Sikh Youth Quebec

ਦਸਤਾਰ ਮੁਕਾਬਲੇ - ਮਾਂਟਰੀਅਲ / GSQ Turban Competition

2010-03-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

Youth Leadership Camp with Justin Trudeau

2009-11-30T09:07:00.001-08:00

ਬੇਬੇ ਜੀ..ਮੈਂ ਸੰਤ ਬਣੂੰਗਾ...

2009-11-16T07:59:00.000-08:00

Guru Nanak Gurupurav celebrations on CTV news

2009-11-11T14:33:00.000-08:00

GSQ Montreal Guru Nanak Gurupurav celebrations on CTV news.

Please click below to see the TV Coverage

Remembering Nov. 1984

2009-11-05T12:48:00.000-08:00

BBC's commentary on 1984 sikh massacare

Words from those who endured the collapse of democracy...
http://www.sikhnet.com/news/news-1984

Sikh Scholars visit Montreal on Oct 24-25, 2009 - Report

2009-10-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

1984 ਦੇ ਘੱਲੂਘਾਰੇ ਅਤੇ ਅਕਾਲ ਤਖ਼ਤ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੇ ਫ਼ਲਸਫ਼ੇ ਬਾਰੇ ਮੌਂਟਰੀਆਲ ਵਿਚ ਸੈਮੀਨਾਰ ਤੇ ਡਾ: ਦਿਲਗੀਰ ਅਤੇ ਡਾ: ਢਿੱਲੋਂ ਪੁੱਜੇ - .
10/25/2009
ਮਾਂਟਰੀਆਲ (ਪੱਤਰਪਰੇਰਕ)- ਬੀਤੇ ਦਿਨ ਕਨੇਡਾ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਮਾਂਟਰੀਆਲ ਦੇ ਡਾਊਨ ਟਾਊਨ ਦੇ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰੇ ਵਿਚ 1984 ਦੇ ਘੱਲੂਘਾਰੇ ਅਤੇ ਅਕਾਲ ਤਖ਼ਤ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੇ ਫ਼ਲਸਫ਼ੇ ਸਬੰਧੀ ਇਕ ਸੈਮੀਨਾਰ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਜਿਸ ਵਿਚ ਸਿੱਖ ਇਤਿਹਾਸਕਾਰ ਡਾ ਹਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਦਿਲਗੀਿਰ ਅਤੇ ਡਾ: ਗੁਰਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਸਿੰਘ ਢਿੱਲੋਂ ਉਚੇਚੇ ਤੌਰ ਤੇ ਪੁੱਜੇ ਹੋਏ ਸਨ। ਇਸ ਸਮਾਗਮ ਵਿਚ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਲੈਣ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਦੀ ਸਾਰੀ ਕਰੀਮ ਪੁੱਜੀ ਹੋਈ ਸੀ, ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਵਿਚ ਹੋਰਨਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਤੇ ਸਾਰੀ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਕ ਕਮੇਟੀ, ਪ੍ਰਸਿਧ ਸਿੱਖ ਬੁੱਧੀਜੀਵੀ ਡਾ ਦਵਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਚਾਹਲ, ਚਤਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੈਣੀ, ਬਲਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਗਿੱਲ, ਹਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਪਾਤਰ, ਗੁਰਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਵੀ ਸ਼ਾਮਿਲ ਸਨ। ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਟਰਾਂਟੋ ਤੋਂ ਗੁਰਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਿਸੀਸਾਗਾ, ਹਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਪੱਤੜ, ਤਰਨਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ, ਸਤਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਰਾਣਾ, ਗੁਰਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਵੀ ਉਚੇਚੇ ਤੌਰ ਤੇ ਪੁੱਜੇ ਹੋਏ ਸਨ।

For complete report visit the following link:
http://gurupanth.com/Sikh_news.aspx?id=174&cat=2

Sikh Scholars visit Montreal on Oct 24-25, 2009

2009-10-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

The prominent sikh scholars, Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer and Dr. Gurdarshan Singh Dhillon are going to visit Montreal on Oct 24 and 25 as per the following schedule.

Venue: Gurudwara Sahib Quebec
Address:
2183 Wellington Street, Montreal.
Contacts: 514-934-1259 (514) 885-3605 (514) 926-8770

Program Schedule:
Saturday Oct 24th 06.30pm - 08.30pm (Evening)
Seminar & Question/Answer session

Sunday Oct 25th. 11.30am - 12.20pm (Morning)
Speeches by: Dr. Dilgeer & Dr. Dhillon

Speaker's Profile:

Dr. Gurdarshan Singh Dhillon

Authored: SGPC White Paper on 1984

Several books on Sikhism

Visit

http://www.zoominfo.com/Search/PersonDetail.aspx?PersonID=129480772

Dr. HS Dilgeer

Authored 55 books on sikhism

Please Check out http://hsdilgeer.com/

mnmn

Proud Sikh - The father of Fiber Optics

2009-10-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

Narinder Singh Kapany

He was in the Silicon Valley before it was called by that name. He is a pioneer who opened up the whole new field of fibre optics that effected change in ways that had seemed inconceivable earlier. He prospered, founded four companies and made millions of dollars much before other Indian hi-tech entrepreneurs. The man who “bent light”, Narinder Singh Kapani, has been at the centre of the hi-tech world for over 50 years now and is still going strong at 70. Roopinder Singh met the ‘father of fibre optics’, who was in Chandigarh recently.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narinder_Singh_Kapany

Watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2K893tF0yQ

News Report - Asian News Sep 2009

2009-09-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

http://www.canadianasiannews.com/images/e-issues/Canadian%20Asian%20News%20(Sept%2001-15%2009).pdf

Navdeep Bains in Montreal

2009-09-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

Please click to see the slide show......

News Report - Punjabi Daily, Toronto

2009-08-31T09:23:00.000-07:00

Sikh Youth Campers with Mr Navdeep Bains, M.P.

2009-08-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

2009 Public Speaking Competition Participants

2009-08-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

Elementary Level:
Bianca Anand - Topic: (Change your thought, Change your life)
Gurpiar Singh Gill - Topic: (Sikh Teaching)
Arshdeep Singh Dhillon - Topic: (5'K s of Sikhism)
Avneet Kaur Bhabra - Topic: (The Five Takhts in Sikhism)
Manjot Kaur - Topic: (Sri Guru Granth Sahib)
Suman Kaur - Topic: (Sri Guru Granth Sahib)
Ikjot Singh - Topic: (ਸਾਂਝਾ ਪ੍ਰੀਵਾਰ- ਖਾਲਸਾ ਪੰਥ)
Indarjit Singh Parhar - Topic: (Shaheed Bhagat Singh)
Samrita Singh - Topic: (Simran)
Sukhdeep Kaur Hundal - Topic: (Kesh)
Bismaad Kaur - Topic: (Harmandir Sahib)

Secondary Level I:
Jora Singh - Topic: (Fortune favors the brave)
Raspreet Singh - Topic: (ਜਿਸ ਡਿੱਠੇ ਸੱਭ ਦੁਖ ਜਾਏ)
Sareena Kaur - Topic: (Sacha Sauda)
Simrat Malhotra - Topic: (Legacy)
Amanpreet Parhar - Topic: (History of Canada)
Gunjot Kaur - Topic: (Gurudwara)
Gurjeet Singh - Topic: (Institution of Langar)

Secondary Level II:
Harmanjit Singh Chandi - Topic: (Credit Crisis)
Sandeep Singh - Topic: (Child Labour)
Kirandeep Singh - Topic: (Technology & Piracy)
Mehtab Singh - Topic: (Racism)
Sukhdeep Kaur - Topic: (Why Vegetarianism?)
Dilsherjit Singh Chandi - Topic: (Stem Cell Research)
Inderpreet Singh Randhawa - Topic: (Leadership)
Subeg Singh Khalsa - Topic: (1984 - Blue Star Ops)
Anchal Prashar - Topic: (World Poverty)
Daljinder Singh Dhillon - Topic: (Professional Wrestling)
Gurpreet Singh Gurai - Topic: (Euthanasia)
Harleen Kaur - Topic: (The importance of Gurudwara)
Jaspreet Kaur Hundal - Topic: (Amrit )
Manmeet Singh Bhabra - Topic: (Apostasy and the Future of Sikhism)
Shrishty Banga - Topic: (Science without religion is lame; Religion
without science is blind)

Non-Competing Participants:
Rajat Anand - Topic: (Does morality need religion)
Simar Malhotra - Topic: (Sikh Representatioon in Indian Media)
Paramjit Singh - Topic: (Benefits of Speech)
Ranbir Singh Parhar - Topic: (ਮੇਰੇ ਦਾਦਾ ਦਾਦੀ)
Manseerat Kaur - Topic: (Poem)

Masters Of Caremony:
Rajat Anand
Pawan Malhi
Gurkirat Kaur

Winners:

Elementary Level:

1. Avneet Kaur Bhabra

2. Samrita Singh

3. Gurpiar Singh Gill

Secondary Level 1:

1. Jora Singh

2. Sareena Kaur

3. Simrat Malhotra

Secondary Level II:

1. Subegh Singh Khalsa

2. Gurpreet Singh Gurai

3. Manmeet Singh Bhabra

Chief Guest:

Hon. Navdeep Bains (M.P.)

Feedback from Public Speaking Graduates!!!

2009-08-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

Background:
This is the 12th consecutive year of competitions. In addition to the public speaking competitions, we have been organizing Kirtan competitions, and Sikh history written exams. During all these years, more than 900 children have taken part in these activities. We have reached out to our old participants to get their feedback about these competitions through a survey.

Why Survey?
- To get the constructive feedback to improve this program
- To measure effectiveness of this program in helping our children in their career.

Results:
The respondents have sent a strong message that these competitions have helped them grow and better communicate in their professional lives. Below are some of their quotes.

From a Future Dentist:
“Yes! I have learned a lot from the public speaking competition. I have learned to openly communicate with others. I have overcome my fear of speaking in public thanks to these competitions.”

Aiming to be Pediatrician (participated 10 times in various competitions)
“Most definitely, these competitions have helped shaped a huge part of my personality today. Ever since I was quite young, I have had the opportunity to partake in these competitions and through them I have developed my essay writing skills, my public speaking skills, my confidence level, etc. I have been given a platform from where to express my ideas. I now have no difficulty in speaking in front of large crowds, or making sure that my voice is heard. It has been a great learning experience, one that I recommend to all young children.”

Planning to be in health care field (Participated 4 times)
“The fact that I’ve been giving speeches to a public has made me much more experienced and I’ve been feeling much more comfort/greatness whenever I communicate to people or when I am addressing myself to a big audience. No matter which ever profession we may pick, we must absolutely have the ability to communicate orally properly! I am really grateful to the Public Speaking Competition to have given me the chance to improve myself!”

From one of our best speakers: Siftie Banga
“I would just like to strongly encourage all the youth to seriously consider taking part in such competitions. It is a great learning experience. Not only does it teach you how to properly address a large crowd, but also you can learn tons from the different topics your fellow participants speak about. Moreover, I want to tell each and every one of you that it does not matter whether you take home a prize or not. What matters, at the end of the day, is that you have had the strength and courage to walk up there on stage and speak your heart out. That is a real winner. So don’t worry about winning or losing, just always do your best and always remember to keep challenging yourself!”

From an Art Lead in the video game industry:
“The power of effective communication is one of the most important qualities a person needs to get ahead in today’s highly connected world. Apart from reading and writing skills, the ability to speak well must not be overlooked.
I’ll give an example within my industry to illustrate the idea. When we search through applications at my studio to fill a job position, the first level of communication is via email. If a person passes this phase, we will move onto a brief phone call - so that we may have an actual conversation in real-time. A prospective hire may pass this test with flying colours, but we will never hire them until we meet them in person for the final interview. It is during this time that we asses their communication skills, ability to gel with our team, etc. If a person cannot carry themselves with confidence while speaking, they are likely to fail the interview and miss out on a great opportunity. Everyone is able to speak, not everyone is able to address a room full of people with confidence, poise, credibility and clarity. It is precisely those skills which the public speaking competition has been working to teach to the dozens upon dozens of youth who have participated since the program began. To future participants, I would say “Do not miss this opportunity. Use it to test yourself and better yourself. It is a tool which will help in your personal and professional life for years to come.”

From: IT Product Manager:
“This is a great opportunity for you to talk about your religion in front of your community. The skills and confidence you gain by going through this process will stay with you and help you be successful in all other aspects of your life.”
Suggestion: “Yes, use technology to get the message out. Advertise the blog. http://sikhyouthquebec.blogspot.com – it has some great content. Many of the students you need to reach are on Facebook – create a facebook group. Use twitter to reach others that may be interested in contributing time/money.”
“This program is a great way to improve your public speaking skills for your future. My parents always forced me into this, and at that time I use to hate it. But now that I look back on it, I’m very grateful to those who have given me this opportunity to participate in this program. So, if your parents do force you, remember its only for your own good and it will definitely benefit you down the road!”

Poem!

2009-08-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

Sikhism - No Borders / ਸਿੱਖੀ - ਸੀਮਾ ਰਹਿਤ

2009-08-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

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Sunday August 23

2009-08-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

Friends-
August 23 is going to be full of activities. The GSQ Gurmat Camp closing ceremony will be celebrated at the GSQ, acoompanied by a speech By Mr Navdeep Bains M.P. at 11:00 AM. Later, we will meet you all in St. Laurent City hall for the public speaking competition at 2:30 pm. We will have Mr Bains with us throughout the program. It will be an ideal time to share your thoughts and ideas with our young leader and the member of parliament. Please get ready for this big day!

BTW, Is your speech ready??????

- SYC

Prof. Darshan Singh Ji in Montreal/ ਪੋ੍ ਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਮਾਂਟ੍ਰੀਅਲ ਚ'

2009-07-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

Sikh Youth Public Speaking Competitions - Aug 23, 2009

2009-07-19T06:54:00.001-07:00

SIKH YOUTH GURMAT DAY CAMP

2009-06-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

SIKH YOUTH GURMAT DAY CAMP

Two weeks from Aug 10 to Aug 21, 2009(Week days only)

Gurdwara Sahib Quebec,
2183 Wellington St.
Quebec Montreal Canada
SIKH YOUTH GURMAT DAY CAMP 2009
Aug 10 Mon- Aug 21 Fri
(8am- 4pm Week days only)
The constant exposure to the western culture through television, radio and press has a profound molding effect on our minds and thinking. The youth especially get influenced by the western world and tend to go astray from their Sikh way of life. Consequently, there is a need to remind and teach them about the Sikh values and tenets as enshrined in the Sikh Philosophy. This could be best achieved by having our own Khalsa Schools as Educational Centers for our young generation; however, until such facilities are made available, a part of the objective can be realized by regularly holding religious and social events.
A SIKH YOUTH GURMAT CAMP is an effective way to help the children learn about the relevance of religion, culture, history and heritage in their daily lives. The organizers have planned all the activities of the camp in such meticulous detail that it would provide our youth a continuous exposure to the supreme Sikh Values for a period of two weeks.
LOCATION: GURDWARA SAHIB QUEBEC
2183 Wellington St. Montreal, QC. H3K 1X1 Tel (514) 934-1259
REGISTRATION: Only the first 50 youth on first come first served basis will be the lucky ones accepted for registration. The qualifying age of the participants is between 5 to 14 years. The fee is $60.00 per child; $100.00 for two children of one family; $130.00 for three children of one family.

*************************
SPONSORS & DONATIONS ARE WELCOME
***********************

To get more info or to Sponsor breakfast, lunch, Tea, transportation or any other activities :

Sdn. Harinder Kaur Pahwa
450 926-8770
Principal Co-coordinator

S. Prithvipal Singh Saluja
450 923-3876
Ex-President & Advisor Gurmat Camp

S. Dilbagh Singh
514-948-1032
GSQ - Cultural secretary

S. Satnam Singh Bhai Sahib
514 578-2784
Head Granthi –GSQ

S. Surjit Singh Pahwa
450 926-8770
Mukh Sewadar-GSQ

2009-06-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

The Birth of Khalsa
By Dilsherjit Singh

What is Vaisakhi? Vaisakhi signifies when the new month of Vasakh rises. Also it signifies when the season of harvesting begins. In the calendars we use Vaisakhi is usually on April 13 or 14. Most importantly Vaisakhi is the birth of Khalsa. In the following paragraphs I will be telling you about, how the Ten Gurus contributed towards Sikhism, the birth of Khalsa, and how we celebrate Vaisakhi.

“Ik Onkar”, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji said that “God is one”. However, prior to this everyone has their own ways of worshipping. We Sikhs just believe in one God. Our second Guru said “Kirt Kani, Nam Japna and Vand Ke Shakna”. Kirt Karni means don’t lie, cheat, and steal. Work truthfully. Nam Japna means God’s name throughout the day. Vand Ke Shakna means, share and eat. Just like the saying “Sharing is caring”. Our third Guru, made it very important to sit on the floor and eat. “Sangat and Pangat”. This is to show that everyone one is equal, and that there is no superior or inferior. The fourth Guru, assigned Sikhs the duty of preaching Sikhism around the world even in the deepest corners. Our fifth Guru, told Saint Mian Mir to lay the foundation of the Harminder Sahib, located in Amritsar. Our ninth Guru, Shri Tegh Bahadur Ji stood up for the rightsof Hindus and Sikhs. One day someone came and told Guru Ji that Aurungzeb is forcing everyone to convert to Islam. Guru Ji told at the time “If you can convert me to tbecome Islam, everyone will convert and become Islam”. Aurungzeb thought it was a piece of cake, but it wasn’t. Guru Ji said that “We are Sikhs and will never change”. At the end Aurungzeb beheaded Guru Ji.

The birth of Khalsa. On March 30, 1699 Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji called all the followers to Anandpur Sahib. There was a platform and a tent set up. After Asa Ji De Var, Guru Ji came out of the tent holding a Kirpan (sword). He gave a heartfelt speech to gather support. At the end he said “My sword is thirsty for the blood od a Sikh, is there anyone willing to sacrifice himself for me?” No one said anything. He called out 2 more times, finally one person stood up. Bhai Daya Singh Ji. Guru Ji brought him into the tent, as he seated him he chopped Bhai Dhaya Singh Ji’s head of. Everyone was scared because Guru Ji just killed someone. He came out with the bloody sword and called out again. Bhai Dharam Singh Ji stood up and followed Guru Ji. Guru Ji did the same thing. He did the same thing for Bhai Himat Singh Ji, Bhai Mukham Singh, and Bhai Sahib Singh Ji. Guru Ji chopped all their heads of, but with the power of Akal Purkh he put them back together. When they all came out the tent the followers were all shocked, because everyone was okay. Also everyone was wearing a turban and a yellow-orange couloured kurta. Guru Ji called these five men the “Panj Pyare”, the “Beloved Five” in other words. In a big pot there was water and “Pitase”. A sweet parshadh. While praying Guru Ji was stirring this water with a sword. The sword was called “Khanda Sahib”. This water soon became a Holy Water called Amrit. Guru Ji gave this Amrit from the same bowl to the Panj Pyare. This showed that we are all equal. Then Guru Ji begged the Panj Pyare to give Amrit also. After that, Guru Ji gave every male the surname of Singh (lion) and to females the surname Kaur (princess). Guru Ji changed his name from Gobind Rai to Gobind Singh. Even the Panj Pyare changed their names from Chand and Ram to Singh. Guru Ji successfully created the Khalsa Panth. He gave Sikhs the five K’s. “Kesh, Kanga, Kara, Kirpan, Keshera”. This was to be kept by Sikhs at all times. Guru Ji was a poetic writer which he wrote the “Dasam Granth”. This is how Khalsa was born.

We celebrate Vaisakhi in many ways. In India or even here people have parties where they do Giddha and Bhangra. In India the start of the harvest wheat. Her we have people doing Kirtan in Gurughar’s. Me personally, I just like to go to the Gurdwara and listen to the Kirtan and do any type of Sewa.

To conclude, in the generations of the Gurus Sikhism was very strong. People would talk about it. But now when the world is very multicultural no one tries to tell people about Sikhism. So was this just the Guru’s job?

Essay Competition - Toronto

2009-06-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

The subject competition is for Sikh Children between 17--22 yrs of ages on Event Concerning '84 Armed Attack on Golden Temple(Harmander and Akaal Takhat Sahib). (1) Causes leading to the Attack, Results, Effects on Sikh Psyche and Polity and wisdom not used to avert it. (11) Examine the Roll Played by the prominent Sikh Politicians and early 70s Anandpur Sahib Resolution(111) Two Sikh Politicians' who favoured Blue Star Operation and Examine their roll in the episode. (1V) The Government of India Proclaimed that actions in June 1984 was directed at separists asking for independence, but Sikh led by Sant Jarnail Singh Bhinderanwale deny that, they were asking only equality in Rights andFreedom. Pick One of the above FOUR.

Last date to submit the Essay is Jun. 30, 2009.
I shall, however, fax the two pages of brochure in due time, if you provide me with reachable Fax Nos for you and Brahmbunga.

First prize...................................................$3,100.oo
Second Prize..............................................$2,100.oo
ThirdPize....................................................$1,100.oo

Eligibility
- Age as above 17-22 yrs-contestant not relative of any Member of OGC and penal of Judges-Contestant able to attend the award ceremony in person-Proof of the Age
Format-Times to new Roman Size 12-Double Spaced-page set-up top/bottom 2.54cm, l/r 3.17-left alignment not centred, right or justified.

Rules:
Various , will be faxed to you , provide a Fax No. please
Chattar Singh General Secretary Lasalle Guru Ghar

Award Winning Essays (Annual Kids Competition) - 2

2009-05-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

Vaisakhi
By Srishtie Banga

Vaisakhi is a very important day for all of us. It is on this special day that we celebrate the creation of the Khalsa Panth. The following text will talk about who, when, how, where, and why everything happened.

It was on March 30, 1699 at Anandpur Sahib that Guru Gobind Singh Ji went on a stage and asked a crowd of people for someone to come and sacrifice themselves for him. Many people were surprised. A lot of them left. It was after a while that Bhai Daya Ji stood up and said “I will sacrifice myself for you”. Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Bhai Daya Ji went into the tent. When Guru Gobind Singh Ji came out of the tent, there was blood on his sword. Most of the crowd was terrified. Many people left and many went to Mata Gujri Ji, Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s mother. It was then that Guru Gobind Singh Ji asked for someone else to come and sacrifice for him. Bhai Dharam Ji stood up and went into the tent. After him, there was Bhai Mukham Ji, followed by Bhai Himmat Ji and then Bhai Sahib Ji. At the end, Guru Gobind Singh Ji took more time than usual. After some time, he came out of the tent very happy and joyful. He was followed by those same five people that were clean and well dressed. Guru Gobind Singh Ji then said that these are my five beloveds, my “Panj Pyarey”. He said that the philosophy “Sikhism” that Guru Nanak Dev Ji created will now be a religion. We will now not be Muslims or Hundus, we will be Sikhs. That was the creation of the Khalsa Panth. Guru Gobind Singh Ji had done so to give a new identity to people. At that time, there were fights between Muslims and Hindus, between different casts within the Hindus, etc. The world in India was a big mess. He wanted to have something different and distinct.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji baptized his Panj Pyarey. In other words, he gave them “amrit”, holy water and the five Ks, “kesh”, unshorn hair, “kanga”, comb, “kara”, bangle, “kirpan”, sword, and “kachera”, long under-shorts. He then asked his Panj Pyarey to baptize him likewise. His purpose of all that was to show that no one is superior or inferior, “if I am your Guru, you are my disciple but you are also my Guru and I am also your disciple”. In other words, the reason behind the first Vaisakhi gathering was the creation of the Khalsa Panth. It also showed that a new identity has been created and that no one is different, superior, or inferior. Basically, there is no such thing as casts. The important symbols out of this event were peace, equality, love, friendship, goodness, etc. I think that an important tradition of Vaisakhi would be to be together with your loved ones and help those in need.

I think that the significance of Vaisakhi today is where we come from, it is our creation, the creation of the Khalsa Panth. The importance of Vaisakhi in my life is that it is a very important day that shows that every being on this earth, it be a human, an animal, an insect, it has the same importance as you. No one is superior or inferior or different.

This day is the creation of the Khalsa Panth, henceforth, Vaisakhi.

Award Winning Essays (Annual Kids Competition) - 1

2009-05-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

The importance of Vaisakhi
By Kirandeep Singh

One of the most important, symbolic and meaningful festival or religious holiday for the Sikhs would be Vaisakhi. What is the significance of Vaisakhi to a Sikh? Another day for a party with your community? No. Upon that day, you should become one with God. And take Amrit.

“Na koi Hindu, na koi Musulman”, thus it all began. One day, upon coming out of the Ganga river, Guru Nanak Dev brought equality by ending the cast system in 1499. From that equality were brought two things into the house of the Guru: Sangat and Pangat. Sangat meant equality when chanting the name of God. Whether is was Allah, Ram, or Gobind did not matter. Pangat meant equality while eating the Guru’s langar. The rich and the poor were to sit together with no anger or remorse about the social classes. From this evenness brought by Guru Nanak Dev ended a lot of social wars and discrimination.

The years kept passing, Guru Nanak’s successors kept spreading the equality, around until came Guru Gobind. He made more drastic changes. At the fort in Anandpur, on the day of March 30th, 1699, Guru Gobind summoned all the Sikhs for Vaisakhi. There, he drew out his sword and demanded for a Sikh who would give away his head for him. The crowd was confused. Upon Guru Gobind’s third request, Daya Ram came forward and the Guru took him inside a tent where he cut off a goat’s head. He came back with a bloody sword and demanded for another Sikh’s head. Dharm Das, Mukham Chand, Himmat Rai, and Sahib Chand came forward and went into the tent for the same ritual. Guru Gobind came out with the five Sikhs, who gave up their heads for the Guru, and named them his “Panch Pyares”. They took Amrit from the Guru and got baptized, thus started the started the Khalsa Panth, a group of devotees to the Guru and his teachings. Guru Gobind begged his five beloved ones to baptize him the same way and initiate him to the Khalsa Panth. He promised to sacrifice his family for them as they sacrificed their heads for him. Seeing that five ordinary people could give up their lives for the Guru, more and more people started to get baptized and become a part of the Khalsa Panth. They were to be baptized in sweetened water and wear the five “kakars”: kesh, karra, kachaa, kanga, kirpan.

In 1701, the Khalsa Panth grew exceptionally large and the emperors of that time decided to attack them at the fort in Anandpur before they grew larger. Surrounded with little resources and rations, the Sikhs begged Guru Gobind to leave and pursue his mission of spreading the Khalsa Panth. After leaving, Guru Gobind ended the tradition of appointing a corporal form of the Sikh philosophy and belief. He told the Sikhs to follow the Granth Sahib for spiritual guidance and to consult the Panchayat, the wise ones, for daily problems.

From all this, we see that on the day of Vaisakhi, March 30th 1699, Guru Gobind wanted the Sikhs to get baptized and become part of the Khalsa Panth. In our days, people don’t tend to get baptized, because they are in a way embarrassed or don’t feel comfortable wearing the five symbols after being part of the Khalsa Panth. Today, we just try to be as religious as possible and remember the day that the “Panch Pyares” gave up their heads for the Guru. We should all get baptized and become part of the Khalsa Panth.

Announcements

2009-04-24T07:43:00.000-07:00

Please note that the bi-weekly Youth Kirtan Darbar which was scheduled at GSQ for Friday, April 24, 2009 has been cancelled.
- Surjit Pahwa

GSQ Turban competition 2009 - Pictures

2009-04-20T09:41:00.001-07:00

News

2009-04-17T06:18:00.000-07:00

LaSalle teen cleared in kirpan case

GSQ Sikh Youth Quiz & Essay Competition 2009

2009-04-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

Click to see the slide show/ਤਸਵੀਰਾਂ ਵੇਖਣ ਲਈ ਕਲਿੱਕ ਕਰੋ ਜੀ।

2009 ਦੇ ਪੱਗ ਬੰਨ੍ਹ ਮੁਕਾਬਲੇ - ਅਪ੍ਰੈਲ 12 ਨੂੰ

2009-03-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

2008 ਦੇ ਪੱਗ ਬੰਨ੍ਹ ਮੁਕਾਬਲੇ

2009-03-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

ਵੇਖੋ ...ਸਾਲ 2008 ਦੇ ਪੱਗ ਬੰਨ੍ਹ ਮੁਕਾਬਲੇ...
===================================

ਪੱਗ ਬੰਨ੍ਹ ਮੁਕਾਬਲਾ

2009-03-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

ਪੱਗ ਬੰਨ੍ਹ ਮੁਕਾਬਲਾ

ਕਿੱਕਲੀ ਕਲੀਰ ਦੀ
ਕਨੇਡਾ ਵਿਚ ਵੀ ਚਮਕੇ
ਪੱਗ ਮੇਰੇ ਵੀਰ ਦੀ....

ਵੇਖੋ ਨਾਲ਼ੇ ਸੁਣੋ
"ਪੱਗ ਬੰਨ੍ਹਣੀ ਨ ਜਾਇਓ ਭੁੱਲ ਵੇ ਪੰਜਾਬੀਓ"

ਓ ਬਈ ਸਿੱਖ ਮੁੰਡਿਓ!
ਵੈਸਾਖੀ ਦੀ ਆਮਦ ਤੇ.. ਕੱਢ ਦਿਓ ਘੱਤੀਆਂ, ਪੇਚਾਂ ਵਾਲ਼ੀਆਂ... ਸੋਹਣੀਆਂ ਫਬਣਗੀਆਂ ਪੱਗਾਂ! ਜੇ ਕਿਸੇ ਗੱਲ ਦੀ ਮੱਦਦ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਐ ਤਾਂ.. ਹੇਠ ਲਿਖੇ ਫੂਨਾਂ ਤੇ ਮਾਰੋ ਘੰਟੀ.. ਕਸਰ ਨ ਰਹਿ ਜੇ ਕੋਈ.. ਵੈਸਾਖੀ ਨੂੰ ਦਿਸਣ ਪੱਗਾਂ ਹੀ ਪੱਗਾਂ.. ਪਟਿਆਲ਼ਾ ਸ਼ਾਹੀ, ਭਾਂਵੇ ਅੰਬਰਸਰੀ... ਸਟਾਈਲ ਜਿਹੜਾ ਵੀ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਪਸੰਦੀਦਾ..!!

ਪੜ੍ਹੋ ਕਵਿਤਾ:
ਸਾਡੀ "ਪੱਗ" ਨਾਲ ਵੱਖਰੀ ਪਛਾਣ ਜੱਗ ਤੇ

ਪੱਗ ਦੀ ਸਿਖਲਾਈ ਮੂਵੀਆਂ :
ਸਿੱਖੋ ਪੱਗ ਬੰਨ੍ਹਣੀ - 1
ਸਿੱਖੋ ਪੱਗ ਬੰਨ੍ਹਣੀ - 2 (Must See)
ਸਿੱਖੋ ਪੱਗ ਬੰਨ੍ਹਣੀ - 3
New Jersey Turban Competition

Click to enlarge!!!!

2009-02-27T08:56:00.000-08:00

Competition Rules:
Participants less than 13 years will be asked to answer a quiz (short answers and multiple choice answers), however, they are welcome to participate in writing an essay instead. Participants of 13 years and up will be asked to write an essay on the topic.

Format
§ All submissions are to be done individually, group work is not permitted.
§ Participants are required to write their essays in the designated competition room.
§ Notes are not allowed.
§ The minimum length of the essay should be 300 words.
§ Essays can be written in English or Punjabi (Gurmukhi).
§ Participants will have no more than one hour to take the quiz, two hours for the essay.

Judging Criteria (essay)
- Content
- Originality of thoughts
- Writing style, grammar, vocabulary
- Pertinence of information
- Accuracy
- Amount of research (variety of information)
- Interest & understanding
- Effort

2009-02-27T07:45:00.000-08:00

2008-08-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

Sikh Youth Kirtan

Kirtan Camps
Every Year Montreal Gurudwaras organize Kirtan
Camps along with training in Punjabi Language,
Sikh History and Cultural awareness & Sikh Heritage.
Volunteer teachers and sevadars selflessly work
together and help young souls.

Sikh Youth Quiz

Gurudwara Sahib Quebec organized a sikh youth quiz
competition on Oct 19, 2008 to commemorate the
300th anniversary of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. Kids
from all age groups took part.
(Click on 'Khanda' to see the slide show)

Kirtan Competitions (Coming Soon...)
Kirtan Competition is held every year to motivate
kids learn kirtan and Patth. The competiton is held
in December. Please contact SikhYouth@khalsa.com
for more details.

Extra Curricular Activities

Public Speaking
Children prepare and demonstrate their public speaking
talent every year. The medium of speech can be Punjabi,
English or French and they can pick a topic of their choice.

Scholarships (Coming Soon...)
Starting 2009, Sikh Youth Quebec is planning to offer
scholarships to the promising kids. Details will be
made available later on this site.

Other Poetry Blogs of Montreal Poets

Mohan Preet Pattar's Jihan to Kalam Teek

Jaswinder Singh's Udeek

GurinderJit's Away From Home