Three influential Congressmen have asked the US Defence Secretary Robert Gates to let Sikh American youths serve the US Army with their religious identity.
Three lawmakers, Carolyn Maloney, Rodney Frelinghuysen and Joseph Crowley, in a letter to Gates have strongly supported the two Sikh American youths who have challenged the Pentagon [ Images ] regulation, which prevent them in serving the US Army with their religious identity.
The lawmakers have asked the Defence Secretary to give full consideration to the soldiers' requests. They, in their letter, cited other Sikhs' service in the US Armed Forces and in its allies' militaries to support their argument that these men should be permitted to serve.
'Throughout our history, our nation's military has succeeded in training individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities to achieve one unifying goal: to protect and defend our nation.
'Providing Lieutenant (Tajdeep S Rattan) Rattan with a reasonable accommodation would simply be an additional chapter in this long history of military success,' wrote Congresswoman Maloney, and Congressman Crowley in a joint letter dated June 17 to Gates.
'I am urging you to give full consideration to this young American's request for a reasonable accommodation that will allow him to continue to serve our nation and to observe his religious faith,' said Congressman Frelinghuysen taking up the case of Captain Kamaljeet S Kalsi.
Both Kalsi and Rattan, were recruited as part of an Army program that pays for medical education in return for military service. At the time of their enrolment, military recruiters assured both men that their turbans and unshorn hair 'would not be a problem'.
Four years later, the Army has now told them that the recruiters' assurances were false and that they would have to forsake their religious practices. The two Sikh youths challenged the Pentagon regulation earlier this year.
A Pentagon official informed them that at the instance of the Defence Secretary, they were reviewing the current policy. The case of the two Sikh youths has also been taken up by the Sikh Coalition -- an advocacy group of the community.
Last week, American Sikh leaders, participating in a conference at the Library of Congress had asked lawmakers to facilitate Sikh youths serve the US Army with their identity.
On Tuesday, Sikh Coalition also announced to launch a campaign to have broader letter of support from Congress to Secretary Gates for these Sikh soldiers.
Showing posts with label Sikh Dharma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sikh Dharma. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Conditional warrant against Dera chief
A court in Bhatinda has issued a conditional arrest warrant against Dera Sacha Sauda leader Gurmeet Singh Ram Rahim for allegedly offending Sikh religious sentiments.
This means the Dera chief can be arrested, but only if the punjab government gives permission.
'We will act according to the procedures. All the procedures of arrest will be duly followed,' said Major Sardar Singh, lawyer, prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Dera sect has reportedly sent a fresh apology letter to the Akal Takht Sahib or the Sikh religious leadership.
Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal on Tuesday had welcomed Sikh Sangat leaders who marched from Fatehgarh to Chandigarh to highlight their demand.
Meanwhile, security at the Dera headquaters at Sirsa is reportedly being increased.
This means the Dera chief can be arrested, but only if the punjab government gives permission.
'We will act according to the procedures. All the procedures of arrest will be duly followed,' said Major Sardar Singh, lawyer, prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Dera sect has reportedly sent a fresh apology letter to the Akal Takht Sahib or the Sikh religious leadership.
Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal on Tuesday had welcomed Sikh Sangat leaders who marched from Fatehgarh to Chandigarh to highlight their demand.
Meanwhile, security at the Dera headquaters at Sirsa is reportedly being increased.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Can you donate this 1 Rupee?
This message was forwarded to me by a friend. An excellent response by a true Sardar:
"Hello friends!! Well, jayant , my friend, told me the following incident which I wish to share with you. It has had a deep impact on my thinking.
In the diwali vacation, Jayant and his couple of friends had gone to Delhi.
They rented a taxi for local sight-seeing. The driver was an old Sardar, and boys being boys, Jayant and his pals began cracking Sardarji jokes, just to insinuate the old man.
But to their surprise, the fellow remained unperturbed.
At the end of the sight-seeing, they paid up the hire-charges. The Sardar returned the change. Moreover, he gave each one of them one rupee extra and said, (in Hindi, of course),
"Son, since morning you have been telling Sardarji jokes. I listened to them all and let me tell you, some of them were in a very bad taste. Still, I don't mind coz I know that you are young blood and are yet to see the world. But I have just one request. Here I am giving you one rupee each. Give it to the first Sardar beggar that you come across in this city."
Jayant continued," That one rupee coin is still with me. I couldn't find a single Sardar begging on the streets of Delhi."
Friends, we all love sardar jokes. But the fact of matter is that Sikhs are one of the most prosperous and diversified communities in the world. The secret behind their universal success, according to me, is their willingness to do any job with utmost dedication. A Sardar will drive a truck or set up a roadside garage or a dhaba, but he will never beg on the streets.
"Hello friends!! Well, jayant , my friend, told me the following incident which I wish to share with you. It has had a deep impact on my thinking.
In the diwali vacation, Jayant and his couple of friends had gone to Delhi.
They rented a taxi for local sight-seeing. The driver was an old Sardar, and boys being boys, Jayant and his pals began cracking Sardarji jokes, just to insinuate the old man.
But to their surprise, the fellow remained unperturbed.
At the end of the sight-seeing, they paid up the hire-charges. The Sardar returned the change. Moreover, he gave each one of them one rupee extra and said, (in Hindi, of course),
"Son, since morning you have been telling Sardarji jokes. I listened to them all and let me tell you, some of them were in a very bad taste. Still, I don't mind coz I know that you are young blood and are yet to see the world. But I have just one request. Here I am giving you one rupee each. Give it to the first Sardar beggar that you come across in this city."
Jayant continued," That one rupee coin is still with me. I couldn't find a single Sardar begging on the streets of Delhi."
Friends, we all love sardar jokes. But the fact of matter is that Sikhs are one of the most prosperous and diversified communities in the world. The secret behind their universal success, according to me, is their willingness to do any job with utmost dedication. A Sardar will drive a truck or set up a roadside garage or a dhaba, but he will never beg on the streets.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Message from Akal Takht Sahib
All Sikhs to come and join the peaceful protest starting from Gurudwara Fategarh Sahib at 10am tommorrow i.e. 31st May, 07 and ending at Gurudwara Sri Jyoti Swarup Sahib, Fatehgarh. All Participants must recite “Satnam Waheguru” and no display of arms.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Meeting at Akal Takht Sahib on Dera Apology
The five high priests (Jathedars) of five Takhts, will meet later on Tuesday at Akal Takht Sahib, the highest sikh religious body, in Amritsar to consider the apology sent to them by the Dera Sacha Sauda.
The Dera sent a signed letter of apology to the highest Sikh religious body, the Akal Takht Sahib on Monday evening. The letter is signed by the Vice President of Dera Sacha Sauda.
The Dera sent a signed letter of apology to the highest Sikh religious body, the Akal Takht Sahib on Monday evening. The letter is signed by the Vice President of Dera Sacha Sauda.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Dera felt sorry to Guru Gobind Singh Ji
The criticism Dera faced on the apology row over imitating Guru Gobind Singh Ji has taken a new turn when Sect Chief released a press note late in the evening stating that, Sect Chief can not even dare to dream of levelling Guru Gobind Singh Ji. we have already expressed regrets upon the events But the incidents happened in Punjab and for the sake of peace in Punjab and in interest of public we feel sorry before Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
This is a press note for press to gain people support and convey the message that Sect is serious to solve the issue, but in actual its nothing more than playing with the words and public emotions.
This is not even addressed to Akaal Takhat Sahib, So the acceptance of the apology is doubtful.
As reported earlier, this was clear that Dera chief will not apologize directly to Sikhs or Akal Takhat Sahib because this will be seen as a loss to them.
Anyways, they are apologizing to Guru Gobind Singh ji and Guru ji is always kind. I think this should ease the tension and bring peace in Punjab.
Rest is wait and watch.
This is a press note for press to gain people support and convey the message that Sect is serious to solve the issue, but in actual its nothing more than playing with the words and public emotions.
This is not even addressed to Akaal Takhat Sahib, So the acceptance of the apology is doubtful.
As reported earlier, this was clear that Dera chief will not apologize directly to Sikhs or Akal Takhat Sahib because this will be seen as a loss to them.
Anyways, they are apologizing to Guru Gobind Singh ji and Guru ji is always kind. I think this should ease the tension and bring peace in Punjab.
Rest is wait and watch.
Zee News - Interview with Swami Agnivesh and Mohkam Singh of Damdami Taksal
Zee News - interview with Swami Agnivesh and Mohkam Singh from Damdami Taksal on Dera issue as the deadline of vacating the Deras, is ending in few hours.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycg3M2M610s
(Part 1 of 4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzEHWcNTNHc
(Part 2 of 4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moKk17lx8Hw
(Part 3 of 4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVWtYsaaoWI
(Part 4 of 4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycg3M2M610s
(Part 1 of 4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzEHWcNTNHc
(Part 2 of 4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moKk17lx8Hw
(Part 3 of 4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVWtYsaaoWI
(Part 4 of 4)
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Swami Agnivesh on Dera Issue
Swami Agnivesh in an interview with Zee News mentioned that they received a draft note (apology note) from the Dera and they have sent it back to Dera with some suggestion in the Draft. And he is still waiting for the final draft from the Dera which he will take to Akal Takht Sahib to ease the tension on the issue.
In his interview with various channels, Swami Agnivesh mentioned that Dera Chief is ready for the apology but he is caught in his own web and continued saying that Dr. Aditya and other followers are not allowing this to happen. There seems some politics on this issue within the Dera.
When Zee News reporter again tried to put political reason behind the issue, Swami Agnivesh replied that it is not a political issue, he continued saying that all the people in Punjab Sikhs or Hindus etc. belonging to any party are standing together on this issue hence no question of politics. And even he and other religious leaders feel the same and that Dera must apologise to Sikhs.
He was also surprised on Dera's part on entire issue. In an interview with Janmat reporter (two days back), where Dr. Aditya was also called upon, he asked Dr. Aditya about the delay in releasing the apology note.
Everyone seems to be tensed on the issue as deadline of 27 May, 07 to vacate all the Deras from Punjab, is ending in few hours.
In his interview with various channels, Swami Agnivesh mentioned that Dera Chief is ready for the apology but he is caught in his own web and continued saying that Dr. Aditya and other followers are not allowing this to happen. There seems some politics on this issue within the Dera.
When Zee News reporter again tried to put political reason behind the issue, Swami Agnivesh replied that it is not a political issue, he continued saying that all the people in Punjab Sikhs or Hindus etc. belonging to any party are standing together on this issue hence no question of politics. And even he and other religious leaders feel the same and that Dera must apologise to Sikhs.
He was also surprised on Dera's part on entire issue. In an interview with Janmat reporter (two days back), where Dr. Aditya was also called upon, he asked Dr. Aditya about the delay in releasing the apology note.
Everyone seems to be tensed on the issue as deadline of 27 May, 07 to vacate all the Deras from Punjab, is ending in few hours.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Swami Agnivesh with other religious leaders to meet Akal Takht Jathedar after their meeting with Dera head
Swami Agnivesh was likely to meet the Jathedar yesterday following his talks with dera head Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh on 22nd May. However, he did not arrive in Amritsar yesterday. “We have been told that they wanted to come here. They are welcome, this house of the Almighty is open for all,” said Jathedar Vedanti.
He said options for talks should always remain open, apology from the dera head would “definitely ease prevailing tension” and might pave way for amicable religious solution.
Swami Agnivesh, who is a well-known social activist working for the inter-religious and inter-faith dialogues, had claimed a breakthrough in the stand-off after meeting the dera head.
Though he claimed that mutually acceptable solution would soon be worked out, instead of coming to the Holy City, the committee members left for Delhi.
Meanwhile, though peaceniks are making efforts to iron out differences, the Swami emerged as a major interlocutor. Though he has not disclosed whether the Dera chief had agreed to apologise, there was likelihood that he would bring some good tidings.
In a TV interview, Swami Agnivesh was looking positive. He had went to meet Dera head along with other religious leader. They all had a long discussion with the Dera head and their committee members. And according to him, Dera was supposed to release another press note and it is believed that this time they will apologise without playing with the words, to ease the tension.
When asked about when was the Swami expected, the Jathedar said as committee members had not made any direct contact with them at the Takht’s secretariat or the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), they were unaware of their coming to the city so far.
There were, meanwhile, reports that the Swami, along with some other members of other religious communities, might arrive here in the evening.
He said options for talks should always remain open, apology from the dera head would “definitely ease prevailing tension” and might pave way for amicable religious solution.
Swami Agnivesh, who is a well-known social activist working for the inter-religious and inter-faith dialogues, had claimed a breakthrough in the stand-off after meeting the dera head.
Though he claimed that mutually acceptable solution would soon be worked out, instead of coming to the Holy City, the committee members left for Delhi.
Meanwhile, though peaceniks are making efforts to iron out differences, the Swami emerged as a major interlocutor. Though he has not disclosed whether the Dera chief had agreed to apologise, there was likelihood that he would bring some good tidings.
In a TV interview, Swami Agnivesh was looking positive. He had went to meet Dera head along with other religious leader. They all had a long discussion with the Dera head and their committee members. And according to him, Dera was supposed to release another press note and it is believed that this time they will apologise without playing with the words, to ease the tension.
When asked about when was the Swami expected, the Jathedar said as committee members had not made any direct contact with them at the Takht’s secretariat or the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), they were unaware of their coming to the city so far.
There were, meanwhile, reports that the Swami, along with some other members of other religious communities, might arrive here in the evening.
Monday, May 21, 2007
NDTV Talk Show - Storm within Sikhism (6 Parts)
(Part 1 of 6)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi8F_vMWjqA
(Part 2 of 6)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNK8XgRbets
(Part 3 of 6)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2pRrcyYn-U
(Part 4 of 6)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wndFdZCKAOw
(Part 5 of 6)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrlISD05TGk
(Part 6 of 6)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuWx4O6nLm4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi8F_vMWjqA
(Part 2 of 6)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNK8XgRbets
(Part 3 of 6)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2pRrcyYn-U
(Part 4 of 6)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wndFdZCKAOw
(Part 5 of 6)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrlISD05TGk
(Part 6 of 6)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuWx4O6nLm4
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Akal Takhat Sahib Verdict
Akal Takhat Sahib refused REGRET Plea . It called it as foul trap / drama ( Dera Head never felt sorry till now, he just twisting situation)
Few of the brief points of Akal Takhat Sahib Hukam (verdict) is:
a) Complete Punjab bandh on 22nd May, 2007
b) All dera's to be closed in Punjab till 27th May, 2007
c) CBI should complete enquiry against baba by May end.
d) Next Akal Takhat Sahib meet is on 31st May to take next action
Sikhs supporting Akal Takhat Sahib edict with loud jaikara's.
Few of the brief points of Akal Takhat Sahib Hukam (verdict) is:
a) Complete Punjab bandh on 22nd May, 2007
b) All dera's to be closed in Punjab till 27th May, 2007
c) CBI should complete enquiry against baba by May end.
d) Next Akal Takhat Sahib meet is on 31st May to take next action
Sikhs supporting Akal Takhat Sahib edict with loud jaikara's.
Dera Baba Regrets over the issue
After creating so much of tension, Dera Baba regrets for the entire issue. Is it acceptable? If he calls himself Saint and Insaan then why is he having so much of ego? He could have said that ... "I apologise to Sikh Sangat if my act has hurt them in anyways".
Please read the other posts to know about the entire issue:
http://jaspreetsingh.blogspot.com/2007/05/why-sikhs-are-angry.html
http://jaspreetsingh.blogspot.com/2007/05/dera-jhuta-sauda-know-them.html
or visit this site:
http://akalpurakhkifauj.googlepages.com/eyeopener-derasachasuada
Friday, May 18, 2007
Interview of Dera Spokesperson
In the interview he is asking about the issue to reporter, this is the issue... http://jaspreetsingh.blogspot.com/2007/05/why-sikhs-are-angry.html
Dera Jhuta Sauda - Know them..
I think people here dont know the reality of DERA SACHA SAUDA. This would give them some idea.
I will like to tell all members what I saw & heard on TV.
A reporter of INDIA Tv asked secreatery of Dr. Aditya, spokeperson of Dera : "When Dera says it is a religious & humanity movement why the Dera supported Congress in assembly election, why is Dera doing politics?"
you all will be surprised with the answer of Dr. Aditya which is exteremely insult of Hindus & Sikhs.
Dr. Aditya: "You tell me who had not done politics. Ram killed a person with the help of different species(Vanars) wasn't that politics? Krishan helped Arjun in Mahabharat wasn't that politics? Guru Gobind singh created his own army to fight mughals wasn't that politics? This is my answer to you question."
Dera Sachha Sauda, supremeo, Gurmeet Ram Raheem is a criminal. They have there headquarter in Sirsa(Haryana). So many criminal cases are filed against him which includes murders, rapes, extortism(Even a CBI inquiry is going on against him). He has Congress backing.
They are misleading so many Hindus & Sikhs and diverting both of them from their religions (Converting them to their self-made SACHA religion and making them so called INSAAN and we saw their insaaniyat on Monday when they were throwing stones and beating Punjab Police and Media persons in Bathinda).
(Source: an Indian)
I will like to tell all members what I saw & heard on TV.
A reporter of INDIA Tv asked secreatery of Dr. Aditya, spokeperson of Dera : "When Dera says it is a religious & humanity movement why the Dera supported Congress in assembly election, why is Dera doing politics?"
you all will be surprised with the answer of Dr. Aditya which is exteremely insult of Hindus & Sikhs.
Dr. Aditya: "You tell me who had not done politics. Ram killed a person with the help of different species(Vanars) wasn't that politics? Krishan helped Arjun in Mahabharat wasn't that politics? Guru Gobind singh created his own army to fight mughals wasn't that politics? This is my answer to you question."
Dera Sachha Sauda, supremeo, Gurmeet Ram Raheem is a criminal. They have there headquarter in Sirsa(Haryana). So many criminal cases are filed against him which includes murders, rapes, extortism(Even a CBI inquiry is going on against him). He has Congress backing.
They are misleading so many Hindus & Sikhs and diverting both of them from their religions (Converting them to their self-made SACHA religion and making them so called INSAAN and we saw their insaaniyat on Monday when they were throwing stones and beating Punjab Police and Media persons in Bathinda).
(Source: an Indian)
Punjab happening - get the true picture
1. This is not an issue of Akalis going for a revenge. Anyone in power would not ask for the trouble. This is a case of Sikh sentiments being hurt.
(News channels have repeatedly being saying that its a fight over faith between Dera and Akali Sikhs. This is totally false! It's a fight between "All Sikhs" and the Dera)
2. The instigation has deliberately been done by the Dera Baba who has tried to imitate the tenth Master of the Sikhs.
3. Its not just dress code, he has tried to play and mimic with the teachings of the Guru Sahib- instituting his own style amrit like
- he has 7 persons for his sharabat first and Guru Gobind Singh ji has panj pyare (5 beloved ones)
- he asked his followers to use "Insaan" with their names and everyone know that it was Guru Gobind Singh ji who asked Sikhs to use Singh (for males) and Kaur (for females) with their names.
and unfortunately just the way it happened in 1978 that led to operation bluestar and then 84 riots.
4. Anyone Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian who has slightest knowledge of Sikhism can easily make out the intentions behind the ads.
5. The Dera followers were aware of the instigation and were prepared for the Sikh reactions. within hours of Sikh Protest 12000 Dera followers came armed and created havoc in Bathinda. Most of them were armed with same size of lathis as reported by News Channel.
6. The congress behind these instigations and trouble is factually proven by photgraphs and videos, as almost 6 congress MLAs were part of the mob which created havoc in Bathinda.
7. Tolerance does not mean that you demean the prophets of any religion and then ask the people not to react. And mind it the reactions by Sikhs have been democratic and mostly peaceful.
8. There were 1.5 lakh Sikhs yesterday at Sabo ki Talvandi to protest against the Deras misendeavors. Has there been any violence or damage to public property? What more can be the tolerance?
9. It was Dera followers who opened fire to the crowd coming back from Talwandi Sabo. Their Dera is on the main road and they opened fire, killing 1 Sikh (Kamaljit Singh) and injuring several others. How come Dera followers got armed with guns and ammunition?
10. Dera followers distributing lathis (sticks) and collecting stones was shown in one of the news channel on Thursday evening.
11. There are hundreds of Deras running in Punjab and never ever the Sikhs harassed or protested against them. Yes unless these Deras have tried to deliberately play with Sikh sentiments.
12. I would request all to support Sikh sentiments and expose this Dera.
13. I would also request Sikh bretheren to not to play in the hands of politicians. Let us maintain our composure and peacefully protest against the Dera Head's misadventure.
(News channels have repeatedly being saying that its a fight over faith between Dera and Akali Sikhs. This is totally false! It's a fight between "All Sikhs" and the Dera)
2. The instigation has deliberately been done by the Dera Baba who has tried to imitate the tenth Master of the Sikhs.
3. Its not just dress code, he has tried to play and mimic with the teachings of the Guru Sahib- instituting his own style amrit like
- he has 7 persons for his sharabat first and Guru Gobind Singh ji has panj pyare (5 beloved ones)
- he asked his followers to use "Insaan" with their names and everyone know that it was Guru Gobind Singh ji who asked Sikhs to use Singh (for males) and Kaur (for females) with their names.
and unfortunately just the way it happened in 1978 that led to operation bluestar and then 84 riots.
4. Anyone Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian who has slightest knowledge of Sikhism can easily make out the intentions behind the ads.
5. The Dera followers were aware of the instigation and were prepared for the Sikh reactions. within hours of Sikh Protest 12000 Dera followers came armed and created havoc in Bathinda. Most of them were armed with same size of lathis as reported by News Channel.
6. The congress behind these instigations and trouble is factually proven by photgraphs and videos, as almost 6 congress MLAs were part of the mob which created havoc in Bathinda.
7. Tolerance does not mean that you demean the prophets of any religion and then ask the people not to react. And mind it the reactions by Sikhs have been democratic and mostly peaceful.
8. There were 1.5 lakh Sikhs yesterday at Sabo ki Talvandi to protest against the Deras misendeavors. Has there been any violence or damage to public property? What more can be the tolerance?
9. It was Dera followers who opened fire to the crowd coming back from Talwandi Sabo. Their Dera is on the main road and they opened fire, killing 1 Sikh (Kamaljit Singh) and injuring several others. How come Dera followers got armed with guns and ammunition?
10. Dera followers distributing lathis (sticks) and collecting stones was shown in one of the news channel on Thursday evening.
11. There are hundreds of Deras running in Punjab and never ever the Sikhs harassed or protested against them. Yes unless these Deras have tried to deliberately play with Sikh sentiments.
12. I would request all to support Sikh sentiments and expose this Dera.
13. I would also request Sikh bretheren to not to play in the hands of politicians. Let us maintain our composure and peacefully protest against the Dera Head's misadventure.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Dera People Interviewed
Sikhs in the video seems ready to drink Sharabat and put Insaan after their first name but they are not ready to take Amrit given by Guru Gobind Singh ji and become Singh....
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