an ugly reality that is in benefits a few elites amiss in the human riding on the insecurities stark contrast to these ideals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;advancement,â&#x20AC;? that of a majority, giving an Despite its progressive outlook, does not necessarily illusion of power and elevate the whole of a the current world order is control to others. But being to a noble stature. clearly in a regressive shift. it severely affects the A civilized culture more vulnerable weaker is only a byproduct sections and minorities. of an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intrinsic nature and Though Sikhs and Punjabis are conduct. From a Sikh perspective, primarily on the receiving end of this in the as long as the individual does not foreign lands, due to their visible religious identify and connect with the divine, symbols and South Asian identity, this his/her conduct remains ordinary and phenomenon is also playing out in Punjab corrupt. in a milder form; more in perception and There are so many bondages of the attitude towards migrants from outside being; the Guru-oriented overcome them Punjab that come in search of livelihood. and find the gate to freedom. Truth is There is no doubt that Punjabi disdain higher than everything; but higher still is
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VAISAKHI FEATURE
truthful conduct. each other’s experiences to enrich our With these ideals, the question is, collective lives. how are we faring in our engagement with The will of the Divine mandates a ourselves and others? If we aspire to colourful diverse society. Cultures that are develop a warmer relationship with our liberal, magnanimous and all-embracing will immediate society, we need to look survive. Let ours be one of those! beyond serving state Great wisdom of departments, circles the Divine is my true As we seek equal status and of professional work, Guru, who has given opportunity for ourselves, and token interfaith me the sight to look our position will primarily be forums. Not just a upon friend and foe alike. few symbolic faces, decided by the level of our own we need to stand activism and outreach. Let’s collectively in solidarity About the author Surender Pal Singh is a stuactively shift the debate from with ethnic, religious dent of Sikh theology. He and sexual minorities. “tolerance” to a coexistence works at the Sikh Research As we seek equal Institute, where he instructs that celebrates differences status and opporcourses on Gurbani linguistics and compliments each other’s and Sikh theology, besides tunity for ourselves, conducting research for curour position will priexperiences to enrich our riculums, presentations, and marily be decided by research papers on collective lives. the level of our own Sikh culture. He holds a activism and outMasters degree in Engreach. Let’s actively shift the debate from lish and Religious Studies. He lives in the “tolerance” to a coexistence that cel- outskirts of Chandigarh, Punjab, with his family. ebrates differences and compliments
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VAISAKHI 2017
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Vaisakhi Word Search
Try to find the words hidden in the puzzle below!
Sikhism Festival Gurdwara Khalsa Amrit Baisakhi Punjab Bhangra Worship
Clues
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PAJAMA
Wishing You and Your Family a Very Happy Vaisakhi!
VAISAKHI 2017
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VA I S AKH I C R O S S WO R D 1
3
2 5
4 6 7
9
8
11
10
13
12
14 15 16
17
14.A formal Sikh prayer recited at the conclusion of a service or ceremony. 15.This means eternal Nectar 16.Place of origin of Sikhism
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7.A steel bracelet worn by Sikh 9.Teachings of Guru. 10.Free food service provided in every Gurdwara Sahib. 13.Company of the people who are close to God and will help you get close to God.
CL UE S
Across
12.The term is also used as a collective description of the Sikh community
6.The name for God meaning 'Wonderful Lord'.
Down
11.Popular folk dance of Punjab
4.To serve your community
12. Khalsa 14. Ardas 15. Amrit 16. Punjab
8.A devotee of God.
2.The word of God.
5.Gurdwara 7. Karma 8. Bhagat 11. Bhangra
7. All female members of the Sikh community Adopted ''this' as their last name to abolish the caste system and establish human equality.
7. Kara 9. Gurbani 10. Langar 12. Kirpan 13.Sangat
5.A short sword or knife carried by Amritdhari Sikhs as a reminder to fight for justice and against oppression.Sikh house of worship
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1. Kaur 2. Kachhehra 3. Shabad 4. Seva 6. Waheguru
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Any festival is an opportunity for the parents to connect their kids to their native culture.
Vaisakhi Activities for
KiDS By Maneet Bhamra
F
estivals are all about celebrations, cultural bonding, and togetherness. And when it comes to a colourful festival like Vaisakhi, the list of recreational activities is neverending. Children usually are most excited when it comes to festive celebrations as it is the time they can freely play, eat, and have loads of fun.
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Any Indian festival is an opportunity for the parents to connect their kids to their native culture. Majority of the immigrants feel that their kids growing on a foreign land are bereft of the culture that was passed to them by their parents and grandparents. Here are a few activities for kids that not only provide enjoyment but are also great for cultural bonding among families.
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Talking about Vaisakhi
Photo: Gurumustuk Singh
Visiting Gurudwara As Vaisakhi is a Thanksgiving Day, it is pertinent to make the little ones visit Gurudwara and have langar and do seva as it will implant a humble attitude within them right from a very tender age.
Understanding Gurbani It makes kids familiarize with the principles of life, inculcating a strong foundation of moral values.
It is very important to keep the kids educated and informed about the festival. Explaining the significance and reason for celebrating Vaisakhi triggers the logical and emotional bonding with oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture.
Learn kirtan A contemporary research says that music is a magic potion for calmness and works like a natural anxiety antidote. Kirtan is one of the traditional methods that if practiced right from childhood can bring the same results and create a wonderful balanced being.
Reading books on Vaisakhi It is always good to instill good reading habits among kids. Gaining knowledge by reading festival-oriented books is a constructive way to keep the child busy and at the same time informed about the festival.
Dress up in traditional attire Indians, and especially Punjabis, love dressing up in bright clothes and ornaments. This love for dressing can be shared with the children too by dressing them in traditional attire.
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www.ginajohal.ca The public school teachers of BC wish to join with you in celebrating
Vaisakhi 2017 We are all enriched when we share in one another’s cultural traditions. A message from the BC Teachers’ Federation
Get creative Festivals are the best time to let the kids get creative. Teaching them traditional handmade art like making phulkaris and crochet can be a lot of fun. Kids love drawing and painting as it acts as a window to their imagination. Making Vaisakhi greetings is another way to indulge the kids in the celebration.
Katha (literary composition) Planting a tree Vaisakhi is symbolic of good harvest and prosperity. Thus, a habit of planting trees around can be another fun and social activity for kids.
Kite Flying A fun, entertaining activity that can involve the family and relatives.
An Indian-style religious story telling that is an excellent opportunity for grandparents to share their knowledge of the religion and festival among their grandkids and strengthen the bond between them.
Helping out in traditional cooking It is always nice to help parents in household chores, especially on festivals when special and favourite dishes are being prepared.
Vaisakhi is one of the best times to teach children about the historic and cultural significance of their indigenous culture and strengthen the cultural bonding. The activities bring them closer to their roots. It gives shape to their identity, builds a connection to their cultural background, and gives happiness to the parents and grandparents.
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By Maneet Bhamra
Dress up in vibrant dresses and become the center of attraction this festival.
Festive Season Go Traditional, this
V
aisakhi, the Sikh festival, is usually celebrated on April 13 or 14 every year. Being an auspicious festival, people celebrate it with full pomp and show, adorning beautiful, vibrant attires.
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In the western world of dressing, the traditional outfit is making a comeback. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all you need to know about the traditional Vaisakhi outfit for men and women. Dress up in vibrant dresses and become the center of attraction this festival.
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Traditional Vaisakhi outfit for women Punjabi women are filled with exuberance when it comes to getting dressed up traditionally. The colours of the dress add charm to their feminine elegance. It comprises of dupatta (a big scarf), phulkari (embroidered head scarf), kameez (shirt), salwar (loose baggy pants), tikka (jewellery piece worn on the forehead), jhumka (long earrings), saggi (worn on the head), paranda (braid tassel), bangles, haar (necklace), baazu band (worn around the upper arm), and pazaib (anklets).
Vaisakhi outfit for men Punjabi men are full of energy and enthusiasm when it comes to dressing up in traditional attire. Wearing bright coloured clothes in a way represents this lively attitude. Their attire comprises of a turban, torla (fan-like adornment on the turban), kurta (long loose shirt), dhoti/chadar (loose loincloth), chughi (waistcoat without buttons), and ornaments like kaintha (necklace) and earrings.
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Vaisakhi BY CHEF HARPAL SINGH SOKHI
THE
FOOD Journey
A look at the various delicacies prepared in different parts of India during the festival. 94
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V
aisakhi is a festival celebrated by Punjabis all over the world. It coincides with other festivals celebrated on the first day of Vaisakh in some regions of India. Vaisakhi is especially important for the Sikh community as it marks the establishment of the Khalsa. The festival is also celebrated by Hindus and Buddhists for different reasons, including the start of a new year. Vaisakhi is a harvest festival for Punjabis and, according to the Punjabi calendar, it is their New Year. This day is also observed as the Thanksgiving Day by farmers whereby the farmers pay their tribute, thanking God for the
Wishes You A Very Happy Vaisakhi!
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abundant harvest and also praying for future prosperity. On the day, Sikhs and Punjabis usually visit the Gurudwara and offer prayers for a good harvest year after year. The air is filled with festivity and every kitchen in the northern states of India, especially Punjab, is taken over by the aroma of authentic Punjabi recipes. I remember my younger days when we would wake up early morning and the entire family would dress up and go to the Gurudwara. A special langar would be prepared for that day and we would all celebrate together. During my childhood days when I would go to my grandmother’s house in Punjab, I remember the farmers celebrating in the fields with bhangra and dhols,
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and delicious food being cooked at my granny’s house. Right from the starter to the dessert, each Punjabi recipe is unique and has its own taste, preparation and aroma. Choley Bhature, Makki Ki Roti and Sarson Da Saag, and Kheer are some of the popular recipes that people love to cook during the festival of Baisakhi. Apart from being unique, they are easy to prepare. Many variations can be brought about to the same recipe. The traditional Punjabi reci“During my childhood pes are characterized by spicy taste, strong aroma, and the days when I would go generous use of ghee. My to my grandmother’s mom used to prepare all these house in Punjab, I lovely mouth-watering delicaremember the farmers cies and we used to cherish celebrating in the fields them. In Kerala, among the with bhangra and Hindus, it is celebrated as dhols, and delicious food being cooked at Vishukkani. Vishu of Kerala is considered as a festival of light my granny’s house. and fireworks, and decorating Right from the starter lights and bursting of fireto the dessert, each crackers (Vishupadakkam) is Punjabi recipe is unique part of the celebration. People and has its own taste, also observe Vishukkani: “the
preparation and aroma.”
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Vaisakhi is important for the Sikh community as it marks the establishment of the Khalsa. The first day of Vaisakh is also celebrated in many other parts of India. In Kerala, it is celebrated as Vishu, in Odisha, Maha Vishuva Sankranti marks the Oriya New Year, and Bengalis celebrate their New Year as Pahela Baishakh on April 14 every year. first thing seen on the day of Vishu after waking up.” The Vishukkani consists of rice, fruits and vegetables. Feast items include Veppampoo Rasam (neem flower rasam), Mambazha Pulissery (mango cooked in yogurt curry), Vishu Kanji (rice and coconut porridge), and Vishu Katta (rice pudding in coconut milk). Maha Vishuva Sankranti marks the Oriya New Year in Odisha. Celebrations include various types of folk and classical dances, such as the Shiva-related Chhau dance. A small pot filled with pana,
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a sweet drink of crystal sugar and water, is hung over a tulsi plant. A hole at the bottom of the pot allows the liquid to fall from the pot, representing rain. Chhatua, a flour made from lentils and grains, is eaten along with curd, after offering it to the tulsi. The Bengali New Year is celebrated as Pahela Baishakh (or Pohela Boishakh, Noboborsho) on April 14 every year, and a festive Mangal Shobhajatra is organized in West Bengal, Tripura, and Bangladesh. Fairs are organized to celebrate the event, which provide entertainment
VAISAKHI 2017
including the presentation of folk songs. Delicacies that are prepared during Pohela Baishhak are Panta Ilish, one of the traditional dishes made with leftover rice soaked in water with fried Hilsa fish and shukti (dried) fish. Another dish is Ilish Bhaja, which is basically a fried Hilsa fish. Sweets like Indrani, Ras Malai, Patishapta, and Rosogolla are some of the popular desserts served for Pohela Boishakh. Have a great Vaisakhi and celebrate this festival with good food!
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Vaisakhi Recipes
Apple
Ingredients • ¼ cup milk • ½ cup refined flour • ¼ cup corn flour • ½ tsp baking powder • ½ tsp baking soda • ½ cup sugar syrup • ¼ cup khus syrup • Oil for deep-frying • 1 tbsp chopped almonds • 2 red apples
Jalebi BY CHEF HARPAL SINGH SOKHI
Preparation
• In a bowl, add refined flour, milk, corn flour, baking powder, baking soda, and make a thick batter and keep aside. Mix sugar syrup and khus syrup together and keep aside. • Now slice the apple and decorate them with the
decorator or a cutter. Heat oil for deep-frying. • Dip the apple slices in the prepared batter and deep-fry until crisp and golden brown. Dip the apple jalebi in the sugar syrup and let it soak. • Remove it on a serving plate and garnish with chopped almonds. Serve hot.
ABOUT CHEF HARPAL SINGH SOKHI
P
opularly known for his culinary show Turban Tadka, Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi has redefined cookery shows with his humour and Punjabi style. The fusion of Indian food with international cuisine
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is what made Chef Sokhi a name to reckon within the hotel industry. Black Currant Kulfi and Kiwi Ka Panna are just examples of his exotic creations which are extremely popular in Passage to India, the restaurant in the famous 5-star deluxe, The
Regent Hotel, Mumbai. Chef Sokhi was awarded Indo-Australian Cultural Relationship Award by the Victorian Council Australia in October 2014, for promoting Indian food and culture in Australia.
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Vaisakhi Recipes
Ingredients
• 8 to 10 spinach leaves • 2 cups gram flour • 1 tsp carom seeds • ¼ tsp red chilli powder • ½ tsp turmeric • Salt to taste • 2 tbsps rice flour • ½ cup of water
For potato mixture:
• 1 large boiled potato, diced • ¼ tsp red chili powder • ½ tsp chaat masala • Salt to taste • 1 tbsp coriander, chopped • 1 small chopped onion
For sweet curd: • 1 cup hung curd • 1½ tbsp sugar • ½ tsp rose water
For toppings:
• ¼ cup green chutney (coriander and mint chutney) • ¼ cup sweet tamarind chutney • Pinch of chaat masala • Pinch of red chili powder • ¼ cup nylon sev • For garnish, pomegranate seeds and chopped coriander
Palak Patte ki
Chaat BY CHEF HARPAL SINGH SOKHI
Preparation • Make a thick batter with gram flour, rice flour and all the given ingredients.
curd and add sugar and rose water and mix it nicely, keep it aside.
• Dip the spinach leaves in the mixture and deep-fry until half done, remove from the pan.
• Now arrange the fried spinach leaves and put one tablespoon of potato mixture on top followed by one teaspoon of sweet curd, one tablespoon green chutney, one tablespoon sweet chutney, sprinkle some chaat masala and red chili powder on top, nylon sev and pomegranate seeds as required.
• Heat the oil again to a higher temperature and deep-fry the leaves again for extra crispiness. • Now make the potato mixture by mixing the diced potatoes with all the given ingredients and keep it aside. • In a bowl, take one cup of
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• Garnish it with chopped coriander and serve to your guest as a palak chaat canapé.
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Vaisakhi Recipes
Ingredients
• 2 cups soaked yellow lentils (moong dal) • 1 small onion, chopped • 1 tsp ginger, chopped • 3-4 green chillies • 1 tsp cumin seeds • ½ tsp red chilli powder • 1 tsp turmeric • Salt to taste • ¼ tsp asafoetida (hing) • 2 tbsps coriander, chopped • Oil for deep-frying
Pakoda
For ginger tomato chutney:
• ½ tsp asafoetida • 1½ tbsp ginger, chopped • 5 dried red chillies • 3 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped • Salt to taste • 1 tbsp coriander powder • 1 tsp red chilli powder • Juice of ½ a lemon
For the tempering:
• 1 tsp mustard seeds • A pinch of asafoetida • 1 tsp whole black gram (urad dal) • 5-6 curry leaves
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Moong Dal
VAISAKHI 2017
BY CHEF HARPAL SINGH SOKHI
Preparation
• First coarsely grind the soaked yellow lentils. Now add chopped onion, ginger, cumin seeds, red chilli powder, turmeric, salt, asafoetida, and chopped coriander. Mix all the ingredients together and deep-fry until light golden brown. • Remove the pakodas and press it with your hands or spoon and reheat oil on a high temperature. Deep-fry the pakodas again for extra crispiness and until golden brown, keep it aside. • For the tomato and ginger chutney, heat oil in a pan and
add asafoetida, chopped ginger, dried red chillies, tomatoes, and salt, mix it nicely. Add coriander powder and red chilli powder and cook it until the tomato turns pulpy. • Remove the mixture in a bowl and let it cool. Then grind it to a paste. • For tempering of the chutney, heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, asafoetida, and whole black gram, and let it crackle. Then transfer the tomato and ginger paste. • Lastly add curry leaves, and lemon juice and serve it hot with pakodas.
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Vaisakhi Recipes
Makhane ki
Kheer & Puri Gane ke rase ki
Ingredients • 2 cups puffed lotus seeds (makhane) • 4 cups milk • 2 tbsps pure ghee • 4 tbsps khoya/mawa • ½ tsp green cardamom powder • 1 tbsp almonds, chopped • 1 tbsp pistachios, chopped
For the gane ke raas ki puri :
• 3 cups whole wheat flour • A pinch of salt • 1 tsp fennel powder • Oil for deep-frying • 1½ cups sugarcane juice
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BY CHEF HARPAL SINGH SOKHI
Preparation
For the puri:
• Heat ghee in a non-stick pan, add the makhane and sauté lightly. Remove it and coarsely grind it.
• Mix together wheat flour, salt, and fennel powder. Add a tablespoon of oil/ghee and rub it into the mixture.
• In the same pan, add nuts and sauté it lightly. Now add milk and bring to a boil. Lower the flame and allow the milk to thicken.
• Slowly pour enough sugarcane juice into the flour mixture and knead into a stiff dough. Cover and keep aside for 10-15 minutes.
• Add khoya and makhane and mix lightly. Add green cardamom powder and stir.
• Heat sufficient oil in a kadai or wok. Divide the dough into equal portions and roll it into balls. Roll out each ball into a puri.
• Now add sugar and cook for some time. Mix well and take it off the heat.
• Deep-fry the puri until crisp and golden brown. Remove it on absorbent paper and serve it wih makhane ki kheer.
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Happy Vaisakhi to the families we serve in Delta, Surrey & Langley! Does your child have special needs? Reach Society provides developmental assessments, behaviour support, counselling, therapies, parent and community education and respite for parents. Help is within Reach!
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Vaisakhi Recipes
Saarson ka Ingredients
• 4 bunches fresh mustard leaves (sarson ka saag), chopped • 2 bunches spinach leaves, chopped • 1 bunch pigweed (Bathua) leaves, chopped • 2 tbsps maize flour (makai ka atta) • 2-3 green chillies, chopped
For the tempering:
• 3-4 tbsps pure ghee • 1 inch ginger, chopped • 8-10 cloves garlic, chopped • 2-3 green chillies, chopped • 1 large onion, chopped • Salt to taste • 2 tomatoes, chopped • 1 tbsp butter
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Saag BY CHEF HARPAL SINGH SOKHI
Preparation
• In a pressure cooker, add mustard leaves, spinach, batua leaves, green chillies, and little water, and cook it for 40 minutes on a medium flame. • Once done, open the lid, add maize flour and mix well and keep aside.
For the tempering: • Heat ghee in a non-stick pan, add chopped green
chillies, ginger, garlic and sauté well. • Add the onions and sauté until translucent. Add tomatoes and salt, and sauté until the tomatoes are mashed. • Transfer the saag from the pan. Cook for some more time. • Transfer into a serving bowl, garnish with a dollop of white butter and serve hot with paratha, jaggery and raddish pickle.
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A well-know TV personality, Chef Ratnani’s popularity has quadrupled with shows like Vicky Goes Desi, Vicky Goes Foreign, Gourmet Central, Vicky Goes Veg, Pressure Cooker and Sanjeev Kapoor Ke Kitchen Khiladi. 112
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icky Ratnani’s love to eat took him into the corners of the home in the kitchen where children rarely venture. But, it was this ‘wanderful’ attitude that owes his initiation into food. A feather in his cap, among many others, Chef Ratnani was the personal chef to renowned world leader Nelson Mandela from Durban to Cape Town when Mandela was promoting his charity. During his stint at Aurus Restaurant in Mumbai, the talented chef created a menu that was a reflection of produce and technique with a very innovative and cutting edge method of presenting food. After Aurus, Vicky moved on to set up Nido, an all-day bistro where the menu was a confluence of seasonal produce, old classic dishes, and modern progressive food. A well-know TV personality, Chef Ratnani’s popularity has quadrupled with shows like Vicky Goes Desi, Vicky Goes Foreign, Gourmet Central, Vicky Goes Veg, Pressure Cooker and Sanjeev Kapoor Ke Kitchen Khiladi. He has also launched his book on vegetarian food Vicky Goes Veg, which won the Gourmand Award 2016 for Best Vegetarian Cookbook. His restaurant The Korner House by Chef Vicky won the Best Restaurant European Cuisine in 2016. Music, writing, learning and researching flavours help this chef to destress after long work hours in the kitchen.
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Vaisakhi Recipes
Bottle Gourd & Zuchini
Halwa BY CHEF VICKY RATNANI
Ingredients
• 4 cups grated bottle gourd (lauki/doodhi/ghia) • 1 zuchini, grated • 1 cup milk • 2 cups sugar • ½ cup desi ghee (clarified butter) • 1 tbsp dried cranberries • 2 tbsps pistachio nuts puree
Preparation • In a heavy bottom pan, bring the grated bottle gourd, zuchini and milk to a boil. Reduce the flame and cook till almost done. • Add the sugar and the ghee and cook further till the ghee leaves the side of the pan. While cooking, keep stirring continuously to avoid burning. • Stir in the dried cranberries and the pistachio puree. Can be served hot and cold.
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Sukh Mann Sutton-Premier Realty
May this special day of Vaisakhi hold in store the fulfilment of all your hopes and dreams. Have a joyous Vaisakhi!
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www.sukhmann.com E: smann@sutton.com VAISAKHI 2017
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Vaisakhi Recipes
Ingredients
• 1 cup mixed yellow, green and red lentils (dal) • 250 gms whole wheat or cracked wheat • 400 gms soy chunks • 2 tsps cumin powder • 2 tbsps red chilli powder
TheVegan
Haleem
• 2 tbsps ginger garlic paste
BY CHEF VICKY RATNANI
• 1 tsp garam masala powder • A few coriander leaves • A few mint leaves • 8 cloves
Preparation • Soak wheat or cracked wheat overnight. Then boil with the lentils till thick and cooked. Heat oil and brown onions and keep aside.
mixture. Add water and let it cook till tender. Now add the soaked wheat to the cooking on medium heat till the mixture boils.
• 5 tbsps oil or ghee
• In the same oil, add red chilli powder first, and then all other spices and salt. Add soy granules and let them brown.
• 500 gms onions, sliced thinly and fried until brown
• Keep a quarter of the onions and add the rest to the lentils
• When well blended, sprinkle with the rest of the onions, coriander and mint leaves and a pinch of garam masala powder. Serve with lime wedges.
• 8 cardamoms • 6 sticks of cinnamon • 10 black pepper corns • 1 tsp caraway seeds • A few bay leaves • 10-12 green chillies
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Vaisakhi Recipes
Spiced Noodles in
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp oil • 40 gms chopped shiitake mushroom or button mushrooms • 30 gms medium bottle gourd, chopped • 30 gms carrot, chopped • 2 to 3 baby corns chopped • 50 gms bok choy, chopped chunky • 2 baby eggplants, cut into fingers • 1 tbsp red curry paste • 1 tbsp light soy sauce • 1 tsp dark soy sauce • 1 tsp brown sugar • 1 cup coconut milk • 1 cup water • 2 cups fresh noodles
For toppings and garnish:
• 1 cup of sprouts • Coriander leaves, chopped • Green onion, chopped
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Coconut Milk Broth BY CHEF VICKY RATNANI
Preparation • Heat a large wok with oil. Add onions, bell peppers, shitake or button mushrooms, bottle gourd, baby corn, baby eggplants and cook on high flame for about two minutes. • Then add curry paste and brown sugar. Toss to coat the vegetables. Add a light soy sauce and cook for about 30 seconds so that the vegetables absorb the liquid. • Then add dark soy sauce and coconut milk. Let the curry simmer for about two minutes. Then pour in the water and bring back to a
VAISAKHI 2017
simmer. Taste curry and adjust soy sauce, and sugar to taste. • Bring a large pot full of water to boil noodles. If using dried noodles, cook in boiling water till noodles are very al dente. If using fresh noodles, boil for about one minute. No matter what noodles you use, make sure not to overcook them. Drain well. • Add cooked noodles and bean sprouts to the curry broth. Serve in individual bowls, topped with bean sprouts, spring onions, and coriander stalks and leaves.
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Vaisakhi Recipes
Corn Pops
Ingredients
• 150 gms corn on the cob • 1 small onion, chopped • 2 garlic cloves • 2 green chilies • 1 tsp baking powder • ½ tsp baking soda • 1 tbsp polenta • 1 tbsp gram flour (besan) • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida) • ½ tsp cumin powder • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4-5 tbsps of vegetable oil for frying • 1 big pinch of smoked paprika • 1 tsp parsley, chopped • 2 tbsps milk • 1 tsp red chili powder
For the sauce:
• 1 red bell pepper • Salt and pepper to season • 2-3 tsps of olive oil • 1-2 tsps of red wine vinegar • 1 pinch of smoked paprika • 2-3 cloves of garlic
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Roasted Bell Pepper Coulis BY CHEF VICKY RATNANI
Preparation • If using corn on the cob, cut the corn kernels. If using frozen corn then defrost. In a pan, sauté chopped onions, garlic, corn kernels, and chilies for two minutes. • Transfer this into a food processor with polenta, all-purpose flour, gram flour, baking powder, baking soda, cumin powder and paprika blitz to make a stiff dough. Add a little milk if it’s too dry. • Shape this mix into small balls and deep-fry until crispy brown.
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• For the sauce, rub the red bell pepper with salt, pepper and olive oil. Roast in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius or char on a grill. • Transfer into a bowl and cover with cling film. This will crinkle the skin and make it easier to peel off. • Slice it into two, de-stem and de-seed. Using a food processor, puree the pepper along with garlic, salt, pepper, white pepper and paprika into a thick luscious sauce. Serve the corn pops with the roasted bell pepper sauce.
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Vaisakhi Recipes Ingredients
For the sweet potato and tofu cakes:
• 2 sweet potatoes, baked and mashed • 3 tbsps tofu, grated • Salt and pepper to taste • 1 tbsp green chillies, chopped • 1 tbsp scallions, chopped • 1 tsp roasted cumin powder • 1/3 tsp lemon zest • 1 tsp fennel powder • ½ tsp red chilli flakes • 1 tsp fresh coriander, chopped • 1 tsp fresh basil leaves • 1 tsp Sriracha sauce • 1 slice of brioche bread soaked in milk
Sweet Potato & Tofu Cakes with Beetroot Ketchup
For the batter:
• 2 tbsps potato flour • 1 cup soda water • 1 cup panko bread crumbs • 1 tsp garam masala powder • ½ tsp sumac powder • Salt to taste • Canola oil to fry
For the beetroot ketchup:
• 1 cup cooked beetroot, chopped • 2 tbsps sugar • 1 tbsp vinegar • 1 tsp salt • 1 cup tomato juice • ½ cup pineapple juice • 1 tsp ginger • 1 tsp green chillies • 1 piece of star anise • 2 cloves • 5 black pepper corns • 1 tsp red chilli powder
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BY CHEF VICKY RATNANI
Preparation • For the cakes, mix all the ingredients in a clean bowl and mix well. Shape into three centimetres discs and set in the refrigerator. • For the batter, mix the potato flour and soda water along with sumac, salt and garam masala to make a very light batter. Dip the cake in the batter, coat with panko breadcrumbs. • Shallow-fry in canola oil until its golden brown and crispy.
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• For the beetroot ketchup, simmer the tomato juice and pineapple juice along with sugar, vinegar, salt, ginger, green chillies, and the spices for six minutes. Add the beetroot and cook for another four minutes. • Cool and blend until smooth. Discard the spices if you don’t want it too spicy. Serve the cakes with beetroot ketchup and garnish with microgreens. Location and photo courtesy: Vicky Ratnani, The Korner House by Chef Vicky
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VAISAKHI FEATURE
50 YEARS OF THE SIKH FOUNDATION
Pride &
Promise
For 50 years, the Foundation has been a champion for the recognition of Sikh heritage and values among audiences around the world.
M
agnificent Maharajahs and simple saints, intricate jewellery and lofty pavilions, fine miniatures and elegant portraiture â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sikh heritage is full of marvellous contrasts that have withstood the test of time. A religion that teaches simple living and service to the fellow man, Sikhism has nevertheless inspired beautiful art and architecture, both Image above: Helmet with chain mail neck guard, helmet of iron overlaid with gold; mail neck guard of iron and brass, Lahore, Punjab, Ca. 1820â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1840, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, Gift of the Kapany Collection, 1998.69
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HAPPY VAISAKHI!
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VAISAKHI FEATURE
The Sikh Foundation begins its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2017 with an exhibition at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Saints and Kings: Arts, Culture, and Legacy of the Sikhsâ&#x20AC;? from March 10 to June 18, 2017.
Artwork below: Maharani Jind Kaur, George Richmond, 1863, Kapany Collection
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classical and contemporary. Sikhism is the fifth largest and the youngest of the major world religions. Its founder, Guru Nanak, emphasized the humanistic principles of equality, social justice, and selfless service, and the nine spiritual leaders who followed him built on his legacy to create a robust, activist faith that has thrived and survived persecution, emigration, and societal drift away from organized religion. Sikh kings carried on this legacy, with the most successful and dynamic of those being Maharaja Ranjit Singh, during whose reign classical Sikh art reached its pinnacle. After Britain annexed
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Punjab in 1849, Sikh soldiers and explorers travelled widely across the world. In the Western hemisphere, they settled mainly in Canada and the Western United States, keeping their faith and customs alive. Established on December 27 1967, the Sikh Foundation is
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Artwork above: Maharajah Duleep Singh, Reproduction by Sukhpreet Singh of original painting by Franz Winterhalter, Punjab, India, 2005, Kapany Collection
A religion that teaches simple living and service to the fellow man, Sikhism has nevertheless inspired beautiful art and architecture, both classical and contemporary.
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dedicated to passing on this rich heritage to the diaspora in the West, and to create the space and resources for the academic and artistic study of the culture. For 50 years, the Foundation has been a champion for the recognition of Sikh heritage and values among audiences around the world.
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Among its many achievements have been the display and creation of galleries and exhibits of Sikh art at prestigious museums; endowment of several chairs at California universities for Sikh and Punjabi language studies; and publications aimed at both Sikhs and non-Sikhs. The Sikh Foundation
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VAISAKHI FEATURE Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany, founder and chairman of the Sikh Foundation
Attendees at the conference can look forward to talks on a wide range of topics such as innovation, public service, entrepreneurship, arts and literature by distinguished authors, artists, entrepreneurs, and business and political leaders from around the world.
Events: Golden Gala: The Pride & Promise at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, CA, on May 5, 2017. Conference: Advancing Sikhs through Education at Stanford University, CA, on May 6 and 7, 2017. Art Exhibit: Saints and Kings: Arts, Culture, and Legacy of the Sikhs at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco from March 10 to June 18, 2017. begins its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2017 with an exhibition at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco titled “Saints and Kings: Arts, Culture, and Legacy of the Sikhs” from March 10 to June 18,
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2017. It features treasures like the ornate helmets and armour worn by the Sikh royals, miniatures carried out in various Indian styles, and art created by artists of various religions and ethnicities featuring Sikh personages and court life. During this period, the Foundation has planned Golden Gala -The Pride & Promise – an elegant evening of fine dining featuring global leaders, awards and performing arts by Sikh artists – classical and contemporary. The evening also features the launch of “Sikh Arts from the Kapany Collection,”a joint publication with the Smithsonian Institute. Education is a very important part of the Sikh Foundation’s mission,
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and the 50th anniversary celebrations also feature a conference titled “Advancing Sikhs with Education” at Stanford University in May. Attendees at the conference can look forward to talks on a wide range of topics such as innovation, public service, entrepreneurship, arts and literature by distinguished authors, artists, entrepreneurs, and business and political leaders from around the world. The Sikh Foundation invites you to be a part of introducing an entire generation of young Americans to Sikh Art and heritage. For more information, visit www.sikhfoundation. org/50years Content and images provided by the Sikh Foundation.
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Walking the Sharp Edge FJot or
nearly four decades Singh Khalsa, founder and owner of Khalsa Kirpans, has created unique swords, kirpans, knives and jewellery for Sikh and non-Sikh collectors worldwide. Jot Singh considers himself fortunate to ‘walk the sharp edge’, creating swords and knives that are true, practical weapons, as well as beautifully inspiring works of art. Jot Singh’s teacher, the late Yogi Harbhajan Singh, Siri Singh Sahib of Sikh Dharma, urged him many years ago to use his artistic skills to create things that will uplift and inspire people. That aim has been the guiding principle for what is offered by Khalsa Kirpans and The
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Khalsa Raj Collection, headquartered outside of Boston, MA, USA. At the request of his teacher, in 1999, Jot Singh created a $300,000 sword, which was presented by Sikh Dharma International during a celebration of the ‘Birth of the Khalsa’ in Anandpur Sahib, India.
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In late 2011, Jot Singh was commisioned by Harjit Singh Sajjan, now the Canadian Defense Minister, to create a special kirpan to be presented as an honour to a U.S. Army Major General with whom he had served in Afghanistan. In April, 2016, a Baisakhi Celebration took place on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, for the first time. During the celebration, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was honoured by Canadian Sikhs for his manifest respect for diversity and presented with a sword from Jot Singh. Most recently, Jot Singh created a $100,000 sword honouring the life and legacy of the 10th Sikh Master, Guru Gobind Singh. This ceremonial sword was presented by Sikh Dharma International in Patna, India, in Janurary, 2017. During that same event, honouring the 350th birth anniversary of the 10th Master, the finest kirpan Jot Singh ever created was presented by a highly respected United Kingdom Sikh visionary, Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia, who had purchased the kirpan in 2011 with the intention of offering it in Patna in 2017. Jot Singh has gratefully served the Sikh Panth throughout the world, offering original ‘edged’ designs and Sikh jewellery. Please visit KhalsaKirpans.com and TheKhalsaRaj.com to enjoy the wide range of products offered. You will find magnificent matched sets of symbolic Sikh jewellery for wedding parties or everyday wear. And feel free to contact Jot Singh with any special needs or interests that you have. Jot Singh is a master at creating ‘one of a kind’ swords or kirpans, now in more affordable models, that will serve as honoured keepsakes in your family’s legacy.
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VAISAKHI SPOTLIGHT
Today, this sarangi player and vocalist in Punjabi folk, jazz and soul has fertilized a distinct voice for herself in the industry.
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mrit Kaur Lohia credits the multicultural vibe of North London for initiating her exposure to various shades of music.
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“Singing and writing had a healing effect on me and I became quite obsessed,” she states and describes how one day she declared to her parents that she wants to be
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a pop star and they replied back saying, “you’re going to the Gurdwara and [will] learn kirtan.” Today, this sarangi player and vocalist in Punjabi folk, jazz and soul has fertilized a distinct voice for herself in the industry. “I fell into gurmat sangeet kirtan when I was 13 and by 14, I was touring internationally. I never really stopped. As I evolved, the music and my purpose also evolved.” Her social enterprise, Humanised, founded in 2015 is probably a product of the purpose she talks about. “It is an educational production company producing workshops and plays that aim to diversify cultural experiences through music, poetry, traditional theatre and history, from around the world,” she explains.
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VAISAKHI SPOTLIGHT
“If someone can read this book and feel a little braver or if it inspires them to find out more about their own history - it would confirm my belief that history does not just belong in the academic realm. We can learn so much from history and we live history everyday because that is how farreaching colonial experiences are - no matter where you are in the world.”
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Lohia’s experiences working as a youth worker with children in foster care, youth offenders, and girls from vulnerable backgrounds propelled her to engage dialogue towards activism and empowerment using Humanised as a medium. “After graduating, instead of picking one path, I decided to continue doing everything I loved in the form of ‘Humanised.’ I was awarded a social enterprise grant and have had a great deal of support since then. I want to make the world’s cultures accessible through music and theatre – I feel
empowered to empower!” Because empowerment and service are two definitive causes this artist cares about, it doesn’t come as a surprise that her other ventures also centralise on this theme. One of them is a book Lohia is presently working on which is a testament of this emotion. Based on true events, the book records stories of women’s experiences in Punjab during World War One. “We are commemorating the centenary of World War One and I have been involved with a few projects
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VAISAKHI SPOTLIGHT
Lohia’s social enterprise, Humanised, founded in 2015 is probably a product of the purpose she talks about. “It is an educational production company producing workshops and plays that aim to diversify cultural experiences through music, poetry, traditional theatre and history, from around the world,” she explains.
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to highlight the immense contribution of Indians and more specifically, Sikh soldiers amongst the Eurocentric narratives that we are so accustomed to.” Although, the book is in its early stages, Lohia is firm in what she seeks to achieve with it. She says, “I would like this book to contribute to the growing literature on women’s history and new military history which looks at the social impacts of war.” The book will cover various themes intersecting women, colonial Punjab and music.
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Lohia’s exposure to the subject came through her intensive study of history at The School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, enmeshed with voices of women across diverse cultures and nationalities. “I realised that women always had a voice and agency. It just wasn’t written into history. I am now in a position where I can write women’s history without waiting for someone else. So of course I’m going to write about the experiences of the women I have descended from and share their stories of bravery and resilience.” In conclusion she says, “If someone can read this book and feel a little braver or if it inspires them to find out more about their own history – it would confirm my belief that history does not just belong in the academic realm. We can learn so much from history and we live history everyday because that is how far-reaching colonial experiences are – no matter where you are in the world.” Photos: Doug Larson, Karaminder Ghuman, Amrit-kaur.com
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VAISAKHI SPOTLIGHT A former criminal defence lawyer, it was Dhaliwal’s profession that led him onto the path of a political career.
By Petrina D’Souza
Jagmeet
Leading With Style
Singh Dhaliwal
J
agmeet Singh Dhaliwal, deputy leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party, is a popular face in Canadian politics. With his charming person-
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ality, great sense of style and confident leadership, the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Bramalea-Gore-Malton is wellknown as a trailblazer in
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Ontario politics. A former criminal defence lawyer, it was Dhaliwal’s profession that led him onto the path of a political career. “As a university student I participated in movements to end poverty, make tuition more affordable, increase rights for immigrants and refugees, promote peace and defend human rights. I continued my involvement in the issues as a law student and then as a lawyer. Some of the groups I worked with encouraged me to get involved in politics. It took six months to convince me, I finally agreed and the rest is history,” explains Dhaliwal. As a politician, his vision for Canada is “to build a country with shared prosperity for all, where all enjoy just access to the resources they need and no one faces any form of discrimination.” He advocates for “fairness and justice” because he believes that all humans are entitled to it. Dhaliwal’s role as a dep-
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VAISAKHI SPOTLIGHT
“As a university student I participated in movements to end poverty, make tuition more affordable, increase rights for immigrants and refugees, promote peace and defend human rights. I continued my involvement in the issues as a law student and then as a lawyer. Some of the groups I worked with encouraged me to get involved in politics. It took six months to convince me, I finally agreed and the rest is history.”
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uty leader is something that he sees as a great platform to work for the people and their issues. “[My plan] is to continue to fight for everyday people and put their needs first and foremost,” says Dhaliwal, who is the first turban-wearing Sikh to sit as a MPP, as well as the first to hold a deputy leader position in Canada. While talking about these honours bestowed upon him, the 38-yearold politician credits it to “universal oneness.” He elaborates, “I credit the Sikh principles of equality and justice for motivating me to work for the betterment of all people.”
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The young leader has great plans for his region as MPP. To begin with, he would like “to see a reduction in the growing inequality in our province.” His other goals include an end to the exploitation of workers by temporary job agencies, lower auto insurance rates which don’t punish people for living in particular neighbourhoods, increased minimum wage, better access to healthcare, and more support for our education system. “I would also like to see our electricity system remain public and work for the interest of the people,” adds the Brampton resident.
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VAISAKHI SPOTLIGHT
Taking up so many roles and responsibilities and fulfilling expectations and promises is no easy task – yet Dhaliwal has managed to perform and deliver so brilliantly. I ask him what inspires him to work so diligently for the residents and the country at large, he answers, “I believe in the intrinsic dignity of all people and that all have a right to live with dignity and justice. I believe we are connected not only to each other but also to the planet and all life forms so we must live in a way that respects this reality as well.” Beyond his leadership
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qualities, Dhaliwal has garnered attention and admiration for his dressing sense. In fact, he admits that he has tried to use style as a way to challenge stereotypes and create conversations. “Fashion is like a language, I use it to communicate. My goal is to use style to talk about issues of justice and fairness. I’m honoured by the positive reaction and that it gives me another platform,” says the style icon who has designed some of his suits himself. Dhaliwal, who has made it to the list of Most Stylish Politician In Canada By Like A Million Kilometres,
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Toronto Style Maker, and Toronto’s Best Dressed, believes that his sense of style has indeed helped to challenge stereotypes about his appearance and has opened the door to new conversations. As Vaisakhi, the festival of Sikhs, takes place in April, I ask Dhaliwal the significance of the festival in his life. “I celebrate Vaisakhi through mediation and reflection. Vaisakhi is not only a festival for harvest but it also commemorates the creation of the Khalsa. The Khalsa literally means the liberated person, one who is free. Celebrating Vaisakhi is an opportunity to celebrate our innate freedom and the equality of all people,” he expresses. Before concluding, he sends out a special festive message to everyone, “We all have the right to be free and celebrate our innate dignity. Vaisakhi is about celebrating our liberty and working towards the liberation of all people. I encourage everyone to connect with their infinite limitlessness and work towards greater justice for all.” Photos: Jagmeet Singh Dhaliwal Twitter/ Facebook page
May This Year Be Filled With Prosperity, Abundance and Success.
Have a Happy Vaisakhi!
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WISHING YOU
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Sikh Gurus T
he word ‘Guru’ in Sanskrit means teacher, religious person or saint. However, in Sikhism, ‘Guru’ refers to the descent of divine guidance to humankind provided by the ten enlightened masters. These ten Sikh Gurus founded the
religion, starting in 1469 with Guru Nanak and ending with Guru Gobind Singh in 1708. After that, it refers to the Sikh Holy Scriptures as Guru Granth Sahib. The Gurus are widely regarded as the embodiment of one guiding light which passed from one Guru to the next, and
which
now
resides
in
the
Holy
Scriptures.
The
order
of
the
ten
enlightened Gurus is as follows:
Guru Nanak Dev (1469 to 1539) Founder of Sikh faith; apostle of peace, unity and true infinite; possessed divinity and religious authority; first Guru of modern thinkers in India; created Langar, free kitchen, for all people; teachings are in the Guru Granth Sahib; his philosophies and teachings were enlightened for his time, he criticized the social, political and religious injustices; advocated for equality between men and women; instructed disciples to face and tackle oppression, he knew this couldn’t be accomplished in his lifetime, so he appointed the practice of successors to lead Sikhs in their spiritual mission
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Guru Angad Dev (1504 to 1582) Compiled the biography of Guru Nanak Dev; introduced Gurmukhi script, medium of writing the Punjabi language; opened schools to educate children; started Mall Akhara, physical and spiritual exercises
Guru Amar Das (1479 to 1574) Social reformer; removed caste, colour distinction and stigma of untouchables; strengthened Langar on basis of equality; introduced Anand Karaj marriage ceremony; abolished Sati and custom of Paradah
Guru Ram Das (1534 to 1581) Organized the structure of Sikh society; contributed 688 shabads to Granth; planner/creator of Ramdaspur (Amritsar) and designed the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple); founder of sacred Sarovar; author of Lavaa, the hymns of marriage rites
Guru Arjan Dev (1563 to 1606) Completed construction of Amritsar, founded Taran Taran and Kartarpur; collected works of first four Gurus, dictated works into verses for Adi Granth compilation, the only script that still exists in the form first published, a hand-written manuscript; organized Masand ‘missionary’ system
Guru Har Gobind (1595 to 1644) Wore two swords of Miri-Piri – one represented spiritual authority, while the other temporal; built the Akal Takht (Throne of the Almighty); excelled in matters of the state; built an army with trained horsemen; martial artist and hunter; built fortress at Amritsar called Lohgarh (Fortress of Steel) VAISAKHI 2017
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Guru Har Rai (1630 to 1661) Known for his compassion of life and living things – instead of killing animals, placed them in his zoo; continued military traditions started by grandfather Guru Har Gobind, maintained cavalry of 2,200 soldiers; established ayurvedic hospital and research center at Kiratpur Sahib
Guru Har Krishan (1656 to 1664) Guru Har Rai named five-year-old Har Krishan to succeed him as the next Guru, rather than his elder son Ram Rai, who was in favour with Aurangzeb and the Mughal Empire; helped heal the sick and in doing so, contracted smallpox and passed away at the age of seven
Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621 to 1675) Youngest son of Guru Har Gobind; created city of Chakk Nanaki, which later became Anandpur Sahib; contributed hymns to Guru Granth Sahib, including Saloks (Mahal 9); responsible for saving Kashmiri Pandits from Mughal persecution; Aurangzeb issued order for Guru’s arrest, was held for three months and tortured until he would accept Islam; he refused and was martyred at Chandni Chowk
Guru Gobind Singh (1666 to 1708) Succeeded father Guru Tegh Bahadur at age nine; was a warrior, poet and philosopher; created the Khalsa Panth in 1699 – the Panj Pyare were the first baptised Sikhs; declared the Guru Granth Sahib as his successor, and living Guru for Sikhs; his writings and poems were compiled in volume called Dasam Granth; recited the line “Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji Ki Fateh,” which is an important religious verse included in the daily prayer of Sikhs
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