Congratulation on Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji's 338th Birthday Anniversary and Best Wishes for the New Year

1. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji
As we celebrate anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji's 338th birthday, we need to remind ourselves of Guru Ji's message, due to much unease prevalent in faith groups.

With the world getting smaller, everyone needs to examine their standing within a diversifying society, with national and cultural borders becoming redundant. It is perhaps an opportune moment to refresh ourselves of Guru Ji's missive, "Recognise the Human Race as One".

In addition, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, in his edict to Kabul Sikhs, clarified issues that continue to give anxiety.
Translation of the Holy Edict is:
# Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharajah, for the Sikh Congregation
# One Universal Creator God, May he bless you
# May The Almighty Guru protect Kabul's congregation.
# We are immensely pleased with you;
# You should be initiated through taking Amrit (nectar), prepared by Five Sikhs using a Khanda
# Keep hair intact - our seal of approval
# Never be without Kachh (shorts) and kirpan
# Keep a steel kara (bangle) on your wrist
# Comb your hair both times in the day, using your kangha (comb)
# The entire congregation should not eat meat ritually produced
# Should not make use of tobacco
# Not to have any relationship with those involved in female nfanticide
# Not to have any contact with crooked holy men or followers of Ram Rai
# Must read Gurbani (holy verses) and remember Waheguru (The Almighty)
# To faithfully follow Guru's teachings
# My blessings are upon the entire Sangat (congregation)

10th Guru - Jeth 26, 1756 (Indian Calendar)
This is a copy of the edict which Guru Gobind Singh Ji wrote in his own hand and sent to the Sikh Congregation of Kabul (Afghanistan). The original of this edict is preserved in the reference library of Shromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee at Amritsar)

2. Developments of Concern in France
There is much concern within the community, as a country that prides itself on respecting rights for all, has resorted to outlawing the display of their religious faith in state schools. It is ironic that the action taken, to prevent "growing religious and ethnic intolerance", will in fact lead to that very situation.

Gurdwara is raising this grave concern, through All Party Parliamentary Group (Panjabi's in Britain). The following is the text of the sent;

John McDonnell MP
Chair, APPG (Panjabi's in Britain)
House Of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA
26 December 2003

Dear John,

BANNING OPEN DISPLAY OF RELIGIOUS FAITH IN FRANCE

The Sikh Community from West London is echoing the deep concern felt by all Sikhs countrywide, at steps taken to legalise religious intolerance in France, through the introduction of a law that bans the display of their religious faith.

This surprising action appears to be ill-considered and provocative, designed to encourage discrimination. This happening in a European 
country, that prides itself on respecting human rights for all, is disturbing.

It is perhaps ironic, that the action taken by the French to prevent "growing religious and ethnic intolerance", will in fact promote that very situation. With the world fast getting smaller, increasing diversity, the need of the hour, was for better awareness and understanding about each others faith, culture and traditions.

With France being a major player within the EU, the Sikh community, and I am sure we speak for members of other faiths too, is anxiously watching these developments, the serious concern giving alarm being that this threatening direction could be adopted Europe wide. 

I would be grateful if these concerns are relayed to the appropriate authorities, and pray that necessary action can be taken to reverse this confrontational posture. To allay anxiety amongst the ethnic minorities, assurances are also needed, to ensure that this French action is not embraced in the UK, and perhaps more importantly, it is not incorporated into a European directive.

A copy of this letter is being sent to Ann Keen MP, Alan Keen MP, Fiona MacTaggart MP and PS Khabra MP who all represent West London 
constituencies, and to MEP for West London.

Yours sincerely

Mohan Singh Nayyar
General Secretary

3. Sikh Missionary's Lack of Respect for Sangat

A plea to Sikh Missionary's, that they need to be exemplary in their conduct. The due respect and reverence given to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji - eternal Sikh Guru, should reflect and accord with Sikh doctrine, which the missionaries often stress upon in their katha (sermons). Any personal action which does not correspond with their preached message, will rightly give rise to accusations of hypocrisy.

The need to remind Sikh Missionary's of their responsibility has arisen, as one Sikh Missionary, who recently did katha at this Gurdwara, abused the trust and faith when his actions lacked respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the Sangat (congregation).

We pray that Guru Ji blesses him and all other Sikh Missionary's with a sense of humility and greater intellect.

4. Ann Keen MP to hold regular surgery at Gurdwara

The next surgery to be held by Ann Keen MP (Brentford & Isleworth), at the Gurdwara will be on Friday 23rd January at 3.30pm.

Anyone wishing to benefit from this service will need to make a prior appointment. This can be done by contacting Ann Keen's office direct on 020 7219 5623 or at this Gurdwara office, leaving name, address, contact number and the issue to be raised.

5. Disability Network Hounslow Surgery at Gurdwara

The launch and commencement of this monthly surgery at this Gurdwara, will be on Friday 16th January at 2.00pm. The advice service will be open till 4.30pm.

The surgery will provide advice, information, help and support on any issue concerning disability ie: housing, benefits, advocating with social services and other services, form filling etc 

6. Gurdwara Calendar and Diary for 2004

Gurdwara calendar and diary for 2004 are both available and can be obtained from the Gurdwara office. All Sikh Gurpurb dates therein are Nanakshahi Calendar based.

Sikhs need to be aware, that there are many calendars and diaries produced by individuals, commercial bodies or businesses, to promote their services or products. In most cases, Sikh Gurpurb (religious anniversary) dates are not in accordance with Nanakshahi Calendar and will therefore be in variance with Gurdwara Calendar and diary. However, all Gurdwara activity will be Nanakshahi Calendar based. 

7. Annual Sponsored Walk 2003

In this interim update, it is a pleasure to announce that inflow of funds continue, the amount collected to date standing at £30,151 easily 
surpasses the previous best. The organisers and participants deserve all the compliments for this success.

There have been many impressive personal achievements. Twenty walkers collected two hundred pounds or more, with five exceeding £500. Best performance was from Gurmit Singh Hanzara who collected £1,155.

With money still outstanding from many participants, the final total will be much higher. Therefore, I appeal to all those who still have not 
submitted their sponsored walk money, to do so immediately, considering that the annual walk took place over three months ago.

Mohan Singh Nayyar
General Secretary

December 2003       top of page

Mohan Singh Nayyar
General Secretary

November 2003                                                           top of page
1.   Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's message

To celebrate Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 534th birthday on Saturday 8th November, the whole day is being devoted to Shabad Kirtan and Katha as planned by Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha.
However, as we celebrate this auspicious event in Gurdwara's and elsewhere, around the world, it is perhaps appropriate for us to stop and consider, the importance of this event and the unique message Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji had for mankind. Failing to do so at this important time in the Sikh calendar, would render our celebrations as mere ritual, which we perform annually. We should be fully aware that Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji spoke against any religious practice which is carried out just as a ritual act.
To help remembering Guru Ji's message, in order to enable us in our deliberations, a selection of extracts from Guru Ji's teachings >> Guru Nanak's Message.
We pray, that Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji gives us the intellect, humility and courage, so that we are able to recognise the relevance of our existence, enabling us to move onto the true path as laid down in Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings, as enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the perpetual Guru of the Sikhs.

2.   Nankana Sahib
Our prayers are with congregation members, who will be visiting the birth place of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji on 8th November, which is at Nankana Sahib in Pakistan

3.   Gurdwara Car Park
Congregation members and visitors to Gurdwara are requested to note that the car park at the Gurdwara will be closed on Thursday 6th November for the whole day.
The closure has become necessary, to enable concrete vehicles to continually make their delivery for Phase 2 Development. The amount of concrete needed for the stage that has been reached in the construction, means, that the closure of the car park cannot be avoided.
The inconvenience that will be experienced by the congregation and other visitors to the Gurdwara is much regretted.

4.   Hounslow Borough Police
Many would have seen a recent BBC documentary or read about it in the press, about the racist behaviour of police officers at a training establishment. Although the officers were not from the Metropolitan Police Area, the shocking revelations have undermined much effort, that had been put into improving relations between the ethnic communities and the police force.
There is obvious concern within the Sikh community, further compounded by events portrayed in a BBC drama involving Sikhs. In this respect, helpful observations, from the Hounslow Borough Police Commander, have been submitted.

5.   Diversity Day - Young Offenders Institute (YOI) in Feltham
As part of the Prison Service Diversity week, Feltham RESPECT group held a Diversity celebration day at Young Offenders Institute in Feltham, on Thursday 23rd October 2003.
Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha were represented at the invitation of Nick Pascoe, YOI Governor. At the start of the proceedings, a minutes silence was observed, led by one member from the three faiths represented, Christian, Islam and Sikh.
There were stalls and displays from different faiths and from various charity bodies. Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha too had a stall and displays, which were visited by many attendees. Various leaflets and booklets exhibited generated much interest. Material for distribution was soon disseminated amongst the many enthusiasts.
Food and music also helped to add to the diverse and rich flavour present, serving to strengthen the bond of understanding between the diverse communities present.
Our sincere congratulations go to the Prison Service, YOI and its Governor and Feltham RESPECT, for this bold and welcome initiative.

6.   Annual Sponsored Walk
A brief update on the continuing financial gain from the 14th Annual Sponsored Walk held on Sunday 21st September. When going to press, the sum collected had reached £26k, which easily beat the previous highest. As all collections from the sponsored walk participants have not yet been received, the final figure will surely rise and perhaps even reach £30k.
Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha is indeed indebted to Jagjit Singh Sihra and his organisation team.

Aug 2003                                                    top of page

Gurdwara’s Phase 2 Development
As agreed in last months Phase 2 Development Report, an update is provided on page 8. Although there has not been any significant change since last month, it is felt that it is important to maintain this important dialogue, by keeping everyone informed.

The Executive Committee’s desire to involve many of the users and service providers in the provision of the new facilities, it has been decided to form a "Gurdwara Users and Service Providers Committee". Mohinder Singh Mand, Gurdwara Holding Trustee, has kindly agreed to chair this important Committee, which it is hoped, will provide vital input into identifying their immediate and long term needs. This should ensure that the users and service providers will be effective in carrying out their different responsibilities, promptly after the completion of the development. Membership of this Committee is listed on page 9.

Preparing for Phase 2 Development
To allay all concerns, all preparatory work to accommodate Panjabi and other classes within the main building , on the second floor, has been completed on time. The classes for the Autumn Term will begin as planned. Details on the start dates for the new term and the venue for different education classes is set out on pages 12 and 13.

It is important to note that the old annexe building will not be available for further use, prior to its demolition for phase 2 development.

Sponsored Walk 2002 - Sunday 15 September
This annual event will take place on Sunday 15 September, starting at 10.00am. (See page 11 for details).

Through much effort from Jagjit Singh Sirha, Sponsored Walk Organiser, ably supported by his colleagues, much interest and excitement has been generated in this years event. This is reflected in Zee TV, local Panjab Radio and Dhesi Radio stations covering the event live.

To maintain the momentum and enthusiasm that has been infused by Jagjit Singh Sirha, all able bodied people (young and old) are requested to take up the challenge and participate in this regular annual event. Registration forms are available from Jagjit Singh Sirha or his aide, who are daily present in the Gurdwara foyer,

Also, if you feel you could help in the organisation, including marshalling on the day, please leave your name and contact number in the Gurdwara office.

Hounslow Borough Association of Disabled People
To celebrate culture diversity, Hounslow Borough Association of Disabled People is working with this Gurdwara in bringing communities together in October 2002. Congregation members are requested to attend, bringing much pleasure and satisfaction to the Association members.

Letter from the organisers, with event details, is reproduced on page 10.

Wellington Arch - Sikh Contribution to the two world wars
In case there are those who may not be aware, an exhibition "From Jawans to Generals - Loyal Allies, Proud Britons" is being held at Wellington Arch from 2 May to 3 November 2002.

The exhibition illustrates the contribution of Sikh Soldiers during the two world wars and explores the origins of the Anglos-Sikh relationship through photographs, archive video footage and replica costumes. A programme of gallery talks and swordsmanship demonstrations had also been taking place at the Arch, in connection with the exhibition.

Events and Gallery Talks to come:
Free Demonstration of Sikh Swordsmanship (Saturday 7 September at 1.00pm)
Sikh martial arts, gatka, appeared in the Indian sub continent about 1200 years ago and was introduced into Sikhism in about 1600 AD. Gatka has been used by the Sikhs for defending their religious beliefs and other defenceless oppressed communities.

Central to the art of Gatka is the warrior saint philosophy of the Sikh faith, which promotes the balance of spiritual and physical power. It is this philosophy which lies behind the legendary martial prowess of the Sikhs.

Encounters with the Sikhs (Wednesday 18 September at 1.00pm) by Lt Col Robin Schlaefli of the Sikh Brigades Association recalls his times with the Sikh Machine gun battalion in Burma.

The Forgotten Epic of Saragarhi (Wednesday 9 October at 1.00pm) by Harbinder Singh Rana, relating the tale of one of the bravest actions in the annals of world military history.

Those who have not visited the exhibition should do so before it closes in November.

Faith in London - On Line Touch Screen Kiosk
In partnership with Faith in London, On-Line Kiosk is being installed in the Gurdwara foyer. The object of this is to provide easy and user friendly access to an extensive and regularly updated web-based database of learning and training opportunities currently available locally and regionally, particularly, in a faith sensitive environment and also in mainstream London institutions. Database will be in eight languages, including Panjabi, and will be searchable by geographical area, preferred language and type of course.

The On-Line Kiosk is expected to be installed in September. It is hoped it will be of benefit to skill-poor unemployed and under-employed members of the community.

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