Rare Sikh memorabilia dazzle London - ‘The Arts of the Sikh Kingdoms’.

Davinder Singh Toor’s moment of revelation came back in 1999 when he was apprenticed as a tour guide to the Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition in London called, ‘The Arts of the Sikh Kingdoms’.

“For me it was a revelation”, says Davinder, a 33-year-old London-based optometrist. “It suddenly became real. I was brought up reading stories about the Gurus and things like this, but there was always something mythical about it and because of the myth there was a bit of a disconnect. This was different. Now I had the artefacts that proved the existence of these people to me.”

The son of a Ludhiana-born engineer who emigrated to the UK in 1962, Davinder soon discovered he had a passion for finding out more about his heritage. His father was a clean shaven Sikh, but Davinder started wearing a turban at the age of 14. By the time he was a second year student at the University of Aston in Birmingham, he was an avid collector of Sikh memorabilia.

The first artefact he ever collected was an early 20th century dagger made of jade and brass and produced in Lahore. Davinder bought it from a London dealer with £60 borrowed from his elder brother.

Today he is part of a group of UK-based Sikhs who have come together under the aegis of the UK Punjab Heritage Association to promote a stunning exhibition about the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

They include author/historian Parmjit Singh, public relations expert Harbaksh Singh Grewal and exhibition designer Juga Singh. Judging from the comments in the visitors’ book, the exhibition so far has been an unqualified success and is a tribute to the group’s dedication and perseverance.

Polite and attentive, members of the group emphasise the inclusiveness of their faith and how it drew followers from all religions, whether Hindus, Muslims or Sikhs.

Parmjit Singh, the exhibition curator, is quoted as saying: “When it was at its peak, the temple was not only recognised as a centre of devotion for pilgrims of many other faiths, it was also a centre of learning,”

FOR PUBLIC EYE

n A vast Perspex model of the Golden Temple as it once stood in the 19th century is on display at Brunei Gallery at the London’s School of Oriental and African Studiesn The exhibition reminds visitors about Sikhism, its history and traditions, including the arts that flourished under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

n Re-creation of what a Sikh warrior looked like over 100 years ago. Mannequin dressed in its original helmet and weaponry is one of the most impressive items on display

Read More:http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110830/main7.htm#1

LUDHIANA SHATABADI LIKELY TO START AFTER SGPC ELECTIONS

The Ludhiana-Delhi Shatabadi train is likely to start after the conclusion of the elections to the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandik Committee (SGPC).

This was stated by Ludhiana MP and Indian National Congress spokesman Manish Tewari after meeting Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi in New Delhi yesterday. In a statement here today, Mr Tewari said that all the preparations had been finalised and the train could start anytime. However, due to the code of conduct in force because of the SGPC elections, the train could not be started before these do not conclude and the results are not declared.

Read More:http://www.punjabmailonline.com/Punjab%20News_news2.aspx#52616

GNIMT students awarded gold medals

Three students of Guru Nanak Institute of Management and Technology, Model Town, were awarded gold medals during the ninth convocation held at Dr BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology (NIT), Jalandhar. PTU, Jalandhar, had organised its ninth convocation to honour its gold medallists in various courses and streams.

Gurleen Kaur, an MBA student, has bagged a gold medal in the university examination conducted by Punjab Technical University. Jasleen Singh, a BBA student, has also bagged a gold medal.

On her success, Gurleen Kaur said, “Work hard is the principle, which I have adopted in my life. I didn't expect to top the university exams, but I was sure that I would top the college. The support of my parents and teachers made my goals achievable and I thank them for their guidance".

Read More:http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110825/ldh1.htm#14

Guru Nanak students shine

Two students of Guru Nanak Khalsa College for Women, Gujarkhan Campus, Model Town, participated and won prizes in the district-level Bal Sahitya Quiz.

Richa of B.A.- final year bagged he first position followed by Rajbir Kaur of B.A. final-year who won the second position. The quiz was conducted by the Bhasha Vibhag, Punjab. Principal Dr.Karamjit Kaur Virdi felicitated the students and wished them luck for the future.
Src.http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110824/ldh.htm

City girls shine in university exams

Students of Khalsa College for Women and Government College for Women (CWG) have secured top positions in the various examinations conducted by Panjab University.

Amritpal Kaur from GCW and Leena from Khalsa College secured 1st position in the university in Fine Arts MAI. Gurpreet Kaur from GCW stood second in PU with 89 percent.

According to the Khalsa college authorities, the college has bagged three positions in university Fine Arts MA I. Leena stood first in the university by scoring 92 percent marks while Harpreet Kaur secured third position with 88.7 percent marks and Rajinder Kaur clinched sixth position 88.7 percent.

Leena at her achievement said, "I am very happy because I studied hard in the examinations. I want to pursue Ph.D from Paris because Amrita Shergill is my role model and she did her Ph.D from there".

While Harpreet Kaur, who secured third position in said,” The credit goes to my teachers. Though I had expected 1st position but I am satisfied with 3rd position. My family and friends are happy on my achievement. I used to study for about 8 hours a day".

Read More:http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110819/ldh1.htm#13

Despite orders, phone calls go unattended Principal Secy to the Chief Minister had ordered that all phones were to be attended by officials

In the hometown of Health and Family Welfare Minister Satpal Gosain, officials and employees of the health department do not seem to attend phone calls. All this despite the fact that on August 13 (after heavy rainfall in the city on the night of August 11 in which some people were killed), DS Guru, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, had made an announcement at a press conference that officials of all departments were supposed to attend the calls and any laxity would not be tolerated.

All this was revealed when this correspondent started contacting different officials of the health department yesterday, but none attended the phone. Today, when Dr Amit Verma, district epidemiologist, was contacted, he said,"I am on leave, please contact Dr Balwinder Singh. You can also contact Gurmel Singh at 9988473476 or Bhag Singh at 9876179400 for information on spray in dengue-affected areas."

ReadMore:http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110819/ldh1.htm#1

VOICE OF PUNJAB GRAND FINALE ON 12TH AUG,2011 AT GLADA GROUND, LUDHIANA.

COUNTDOWN BEGINS..VOICE OF PUNJAB GRAND FINALE LIVE ON PTC PUNJABI ON 12TH AUG. 2011.6:30 PM ONWARDS AT GLADA GROUND, LUDHIANA.

The significant role of Mirasis or Bhand (jesters) in the cultural life of Punjab.

The significant role of Mirasis (jesters) in the cultural life of Punjab cannot be ignored. They were known as Bhand or Naqqal (actors), their profession being to make others laugh by enacting humorous anecdotes. 

They were mostly Muslims. They used to lead a very rough and rustic life, and formed a very poor section of Punjabi society. In times of yore, they were encouraged and patronised by feudal lords and sometimes found employment in big and small courts. They, entertained people with their pungent witticisms, mimicry ('Swang'! humorous and satirical dialogues, rough dances and pantomimes. They also enacted amusing scenes by using a leather strap called "Chamota" which was very similar to slapstick. They were good story-tellers.

In lean times, when patronage was lacking from aristocracy and nohility, they earned their livelihood by entertaining the commoners on weddings, betrothal ceremonies and other auspicious occasions. At times, they were invited by rich people or admirers to sing songs based on the theme of Raja Rasalu. These songs were known as Khioore. 

There was a common practice to invite two or more than two Mirasis and make them sit face to face to sing. They used to sing the whole night sitting on the terraces, one hand placed on the ear and the other extended in front. Such programmes were generally organised on full-moon nights. The whole' atmosphere used to get saturated with their musical strains.

It is unfortunate that all the colour and vivacity of everyday life in Punjab has vanished on account of partition. Those happy memories still linger in the minds of Punjabis who are above fifty years old. Only some families of Mirasis survive around Ludhiana and Jalandhar while the rest have given up their ancient art and have moved over to some other jobs to earn livelihood.

src.http://www.eknoor.net/mirasi.php

Kuldeep Manak recovers after 8 days in hospital Suffering from diabetes.

'Kaliyan Da Badshah' Kuldeep Manak had been hospitalized. He had suffered acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding and was admitted in Deep Hospital, Model Town. Doctors said Manak's condition is stable and he would be discharged within six days. Kuldeep is popularly known for singing Punjabi folk numbers including 'Ma hundi hai ma', 'Tere tille ton surat dendi aa heer di', 'Dhula Bhatti' and 'Sucha Surma'. 

src.http://ludhiananews.com/

Kuldeep Manak In Hospital Punjabi Latest News

 A wave of concern ran among Punjabi folk music lovers when they came to know that ‘Kaliyan Da Badshah’ Kuldeep Manak had been hospitalized. He had suffered acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding and was admitted in Deep Hospital, Model Town. Doctors said Manak’s condition is stable and he would be discharged within six days. Fans have been coming from as far as USA for knowing about his health condition. Kuldeep is popularly known for singing Punjabi folk numbers including ‘Ma hundi hai ma’, ‘Tere tille ton surat dendi aa heer di’, ‘Dhula Bhatti’ and ‘Sucha Surma’.

According to Mohammad Sadiq, Punjabi folk singer and a good friend of Manak, his son Yudhvir had not been keeping good health for the last three months, which had made the going tough for their family. He said Yudhvir was admitted in Dayanand Medical College and Hospital for a long time and a few days ago, he was discharged from there. 

Sadiq said Kuldeep was under tremendous stress owing to his son’s illness, which resulted in him falling sick. Dr Dinesh Singla said initially, when Kuldeep Manak was admitted in the hospital, his condition was very serious, but he was stable now. He said they had given him endoscopic treatment and had transfused blood. He added that while the bleeding had stopped, he was under observation and would be discharged within a few days.

Gurbhajan Gill, president of Punjabi Sahit Academy, visited the hospital to inquire about Kuldeep’s health. He said Manak is pride of Punjabi culture and folk. ‘He continues to be fully attached with his roots,’ he added.

Gill said not only is Manak renowned in Punjab but also, his voice is resounding across USA and Canada. He said state government should come to the aid of ailing Punjabi singers, writers, journalists, theatre activists and folk instrumentalists by ensuring their medical insurance. Mukhtiar Singh, one of his fans from California, USA, said from his childhood, he had been listening to Manak’s songs. On getting to know he was not well, he came to the hospital.

src.Times of india

Punjab Youth Congress President seriously ill

Ravnit Bittu, Member of parliament (Sri Anandpur Saahib) and president Punjab youth congress is severely ill due to the hunger strike of seven days which he kept at Ludhiana for the formation of drug prevention board. 

Bittu has been advised complete bed rest by the doctors and his condition is stable. He has been vomiting and due to hunger strike the body is not accepting the regular food diet. His condition is under observation as he is recovering at his official residence in Delhi but if there is no signs of improvement in the coming days he might have to shift to hospital.

Bittu has cancelled his all engagements for coming seven days.

Bittu had kept hunger strike in Ludhiana for seven days against the drug menace in Punjab and demanded the formation of drug prevention board which was accepted by the chief minister Punjab. He assured the chief minister to cooperate fully for the formation of this board.  

Rahul Gandhi inquired about the health of Bittu. Several senior leaders of Indian youth congress and senior leaders of Punjab congress also inquires about his health.

"School of Sikh History" Gurdwara Mehdiana Sahib

Gurdwara Mehdiana Sahib, also called the 'School of Sikh History' is a SikhGurdwara located in the village of Mehdiana, just out side of Manuke, near Jagraonin Ludhiana district, India.

During the Mughal rule, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji while delighting the followers of Raikot, Lamme Jattpure & Maanke village, reached Mehdiana Dhaab (A natural water reservoir) and stopped to look at the holy water of the Dhaab. 

The nearest habitation was 2-3 miles away. At this Dhaab, Guru Gobind Singh Ji & the followers did Daatan (Piece of a twig of tree used as tooth brush) and took baths. Then the Dasvin Guru began his morning's meditation. Bhai Daya Singh Ji asked his Guru that as the Singhs and their families were now parted, what would be the next step they should take.

Guru Sahib instantly put the Teg on his chest and said, "Bhai Daya Singh I have returned the Debt and have become victorious."

Guru Sahib Ji answered Bhai Daya Singh's question with humbleness saying, "Singh and Tiger are king of the same jungle. Singhs should keep faith in Almighty." Bhai Daya Singh Ji again requested Guru Ji on behalf of all the Sikh followers to which Guru Gobind Singh Ji humbly said:

"Singho Dhaende Desh Da Jadon Sahara Nahin Si Udo Pita Nu Desh Te Variya Main|Mata Gujri Sirhind De Vich Gujri Sama Gujareya Jiven Gujareya Main|

Char Puttar San bakshe Parmatma Ne Oh Vi Joda Joda Kar Ke Variya Main|

Mainu Shahenshaw Na Tusi Kaho Singho Kishtan naal Hai Karza Utareya Main|"

Sangat is bigger than Guru".

Sent father to Delhi on Kashmiri Pandits plea,

then on Sangat's request left Anandpur Sahib,

left Chamkaur Garhi on Sangat's request,

now you are asking me on Sangat's behalf.

It was evening by the time the discussions were going on and on Sangat's request, he prepared his mind to begin writing the Zafarnama. There was no place to stay on the Dhaab, so Guru Sahib went to village Chakkar. 

The next day going via village Takhtupura, village Madhe and village Deena Sahib, he made his mind to stay with Lakhmir and Shamir. Here he wrote the Zafarnama and sent it to Auranzeb in Aurangabad in the hands of Bhai Daya Singh and Bhai Dharam Singh. This place has Guru Ji's blessing, so whoever comes here with a wish, his prayer doesn't go unanswered.

The gurdwara is known for its uniquely coloured architecture and monuments depicting important events in Sikh history. Additionally, the Dhaab (natural water reservoir), greenery, birds and trees made Mehdiana Sahib popular with pilgrims. Today parts of the Gurdwara have become dilapidated due to a lack of funds resulting from its isolated location and private ownership status

The gurdwara is a fine specimen of Sikh architecture. Crores of rupees have been spent on its construction. Exquisite meenakari work can be seen here. On the door of the eighth floor of the building is engraved the picture of Bhai Gurdas who is dictating the bagtan di bani to the fifth guru. on the walls of the gurdwara are engraved the pictures of Guru Gobind Singh's miracles along with his hymns and on the main door is shown Bhai Daya Singh Hura holding the horse of the Guru. Inside the main building of gurdwara a beautifully decorated Guru Granth Sahib is kept.

The gurdwara complex has its own Dasmesh Public School. Around 500 children from surrounding villages come in this school. To the right of the gurdwara building is a museum which houses beautiful paintings depicting the journey of Guru Gobind Singh from Patna to Anandpur Sahib. Near the main building of the gurdwara, isBaba Farid's asthan. This asthan looks like a small fort with a beautiful and realistic sculpture of Baba Farid and the pictures of different birds like crows, eagle etc. surrounding him.

 For the entertainment of children there is a mini zoo which houses rare animals. This zoo is in the form of a fort. There is also a modern sarovar and Langar is served 24 hours a day.

Ludhiana's Sadar Police Station adjudged as best in India by UN affiliate

A police station in Ludhiana has been declared as the best in the country by Altus Global Alliance, which works with the United Nations (UN) for enhancing public safety measures

Altus Global Alliance declared Sadar Police Station as the best during its 'Police Station Visitor Week Competition'.

Paramjay Singh, Station House Officer of Sadar Police Station, said that the station received accolades from the delegation members in terms of facilities.

"Across India our police station, Sadar Police Station, has been awarded as the best police station by Altus global Alliance," Singh said.

The police station has separate desks to attend to women and children, facilities for disabled, courteous behavior, cleanliness, a well-equipped control room, a library and even a waiting room for visitors.

"It's unlike old police station, it is really good and is well equipped with many facilities. The facilities are installed keeping in view the needs of the people coming here. If there is a complainant who needs wheel chair they provide that also. They have made arrangements for women as well, there are proper water services and it is really good," said Sajan Singh, a visitor.

Unlike other police stations where detainees squat on floors, proper bedding and mattresses have been provided to make their stay comfortable.

Those coming to seek justice get their applications written by a policeman deputed to do this job.

Altus Global delegates surveyed 18 countries and from each country a police station was declared as the best.