ਦਸਤਾਰ ਮੁਕਾਬਲੇ - ਮਾਂਟਰੀਅਲ / GSQ Turban Competition

Youth Leadership Camp with Justin Trudeau

ਬੇਬੇ ਜੀ..ਮੈਂ ਸੰਤ ਬਣੂੰਗਾ...

Guru Nanak Gurupurav celebrations on CTV news

GSQ Montreal Guru Nanak Gurupurav celebrations on CTV news.

Please click below to see the TV Coverage

Remembering Nov. 1984

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

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

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/

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Proud Sikh - The father of Fiber Optics

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.

Read More:

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

Watch:

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

News Report - Asian News Sep 2009

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

Navdeep Bains in Montreal

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

News Report - Punjabi Daily, Toronto

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

Poem!

Sikhism - No Borders / ਸਿੱਖੀ - ਸੀਮਾ ਰਹਿਤ

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

SIKH YOUTH GURMAT DAY CAMP

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

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

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

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

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.