Guru Nanak Foundation of America

Transcription

1 Sandesa smdysw Y O U R C O N N E C T I O N T O G N F A Issue 2 October 2009 Guru Nanak Foundation of America The Path Guru Nanak travelled all over the country, He raised his voice against social evils He held a mirror to the society, To help them see and rectify. He saw the pathetic state of women and said, Your existence depends on women You are conceived and born of woman, Why then condemn woman who is your mother? Guru Nanak s philosophy is simple Take care of small things and The great ones will follow suit Think only of reforming yourself, The others will learn from your example. After all, only a lit lamp can light another, An unlit lamp can spend a lifetime making efforts But will ultimately fail to achieve anything. You can give only that which you possess. Humility is the essence of all virtues, But, beware! The culprit bends double That is not humility. Nor is it virtue, which is only lip service and not genuine. He explained the true meaning of things, Renunciation is not running away From home and responsibilities, But living without avarice and attachment. - Excerpted from the book, "The Singer Divine by Satjit Wadva Important dates Guru Nanak Dev ji s Parkash Utsav Friday Oct 30, 2009 Sunday Nov 1, 2009 Monday Nov 2, 2009 Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's Shaheedi Gurpurab Tuesday Nov 24, 2009 PAATH COMPETITIONS Jaap Sahib Saturday Dec 19, 2009 UPCOMING EVENTS Cultural Program Saturday Nov 21, 2009 Fundraiser Saturday Dec 12, 2009 Inside this issue: From Chairman s desk 2 From Secretary s pen 3 By-Laws 6 Committee Reports 8 Proud Moments 10 Camp Sewa 11 Seminar 12 SHDF 14 Punjabi Poems/Articles 16 Seniors Trip 20 Ek Onkar made by GNFA kids Conserve Water 22 Passion for Justice 26 Sikh kids learn Chinese 28

2 Sandesa smdysw From the desk of the Chairman Dear GNFA Members: I want to take this opportunity to report to you the very encouraging progress we are making at GNFA. Your Board discussed preliminary ideas for a Five Year Plan. Issues we touched upon included an annual fundraising dinner, refinancing our current loan, preparing for a new Gurdwara building, a new building for the Khalsa school, and a charitable clinic, to name a few. The Finance committee is compiling the key ideas and will shortly present a draft proposal to the Board, so various activities can be prioritized and delivered in an orderly manner. We have no doubts that the entire Sangat is with us on all these projects. In the mean time, preparations for the fundraising dinner on December 12, 2009 are fully underway. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Dr. Darshan Singh Saluja. We have also established contact with several banks and are in active discussions to refinance the loan at improved terms. At a special meeting, the Board approved the proposed By-Laws and we are holding two town hall meetings in November and December to discuss the improvements with you. Please see that announcement in the newsletter and do plan to attend. We have received several requests to display Sikh history in the langar hall and are planning a multi-media display that will improve significantly upon the handful of pictures we used to have. If you would like to contribute a 50 inch TV, please do get in touch with me. Finally, we hope to finish remodeling the Langar hall in the very near future. We have received pledges for replacing the broken cabinets and also for tiles to be installed immediately in front of the cabinets. Kitchen expansion plans are also underway, and we hope to make significant headway in Nov and Dec. Please continue your contributions for these efforts. I am sure you will continue to support our Gurdwara enhancements as always. May Waheguru grant us all this Sewa. Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh Tejbir Singh Phool Chairman Sandesa Newsletter Staff Lisa Singh Arvinder Kaur Meeta Kaur Ravneet Singh Harsharan Kaur Sukhjeet Ahuja Atam Parkash Singh Special thanks to Bhai Harvinder Singh ji Ravinder Birgi for assistance in mailing WEB SITE Sandesa is published quarterly by Guru Nanak Foundation of America Old Columbia Pike Road, Silver Spring, MD newsgnfa@gmail.com 2

3 Issue 2 October 2009 From the Secretary s pen Gurdwara Sahib and Sadh Sangat These words look synonymous because Gurdwara Sahibs can not exist without Sadh Sangat and Sadh Sangat can not assemble and pray without Gurdwara Sahibs. Gurdwaras are run by the Sadh Sangat in the form of Gurdwara Committees which are elected and nominated by the members of the Sadh Sangat. We, the members of the current Gurdwara Committee, are grateful to the Sadh Sangat for their trust in us. Although our ultimate goal is to build a new building for Gurdwara Sahib, for the time being, we have to keep the existing building in good shape and working condition. With your blessings and support we have been able to give a fresh coat of paint to the Gurdwara Sahib building and renovated the bathrooms. The langar Hall got a new look with new carpet, runners and drywalls. The main hall got a new sound system which enables us to hear kirtan and other programs, being held in the main hall, from any where in the Gurdwara Sahib building. We want to emphasize here that all the above could not have been possible without the dedication, full support and generous donations from the Sadh Sangat. We have with us our Hazoori Ragi Jatha of Bhai Sahib Bhai Jagmohan Singh Ji, Bhai Sahib Harmohan Singh ji and Bhai Sahib Harvinder Singh ji who all have impeccable character and honesty. They all are well versed in gurbani and are very talented ragis. We hold three dewans on Sundays. First dewan starts at 6.00 AM with Sukhmani Sahib. The second dewan starts at 8.00 AM with Asa Di War till AM followed by tea break. The third dewan starts at AM with children s nitnem till noon when ragi jathas perform gurbani kirtan till 1.15 PM. On Wednesdays and Fridays we have kirtan dewans from 7.30 PM till 9.15 PM. Since the existing Kitchen is too small to handle the number of sewadars who help in preparing the langar for all dewans, we have finalized a plan to extend the Kitchen. The work will start very soon. We, once again, are thankful to the Sadh Sangat for their cooperation and support. We appreciate their love and dedication for Gurdwara Sahib without which we would not have been able to sit here together and listen to kirtan and discourses on Guru Nanak Dev Ji life whose Parkash Utsav Gurpurb will be celebrated on Friday, October 30 from 7.30 PM to 9.30 PM, on Sunday Nov 1 st in all dewans and Monday Nov 2 nd in the evening dewan from 7.30 to 9.00 PM followed by Fire Works at 9.30 PM. Congratulations to all of you from all of us on this auspicious day. Surjit Singh Secretary, GNFA 3

4 Guru Nanak Foundation Of America old columbia pike, silver spring, Md BieAw AnMd jgqu ivic ] kil qwrx guru nwnk AwieAw] guru ipari swd smgq ji, vwihguru ji kw Kwlsw ] vwihguru ji ki Pqih ] Awp ji num ieh jwx ky AiqAMq KuSI hovygi ik swihb sri guru nwnk dyv ji dy prkws purb dy idhwvy qy guru nwnk PwaUNfySn AwP AmrIkw vlon ies mhwn purb qy gurduarw swihb ivky bvy SrDw qy ipawr siqkwr sihq hyt ilky progrwm Anuswr mnwieaw jw irhw hy[awp sb swdsmgq num bynqi kiqi jwdi hy ik ienhw swry divwnw qy phumc ky guru mhwrwj ji diaw KuSIAW prwpq kro ji [ Sukrvwr 30 AkqUbr 2009 ArMB sri AKMf pwt Am Swm dw divwn qon 9-30pm AYqvwr 1 nvmbr 2009 Bog sri AKMf pwt Am pwt sri sukmni swihb Am kirqn Awsw di vwr BweI jgmohn ismg hrmohn ismg ji qon Am niswn swihb dy coly di syvw Am inqnym Aqy kirqn GNFA bcy qon pm kirqn BweI jgmohn ismg hrmohn ismg ji qon 12-45m lykcr sr: mnmohn ismg ji qon 1-00 pm kirqn BweI AMgpwl ismg ji qon 1-45 pm smwpqi m gurpurb vwly idn somvwr 2 nvmbr 2009 svyry sri Awsw ji di vwr qon 7-30Am ivsys kirqn drbwr Swm qon 9-00pm kirqn iesqri siqsmg, kirqn BweI AMgpwl ismg ji kirqn BweI jgmohn ismg ji hrmohn ismg ji NOTE:- There will be a special FIRE WORKS at GNFA grounds November 2, 2009 at 9-30pm sharp. guru nwnk dyv ji mhwrwj ji dy prkws purb di KuSI ivc guruduawrw swihb GNFA ivky nvmbr 2, 2009 num rwq 9-30 vjy ivsys AwqSbwjI dw prbmd kiqw igaw hy[awp sb num bynqi kiqi jwdi hy ik humhumw ky phumco Aqy ivsys progrwm dw AnMd mwxo ji hor jwxkwri grurduawrw swihb surjiq ismg sk~qr qyjbir ismg cyarmyn

5 Guru Nanak Foundation Of America old columbia pike, silver spring, Md BieAw AnMd jgqu ivic ] kil qwrx guru nwnk AwieAw] bhaeiaa ana(n)dh jagath vich kalithaaran gur naanak aaeiaa The world filled with joy because Guru Nanak came to give deliverance to the Kalyug. Guru Pyari Sadh Sangat Ji, Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh. We are pleased to announce that Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji s Parkash Utsav is being celebrated at Gur Nanak Foundation of America as per following program. We request you all to attend all the Diwans and be the benefactor of Waheguru s blessing. Friday 30 th October 2009 Arambh Sri Akhand Path :00AM Evening Diwan :00PM to 9:30PM Sunday 1 st November 2009 Bhog Sri Akhand Path sahib AM Path Sri Sukhmani Sahib AM Kirtan Asa-di-war Bhai Jagmohan Singh Harmohan Singh- 8:00AM to10:00 AM Nishan Sahib Chola Seva :30AM Nitnem & Kirtan by GNFA Kids :30AM to PM Kirtan Bhai Jagmohan Singh Harmohan Singh ---12:00 to 12:45PM Lecture Bhai Manmohan Singh :45 PM to 1:00 PM Kirtan Bhai Angpal Singh :00 PM to 1:45 PM Samapti :45PM Gurpurab Day Monday 2 nd November 2009 Asa-di-war :00AM to 7:30AM Special Kirtan Darbar Evening :00PM to 9:00PM Kirtan Istri Satsang Kirtan Bhai Angpal Singh Kirtan Bhai Jagmohan Singh Harmohan Singh Sunday and Monday diwans will be Webcast on NOTE:- There will be a special FIRE WORKS at GNFA grounds November 2, 2009 at 9:30PM sharp. For further Information Gurudwara Sahib Surjit Singh, General Secretary Tejbir Singh, Chairman

6 Sandesa smdysw Committee Reports Dharmik Committee GNFA's High-Five program has set the goal that by the time of high school graduation, our youth should be able to do paath of all five banis by memory. To facilitate this, the dharmik committee regularly holds paath recital competitions for youth, ages 5 and above. All those participating are awarded trophies. Increased participation of youth in all age groups is strongly encouraged. Congratulations to all taking part! Keep up the commendable effort. Paath recital results: Sohila Sahib and Tav Prasad Savaiye: (August 8, 2009) Outstanding: Simrana Singh (5-7 yrs ), Amrita Kaur (8-10 yrs.), Jaskeerat Kaur (11-14 yrs.), Gurleen Kaur (!5 yrs. & up) Exemplary: Ansch Singh and Prabh Simran Singh (5-7 yrs.), Amrita Kaur Sawhney (8-10 yrs) Excellent: Jastej Singh and Seetal Kaur (5-7 yrs.), Jasneer Kaur (8-10 yrs), Kiranjyot Kaur (11-14 yrs.), Harleen Kaur(15 yrs.& up) Participation:Harneer Kaur, Karina Kaur and Prabhangad Singh (5-7 yrs.), Chetveer Singh (11-14 yrs.),harneet Kaur (15 yrs.& up) Amolak Singh (9-12 yrs.), Prabjit Singh (13-15 yrs.), Amitoj Singh (16 yrs.& up) Exempary: Prabhsimran Singh, Seetal Kaur and Ansch Singh Sahni (5-8 Yrs.), Amrita Kaur, Jaskirat Kaur,Mehar Cheema and Hargeet Kaur (9-12 yrs.), Navneet Kaur (13-15 yrs.), Harleen Kaur and Kiranjyot Kaur (16 yrs. & up) Excellent: Mani Kaur, Mohan Singh, Tudhjot Kaur, Simarna Singh and Jastej Singh (5-8 yrs.), Jasneer Kaur and Harleen Kaur (9-12 yrs.), Japsimran Kaur (13-15 yrs.), Participation: Ashley Kaur, Harsimar Ahuja, Navkaran Singh, Jay Angad Singh, Gurdas Singh, Sukhmani Kaur, Jasleen Kaur, Karina Kaur, Harbani Kaur, Udaibir Singh, Kavi Singh, Kabir Singh, Vir Singh, Jasleen Kaura and Harleen Kaur Angel (5-8 yrs.). Armanya Kaur, Simrat Kaur,Jasjot Kaur, Rabir Singh and Kismish Gupta (9-12 yrs.), Jay Singh and Japjyot Singh (13-15 yrs.) Upcoming Paath Recital: Jaap Sahib. December 19, 2009 Bylaw Committee The Board discussed the final draft of the By Laws on September 28, It approved the document with minor changes but recommended a major change, i.e. decrease the total number of trustees to 21 from 31.All the changes have been discussed by the committee in its meeting on October 10, The document will be sent to the members of the General Body. Town Hall meetings are scheduled for the following dates: Nov. 8 and Dec. 6. Tentatively, a General.Body meeting is scheduled for Jan 17, 2010 to give the final approval. Finance Committee The Income / Expense statement for the period of Jan 09 to Sept 09 is being presented on the next page. Our year end target is to raise $175, to pay down mortgage. To meet this target, we will be having Fundraiser on December 12th, 2009, 7:30PM at Four Corner Sheraton, New Carrollton, MD. Japji Sahib Paath Recital: (September 26, 2009) Outstanding: Sanjam Singh (5-8 yrs.), 6

7 Income and Expense by month January 2009 September 2009 Jan-09 Feb-09 Mar-09 Apr-09 May-09 Jun-09 Jul-09 Aug-09 Sep-09 Income $ 25, $ 25, $ 24, $ 25, $ 39, $ 30, $ 22, $ 51, $ 33, Expense $ 25, $ 28, $ 45, $ 31, $ 53, $ 32, $ 26, $ 28, $ 31, $60, $50, $40, $30, $20, $10, $- Jan-09 Feb-09 Mar-09 Apr-09 May-09 Jun-09 Jul-09 Aug-09 Sep-09 Income Expense Expense Expense % age Gurdwara Committee 64.15% Building Maintenance Committee 7.41% Membership Committee 6.64% Langar Committee 6.11% Targeted Fundraising 4.35% Capital Projects 4.17% Education Committee 4.05% Dharmik Committee 1.94% News Letter Committee 0.52% Taxes 0.37% Other 0.29% Gurdwara Committee Building Maintenance Committee Membership Committee Langar Committee Targeted Fundraising Capital Projects Education Committee Dharmik Committee 7

8 Guru Nanak Foundation of America, Inc. Guru Nanak Foundation of America, Inc. (A Non-Profit Tax Exempt Religious Organization) (A Non-Profit Tax Exempt Religious Organization) Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Maryland U.S.A. Phone: Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Maryland U.S.A. Phone: Patrons: Surjit Singh Lamba, P.E. Baldev Singh Dr. Gurseva Singh Pabla Dr. Jasvinder Singh Sidhu Respected GNFA member: Gurdwara Committee Chairman Tejbir Singh Phool Secretary Surjit Singh Treasurer Kunwar Singh Goomer Public Relations Officer Ravinderjit Kaur Gill Member at Large Dr. Gurminder Singh Ahuja On behalf of the GNFA Board, we are pleased to inform you that the proposed Constitution and Bylaws have been approved by the Board for discussion at two Town Hall meetings scheduled for November 8, 2009, and December 6, 2009, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Please pick up a copy from the Treasurer s desk at the Gurudwara. A detailed version comparing the proposed draft with the existing Constitution and Bylaws can be found at our website. We will hold a General Body meeting on January 17, 2010 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to discuss and approve the draft. You are kindly requested to attend these meetings to learn more about the proposed changes and the improvements as summarized below. Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh Trustees: Parminder Singh Ahuja, CPA Dr. Harbhajan Singh Ajrawat Ravinder Singh Arneja Dr. Charanjit Singh Aulakh Sarabjit Singh Bakshi Daljit Singh Chhabra Rajinder Kaur Deol Dilawar Singh Dhatt Dr. Dharam Singh Dhindsa Ranvir Singh Floura Gurmeet Singh Grewal, P.E. Ravinder Kaur Malhi Dr. Pritam Singh Saini Dr. Darshan Singh Saluja Kamlesh Sardana Dr. Daljit Singh Sawhney Dr. Rajinder Singh Sidhu Amitoj Singh Harsharan G. Singh Surinder Singh, P.E. Surpal Singh Birgi Ranjit Singh Sran, P.E. Tejbir Singh Phool Rajindar Singh Sidhu Harnam Singh Arneja Chairman Coordinator By-Laws Committee Legal Counsel 1 Head Granthi (Priest) Bhai Jugmohan Singh In House Counsel Harnam Singh Arneja. Esq Membership Committee Ravinder S. Arneja Surpal Singh Birgi Kuljit Singh Gill Youth Committee Surpal Singh Birgi Jasmin K. Modi Amitoj Singh Finance & Resource Committee Dr. Darshan Singh Saluja Kamlesh Sardana Ravinder Singh Arneja Education Committee Gajinder Singh Dr. Gurminder S. Ahuja Ravinderjit Kaur Gill Harsharan G. Singh Satwant K. Tulsi 8

9 A brief history of proposed Constitution & Bylaws:

10 Proud Moments Youth DC Gatka Dal The youth DC Gatka Dal went to the 7 th Annual International Yudh Gatka Tournament held on Aug 29 th in Cateret, New Jersey. USA hosted this tournament for the first time, in its history. Teams from Toronto, California, New York and India participated in the event. The competition included fighting and spinning for both boys and girls in the age group of 14 and up. From our team there were three winners: Manpreet Singh : Men s Chakar spinning champion Ramneek Kaur : Women s Kirpan spinning runner up Japji Kaur: Women s fighting runner up/women14-17 kirpan spinning champion GNFA member elected Toastmasters Area Governor Dr Daljit Sawhney, President of GNFA Khalsa Toastmasters has been elected governor of Area 45, consisting of 6 clubs with a combined membership of 300 members. His responsibilities include coordinating area competitions and encouraging interclub activities. Toastmasters International is a world-wide organization, focusing on Public Speaking Skills of its members. Toastmasters International is celebrating its 85 th anniversary this year. 10

11 Issue 2 October 2009 GNFA camp teaches children about sewa GNFA Camp Sewa 2009 was the proud host to 43 kids ranging from the age of 7 to 15. A collaborative effort of the dharmik committee at GNFA and the Kaur Foundation gave the kids a unique experience. They participated in various activities based on the theme of sewa. The campers also discussed the concept of leadership visà-vis sewa, and how they must take the lead in their respective communities to inspire others to help each other. Each day of the week long camp focused on specific activities like helping bhai sahibs in folding the rumalas and packing them, cleaning out the garage and the various rooms in the gurudwara premises. The concepts of living green, hard work and community service were consistently driven home. The campers went on a field trip to the Baltimore Museum of Industry. The trip was thematically linked to the concept of hard work and honest living. The day started with breakfast and the children were then divided into age appropriate groups. The day was divided into discussions on leadership, games that inspired teamwork, gurmat vichar and learning of kirtan. But all work and no play makes for a dull day, so sports and free recreational time was incorporated in the day s activities. On Friday the the final day the campers conducted the main diwan in the evening. It was a proud moment for the parents and counselors to watch the kids perform kirtan and ardas. A special thanks to our dedicated counselors: Soni Sarin, Gurpreet Singh, Navneet Kaur. The parent volunteers include Harpreet Kaur, Ravinder Sawhney,Melissa, Mirin Kaur, Sarabjeet Kaur and Mr Bawa. The camp would not be a success without the hard work and commitment of these wonderful volunteers. A special thanks to our wonderful Bhai Sahibs for their continued commitment to our Article by: Arvinder K. Goomer 11

12 GURU SIKH, GURU KHALSA AND GURU GOBIND SINGH JI As part of Guru Nanak Foundation of America (GNFA) Gurudwara s continued effort to educate and enlighten the community on Sikhism and Sikh affairs, S. Gurbakhash Singh Dhillon hosts several education seminars throughout the year. The second speaker was Dr. Rashpal Singh Aujla, a longtime community leader, who took a different approach to explaining his interpretation of the Ardas, followed by another perspective on the day s topic. The latest seminar, which took place Saturday, August 15, focused on the topic "Guru Sikh, Guru Khalsa and Guru Gobind Singh Ji." The event began with Ardaas by GNFA's Bhai Jagmohan Singh Ji, and was followed by welcoming remarks by Mr. Dhillon, who served as the moderator, and began by introducing Gurshaan Singh, who offered a unique and personal interpretation of the Ardas. Dr. Amarjit Singh, a spokesperson for the Sikh Youth of America and human rights, as well as the editor of the weekly newspaper Chardi Kala, then spoke on the topic, offering tremendous insight into the history and unique aspects of Guru Sikhs and Guru Khalsas and how they are related. 12 I was very pleased with the event and the turnout, and I want to thank our esteemed speakers on a wonderful job in explaining today s topic, and a special thanks to the young man, Gurshaan Singh, for explaining his interpretation of Ardas, said Mr. Dhillon. We will continue to offer these seminars because they provide a deeper glimpse into Sikhism and give insight on issues and topics that give a true appreciation of the history of Sikhism, Mr. Dhillon added. Gurshaan Singh The speaker presentations were followed by a question and answer session that engaged the audience with the speakers, and gave them an opportunity to further elaborate on their answers. Dr. Amarjit Singh GurbaknTm[C /P <G Mr. Dhillon informed the congregation that the next educational seminar will be held in November 2009.

13 Issue 2 October 2009 It can be done if we commit Little efforts If we all took care and ensured that the entire sadh sangat is served langar first. And if anyone would like to take langar home, they waited to make sure that langar does not run short for those present in the gurudwara. If we all considered other forms of offerings when celebrating special occasions, rather than only bring rumalas. For example, our gurudwara building needs different kinds of maintenance, and we collectively as its sadh sangat contributed to making it more hospitable. If the sadh sangat had less distractions from the opening and closing of the exit door from the women s side, the noise disturbance would be cut down in the main hall during the diwans. Readers Comments & Suggestions...big rewards We would like to hear from Sangat. Kindly provide us with your comments and suggestions. Errata (July 2009 issue of Sandesa) 1. The list of bylaws committee members should have included the name of Karam Singh Dhillon. Sandesa staff regrets the error. 2. Dr.G.S.Mann (Sikh Heritage Week article) is the Director of the Center for Sikh and Punjabi Studies at the University of Califor nia, Santa Barbara. 3. The article "Ik Din Guru Nanak Dev ji Naal Kartarpur Vakhay" was compiled by Ravneet Singh Chadha. 4. The Memorial Day Youth Kirtan Sammelan at GNFA will be held on Saturday, May 29,

14 Sandesa smdysw Our Common Future The trio of recent inventions, the personal computer, the mobile phone and the internet, has fundamentally changed the way the world conducts its business. There are several examples illustrating that an innovative, well educated person can grow a large business sitting in a garage with a laptop, a cell phone and a tiny amount of capital. Unlike the past, such success transcends geographic locations and does not require connections well established, large companies. Interestingly, India too has become a land of such uncaged entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, a significant segment of the youth in Punjab, even the bright and meritorious ones, cannot benefit from this historic opportunity. Why? Because, for them, higher professional education, a pre-requisite, is simply not affordable: its costs are skyrocketing while family incomes are stuck around the poverty line. They find painful pressures of poverty overwhelming and are frustrated and angry. Some of them tend to drift towards drugs and crime. As a result, our community image takes a hit and the Khalsa concept of Chardi kala is undermined. With the support of the Sadh Sangat, the Sikh Human Development Foundation (SHDF) started addressing this serious problem in Since then it has annually provided need-based scholarships (average cost: $400 per student per year) to an everincreasing number of meritorious and needy professional degree course students in Punjab and neighboring areas. SHDF has already given scholarships to one thousand one hundred students. Some 300 students have already completed their education and found jobs in multinational and Indian organizations. These scholarships have not only brightened the lives of the scholarship recipients; they have also brightened the lives of their families and raised the overall status of the community. The beneficiary students (more girls than boys and more students from villages than cities) include orphans, wards of widows, terminally sick parents, drivers, homebased female tailors, domestic servants, village Gurdwara sevadars, milkmen, agricultural laborers, marginal farmers, pensioners and others, all with a per capita family income of less than a dollar a day. The SHDF would like to award 450 scholarships this year. In order to accomplish that, they need to raise $200,000. The SHDF appeals to each and every member of Sadh Sangat to consider donating for this cause. by Amar Jit Singh Sodhi These bright but underprivileged youth in Punjab are our own kids; these are Guru Gobind Singh Ji s kids. We have a common future with them. Therefore, we must help them out. This is the Sikh spirit of vand chhakna and sarbat da bhalla. Dr. Pavanjit Kaur Sawhney, Neurologist. Committed to building grass roots contacts with scholarship recipients, and learning about their aspirations and challenges. (From l. to r.) Gurvendra S. Suri, CEO, Optimal Solutions Integration,Inc., Amar Jit Singh Sodhi, Chairman, SHDF, Dr.Ken S. Bajaj,Chairman and CEO, SystemsNET at SHDF fundraiser. 14

15 Issue 2 October 2009 Swfw swjw BivK syl Pon Aqy ientrnyt dy nvy Xug ivc auc ividaw prwpq log krovw rupey kmw rhy hn[ pr APsos Awpny pmjwb ivc hjwrw bcy AwrQIk ktnweiaw krky, auc ividaw vwsqy motiaw PIsW nhi Br skdy[ ies lei mwxusi, FYNdI klw, frgj Aqy nsy dw iskwr bn rhy hn[konm dw BivK fwvwfol hy[ ieh swfy b~cy hn[ ieh swfi kom dy b~cy hn[ ieh guru goibmd ismg ji dy b~cy hn[gudviaw ivc Cupy hoey lwl hn[ smgq dy Xogdwn nwl isk ihxumn fvvylpmynt PwaNfySn eysy bicaw nmu 9,900 vjipy vmf cuki hy[ 300 bicaw ny ifgriaw ly ky fwktr, ienjiniar ieiqawdi bn ky Awpny pirvwrw num AgHW vdw rhy hn[ FYNdI klw, cvhdi klw ivc bdl rhi hy [ ies swl 450 vjipy dyn lei do lk fwlr di skq lov hy[ swd smgq ji, audwrqw BrpUr fonysn isk ihxumn fvvylpmynt PwaNfySn nmu jldi Byjo ji[ieh bcy aumid lwei byty hn[ ies swl 450 vjipy dyn lei do lk fwlr di skq lov hy[ swd smgq ji, audwrqw BrpUr fonysn isk ihxumn fvvylpmynt PwaNfySn nmu jldi Byjo ji[ieh bcy aumid lwei byty hn[ Manpreet Kaur B. Sc. (Nursing) Student "My financial condition is not very good...my parents earn their livelihood from tailoring and can't afford fees for my professional course. My admission fees have been provided by my relatives. I will be thankful for this scholarship for the rest of my life...my goal is to become a successful nurse and serve humanity." Amarjit singh Sodhi with students & Parents 15

16 guru nwnk dyv ji guru nwnk is~k Drm dw bwni s~b dw ipawrw hy ki ihmdu ki muslmwn auh s~b di A~K dw qwrw hy pivaw nhin DuroN hi pivhaw s~b num Es pvhwieaw iv~dvdqw aus di swry mmndy kihmdy swjw BweIcwrw GMum-GuMm duniaw A~ikAw nw hi id~qy s~b aupdys AmIr nw grib nw jwq pwq dw swjw isrjxhwrw guru nwnk s~c Drm dw bwni s~cw prym pujwri s~co aury s~b ko apr s~c Awcwr dw isrjxhwr s~c qw pr jwxiey jy irdy s~cw hoey nwnk dw aupdys s~c hi jivn jwc ieh jivn dw praukwr guru nwnk is~k Drm dw bwni s~b dw ipawrw hy ki ihmdu ki muslmwn auh s~b di A~K dw qwrw hy guru nwnk is~k Drm dw bwni s~b dw ipawrw hy ki ihmdu ki muslmwn auh s~b di A~K dw qwrw hy inmrqw swjivwlqw prym mhu~bq nwnk di s~ci Dwrw prwieaw h~k nw Kwx lei AwpxI bwxi iv~c PurmwieAw ikrq krni ikrswxi krni in~bxw s~b s~b dy nwl rwjy SINh muk~dm ku~qy AmIr grib dw prbdgwr guru nwnk num jp ky s~jnw qyrhw-qyrhw bol qyrhw-qyrhw bol h~k prwieaw nwnkw aus suar au~s gwie di llkwr guru nwnk is~k Drm dw bwni s~b dw ipawrw hy ki ihmdu ki muslmwn auh s~b di A~K dw qwrw hy swji myhnq di grmi BweI lwlo dw cmqkwr ie~k h~q Kun iek h~q du~d ikrqi dw snmwn hy hoei Bgvwn hy koei ienswn A~lw qon inawrw hy guru nwnk is~k Drm dw bwni s~b dw ipawrw hy ki ihmdu ki muslmwn auh s~b di A~K dw qwrw hy guru nwnk Xu~g purs smwijk krmqi dw prcwirk ienklwbi dwrsink ivigawni bvw hi s~icawr DrqI hor pry hor hor il~k id~qw ieh AwdyS A~j dy ivigawnie soco ieh guru nwnk ilkxhwr DrqI diaw cwli BYxw A~j dy ivigawni KoijAw ivcwiraw nwnk khy nw jmglw nw byilaw ivc r~b num pwauxw khy nwnk r~b qw mmn ivc v~jdw s~b dw krqwr gir~sqi hy smd--- guru dw gir~sqi hy smdys gir~sqi. AOrq dw mukwm hy aucw kro nw koei ienkwr guru nwnk di bwxi num ijs KoijAw, pivaw qy sqkwiraw guru nwnk dw siqkwr guru nwnk num inmskwr inmskwr guru nwnk is~k Drm dw bwni s~b dw ipawrw hy ki ihmdu ki muslmwn auh s~b di A~K dw qwrw hy rwjy rwxy num jnm idmdi nw hi koei Byd Bwv guru nwnk dw P~lsPw AOrq dw kro siqkwr guru nwnk is~k Drm dw bwni s~b dw ipawrw hy ki ihmdu ki muslmwn auh s~b di A~K dw qwrw hy -mihmdr ismg pnysr 16

17 nwnk qyri v~fi Swn siqgur nwnk ipawry r~b Awp vi h~kw b~kw hoieaw jdon hor vfyrw hoieaw nwnk sb hy ieko mwdy di rcnw qynum hr mn ic~q icqwry AwKy ipkr nw kro myry BweI s~cy di BgqI iv~c KoieAw nwnk sbnw dw rup hoieaw aus di klpnw jo qum kiqw mnu~kqw dy lei mynum iek g~l cyqy AweI l~gw ipr krny sody s~cy sbnw ivc aus di vrqnw swri duniaw qyry qy bilhwry [ pws byty nwnk ji num bulwieaw Bojn KuAwieAwsMqW B~uKy kro swry aus di ismrnw AwE myry pws ipawry kihx lgw Gr idaw qwein ies iv`c hy sb dw kilawn jdon DrqI qy zulm si m~ilaw id~qi AsIs qy hukm PurmwieAw kro in~q Drm di kmwei ieho hy aus s~cy dw Purmwn igaw DrqI qon nw JilAw DrqI qy A~j julm hy CwieAw ies iv~c vwdw hy ipawry iesy lei aus(nwnk) sdvwieaw rondi rhi iek~li qyri hux duniaw num lov hy imty Bu~K qy hovx vwry inawry [ ibkry mnw num ijs isdy rwh pwieaw[ imilaw nw koei smgi qum hi hux bmdi CoV hy kro ie~k r~b dw mwn tu~ty sb shwry[ jwe nwnk ipawry [ kro gribw di syvw dyvo hr ie~k num dwn kro kil dy pwr auqwry [ ieh hy sbqon v~fw myvw auto Blky kro iesnwn jdon surj ny DrqI num rondy q~ikaw kyr kyr hmju auh vi QikAw c~ly nw koei vwh ruky ny swry rwh BwauNdy BwauNdy aus iek`ty kiqy cmn qy qwry [ sbnw ieh g~l ivcwri lyky hukm Kudw dw nwnk iv~c qlvmfi AwieAw cmki ipr pmjwb di DrqI ijvyn nvw surj cvh AwieAw bxky vir nwnki dw mwqw iqrpqw di ku~k num Bwg lwieaw jdon hoieaw nwnk jrw aumr vfyrw mwipaw pvhny skul ibtwieaw [ pwe ies num myry vir is~di hoju hr qkdir [ lyky nwl bwlw mrdwnw igaw nwnk hr iek Drm AsQwnW imilaw is~dw-igaw hrduawr pwr kry swgr AryibAw, kiqw m~ky dw didwr [ sbnw num ieh gl smjwei kro mn~ukqw di syvw ismro aus dw nwm iqawgo moh lob AhMkwr fu~ibaw byvw hosi pwr [ AMq bwby sb num PurmwieAw jpo s~cy dw nwm ipawry hoky ie~k mn ic~q ho irhwhy zulm BwrI v~s kuj c~ly nw soc soc Akl vi hwri iek~ty ho swry pu~jy r~b dy duawry [ vyk sb num r~b vi GbrwieAw aus swry dyvi dyviqaw num pws bulwieaw hux lgi mjils BwrI sb dy mnw l~gi KuAwrI A~j ki ieh Bwxw hoieaw rovy eyh DrqI rox cmd surj qy qwry [ jdon suxi pukwr aunhw AwKy mu~lw AwKo Al& bolwgw qw jy dso ies dw mqlb mu~lw ji num hux py igaw vkq kihx l~igaw ieh Sigrd hy bvw skq nwnk ipr mu~lw num AwKy Al& dw ArQ hy r~b ie~ko Awpy mulw bvw hoieaw hyrwn AwKy ieh bwlk hy bvw ivdvwn [ m~ulw ieh g~l mwipaw pujwei ieh rog nw vs myry BweI ieh bwlk hy drgwhon pivaw ies A~gy nw koei ielm AiVAw sbnw dw mwlk ie~k guswei koei aus num AwKy A~lHw koei aus num AwKy ivsnum B~lw dovyn ny nwm ieko dy BweI Prk nw hy ies iv~c kwei [ Brm BulyKy qusin C~fo ie~k scy dy ip~cy lgo aus ricaw sb num ieko swr auh sbnw dw prvridgwr DrqI hy sb di mwqw ies qon hor nw koei igawqw ijvyn pvx pwxi bysmqr ienhw iv~c nw koei Byd qy AMqr [ jnm hosi splw, smudr hosi Biv~K ies iv~c sb dw kilawn ki rmk qy rwjwn iqawgo Bwgo di roti bxo lwlo dy mihmwn ieh mmg kry swri isrsti ieho mmgy Bgvwn jo kuj kiqw nwnk mnu~kqw dy lei AsIN jweiey aus qy kurbwn nwnk qyrw dr hy v~fw hy v~fi qyri Swn [ - fw: hrbjn ismg bfvwl 17

18 Akwl purk di eykqw Aqy BgqI - siqmdrpwl ismg kpur smjwieaw hy: sri guru grmq swihb dy AwrMB ivc mul mmqr dy ky guru nwnk dyv ji ny is~ki isdwq, Akwl purk di eykqw Aqy BgqI dy isdwq num <>siqnwmu krqw purku inrbau inrvyru] Akwl muriq AjUnI sybm gur prswid] jpu] Awid scu jugwid scu hy BI scu nwnk hosi BI scu] Akwl purk sdivi vwsqivk zhur hyaqy aus dw nwm vi sdw rihx vwlw hy[ Akwl purk prikrqi dw rcxhwr hy Aqy hr vsqu aus qon auqpmn hoei hy[ auh Awpxy prkws lei Awp smrq hy[ Akwl purk iksy fr Aqy vyr ivrod qon rihq hy[ auh iksy jnm mrn dy c~kr ivc nhin AwauNdw[ aus dw AnuBv guru di ikrpw nwl hi humdw hy[ guru Akwl purk ivc AByd hoieaw humdw hy[ guru nwnk dyv ji dsdy hn: hy jigawsu (Bwv Awqmk rwh dy KojI), aus Akwl purk vwihguru dw nwm jp qw hi aus vwihguru nwl AByd ho pweyngw[ Akwl purk dw AnuBv, iek idrsti Aqy brhm igawnqw di AvsQw Xw aus num AMqr Awqmy ivc AnuBv krnw hi vwsqv ivc Afol AvsQw hy[ jo ivakqi ies mwrg auqy cldy hn, aunhw num Akwl purk di hond hr ivakqi Aqy jia jmq ivc nzr AwauNdI hy[ guru nwnk dyv ji PurmwauNdy hn: Kwilk Kilk Kilk mih Kwilku, pur riha srb TweIMN] (pmnw 1350) smq qyjw ismg ji msquawxy vwilaw ny Awqm Koj dy mwrg qy c~lx vwilaw diaw cwr AvsQw drsweiaw hn: 1. indi 2. irdi 3. isdi 4. bu~di 1. indi: s~cy mwrg Aqy s~cy ihrdy nwl Awqm Koj dy rsqy auqy clx vwly jigawsu num ausqq Aqy duinawvi splqw kudrqi qor qy prwpq ho jwdi hy[ lok Aijhy ivakqi num Bgq di smigaw dyndy hn[ Awqmk Koj dy mwrg auqy ieh pihli pauvi hy[ jo ivakqi ies duinawvi ausqq num s~c mmn bytdy hn, auh AhMkwrI ho inbvdy hn Aqy Awqmk Koj dy rwh qon iqlk jwdy hn Aqy duji pauvi q~k vi nhin phumc skdy[ 2. irdi: jykr Awqmk Koj dw rwhi inmrqw Aqy hlimi nwl ieh smj ky qury ik duinawvi prsmsw Akwl purk di dyx hy Aqy aus dw nwm lyxw hi Asl mwrg hy qw duinawvi lok mwieaw Aqy hor BytwvW ly ky cvhwauxiaw AwrMB kr dyndy hn[ ieh irdi di AvsQw hy[ jy jigawsu ienhw BytwvW num duinawvi sukw lei vrqx l~g pvy qw ies mwrg qy rukwvtw AwauxIAW SurU ho jwxgiaw[ 3. is~di: jy jigawsu BytwvW Aqy mwieaw ivc Awp glqwx hoey ibnw aus num lok BlweI dy kwrjw lei vrqy qw smw pw ky auh isdi dy drjy qy phumc jwdw hy[ Aijhy ivakqi dy mumhon inkly bcn suqy isd purn hox lgdy hn[ lok Aijhy ivakqi pwson dwqw prwpq krn lei ArjoeIAW krdy hn[ jykr auh AwpxI isdi di qwkq nmu dwqw bkswx ivc guaw dyvy qw Aijhw ivakqi BgqI mwrg qon Btk jwdw hy[ auh AwpxI swri qwkq AYvyN hi guaw bytdw hy[ 4. bu~di: Awqmk Koj dw pwdi jy iehnw dwqw nmu smbwl ky rky qw Akwl purk di bkiss ho jwdi hy Aqy aus num Awqm q~q Bwv brhmmf di soji ho jwdi hy[ auh Akwl purk di hond hr ivakqi ivc AnuBv kr skdw hy[ Ies AvsQw dw izkr hi icaw guruaw Aqy pmdrw BgqW ny AwpxI bwxi rwhin sri guru grmq swihb ivc kiqw hy[ Bgq rwmw nmd ji num jdon ieh AvsQw prwpq hoei qw aunhw PurmwieAw: 18

19 rwmwnmd suawmi rmq brhm] gur kw scu kwty koit krm]3]1] (pmnw 1195) Bgq kbir ji num jdon ieh AvsQw prwpq hoei qw aunhw num Akwl purk di hond dw AnuBv hr ivakqi ivc hoieaw: Avil Alh nur aupwieaw kudriq ky sb bmdy] eyk nur qy sbu jgu aupijaw kaun Bly ko mmdy] (pmnw 1349) Bgq nwmdyv ji num l~gw ik sbnw ivc auh Akwl purk AQvw rwm hi bol irhw hy: sby Gt rwm boly rwmw boly] rwm ibnw ko boly ry]1] rhwau] eykl mwti kumjr citi Bwjn hy bhu nwnw ry] AsQwvr jmgm kit pqmgm Git Git rwmu smwnw ry]1] eykl icmqw rwku AnMqw Aaur qjhu sb Awsw ry] prxvy nwmw Bey inhkwmw ko Twkru ko dwsw ry]2] (pmnw 988) Bgq pipw ji num ieh AnuBv hoieaw qw auh kih auty: jo brhmmfy soei ipmfy jo KojY so pwvy] pipw prxvy prm qqu hy siqguru hoie lkwvy] (pmnw 695) jo ivakqi s~cy idl Aqy purn prym nwl prmwqmw di Koj SurU krdw hy, aus nmu suqy isd hi ieh rsqw iml jwdw hy Aqy aus num Awqm pd di prwpqi ho jwdi hy[ aus dw mn ivsmwd ivc Aw jwdw hy[ aus nmu swri mnukqw Awqmk BweIcwry dy BYx Brw lgx l~g pyndy hn[ ieho ijhy ivakqi di idrsti sm ho jwdi hy[ guru Arjn dyv ji Aijhy gurmuk di dsw ies qrhw bwxi ivc dsdy hn: ibsir gei sb qwiq prwei] jb qy swdsmgiq moih pwei]1]rhwau] nw ko byri nhi ibgwnw sgl smig hm kau bin AweI]1] jo prb kino so Bl mwine eyh sumiq swdu qy pwei]2] sb mih riv rihaw prb eyky pyik pyik nwnk ibgswei]3]8] (pmnw 1299) Akwl purk dw inrgux Aqy srgux srup: guru nwnk dyv ji Anuswr Akwl purk inrgux hy[ gurbwxi ny Akwl purk dy inrgux srup nmu hi svikwr kiqw hy[ inrgux rup Akwl purk aus AvsQw dw suck hy jdon aus ny Awpxy Awp num iksy srup ivc nhin si isrijaw[ is~d BwSw ivc ieh AvsQw sumn smwd AQvw qwvi lwaux vwli hy[ ieh isrsti rcnw AwrMB hox qon pihlw di hy[ ieh Akwl purk hi EAMkwr rup ivc isrsti dw rcxhwrw bxdw hy Aqy srb gux smpurn ho inbvdw hy[ guru nwnk dw Akwl purk iek AnuBv dw ivsw hy Aqy mnu~ki bu~di ies nmu lk nhin skdi[ guru goibmd ismg ji Anuswr ies dw igawn AnuBv prkws hy[ ies nmu SbdW ivc ibawn nhin kiqw jw skdw[ Akwl purk di eykqw (<>) dy smklp ivcon hi mnu~ki eykqw dw isdwq aupjdw hy[ jykr swri isrsti di auqpqi, ivkws Aqy smgwr dw somw iek hy qw aus num zwq, jnm, dys, boli Aqy nsl dy AwDwr qy ikvyn vmifaw jw skdw hy? guru grmq swihb dy pyrokwrw ny ies s~c num svikwiraw hy Aqy iesy krky auh Awpxy Awp nmu ihmdu, muslmwn, eiswei kihx di bjwey guru dy isk AKvwauNdy hn[ gurmiq ivcwrdwrw Anuswr mnu~k dy Aml hi aus num nic jw mhwn bxw skdy hn; jnm, zwq jw Drm nhin[ guru Arjn dyv ji ny iesy vwsqy Akwl purk dy nwm jpx Aqy inskwm kmm krn Aqy s~cy mwrg c~lx num hi auqm drjw id~qw hy: srb Drm mih sryst Drm] hir ko nwm jip inrml krmu] (pmnw 266) 19

20 supr tirp iesqri sqsmg vlon trwto knyfw dy guru DwmW di iqmn idnw Xwqrw ieh tirp 3 julwei 2009 num AwrMB ho ky 5 julwei num Kqm hoieaw [ ies dw nwm siinar istijn tirp rikaw igaw [ pr ies ivc swnum nojven qy bicaw di lov vi jruri si [ ijs qrhw smwn ivc mdd, bs qy auqrn cvhn lei mdd Aqy bjurgw lei Food service lei mdd Awid [ 3 julwei svyry 6 vjy swri smgq(xwqri) GNFA gurduawrw swihb phumc gey [ bs ivc XwqrIAW dw smwn, pwni, jus, kok PrUt Awid Aqy GrW qo jo Kwxw iqawr krky ilawdw igaw si rikaw igaw Aqy vfy BweI swihb hurw ny Ardws krky 6:30 svyry boly so inhwl dy jykwiraw nwl smgqw num guru DwmW dy drsnw lei rvwnw kiqw [ bibiaw dy j~qy ny sukmni swihb dy pwt AwrMB kiqy, AwdmIAW ny vi vwri idqi [ ipr j~puji swihb ji dy pwt, sv~xy, jwp swihb dy pwt kiqy [ ipr iek pwrk ivc auq~r ky jo kryly, AwlU, pronty, Acwr Aqy ctni, brpi kyk jo smgqw ny GrW qon ilawdw si lmgr C~ikAw, bvy ingy ipawr nwl lmgr di ispq krdy hoey, AwpxIAW glw mzwk krdy hoey, hsdiaw-hswaudiaw AnMd mwxdiaw smgqw bs ivc byt ky 3:30 vjy knyfw dw bwfr pwr krky inawgrw Pwl phumc geiaw [ Apxy grup bxw ky nwgrw Pwl dy njwry ley Aqy auqy hi Swm di cwh piqi [ bicaw dy grup nwl AimRq codri di fiauti si ik aus ny bicaw num sb kuj idkwieaw jo jo aunhw Kwxw si KuAwieAw [ ipr 6:30 vjy swfw j~qw hotl lei rvwnw hoieaw [ bs ivc bytidaw j~qy ny rihrws swihb ji dy pwt kiqy [ ipr AsIN rwq 10:15 immt qy Days Hotel & Confrence Toronto ivky phumc gey [aus tweim hotl dw kypytyriaw bmd ho cukw si pr Days hotel dy milk diipmdr ismg ivrk qy suirmdr ismg DwrIvwl hurw ny sohxw prbmd krwieaw hoieaw si [ kmry ssqy ikrwey qy iml gey si jo Awpxy irsqydwr sn [ aunhw ny kypytyriaw Kol ky Kwxy di QW qy myj-kursiaw lgw ky sb smgqw num Kwxw KuAw ky Kuly swp suqry kmiraw ivc jw ky Awrwm kiqw [ bicaw ny rwq num hi pul ivc noxw SurU kr idqw [ bicaw KUb enjoy kiqw [ keiaw dy irsqydwr hotl pihlw hi phumc hoey sn [ swfy iqmn cwr swqi cly gey [ pr dusry idn swri smgq iqawr hoky phumc gei [hyrwni di gl ieh si ik ifly m~ty rihx vwly vi qro qwjw, ikvy m~qy, cvdiklw ivc idkwei dy rhy sn [ koei iskwieq nhin si [ 1. GURDWARA ONTARIO KHALSA DABAR, DIXI ROAD swri smgq bs ivc byt ky gurduawrw ENtyrIE Kwlsw drbwr ifksi rof vl cl pey [ smgqw ny m~qw tyikaw, gurbwxi dw kirqn suixaw Aqy guru dy syvkw; grmqi gurmiq ismg ji, hyf grmqi hrbms ismg ji, Aqy rxxod ismg BMfyr cyarmyn plivmdr ismg hurw ny ji AwieAW AiKAw [ lmgr CkwieAw, cwh piqi, ipr gurduawrw swihb ipr ky srsn kiqy [ auh swnum dusry guru GrW dy drsnw lei iksy num swfy nwl Byjxw cwhumdy sn [ pr swfy nwl sivqri qnyjw hurw dw BqIjw cl ipaw jo auqy tronto rihmdw si [ aus di mdd nwl AsIN dusry guru Gr phumcy [ 2. GURDWARA SHAROMANI SIKH SAGAT, DUNWIN.. ieqon clky AsIN swry gurduawrw SromxI is~k smgq gey [ swfi smgq num aunhw syvwdwrw ny bvy ipawr dy nwl swry guru Gr dy drsn krvwey [ 3. INDIAN BAZAAR ipr swfi swri smgq ienfian bzwr phumci [ auqy smgqw ny Apxy Apxy Gr lei kuj igpt KrIdy, kpvy, jxulri, BWfy Awid [ qwjy qwjy P~l, golgpy, imitawei, cwt mmn-psmd diaw cijw KwdIAW, bjwr vyikaw Aqy guru Gr lei rvwnw ho gey [ 4. SRI GURU SINGH SABHA, MALTON iemfian bjwr qon cl ky AsIN gurduawrw ismg sbw mwltn phumcy[ auqon dy guru Gr dy syvwdwrw ny bvy ipawr nwl gurduawrw swihb dy drsn krvwey, lmgr CkwieAW Aqy cwh ipawei [ auqy ipmglvwvy dy drsn krvwey ijqon smgq ivcon mwieaw iek~ti krky AMimRqsr, pmjwb Byjdy hn [ cyarmyn BuipMdr ismg horw, syktri swihb Aqy hor pqvmqy sjx swnum bs qk rvwnw krn lei Awey [ 5. GURDWARA RAMGARHIA SABHA AsIN guduawrw rwmgviaw sbw di fryksn lei qw aunhw disaw ik Swm 6-30 Bog py jwdw hy [ syl Pon qy AsIN aunhw num roikaw ik AmrIkw qon gurduawrw swihb dy drsnw lei smgqw Aw rhiaw hn [ swfy phumcn qy aunhw vi swfw bhuq iejq mwx kiqw [ auqy aunhw disaw ik auqy ielyksn krky koei JgVy nhin humdy [ smgq di rwey guru dw hukm humdw hy [ suirmdr kor AwhlUvlIAw ny ikhw ik qusin gurduawry bhuq v~fy-v~fy bxwey hn, skul, lwiebryri vi hy [ Awey-gey vwsqy vi kmry bxvwe [ aunhw ikhw ik bwhron rwgi swihb Awky rihmdy hn[ asin hor vi kmry bxvw rhy hw [ swfy kol hor vi 20

21 jmin hy [AgoN quhwfi Skwieq dur kr idawgy [ rwmgviaw guru Gr dw rsqw dsx lei cyarmyn BuipMdr ismg hori bs ivc cvky Awey qy isdw rsqw dsky gey[ aunhw ny swnum svyry hotl ivc lmgr phmucwx dw vwadw vi kiqw[ 6. RAMGARHIA SIKH SOCIETY RIVALDA 8:30 AsIN guru Gr phumcy [ auqy aunhw ny swfy lei cwh imtwei dw prbmd kiqw hoieaw si Aqy swfw iemqjwr kr rhy sn [ aunhw diaw DrmpqnIAW, cyarmyn, hjuri rwgi, syktri swihb Aqy hor pqvmqy sjxw ny ji AwieAW AwiKAw nwl hi kwpi jwxkwri idqi [ swfi smgq ny guduawrw swihb dy drsn kiqy qy cwh C~k ky rsqy ivc rihrws swihb dw pwt krdy hoey hotl phumcy [ smgqw dy ichry qy KuSI si roxkw sn [ iksy ny vi ieh nhin ikhw ik AsIN Q~ky hw jw koei drd hy [ sgon KuS sn [ rwq smyn hotl ivc sb bibiaw ny iekti ho ky KUb cutkly, hwsy-mjwk kiqy [ KUb roxk lgwei [ pqw hi nw cilaw ik ikmnw tweim ho igaw [ 5 julwei svyry iesnwn krky pwt krky iqawr hoky sb ny kmiraw ivc hi Skrpwry, mtiaw kyk Awid dy nwl cwh dw AnMd ilaw [ jdon hotl dy dpqr ivc Awey qw smgqw lei cyarmyn BuipMdr ismg hurw dwl sbji, dhi pkoviaw vwlw, KIr, pronty grmw-grm lmgr sohxi qrw vfy-vfy fibaw ivc bmd kiqw hoieaw phumcw idqw [AsIN aunhw dy qih idlon DMnvwdI hw [smgq AmrIkw num 9:00 vjy svyry rvwnw hoei qy pwrk ivc Tihr ky lmgr KWdw [ ipr dusrw stya mykfonl qy kiqw Aqy cwh piqi [ bs ivc AWauNdI vwri prmjiq, mnjiq, minum isdu sb ny bvi roxk lgwei [ 9:00 vjy rwq GNFA guru Gr phumc gey [ smgq iemni KuS si, auh kih rhy sn imisz bwsi swl ivc do vwri tirp rikaw kro bhuq AnMd AieAw hy[ swfi swry guru GrW Agy bynqi hy ik AYsy prbmd vifaw lei bxwieaw krn [ ieh quhwfy mwpy AwpxI ijmdgi ivc isrp Awpxy hmaumrw ivc byt ky ijmdgi dw ikmnw AwnMd lyndy hn [ qusin soc vi nhin skdy ieh vykx vwly njwry humdy humdy hn [ idlw diaw imtiaw purwxiaw XwdW num qwjw krdy hn [ jo ik Awpxy bicaw, PYmlI nwl nhin kr skdy [ ipawri swd smgq ji, ieh bvw v~fw praupkwr hy [ swry guru GrW, knyfw, AmrIkw, AstRylIAw, iemfiaw swry smswr ivc ieh auprwlw krnw cwhidw hy [ guru nwnk PWauNfySn di iesqri sqsmg vlon sb dw DMnvwd [ 21

22 Sandesa smdysw Using Water Efficiently : Ideas for Residences Water is a valuable resource and should be used wisely. There are about one billion people in the world who do not have regular supply of safe drinking water. Efficient water use can have major environmental, public health, and economic benefits by helping to improve water quality, maintain aquatic ecosystems, and protect drinking water resources. By using water more efficiently and by purchasing more water efficient products, we can also help mitigate the effects of drought. Efficiency measures can also save the homeowner money on their water and sewer bill. Some measures to save water at home are: Bathroom uses about half of all water use: Do not let the water run while shaving, soaping, shampooing or brushing teeth. Take short showers instead of tub baths. If you must use a tub, fill the tub only half full. Bathe small children together. Never use your toilet as a waste basket. Kitchen and Laundry simple practices that save a lot of water: Wash fruits and vegetables in a basin. Use a vegetable brush. Do not use water to defrost frozen foods; thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Scrape, rather than rinse, dishes before loading into the dishwasher; wash only full loads. Wash only full loads of laundry. Equipment homes with high-efficiency plumbing fixtures and appliances save about 30% of indoor water use and yield substantial savings on water, sewer, and energy bills. Consider purchasing high-efficiency toilets, or place a plastic container filled with water in the tank of your conventional toilet. Be sure it does not interfere with operation of the toilet s flush mechanisms. Install low-flow faucet aerators and showerheads. A high efficiency washing machine which can save over 50% in laundry water and energy use. Repair all leaks. A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons per day. To detect leaks in the toilet, add food coloring to the tank water. If the colored water appears in the bowl, the toilet is leaking. Landscape Irrigation uses up to 75% in summer. During drought do not use water for lawn. Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of the day. (early morning is best). Do not water on windy days. Water trees and shrubs, which have deep root systems, longer and less frequently than shallow-rooted plants that require smaller amounts of water more often. Set sprinklers to water the lawn or garden only not the street or sidewalk. Use soaker hoses or trickle irrigation systems for trees and shrubs. Install moisture sensors on sprinkler systems. Use mulch around shrubs and garden plants to reduce Remove thatch and aerate turf to encourage movement of water to the root zone. Raise your lawn mower cutting height longer grass blades help shade each other, reduce evaporation, and inhibit weed growth. Minimize or eliminate fertilizing, which promotes new growth needing additional watering. Other Outdoor Uses: Sweep driveways, sidewalks and steps rather than hosing off. Wash the car with water from a bucket. Gajindar Singh is a Chemical Engineer with a varied experience in plant operation. He is working as an Environmental Engineer. 22

23 Issue 2 October 2009 Helping the Census Bureau learn more about our community The U.S. Census Bureau conducts a variety of censuses and surveys each year. The decennial survey is used to determine the population of districts in different states across the country. The information provided on these different surveys are used by the Bureau to provide summary statistical data about the population. GNFA is collaborating with the US Census Board to generate awareness among Sikhs about the importance of completing a Census survey, the participation process, and the availability of different job opportunities at the Census Bureau. As the Sikh population in the United States grows, it is important that our community share its views with various government entities and leaders. Doing so will give a voice to our community. The U.S. Census Bureau is issuing a call to action for every resident of our nation: Be Counted in For more information about the 2010 Census, visit 2010census.gov. 23

24 Sandesa smdysw Word Find py G C a b I Ty V w p` Z i qi i X q K m c w b I p T g v e BU r w z W py rw n P pyty p`qi BUrw imtw cwbi pethay (pumpkins) puttey (leaf) bhura (brown) mitha (sweets) chaabi (key) - by Jade Singh Khalsa School Kindergarten Artwork This artwork was done as an to sever long-term effects. assignment in the Khalsa School Kindergarten class. We look forward to highlighting the creativity of children in different grades each issue. Our community is blessed to have so many bright and beautiful children. However, as a high achieving group, it is not uncommon to see children pushed to an unrealistic limit. They are expected to maintain good grades and participate in a large number of after school activities, weekend games and social commitments. Free play (real free time) is more often a luxury than a natural part of both kids and parents lives. It is time for the pendulum to swing. Having an over-achieving child that is miserable, exhausted, and unhealthy will lead We need to stop putting our kids into everything and let them pause and enjoy the world around them is. Kids need to be kids. They need to partake in the magical world of splashing in puddles, jumping on a pile of leaves, staring at anthills on the sidewalk, swinging high and jumping from a swing. Not only will they be more relaxed, but they will be healthier as well. Spread Joy not Flu! 1. Wash your hands frequently 2. Cover your cough with your sleeve 3. Stay home if you are sick 4. Get a flu shot 24

25 Ik-Onkar Satgur Parsad I will remind you I am not here to stand out, I am here to merge. I am not different, I am one of you. I have not arrived, I was always here. I stand for some values, I am sure you do too. I am a Sikh: I will introduce myself again: My Head My Face My Body Has a turban my crown. I mean to live with my head held high Sports a beard. I am ever-ready to brush the feet of true ones who serve the humanity Wears a Kirpan and Kara. I mean to stand up against injustice. Self-Esteem Humility Courage My Heart My Feet Is soft as of a Saint. I will reach out to the entire humanity with love Show me the Way. I will walk on the Path of Truth shown by my Gurus. Compassion Truth I hold these values dear to me, I believe you do to. When I see myself (mirror), I am reminded of them. You will remember them, Wherever you see Me (A Sikh) I am a Sikh, I am here to remind. Poem by Ravneet Singh 25

26 Sandesa smdysw 1984: A Young Sikh s Passion To Find Justice Sukhdeep Kaur is fearless when it comes to her human rights work. Having to travel by public bus in Delhi did not phase her. Neither did talking to the Punjab police about her research. The seeds for her interest in human rights were planted at the Sikh camps she attended while growing up in Maryland. She learned some things about the events of But it was not until she began work last summer on her internship and her senior thesis that she really understood how Operation Blue Star, the pogroms that followed the assassination of Indira Gandhi and the decade of counterinsurgency killings are still a human rights crisis for the survivors, 25 years later. Sukhdeep Kaur Aneja, 20, graduated in May from Rice University in Houston with a bachelor s degree in political science and policy studies, with emphasis on law and justice. She also was the recipient last month of the Roy and Hazel Zeff Memorial Fellowship, a $25,000 grant to do research on human rights and justice issues. Her fellowship will take her to four countries Chile, Rwanda, Israel and France for the next 12 months. In Chile, she will work with the indigenous Mapuche people, conducting interviews and examining the process of creating a social movement, a university news release said. In Rwanda, she will work with members of the Tutsi and Hutu tribes on the issue of accountability for the 1994 genocidal campaign, and especially with their youth on how to establish peace, she said. I m not afraid, she said. I ll be doing home stays, away from luxuries, (but) I will be protected. In Israel, which is still being planned, she will work with Israeli and Palestinian youth groups to study the peace process. And in France, she will study issues relating to the treatment of minorities, particularly the government s ban on Muslim headscarf, which indirectly also banned Sikh turbans. Sukhdeep Kaur s passion for human rights originated in Punjab. Born in Batinda, her family settled in Silver Spring, Md., when she was 3. Last summer, she was back in Punjab doing research for Ensaaf, a Seattle-based human rights organization. It was because of her persistence that Ensaaf designed an internship around her needs. Many people who want to help are able to work from Seattle, said Jasmine Kaur, program associate. But she wanted to go to Punjab and do human rights work in Punjab. She seemed to have the maturity to handle (it). Ensaaf wanted to give her a variety of experiences, so she was sent to both Punjab and Delhi. In Punjab, Sukhdeep Kaur spent about four weeks cataloging reported instances of killings during the counterinsurgency by the Punjab police and Indian government. From 1984 to 1995, thousands of men, women and children were disappeared. In light of her sensitive work, she and a local lawyer went to make their acquaintance with the local police, to develop a relationship and to make them aware of what she was doing. The police were confused why I wanted to do this, she said. But, she had no problems in doing her research. There was little concern. Most Sikhs don t even know about the cases in Punjab, unless they have been directly affected. Accept in Amritsar, no one knows, she said. I saw a lot of ignorance and lack of knowledge. In Delhi, Ensaaf connected her with a grass-roots justice group called Aman Biradari to work in Tilak Vihar, a housing project known as the widow colony. That is where the Indian government sent the survivors of the 1984 pogroms, mostly women and children, to live. And that is where they have stayed since then. On October 31, 1984, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi s Sikh bodyguards assassinated her in response to Operation Blue Star, the code name given to the Indian Army s attack of Darbar Sahib in June 1984 to root out dissidents. For several days into November, governmentdirected mobs went on the hunt and killed thousands of Sikhs in Delhi. Sukhdeep Kaur spent about four weeks helping Aman Biradari set up an office there to document legal matters such as how much compensation the survivors had received from the government. It s not a Sikh group, she said. The massive yellow buildings won t let people forget the pogroms, but time has taught Sikhs to ignore the victims. There are a lot of people that have complete apathy toward them, Sukhdeep Kaur said. All their children are having drug problems. Many are experiencing post-traumatic stress as young adults. And these problems have passed onto the next generation, she said. The colony may stand there for generations, creating new generations of victims, stuck there with no way out. When Sukhdeep Kaur came back to the United States, she worked again with Ensaaf on her honors thesis. She researched the work of Jaswant Singh Khalra, the lawyer who documented mass 26

27 Issue 2 October 2009 cremations during the counterinsurgency, before he was abducted and disappeared in She also studied the ongoing litigations and the lack of criminal justice from the Indian courts. In her analysis of how to achieve justice in Punjab, she compared the situation there it to that of Argentina. A coup in 1976 usurped the government and the military took control of the country. The regime disappeared its opponents and for the next two years it illegally detained and tortured thousands of people. But, unlike Punjab, Argentina s people successfully fought for social justice. The missing element in the Punjab case, she determined, was a domestic mass-movement. Sukhdeep Kaur concluded that Ensaaf s reports and recommendations that the Indian government hold officials publically responsible for their crimes were necessary but not sufficient to force the government to honor. Sikhs in India must also speak up. Mass movement from the local citizens of Punjab, with international support, could quite possibly force the government s hand into changing policy and giving due reparations, she wrote. When Sukhdeep Kaur goes abroad this summer, she will continue to study how other countries deal with human rights issues. She will see if the proper method is top-down, working with governments and decision makers, or bottom-up, organizing a grass-roots social movement. She suspects that it may take a great deal of both. I want to be a human rights lawyer, open my own NGO, to find a middle ground between organizing for human rights and (working with the) law, she said. I really want to find a good mix. Young Sikhs may have a passionate interest for human rights, but would rather do some other career.. Not Sukhdeep Kaur. Note: By Anju Kaur Sikh News Network staff journalist anjukaur@sikhnn.com Copyright Sikh News Network, LLC "All human beings, whatever their cultural or historical background, suffer when they are intimidated, imprisoned or tortured... We must, therefore, insist on a global consensus, not only on the need to respect human rights worldwide, but also on the definition of these rights... for it is the inherent nature of all human beings to yearn for freedom, equality and dignity, and they have an equal right to achieve that." -The Dalai Lama "First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out - because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the communist and I did not speak out - because I was not a communist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out - because I was not a trade unionists. Then they came for me

28 Sandesa smdysw Sikh Kids Learning Chinese Montgomery County has French and Spanish Language Immersion program in some of its schools. When the county was given a grant to start an Asian Language Immersion program, the elementary schools names were put in a lottery. The lucky winner was Potomac Elementary School. The next step was to choose the language and the choices included Japanese, Korean and Chinese. The school asked help from its PTA, who formed a committee of interested parents. They talked to government and school officials and members of the community. Chinese was the language of choice. And thus the first Mandarin Immersion program in the entire US was adopted in this elementary school. The graduating class of 2008 was the first class to go all the way through the program. It started with first grade in 1996, with 23 kids. By the time they reached high school the number had dropped to 10. And by senior year there were only 3 kids left from the original group. Although a number of students have continued to learn Chinese in college. In an Immersion program the kids learn the language differently. They not only study vocabulary and grammar, they study science, mathematics or history also in the language of choice. The way the program works is that 70% of the day in kindergarten through third grade is spent in studying in Chinese. In fourth and fifth, 50% of the day is spent in Chinese, studying just math and science. The educators tried to incorporate History in the program but the translation of the books was complicated. The program is new and is evolving still. We are proud that four kids from our Sikh community have and are participants in this program. The Interview: How did you/your parents decide for you to take a language such as Chinese (a lot diiferent from English and Gurmukhi) at such an early age; when you are already born into a multilingual family? How big of a challenge was it? Gursharan Bawa: Well, seeing as I was 5, I did not decide anything. But, I was a relatively well bred child who generally listened to what her parents said. My parents put me in the program to give me a leg up. Since our class was kind of a trial run, no one really knew how it would turn out, so parents enrolled their children with the understanding that they had the ability to pull their children out of the program in the event that they decided it wasn't working out. In terms of multilingual, I wasn't really. Multilingual implies more than bilingual so Chinese is our 3rd language, and why not? My parents are not very influenced by the taboos that many of the people in our community propagate because they grew up in the states, so it wasn't as though they made the decision based on anything cultural. How has taking Chinese influenced/ changed your daily life and affected your perception and interaction with people? Where a lot of people surprised that you could speak fluent Chinese? Ranjit Bawa; Taking Chinese has made me more culturally aware and helped me to understand languages more easily. It also made me respect the evolution and innovation that goes into developing a culture. No one really expects me to speak Chinese when they meet me so almost everyone is surprised. The people in China were even more surprised that I could converse with them and when I was there people gave me discounts because I could speak and bargain with them in Chinese. Taking Chinese from early childhood (with its many challenges) must have had many benefits and advantages as well? How did it change the way you think and view others, did it influence how you made friends and make you more open to learn about other cultures? Gursharan Bawa : I don't ever remember thinking that Chinese was challenging or difficult when I was in Immersion - that's the point of immersion. Also, if you start a language at a young age it isn't difficult if it is taught properly. I maybe thought that certain units in math or science were challenging, but it was because of the content of the lesson, not because I was learning the lesson in Chinese. I struggled a bit with it in high school when we first switched over to learning it as a foreign language from Immersion. Even now, at the college level, I don't find it exceedingly difficult - there are times when I have some issues, but it is just as difficult and just as easy as all of my other Chinese classes. There aren t any disadvantages to the program but the advantages are infinite. All of the students in the program had elevated math and reading scores. The program taught us to be flexible and open minded, and established a support group that any one of the alumni knew they could count on. It assisted in developing my creativity, personality, time management and organizational skills. I had great teachers all through elementary school. In terms of viewing other cultures, the only thing that could change the way I think about a certain culture is the culture itself. Did the program expose me to a new culture, yes. Did it change they way I view all cultures as a whole, no. It did sometimes change the way I view myself. I've never really defined myself as anybody other than an American, and being in school in general helped to solidify that. It did not influence how I make friends, but it did influence who my friends were, in the sense that growing up, all of my friends were my classmates, and my best friend growing up is the same best friend I have now - we've known each other for 14 years now. All of us have shared the program for least 5-13 years of our lives, so we're still close in some regards. Did you find learning Chinese (very different from both English and Gurmukhi) challenging? How did you cope up with it and where did you get practice and en- 28

29 Issue 2 October 2009 couragement for learning the language? Ranjit Bawa: It was challenging but not terrible. The reading, speaking and listening were easy but memorizing how to write the characters was pretty hard. I didn t really do anything. I went to school and did most of the work. I didn t need encouragement and the practice came in class and with homework. Now that you are actually staying in China for a whole semester, how has your first hand experience with the language been? Gursharan Bawa: As with any language, first hand experience is priceless. Sometimes I feel like I came to the wrong city because Shanghai is a really global city, but I'm getting some traveling in, so that's great. As I said earlier, I strongly identify with America and thus my right to free speech. I miss that here. Also, apparently, the classroom experience is also quite boring, and creates tons of opportunities to improve drawing skills and play Sudoku. Program Philosophy The goal of the Montgomery County Public Schools foreign language program is to educate students in a language and culture in order to make them knowledgeable and active members of a global society. Students will learn to use foreign languages for meaningful communication in both spoken and written form. The foreign language program emphasizes language as it is used in real-life situations that students are most likely to encounter. Through foreign language study, students develop sensitivity to the cultural and linguistic heritage of other groups, understand their influence on American culture, and become prepared to participate in a society characterized by linguistic and cultural diversity Interviewer - Ravneet Singh 29

30 Sandesa smdysw Khalsa school PUNJABI FOR ALL gurbwxi ies jg mih cwnx krm vsy mn Awey[ According to Guru Granth Sahib Gurbani is the only one that can dispel darkness and replace it with the Divine Light. Hence the class is designed to lead adults from Punjabi alphabet all the way to be able to read Gurbani. The class is divided into two parts: Sojhi Gurmukhi alphabet and acquiring reading and writing skills. Every week the skills taught are tested. The second hour is devoted to Virsa--Sikh History, discussion of spiritual topics, and discourses of comparative religions. At the end of the semester an examination is administered in which the skills taught are tested and constructive feedback provided for improvement. In addition, by the end of the semester students begin to attempt reading pwt. True to Gurbani hukam : Siqguru no sib ko locdw jyqw jgq smswr[ ifty mukiq n hovei ijcr Sbid nw kry vicwru[ Instruction and discussion of meaning of path learned is paramount to class instruction. By the end of the year students are not only able to recite pwt but also are responsible for the meaning and the theme covered in the pwt. Some testimonials of past and present students are given herein to give you an idea of this class. Present: This class is awesome. I have already learned so much that I want other people to join me. It is so interesting and engaging. The teachers are wonderful. They make us work but they are really interested in our education. I appreciate all they do. -Student Past: The class was the highlight of my week. My Sundays were what they should be-spiritual! Once we were in class, we discussed the Gurmukhi alphabet to philosophical aspects of Sikhi. This class awakened my soul and I am indebted to my teachers, Tulsi Auntie and Amrit. -Student I cannot describe the fulfillment I got from this class. I yearned for years to learn Punjabi and was jealous of people who could read Gurbani. This class has given me the power to read and enjoy Gurbani. I am forever indebted to my teachers especially Mrs. Tulsi and Phula Singh for the invaluable gift. - Student I was extremely apprehensive when I started the Adult Panjabi class. I wasn t sure what to expect. The first thing that put me at ease was meeting Satwant Auntie who was going to be our teacher. I really enjoyed the class because it was a way for me to communicate my fears and my lack of knowledge as it was my desire to learn more about Sikhism s religious and cultural aspects. The best part is that I have become more comfortable in speaking Panjabi and to be able to read articles written in Panjabi. It s a pleasure to be able to sit in that class and actually learn on so many levels. It is definitely worth the time we put in, since now I can comprehend my religion so much better. There is a dire need for us young adults to be able to comprehend and understand our religion better so that we are able to pass it on to the next generation. - Student I sincerely hope that the above testimonials have impressed and inspired you to come join the class. In addition, your eagerness to be able to read Guru Granth Sahib will act as an impetus for you to join the class next time you are in Gurdwara Sahib. Satwant Kaur Teacher for the adult Panjabi classs 30

31 Issue 2 October 2009 Khalsa school DAIRY The formative school years are of critical importance in one s life. It is during this time that a child becomes fully a member of her particular culture and community, absorbing language, attitudes, manners, and values. Since 2003, the GNFA Khalsa School has provided a platform where Sikh children, besides learning Boli and Virsa, form social relationships and discover their Sikh roots. With Waheguruji s blessings, we are growing. This year, we have a class of 22 sixth graders using the sojhi curriculum. Thus, from elementary school, we have moved on to expand to a middle school. It s a matter of pride for our community to see our youth wanting to continue with their gurmat education and actively leading community and gurdwara events, be it kirtan sammelans, fundraisers, gurpurab celebrations, gatka, parades or seminars. We also have added a new sixth trailer to our facility. This year the school is working towards having a library for teachers and students. The school has 165 students registered for Every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. we see the younger generation heading towards the trailers to be on time. The entire Sunday school program is structured and disciplined thanks to the tireless efforts of a team of dedicated volunteers. Educators are mentors for any active community. All our Gurus were very learned and could read and write more than one language. Guru Angad Sahib ji himself used to teach with strict instructions that he not be disturbed if his class was in session. He had the emperor of the time, Humayun, waiting because he was teaching. We, at Khalsa School, keeping in mind the high ideals of our Gurus, dream of a permanent school building on GNFA grounds. Our five-year plan: 1. To expand GNFA Khalsa School to High School level. 2. To have a county- accredited Sikh Elementary School at GNFA 3. Conduct special classes during the after school hours. We believe if we want to contribute to the effective well-being and empowerment of our children and community, now is the time for us to take the initiative and get the good work started. With Guru s grace, with our timely efforts, we can be the architects of the future. It is the need of the hour to come up with a full-time Sikhi institution imparting Gurmat along with other subjects, thus fostering a Sikhi environment within the greater American picture. Waheguru ji ka Khalsa! Waheguru ji ki Fateh! By Harpreet Kaur 31

32 DONOR RECOGNITION Finance committee would like to appeal for donations through the GNFA newsletter. Donations accompanying the form bellow will be recognized in the next issue of along with name of Donor. We will also have a feature on Your Donation in action in the next issue of Sandesa Donor Recognition ijh prswid krih pumn bhu dwn ] By His Grace, you give donations in abundance to charities; Guru Arjan Dev Ji Raag Gauree Panna 270 Finance committee would like to appeal for donation through the GNFA newsletter. Donations accompanying the form Cut bellow Here will be recognized in the next issue of along with name of Donor. We will also have a feature on Your Donation in action Name : Address: City, State, Zip: Phone: Donation Amount: $50.00 $ $ any other amount All gifts to the GNFA are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of current law. Make checks payable to: GNFA Handover to Treasurer or Mail to: GNFA, Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring MD

33 33

34 Year-End Goal for GNFA Sangat: raise $175,000 to pay down mortgage SAVE THE DATE for a special evening DECEMBER 12, :30 pm FOUR POINTS SHERATON 8500 Annapolis Road New Carrollton, MD More information on this GNFA Fundraiser soon 34

35 Now Serving We Cater throughout the Metropolitan Area! At our Brand New Location! 8874 McGaw Rd Columbia, MD Phone:(410)

36 Issue 2 October

37 Sandesa smdysw 37

38 All services backed by a limited-lifetime warranty in writing Zee Auto Center 14721A Baltimore Ave. Laurel, MD Phone: Foreign & domestic Cars Specialists PAUL & RANBIR 38

39 AFFLUENT FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AUDIT, ACCOUNTING AND TAX SERVICES Affluent Financial Services LLC ( AFS ), Certified Public Accountants, recently incorporated by experienced professionals from one of the big four accounting firms, offers quality services at competitive rates. We guarantee services with our personal attention with a minimum discount of 25% on your current service provider s fee. Also, as a contribution to the Sikh community, we pledge to donate 10% of our net earnings in FY 2009 to the Gurudwara Sahib. We provide the following services: Bookkeeping Tax return preparation Independent audit Report writing US GAAP and IFRS financial statements with complete set of footnote disclosures Company representation for external audit Contact: Ajit Singh Chawla CPA- Licensed in MD, VA and DC; Chartered Accountant Member - American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Member - Institute of Chartered Accountants of India Phone : ; ajit@affluentcpa.com; Website: S.A.M. Video & Photography We provide services for all occasions, including Weddings, Receptions, Banquets, Birthdays Anniversaries, Concerts, Shows. Kirtans, Festivals PAL to NTSC & NTSC to PAL Conversions Your Video is available for DVD also Sirmukh S. Manku (703) or (703) ssmanku@aol.com Capturing Memories That Last a Lifetime. 39

40 40

41 BAJAJ FAMILY FOUNDATION Kawelle & Ken Bajaj Sunny & Dolsy Bajaj Rubin Bajaj 41

42 42

43 ALL ACCOUNTING FIRMS ARE NOT ALIKE OUR MISSION: To Help Individuals and Small Businesses Achieve Efficiency, Growth, Maximize Profits & MINIMIZE TAXES FOR YOUR SUCCESS WE PROVIDE ACCOUNTING SERVICES IRS REPRESENTATION BOOKKEEPING TAX PREPARATION FINANCIAL PLANNING FULL PAYROLL SERVICES BUSINESS PLAN PREPARATION AUDITING TAX PLANNING BUSINESS INCORPORATION NEW BUSINESS START-UPS MANAGEMENT SERVICES SOFTWARE INSTALLATION SERVICE WITH A SMILE COME JOIN OUR FAMILY AND WE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOURS CALL (301) OR (301) WE ARE HERE FOR YOU Parminder Singh Ahuja, CPA, PC. 512-K East Randolph Road Silver Spring, MD Lake Potomac Drive Potomac, MD

44 Non-profit org. U.S..Postage Paid Permit #2508 Silver Spring, MD