TWO GLOBAL ROLE MODEL VILLAGES OF INDIA...

It's a saying that India lives in its villages. Though a lot has changed with the changing times, still a lot depends on these lively villages which present the better half of India. Each Village has a unique identity, with the best coming out in their own ways. Travelers find these Indian villages extremely fascinating since they introduce them to a completely different way of living. Trapped in their hectic city life travelers find the solace of villages in India completely refreshing. Away from their tensions, these travellers just love to spend some quiet moments amidst natural beauty and new set of people and culture. Recognizing this fact, the tourism department of India has also gone ahead to recreate heritage villages where visitors are treated to a lifestyle that is unique to Indian villages. Out of them I am presenting the first two global model villages of India which are an inspiration for other villages of the world.

PUTTAPARTHI:

Puttaparthi that was once a hamlet and a sparsely populated village with a population of just a little over hundred people, has now population of about a lakh of people. The history of Puttaparthi, as far as the world is concerned, began on November 23, 1926, the birth date of Sathya Narayan Raju, later became famous as miraculous Spiritual Saint Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Set in a narrow farming valley, the village was apparently called Gollapalli, the home of cowherds, before it became Puttaparthi. Located in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh state, Puttaparthi is a small village about 800m above sea level at a latitude of 15 degrees north and a longitude of 70 degrees east. Peace and tranquility are the salient features of this bustling place and probably no other village in the world is as famous and has so many facilities all in one place like Puttaparthi. The selfless philanthropic works of development done here has brought this village national and international fame. Sathya Sai Central Trust is well known for several welfare activities across the country and around the whole world, as it runs thousands of free Schools, 2 free Super-Specialty Hospitals in Puttaparthi and Bangalore, Universities, free drinking Water Supply to Millions of people in more than 700 villages including metropolitan Madras and many more around the world. In Puttaparthi , there is Satya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, which has now transformed into a University, an exclusive airport, a 220-bedded Super-Speciality hospital, a railway station, a planetarium, a hill-view stadium, a museum of world religions, a music college, an administrative building, an indoor sports stadium.

Institutions, organisations and projects:

Sathya Sai Baba supported a variety of free educational institutions, hospitals, and other charitable works in over 166 countries. The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (now changed to Sri Sathya Sai University) in Prashanthi Nilayam is the only college in India to have received an "A++" rating by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (an autonomous body established by the University Grants Commission). Sri Sathya Sai University of which Baba was the Chancellor, has three campuses, one at Puttaparthi for men, one at Whitefield, Bangalore for men and one at Anantapur for women. His charity supports an institute for Indian classical music called the Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music. Baba's educational institutions aim to impart character education along with excellence in academics with emphasis on human values and ethics. Sathya Sai Baba chaired the Muddenahalli-Sathya Sai Loka Seva School and Sri Sathya Sa Loka Seva Trust Educational Institutions in Muddenahalli-Kanivenarayanapura regions. In addition, a Sathya Sai Baba University and Medical School as well as a world class hospital and research institute are being constructed on over 200 acres (0.81 km2) to serve the destitute population. Baba said that the campus will be modeled after Puttaparthi and will infuse spirituality with academics. The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences in Puttaparthi is a 220 bed facility that provides free surgical and medical care and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narasimha Rao on 22 November 1991. The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences in Bangalore is a 333 bed hospital meant to benefit the poor. The hospital was inaugurated on 19 January 2001 by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.The hospital has provided free medical care to over 250,000 patients. The Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital was opened in Whitefield, Bangalore, in 1977 and provides complex surgeries, food and medicines free of cost. The hospital has treated over 2 million patients.

The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust runs several general hospitals, two specialty hospitals, eye hospitals and mobile dispensaries and conducts medical camps in rural and slum areas in India. The Trust has also funded several major drinking water projects. One project completed in 1996 supplies water to 1.2 million people in about 750 villages in the drought-prone Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh. The second drinking water project, completed in 2004, supplies water to Chennai through a rebuilt waterway named "Sathya Sai Ganga Canal".[109][110] Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi praised the Chennai water project and Sai Baba's involvement. Other completed water projects include the Medak District Project benefiting 450,000 people in 179 villages and the Mahbubnagar District Project benefitting 350,000 people in 141 villages.[62] In January 2007, the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust said it would start a drinking water project in Latur, Maharashtra.[113] In 2008, 2 million people in the state of Orissa were affected by floods. As a relief measure, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization, has built 699 houses as a part of their first phase in 16 villages by March 2009.

Sathya Sai Baba's Educare program seeks to found schools throughout the world with the goal of educating children in the five human values. According to the Sai Educare site, schools have been founded in 33 countries, including Australia, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Peru.The Times of Zambia states, "The positive influence of Sathya Sai is unprecedented in the annals of education in Zambia. Sai Baba's education ideals as embodied in his human values-based approach in education are an eye opener to educationists in Zambia." In Canada, the Fraser Institute, an independent Canadian research and educational organization, ranked the Sathya Sai School of Canada as one of the top 37 elementary schools in Ontario. The Sathya Sai School scored a perfect 10 out of 10 in the Institute's overall rating for academic performance.

On 23 November 1999, the Department of Posts, Government of India, released a postage stamp and a postal cover in recognition of the service rendered by Sathya Sai Baba in addressing the problem of providing safe drinking water to the rural masses. On 23 November 2001, the digital radio network Radio Sai Global Harmony was launched through the World Space Organization, United States. Dr Michael Oleinikof Nobel (distant relative to Alfred Nobel and one of the patrons for the radio network) said that the radio network would spread Sathya Sai Baba's message of global harmony and peace.

In January 2007, an event was held in Chennai Nehru stadium organised by the Chennai Citizens Conclave to thank Sathya Sai Baba for the 200 crore water project which brought water from the River Krishna in Andhra Pradesh to Chennai city. Four chief ministers attended the function.

RALEGAN SIDDHI:

Ralegan Siddhi (Marathi: राळेगण सिद्धी) is a village in Parner taluka of Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra state in western India. It is located at a distance of 87 km from Pune. The village has an area of 982.31 ha (1991). It is considered a model of environmental conservation. The village has carried out programs like treeplanting, terracing to reduce soil erosion and digging canals to retain rainwater. For energy, the village uses solar power, biogas (some generated from the community toilet) and a windmill. The project is heralded as a sustainable model of a village republic. The village's biggest accomplishment is in its use of non-conventional energy. For example, all the village street lights each have separate solar panels. Since 1975, the village is headed by the noted Indian social activist Anna Hazare. In 1975, when Anna Hajare, a retired army man, went back to his village in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, he found the village reeling under drought, poverty, debt, and unemployment. He decided to mobilize the people and, with the collective support of all the villagers, he began to introduce changes. One of the works of Vivekananda which he had read was ‘Call to the nation’. Today Ralegaon Siddhi is being taken as a role model for other villages by the Maharashtra government and by other states too. Massive tree plantation has been undertaken, and hills have been terraced to check erosion. Large canals with ridges on either side have been dug to retain rain. As a result, the water table in this area is now considerably higher and the wells and tube wells are never dry, making it possible to raise three crops a year where only one was possible. The villager's biggest achievement is undoubtedly in the area of non-conventional energy. All the streets in the village are lit by solar lights, each with a separate panel. There are four large community biogas plants and one of them is fitted to the community toilet. There is a large windmill used for pumping water. A number of households have their own biogas plants. The village is self sufficient.

Some of the developmental & constructive works done in Ralegan Siddhi are:

Prohibition of alcohol: Hazare and the youth group decided to take up the issue of alcoholism as a means to drive a process of reform. At a meeting conducted in the temple, the villagers resolved to close down liquor dens and ban alcohol in the village. Since these resolutions were made in the temple, they became, in a sense, religious commitments. Over thirty liquor brewing units were closed by their owners voluntarily. Those who did not succumb to social pressure were forced to close down their businesses when the youth group smashed up their liquor dens. The owners could not complain as their businesses were illegal.When some villagers were found to be drunk they were tied to pillars and then flogged, sometimes personally by Hazare. He justified it by giving an example, ‘Doesn’t a mother administer bitter medicines to a sick child when she knows that the medicine can cure her child? The child may not like the medicine, but the mother does it only because she cares for the child.’ The alcoholics were punished so that their families would not be destroyed. Hazare appealed to the government of Maharashtra to bring in a law whereby prohibition would come into force in a village if 25% of the women in the village demanded it. In 2009 the state government amended the Bombay Prohibition Act, 1949 to reflect this. It was decided to ban the sale of tobacco, cigarettes, and beedies (an unfiltered cigarette where the tobacco is rolled in tendu also known as Diospyros melanoxylon leaves instead of paper) in the village. In order to implement this resolution, the youth group performed a unique "Holi" ceremony twenty two years ago.[when?] The festival of Holi is celebrated as a symbolic burning of evil. The youth group brought all the tobacco, cigarettes, and beedies from the shops in the village and burnt them in a Holi fire. Tobacco, cigarettes, or beedies are no longer sold.

Grain Bank: In 1980, the Grain Bank was started by him at the temple, with the objective of providing food security to needful farmers during times of drought or crop failure. Rich farmers, or those with surplus grain production, could donate a quintal to the bank. In times of need, farmers could borrow the grain, but they had to return the same amount of grain they borrowed, plus an additional quintal as an interest. This ensured that nobody in the village ever went hungry or had to borrow money to buy grain. This also prevented distress sales of grain at lower prices at harvest time.

Watershed development programme: Ralegan is located in the foothills, so Hazare persuaded villagers to construct a watershed embankment and associated works to stop water and allow it to percolate and increase the ground water level and improve irrigation in the area. These efforts solved the problem of water scarcity in the village and made irrigation possible.Cultivation of water-intensive crops like sugar cane was banned. Crops such as pulses, oil-seeds, and certain cash crops with low water requirements were grown. The farmers started growing high-yield varieties of crop and the cropping pattern of the village was changed. Hazare has helped farmers of more than 70 villages in drought-prone regions in the state of Maharashtra since 1975. When Hazare came in Ralegan Siddhi in 1975 only 70 acres (28 ha) of land was irrigated, Hazare converted it into about 2,500 acres (1,000 ha).

Milk production: As a secondary occupation, milk production was promoted in Ralegan Siddhi. Purchase of new cattle and improvement of the existing breed with the help of artificial insemination and timely guidance and assistance by a veterinarian resulted in an improvement in the cattle stock, increasing production of milk. Crossbred cows are replacing local ones which gave a lower milk yield

Education: In 1932, Ralegan Siddhi got its first formal school, a single classroom primary school. In 1962, the villagers added more classrooms through community volunteer efforts. By 1971, out of an estimated population of 1,209, only 30.43% were literate (72 women and 290 men). Boys moved to the nearby towns of Shirur and Parner to pursue higher education, but due to socioeconomic conditions, girls could not do the same and were limited to primary education. Hazare, along with the youth of Ralegan Siddhi, worked to increase literacy rates and education levels. In 1976 they started a pre-school and a high school in 1979. The villagers formed a charitable trust, the Sant Yadavbaba Shikshan Prasarak Mandal, which was registered in 1979.

Removal of untouchability: The social barriers and discrimination that existed due to the caste system in India have been largely eliminated by Ralegan Siddhi villagers. It was Hazare's moral leadership that motivated and inspired the villagers to shun untouchability and caste discrimination. Marriages of Dalits are held as part of community marriage program together with those of other castes. The Dalits have been integrated into the social and economic life of the village. The upper caste villagers have built houses for the lower caste Dalits by shramdaan and helped to repay their loans to free them from their indebtedness.

Collective marriages: Most rural poor get into a debt trap as they incur heavy expenses at the time of marriage of their daughter or son. It is an undesirable practice but has almost become a social obligation in India. Ralegan's people have started celebrating marriages collectively. Joint feasts are held, where the expenses are further reduced by the Tarun Mandal taking responsibility for cooking and serving the food. The vessels, the loudspeaker system, the mandap, and the decorations have also been bought by the Tarun Mandal members belonging to the oppressed castes. From 1976 to 1986, 424 marriages have been held under this system.

Gram Sabha: The Gandhian philosophy on rural development considers the Gram Sabha as an important democratic institution for collective decision making in the villages of India. Hazare campaigned between 1998 and 2006 for amending the Gram Sabha Act, so that the villagers have a say in the development works in their village. The state government initially refused, but eventually gave in due to public pressure. As per the amendments, it is mandatory to seek the sanction of the Gram Sabha (an assembly of all village adults, and not just the few elected representatives in the gram panchayat) for expenditures on development works in the village.

With the help from sites: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sathya_Sai_Baba

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

REMEMBERING MY GRANDFATHER SARDAR BHAVKHANDAN SINGH JI ON HIS 15th DEATH ANNIVERSARY (Jan 19, 1930 - July 17, 1996)….

by HARGUNPREET SINGH
Today is the 15th Death Anniversary of my grandfather S. Bhavkhandan Singh ji. Though I spent only 8 early years of my life with him but the impact of his great personality will remain on me for my entire life. I learnt from him the earlier basic and important things of my life like walking, talking, reading, writing and dressing style. Now, I will try my best to put light on some of the great features of his personality according to my capability and guidance provided by my father:
• S. Bhavkhandan Singh ji completed his Matriculation from B.N. Khalsa High school, Patiala, and after that he passed out his Giani examination under the able guidance of Giani Buddh Singh ji of Qaumi College Patiala.
• He was firstly appointed as a Language teacher in Govt. High school Sanaur. He did his service mostly in schools of Sanaur, Samana and Bhunnerheri villages of Patiala District.
• In service of approximately 40 years, he was never late and always reached the school half an hour before the prescribed time.
• He was also so much devoted to his work spots that he very rarely availed the casual leaves, not to talk of enjoying other holidays. He had complete mastery over his subject, he focussed more on beautifying the handwriting of his students. To improve the handwriting of his students, he did not even hesitate to make them use the wooden slates (takhtis) even in higher classes. He had so much faith in his hardwork and his students’ talent that once during the time of yearly inspection of his school, he very confidently said to the District Education Officer, “You can put any question to my students from the entire syllabus.” When the officer gave the test, he was surprised to see the amazing preparation of his students.
• While teaching poetry, he sometimes used to sing hymns from Gurbani, shaloks of Baba Farid ji and many other poems so melodiously that it had a bewitching and everlasting impact on the students minds.
• Though he was a Punjabi teacher but he also had a great ability and efficiency to teach History and Geography. He used to draw maps on the blackboard without looking into the book and taught the students to fill the maps with great ease and perfection.
• Whenever there was a shortage of teachers of Social Studies subject in his school, he was given the responsibility of teaching this subject and his students always showed 100% results.
• Some of his colleagues were so impressed by his unique teaching style and skill that in their vacant periods, they used to sit in his class with other students to learn some tips to become a better teacher.
• He was always loved and respected by his fellow teachers and heads because he never said no to any work and did all his duties with great enthusiasm and joyfulness. Sometimes when P.T. teachers were on leave, he even did their job efficiently and conducted the morning assembly very successfully. Whether he was made an incharge of school examinations or an incharge of Admission with-drawal register, or a class incharge, he did his work with full devotion and dedication. Once, when in Sanaur, he was made the library incharge, he maintained the library so beautifully and aesthetically that it was praised not only by the staff of his institution but also by the teachers and Heads of neighbouring institutions as well.
• When several other teachers don’t care to maintain their Teachers Diary properly and think it a useless activity to maintain it, he truly understood its importance and kept on writing his daily diary with great interest during his entire service. His diary was so beautifully maintained that once his Principal S. Harnam Singh was so much impressed and overjoyed that he could not stop himself from writing ‘very good’ on his diary in the way the teachers use to write on students notebooks.
• While working under the headship of S. Basheshar Singh at Govt. High school Samana, he along with his colleagues S. Sukhbir Singh and S. Harbhajan Singh, took free extra classes of his students. Hardwork done by the students and devoted team work of sincere teachers resulted in a miracle and the poor village students studying under the shade of trees and in sheds excelled even the students of big city schools of Punjab by gaining higher ranks in the Merit list.
• He not only decorated and beautified his school with his beautiful writing by drawing charts, but also during the State and District level Sports competitions and Science exhibitions, he alone did the work of 10 persons in filling the merit certificates. Many of the high officials like Dr. S. S. Krishanpuri, Dr. Gurdev Singh Joshi and Sri Dharampal Sharma always admired and praised him for his dedication towards his profession.
• He considered his students as his own children and sometimes, when it required he didn’t hesitate to scold and rebuke them. But this was only done for the sake of their improvement and to make them realize their mistake. Students also considered him as their father and they never minded the punishment for their betterment.
• His kingly and majestic personality exercised its influence on his students and on the academicians and intellectuals with an artistic sense like Prof. Kulwant Singh Grewal, Prof. Kirpal Kazak and Prof. Narinder Singh Kapoor who always admired his Patiala-Shahi dress up, his long height and his royal living style.
• Famous Bollywood actor Sri Om Puri; Dr. Satish Kumar Verma, Director Youth Welfare and Professor Punjabi, Punjabi University; S. Lal Singh, former Rural Development Minister Punjab and Dr. Amarjit Singh Waraich, Station Director, AIR (All India Radio) are some of his internationally known students.
• He was very friendly, compassionate, honest and humble in nature. Though his friend circle was huge but some of his best friends were Prof. Joginder Kaushal, Ret. Director Correspondence, Punjabi University, Tehsildar S. Harbhajan Singh Grewal, Prof. Baldev Kaushal, Dr. Gurcharan Singh and Sri Raj Kumar of Nath Watch Company etc. The bond of their friendship was so strong, pure and selfless that it lasted till the end of his life and some people were seen taking oaths in the name of their friendship.

WHY SIKHS TODAY ARE LEAVING SIKHISM?

There are many reasons of this problem like increasing materialism, westernization, forgetting our Golden cultural heritage and sacrifices of lakhs of great Sikhs for the sake of community and country, selecting wrong role models like singers & actors, increasing drug addiction and many others immoralities etc…. But one significant problem according to me is that most of the Sikhs who are religious outwardly are not religious inwardly i.e. most of the Kathawachaks, Granthis, Sikh Saints, Raagis & Sikh intellectuals etc are not performing their roles in a positive sense and some of them have totally become fanatics and to some extent atheists as well …. Many kathawachaks & so called Sikh vidwans have themselves no particular or one view on any of an important issue related to our religion, whether it may be on bani, calendar or history, and they are busy in quarreling with each other uselessly & unnecessarily….. They are just dictating the sangat or listeners, don’t do this & don’t do that, don’t go here or there, don’t give respect to any other great individual belonging to different faith…. They have wasted whole their life just in critizing & disrespecting others, and have reached no where…. I feel that if some of them are given the power, they would immediately separate or delete the sacred bani of various Great Saints, Fakirs & Bhagats belonging to different religions & castes from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and edit it according to their limited & low thinking or interest….. Religion is based more on the Faith, than on Logic….. Though Logic is also important but not to such extent that we start disbelieving in Truth….. This is also one of the main reason I think, why Sikh sangat have started going to deras or any other places, as they are given better treatment there, whether it may be economic or mental support, than our Gurudwaras, where our spiritual leaders are busy in fighting & making money…. On any of the religious functions celebrated in Gurudwaras, most of the people visit Gurudwaras to have langar only or getting their demands fulfilled by God, but nobody thinks of transforming his/her mind by listening to Guru’s shabads and teachings….. From the beginning of a day in the morning, loudspeakers of Gurudwaras are creating such a noise pollution like if they are forcing people to listen them.... Thus, instead of attaching them, they are being detached and as a result, some people who really want to attain eternal peace through divine sermons, are agitated and finally leave their interest in it…. So, if we really want to bring our religion back in high spirits, we should have to think in a sensible way & do something positive and constructive, unles it will be too late….. At last, I will only say that these are my personal views and I don’t claim that I am totally correct….. However, I don’t have any interest to indulge in any kind of controversies or discussions on any religious matters, nor I say that I am a very great, firm or pure Sikh, but being a Gursikh I am writing what my conscience is suggesting me.... According to Gurubani, "SABH MAEH JOT JOT HAEY SOEY, TIS DAEY CHAANAN SABH MAEH CHAANAN HOEY"; "SABHE SAANJHEEVAL SDAAEN TU KISE NA DISEY BAAHRA JEEO" OR "AVAL ALLAH NOOR UPAAEA KUDRAT KE SABH BANDE, EK NOOR TE SABH JAG UPJEAA KAUN BHLE KAU MANDE" & many more, teach us that Religion is a subjective matter and all people have freedom of doing anything they want, all have different views & ideology according to their different intellect, different personal or spiritual experiences and different family background….. Many more things are in my mind which I will discuss later on some day….. Thanks a lot for reading…. "WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA WAHEGURU JI KI FATEH"….. - HARGUNPREET SINGH.

REAL ROLE MODELS OF SOCIETY

Today, many Punjabi pop singers are using 'Jatt' word mostly in their music albums and are destroying & demolishing the real image of Jatts, which has a very deplorable & negative impact on youngsters…. In their albums, they are always shown having guns in their arms, drinking alcohol, fighting and murde...ring, romancing or just dancing…. These misleading singers have become role models of youth and youth is following & copying them blindly, leaving our great religious, cultural and moral values. In Sikh religion all castes are equal and no discrimination is there according to the teachings of our Gurus & Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji….. But, just to make our young generation aware about the fact and change their mentality that Jatts & Punjabis have been the food generators, great leaders & great martyrs of our country, I have designed this picture with images of great Sikhs so that young generation should get attach to its cultural roots and make them their role models instead of following these misguiding & immoral singers or actors…..

HOW TO BECOME HAPPY?

Who does not want to be happy? But mere wishing for it will not solve the purpose. These steps if taken in the right spirit, are sure to bring happiness in our life.
• Oneness with our work: The people who do not perform their duties well, can never be happy. Is it reasonable to think that a student who is careless at his studies or a teacher not dedicated to his profession is worthy of expecting happiness? Only those people who do their work, however small, with single-minded devotion, deserve true happiness. How true are the following words of an eminent educationist, Dr. D.R. Vij , “ Be one with your work, enjoy doing it and see what happens. I assure you, you will yourself tell me the secret of happiness and success.”
Shirdi Sai Baba has put the same truth in the following words, “ Duty is God; Work is Worship; Even the tiniest work is a flower placed at the feet of God.” Work, when done whole heartedly becomes a form of worship. In the words of Swami Vivekananda, “ Whatever you do, devote your whole mind, heart and soul to it. I once met a great Sanyasi, who cleansed his brass cooking utensils making them shine like gold, with as much care and attention as he bestowed on his worship and meditation.”
Work and happiness are inseparable. In the words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, “Happiness and work are really wedded together, for there can be no true happiness without the feeling that one is doing something worth while.”
• Helping the Needy: By working hard when we achieve something, we should not keep it to ourselves but should help others who are lagging behind in health, wealth, education and other necessities of life. This will be a true Service to Humanity. Only an egoless and selfless person can do such a pious job. Hard work alone can make a person a specialist and an expert who achieves stupendous success in his specific area of work. In the philosophical language he may be called ‘Good’ in his respective field, but if by shedding his ego he becomes humble and selflessly serves the mankind, he will virtually become an image of God.
The same truth is revealed in these words of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, “ There is no difference between Good and God. The selfish existence in the world is nothing, it is zero. If a good man gets above his egoism, one zero of good is dropped and he attains godhood.”
• Striving for Improvement: The glory of a person who takes the first two steps is sure to resound in the entire universe. This is a very delicate stage and he may fall into the grip of laziness. To come out of this, instead of considering himself perfect, he should strive for improvement because their always remains a room for it. These priceless words of Swami Yogananda provide a valuable piece of advice in this regard: “ When you are told you are good, you should not relax but should try to become even better. Your continuous improvement gives happiness to you, to those around you and to God.”
• Faith in God’s Grace: For all our achievements, we should give full credit to the Almighty Lord for nothing is possible without His eye of grace. We get abundant happiness when sense of doership leaves us. All our virtues are bestowed upon us by God as He is the sole repository of virtues. The following words of Swami Ram Tirtha if remembered well, will provide us a constant protection against ego, a great hazard in the path of happiness: “O Lord, it is not my Labour,
but your Favour that matters.” - HARGUNPREET SINGH.

MIRACLE OF LORD'S FAVOUR & MY LABOUR

As one of the toppers of Ninth class, when I stepped into Tenth class of Budha Dal Public School , Patiala, in April 2003; Medical reports brought the most agonizing fact to surface that I was in the tight grip of Leukaemia i.e. Blood Cancer. 22 weeks Intensive Treatment including Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy followed by a 3-year Maintenance Phase was given at PGIMER, Chandigarh. My treatment was completed in 2007 and I was declared fit and administration of drugs was stopped. As a precautionary measure I still visit P.G.I. for regular check-ups after every 6 months. Heavy intake of aggressive medicines render me too weak to appear in the Matriculation examination in March 2004. My father wanted me to take complete rest during the entire period of treatment but I did not want to lose one more precious academic year of my life. On my insistence he got me admitted in tenth class of Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School Pheel Khana, Patiala. Though my bad health did not allow me to attend the school regularly but whenever I went to school, I got my problems solved in vacant periods of my worthy teachers. With grace of Lord and blessings of all my teachers and elders, I scored 78.46% marks in tenth class. I also stood first in my school in +1 and +2 classes of Humanities group. After that in July 2007, I got admission in Bachelor’s degree of Multani Mal Modi College, Patiala where I made a Hattrick by standing 1st in my College in all the 3 years of my Graduation. In April 2010 Examination, I got 77.13% marks in B.A. Final year and total of 75.13% (First division with Distinction). Now I am doing M.A. Journalism and Mass Communication in Punjabi University, Patiala. Besides my stupendous and extraordinary achievements in academics, I also got First prizes in District, State and National Level Calligraphy, Drawing and Painting, Turban-Tying and Essay-writing competitions related to Gurubani and Bhagwad Gita. I had the honour of standing first among the candidates of Govt. Schools in ‘All India Essay Writing Competition’ organised by United Schools Organisation Of India in Aug, 2006. ‘Jeevan Shakti Award’ for the year 2008 was awarded to me by Sahayta Cancer Sahyog Society Chandigah in recognition of my miraculous achievements despite a horrible disease. Last year in Sep. 2009, I won the first prize in State Level Essay Writing Competition related to the life of Shaheed Bhagat Singh organized by ‘Shaheed Bhagat Singh Vichar Munch, Ludhiana. Spiritual atmosphere at home and my firm faith in God helped me tremendously in fighting the most dreadful disease with a positive outlook towards life. During my ailment, I studied the lives of great men, listened to the spiritual discourses of the holy men belonging to different religions on various T.V. channels. I shared the knowledge thus gained by writing more than 200 inspirational articles which were published in the special issues of prominent Punjabi Newspapers. A compilation of 108 such articles was published in my first inspiring book ‘Museebtaan Ton Na Ghabrao’. I have experienced that a problem when faced in the right way proves a blessing in disguise. - HARGUNPREET SINGH.

PARTIALITY & INEQUALITY IN DISTRIBUTION OF HONOURS OR PRIZES IN OUR COUNTRY

"ਖੇਡੋਗੇ ਕੁੱਦੋਗੇ ਬਣੋਗੇ ਨਵਾਬ, ਪੜ੍ਹੋਗੇ ਲਿਖੋਗੇ ਹੋਵੋਗੇ ਖਰਾਬ।", These words are true in today's context as in our country, there is a great partiality & inequality in distribution of prizes. About 95% of honours and prizes worth lakhs & crores of rupees are given mostly to the players or sports persons and the people related to Art and Culture like writers, poets, painters and intellectuals etc. who play an essentiial role in inspiring, educating & awaring the masses, are always neglected. Every field whether it is Sports or Arts is great & respectable, where one field strengthens our physique and body; the other field, strengthens our psychology, character & behaviour. Government keeps on making the rich sports persons more richer by again & again honouring them with lakhs and crores of rupees, but people related to Literature & religion are never given much economic & moral support or encouragement by our State or Centre governments. Where in Sports, only the person who plays the game is benefitted from it; but a great writer or poet brings revolution & awareness in the whole society. If we see at the school, college or University level, various financial benefits and honours like Role of Honour & College Color are mostly provided to the Sports students, who are generally careless and poor in their studies and never attend classes regularly. This is one of the main reason why our young generation don't like to study Literature, Religion, Ethics and moral values, as they know very well that there are not much chances of getting economic benefits in these subjects. This inturn, reults in materialistic & individualistic approach among the students who only want to earn huge amount of money, whether by moral or immoral ways. Hence, this kind of approach hinders the human happiness, peace and self control, and increases anxiety, tensions, negative competition and finally various mental and physical problems. Therefore, these problems become a big barrier & obstruction in our country's progress, peace & social growth. So, we all should think seriously upon this issue.... - HARGUNPREET SINGH.

WE SHOULD INTROSPECT OURSELVES FOR A MINUTE.....

ਫਰੀਦਾ ਚਾਰਿ ਗਵਾਇਆ ਹੰਢਿ ਕੈ ਚਾਰਿ ਗਵਾਇਆ ਸੰਮਿ॥



ਲੇਖਾ ਰੱਬ ਮੰਗੇਸੀਆ ਤੂੰ ਆਂਹੋ ਕਿਹੜੇ ਕੰਮਿ॥ - ਬਾਬਾ ਸ਼ੇਖ ਫਰੀਦ ਜੀ।


{ FARIDA CHAAR GVAAYA HANDH KAEY CHAAR GVAAYA SAMM ; LEKHA RABB MANGESIAA TUN AAHON KEHDE KAMM - BABA SHIEKH FARID JI.} Here in this shabad or sermon, Baba Farid Ji says that 4 parts or half of the day is lost by man in wandering here and there in unending search of more & more money, in other materialistic things & individualistic pleasures of life; and other hours of the day are spent & lost in sleeping and resting..... After the end of this journey of life, God will call for your account, and ask you, Why u came into this world, Why you took birth as a human being? just for doing useless, inhumane, sinful & immoral acts, instead of doing some good & kind acts of Service & Welfare?...... So, we should all think and introspect for a minute whether we all are walking on the right path of honesty, goodness and truth or just wasting our valuable and precious time of this life....- HARGUNPREET SINGH.

WHAT WE SEE, SO WE BECOME....

Some people say that we should not keep pictures of Gurus as this is Manmat, but according to me anything related to Gurus is Gurmat.... A piece of Art is deeply related to Spirituality & Divinity and Everything and every kind of Art has a great effect on our mind & psychology….. It's true that pictures of Sikh Gurus are not real & authentic but being an art lover and winning several prizes in drawing competitions, I personally feel that some of the great portraits & paintings of Sikh Gurus by great artists like Sobha Singh, Tarlok Singh, Amrita Shergill, Devinder Singh etc. put great impact on our eyes and mind and we feel soothing, peaceful & enlightened…..

That’s why Darbar Sahib(Golden Temple) and almost all the Gurudwaras & religious places all over the world have museums and art galleries….. Many old religious scriptures & writings are also comprised of many paintings & drawings of Gurus.... We should not think the particular picture as our Guru and should only believe in Shabad Guru i.e Guru Granth Sahib but for increasing our faith and especially for the children these photos are very inspiring, beneficial & motivational…..

When I was a child of 1 or 2 years and even was unable to speak properly I always used to see the picture of Guru Gobind Singh ji by Sobha Singh on wall in front of me and I still believe that that picture of Guru Maharaj has played a great role in instilling the religious & spiritual faith and beliefs in early days of my life….. If all Sikh children are taught about the Sikh history and sacrifices by our great martyrs like Bhai Taru Singh ji, Bhai Mani Singh ji, Baba Deep Singh ji, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur ji, Bhai Mati Das ji, Bhai Dyala ji and many other thousands of martyrs, with pictures or animation, it will have a long lasting effect on children's mind; but sad thing is that today a Sikh child takes interest in watching misleading actors & singers and listen to their cultureless and worthless songs, which are playing a negative role in taking away our youth from Sikhism.....

Morever inspite of placing & putting the photos of actors, players, corrupt political leaders and singers if we put religious pictures in front of us it will be more fruitful….. Somebody has said ‘What we see, so we become’, which means that if we see good things it will have a good impact on our mind & if we constantly see bad things it will have the worst impact….. Therefore, it depends on us what we like to see and Everyone is free to do whatever he likes or wants..... - HARGUNPREET SINGH.

BE HOLY ON HOLI!

Holi is the great festival related to our golden past and significant cultural heritage of our country and this should be celebrated not by using strong dark colours and damaging each other's skin or eyes & doing immoral & unethical practices under the shelter of it's name; but by becoming holy, awakened & leaving all bad habits and negativities behind us....

According to Gurbani: "ਲਾਲ ਰੰਗੁ ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਲਗਾ; ਜਿਸ ਕੇ ਵਡਭਾਗਾ ॥ ਮੈਲਾ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ; ਨਹ ਲਾਗੈ ਦਾਗਾ ॥੧॥

ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਸੁਖਦਾਈਆ; ਮਿਲਿਆ ਸੁਖ ਭਾਇ ॥ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਨਾ ਭੀਤਰੇ; ਛੋਡਿਆ ਨਹ ਜਾਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥" means that the person who is exceedingly fortunate is graced and dyed with the red colour of Beloved God's love; and this colour doesn't get dirty ever, nor any stain or blot can occur on it which could damage it. He attains his peace-giving Lord and automatically meets Him. The Lord sinks into his soul and then he can not leave & stay without Him.... - HARGUNPREET SINGH.

SOME FAMOUS SAYINGS OF THE GREAT ACHARYA RAJNEESH (OSHO)

*How can one become enlightened? One can, because one is enlightened. One just has to recognize the fact.
*Enlightenment is the understanding that this is all, that this is perfect, that this is it. Enlightenment is not an achievement, it is an understanding that there is nothing to achieve, nowhere to go.
*Yes, when you see for the first time, a great laughter arises in you - the laughter about the whole ridiculousness of your misery, the laughter about the whole foolishness of your problems, the laughter about the whole absurdity of your suffering.
*Meaning is man-created. And because you constantly look for meaning, you start to feel meaninglessness.
*You come to the master only in deep humbleness, because learning is possible only in humbleness. You have come to surrender, not to perform, not to manipulate, not to impress.
*When I say that you are gods and goddesses I mean that your possibility is infinite, your potentiality is infinite.
*You become that which you think you are. Or, it is not that you become it, but that the idea gets very deeply rooted and that's what all conditioning is.
*The day you think you know, your death has happened - because now there will be no wonder and no joy and no surprise. Now you will live a dead life.
*The modern mind has lost all capacity to wonder. It has lost all capacity to look into the mysterious, into the miraculous - because of knowledge, because it thinks it knows.
*If you can become a mirror you have become a meditator. Meditation is nothing but skill in mirroring. And now, no word moves inside you so there is no distraction.
Don't seek, don't search, don't ask, don't knock, don't demand - relax. If you relax, it comes. If you relax, it is there. If you relax, you start vibrating with it.
*God is a synergetic experience. Science can never reveal it, philosophy can never come to it - only a poetic approach, a very passive, very loving approach, can.
A really religious person has no theology. Yes, he has the experience, he has the truth, he has that luminosity, but he has no theology.
Life is not a tragedy, it is a comedy. To be alive means to have a sense of humor.
Be less of a judge and you will be surprised that when you become a witness and you don't judge yourself, you stop judging others too. And that makes you more human, more compassionate, more understanding.
Know the whole world is nothing when it is compared to knowing your own inner mystery of life.
*Drop the fear. Fear was taken up by you in your childhood, unconsciously. Now consciously drop it and be mature. Then the life can be a light which goes on deepening as you go on growing.
*Intelligence is a natural phenomenon -- just as breathing is, just as seeing is. Intelligence is the inner seeing; it is intuitive. It has nothing to do with intellect. Never confuse intellect with intelligence, they are polar opposites. Intellect is of the head; it is taught by others, it is imposed on you. You have to cultivate it. It is borrowed, it is something foreign, it is not inborn. But intelligence is inborn. It is your very being, your very nature.
*Become more and more innocent, less knowledgeable and more childlike. Take life as fun - because that's precisely what it is!
*To be alone is the only real revolution. To accept that you are alone is the greatest transformation that can happen to you. - HARGUNPREET SINGH.

ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦਾ ਚੈਂਪੀਅਨ :ਹਰਗੁਣਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ

ਜੋ ਸ਼ਖ਼ਸ ਉਸ ਪ੍ਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦੀ ਨੇਅਮਤ ਨਾਲ਼ ਨਵਾਜ਼ੇ ਸੁਖਾਂ ਦਿਆਂ ਰੰਗਾਂ ਸਮੇਤ ਦੁਖਾਂ-ਤਕਲੀਫ਼ਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਉਹਦੀ ਰਜ਼ਾ ’ਚ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ਿਆ ਅਮੁੱਲ ਸਰਮਾਇਆ ਜਾਣ ਕੇ ਖਿੜੇ ਮੱਥੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਹਿੱਕ ਨਾਲ ਲਗਾਉਣ ਦਾ ਜਜ਼ਬਾ ਰਖਦੇ ਹੋਣ, ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਹੌਸਲੇ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦੀ ਵੱਡੀ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਡੀ ਮੁਸ਼ਕਲਾਤ ਦੀ ਗਰਮੀ ਅੱਗੇ ਵੀ ਕਦੀ ਬਰਫ਼ ਵਾਂਗ ਨਹੀਂ ਖੁਰਦੇ।ਸਗੋਂ ਕਈ ਵਾਰ ਅਜਿਹੇ ‘ਅਮੁੱਲੇ ਦੁੱਖ’ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦੀਆਂ ਰਾਹਾਂ ’ਚ ਡੱਕੇ ਬਨਣ ਦੀ ਬਜਾਏ ਕਾਮਯਾਬੀ ਦੀਆਂ ਲਾਮਿਸਾਲ ਮਿਸਾਲਾਂ ਬਣ ਕੇ ਉਭਰਦੇ ਹਨ।

ਜੇਕਰ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਜਿਊਣ ਦੀ ਅਟੁੱਟ ਜ਼ਿੱਦ ਹੋਵੇ ਤਾਂ ਸਾਹਮਣੇ ਆਈ ਮੌਤ ਵੀ ਆਪਣਾ ਰਾਹ ਬਦਲਣ ਲਈ ਮਜਬੂਰ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦੀ ? ਇਸ ਪੇਚੀਦਾ ਸਵਾਲ ਨੂੰ ਤਾਂ ਜਿਵੇਂ ਉਹਨੇ ਸੋਹਲ ਉਮਰੇ ਹੀ ਹੱਲ ਕਰ ਲਿਆ ਹੈ।ਸਿਰ ’ਤੇ ਸੋਹਣੀ ਦਸਤਾਰ, ਅੱਖਾਂ ’ਤੇ ਐਨਕ ਅਤੇ ਮੋਢੇ ਨਾਲ਼ ਲਮਕਾਇਆ ਕਿਤਾਬਾਂ ਦਾ ਭਰਿਆ ਝੋਲਾ ਲਈਂ ਜਦ ਉਹ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਯੂਨੀਵਰਸਿਟੀ ਪਟਿਆਲਾ ਦੇ ਪੱਤਰਕਾਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਜਨ-ਸੰਚਾਰ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਨੂੰ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਤਾਂ ਰਾਹਾਂ ’ਚ ਦਰਖ਼ਤੋਂ ਡਿੱਗੇ ਪੱਤੇ ਵੀ ਉਹਦੇ ਕਦਮਾਂ ਦੀ ਨਿੰਮ੍ਹੀ-ਨਿੰਮ੍ਹੀ ਠਕਠਕਾਹਟ ਨੂੰ ਸੁਣ, ਆਪਣੇ ਕੁਮਲਾਏ ਦਿਲਾਂ ’ਚ ਮੁੜ ਸਬਜ ਹੋਣ ਦਾ ਖ਼ਿਆਲ ਪੁੰਗਰਾਊਣ ਲੱਗ ਪੈਂਦੇ ਹੋਣੇ।ਅਜਿਹਾ ਹੈ ‘ਹਰਗੁਣਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ’।

ਇਹ ਉਹੀਓ ਹਰਗੁਣਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਅਕਸਰ ‘ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਟ੍ਰਿਬਿਊਨ’ ’ਚ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ਿਤ ਆਪਣੇ ਪ੍ਰੇਰਕ ਪ੍ਰਸੰਗਾਂ ਜ਼ਰੀਏ ਮਹਾਨ ਸ਼ਖ਼ਸੀਅਤਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਬਾਤਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੇ ਅਲਫ਼ਾਜ਼ ’ਚ ਪਰੋਂਦਾ ਹੋਇਆ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦੀਆਂ ਰਾਤਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਰੁਸ਼ਨਾਉਣ ਦੀਆਂ ਜੁਕਤਾਂ ਦੱਸਦਾ ਹੈ।ਉਹ ਤਾਂ ਖ਼ੁਦ ‘ਪ੍ਰੇਰਕ ਪ੍ਰਸੰਗ’ ਹੈ, ਖ਼ਾਸ ਕਰ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਲਈ ਜੋ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦੀਆਂ ਤਕਲੀਫਾਂ ਦੇ ਲੰਮੇ ਮੀਲ ਪੱਥਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਦੇਖ ਉਹਨੂੰ ਪਾਰ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਬਜਾਏ ਥੱਕ, ਅੱਕ ਜਾਂ ਹਾਰ ਕੇ ਬੈਠ ਗਏ ਹਨ।1 ਅਪਰੈਲ, 2003 ਦੀ ਉਹ ਹਲੂਣਾ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲ਼ੀ ਤਿੱਖੀ ਦੁਪਹਿਰ ਨੂੰ ਹਰਗੁਣਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਦਾ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਭੁੱਲਾ ਸਦਕੈ ਜਦੋਂ ਡਾਕਟਰੀ ਮੁਆਇਨੇ ਪਿੱਛੋਂ ਇਹ ਗੱਲ ਸਾਹਮਣੇ ਆਈ ਕਿ ਦਸਵੀਂ ਜਮਾਤ ’ਚ ਪੜ੍ਹਦੇ 15 ਵਰ੍ਹਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਇਸ ਅਲੜ੍ਹ ਉਮਰ ਦੇ ਵਿਦਿਆਰਥੀ ਦਾ ਸਾਰਾ ਸਰੀਰ ‘ਬਲੱਡ ਕੈਂਸਰ’ ਦੀ ਲਪੇਟ ’ਚ ਆ ਚੁੱਕਾ ਹੈ।ਹਰਗੁਣਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਨੂੰ ਜਦੋਂ ਇਸ ਨਾਮੁਰਾਦ ਬਿਮਾਰੀ ਦਾ ਪਤਾ ਲੱਗਾ ਤਾਂ ਉਹਨੇ ਇਸ ਅੱਗੇ ਗੋਡੇ ਟੇਕਣ ਦੀ ਬਜਾਏ ਆਪਣੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਦਾ ਇਹ ਕਹਿ ਕਿ ਹੌਸਲਾ ਵਧਾਇਆ ਕਿ ਜੇਕਰ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ’ਚ ਇਨਸਾਨ ਸਚਾਈ ਨੂੰ ਸਵਿਕਾਰ ਕਰ ਲਵੇ ਤਾਂ ਉਸ ਨਾਲ਼ ਜੂਝਣ ਦੀ ਤਾਕਤ ਵੀ ਮਿਲ ਹੀ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ।ਮਾਸੂਮੀਅਤ ’ਚ ਆਪ ਮੁਹਾਰੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਮੂੰਹੋਂ ਕਿਰੇ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਲਫ਼ਜ਼ਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਪੁਗਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਤਕਰੀਬਨ ਸਾਢੇ ਤਿੰਨ ਵਰ੍ਹੇ ਉਹਨੂੰ ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ, ਪੀ.ਜੀ.ਆਈ. ਵਿਖੇ ਕੈਮੋਥਰੈਪੀ ਤੇ ਰੇਡੀਓਥਰੈਪੀ ਜਿਹੇ ਸਖ਼ਤ ਕੋਰਸਾਂ ’ਚੋਂ ਲੰਘਣਾ ਪਿਆ ।ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਕੋਰਸਾਂ ਦੀ ਪੀੜ ਨੇ ਉਹਨੂੰ ਬੇਸ਼ਕ ਜਿਸਮੀ ਤੌਰ ’ਤੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਹੀ ਕਮਜ਼ੋਰ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ, ਪਰ ਉਹਦਾ ਹੌਸਲਾ ਜਿਵੇਂ ਦਿਨ ਬ ਦਿਨ ਮੌਤ ਨੂੰ ਹਰਾਉਣ ਦੀ ਹਰ ਫਰਲਾਂਗ ਪਾਰ ਕਰਨ ਨਾਲ਼ ਵਧਦਾ ਹੀ ਜਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਸੀ।ਹਰਗੁਣਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਬਿਮਾਰੀ ਦੇ ਬਾਵਜੂਦ ਦਸਵੀਂ ’ਚੋਂ 78.46 ਫ਼ੀਸਦੀ, ਬਾਰ੍ਹਵੀਂ ’ਚੋਂ 74.6 ਫ਼ੀਸਦੀ ਤੇ ਬੀ.ਏ. ’ਚੋਂ 75.13 ਫ਼ੀਸਦੀ ਅੰਕ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕਰਕੇ ਲਗਾਤਾਰ ਆਪਣੇ ਅਦਾਰੇ ’ਚ ਪਹਿਲੇ ਸਥਾਨ ’ਤੇ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹੋਏ ‘ਤੰਦਰੁਸਤ ਸਰੀਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਤੰਦਰੁਸਤ ਮਨ’ ਦੀ ਬਜਾਏ ‘ਤੰਦਰੁਸਤ ਚਾਅ ਵਿੱਚ ਤੰਦਰੁਸਤ ਰਾਹ’ ਜਿਹੀ ਨਿਵੇਕਲੀ ਨੂੰ ਸਿਰਜਿਆ।

ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਪਟਿਆਲਾ ਦੇ ਅਰਜਨ ਨਗਰ ’ਚ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਰਗੁਣਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਦਾ ਕਮਰਾ ਉਹਦੇ ਦਿਲ ਤੇ ਸੁਭਾਅ ਵਾਂਗ ਬਹੁਤ ਵੱਡਾ ਅਤੇ ਸ਼ਾਂਤ ਹੈ ਪਰ ਉਹਦੇ ਇਨਾਮਾਂ-ਸਨਮਾਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਤਾਦਾਦ ਜਿਵੇਂ ਉਹਦੇ ਵੱਡੇ ਕਮਰੇ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਬੌਣਾ ਕਰ ਦਿੰਦੀ ਹੈ।ਹੁਣ ਤੱਕ ਹਰਗੁਣਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਸੁੰਦਰ ਲਿਖਾਈ, ਚਿੱਤਰਕਾਰੀ, ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਜਾਉਣ ਤੇ ਲੇਖ ਲਿਖਣ ਦੇ ਮੁਕਾਬਲਿਆਂ ’ਚ ਤਕਰੀਬਨ 60 ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਰਾਜ ਤੇ ਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਪੱਧਰ ਦੇ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕਰ ਚੁੱਕਾ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਉਹਦੇ 200 ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਲੇਖ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਅਖ਼ਬਾਰਾਂ ਦਾ ਸ਼ਿੰਗਾਰ ਵੀ ਬਣ ਚੁੱਕੇ ਹਨ।ਇੱਥੇ ਹੀ ਬਸ ਨਹੀਂ ਸਗੋਂ ਇਲਾਜ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਵਿਹਲੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਉਹਨੂੰ ਸਾਹਿਤ ਪੜ੍ਹਨ, ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਸੁਨਣ ਤੇ ਮਹਾਨ ਸ਼ਖ਼ਸੀਅਤਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਗੱਲਾਂ ਜਾਣਨ ਦੀ ਅਜਿਹੀ ਚੇਟਕ ਲੱਗੀ ਕਿ ਉਹਨੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਧਿਆਨ ਨੂੰ ਬਿਮਾਰੀ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਅਵੇਸਲਾ ਕਰਕੇ ‘ਮੁਸੀਬਤਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਨਾ ਘਬਰਾਓ’ ਇੱਕ ਕਿਤਾਬ ਵੀ ਲਿਖੀ।

ਹਰਗੁਣਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਨੂੰ ਨਵੀਂ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦੀ ਨਵੀਂ ਸਵੇਰ ਮਿਲੀ ਹੈ ਜਿਸ ਦੀ ਰੌਸ਼ਨੀ ’ਚ ਉਹ ਭਵਿੱਖ ਦੀ ਕਿਤਾਬ ’ਤੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਸੁਫ਼ਨਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਕਲਮ ਨਾਲ਼ ਇੱਕ ਹੋਰ ‘ਨਵੀਂ ਸਵੇਰ’ ਦੀ ਇਬਾਰਤ ਲਿਖਣ ਦਾ ਯਤਨ ਕਰ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ।ਅਜਿਹੀ ਨਵੀਂ ਸਵੇਰ ਜਿਸ ਦੇ ਨਿੱਘ ’ਚ ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਕੈਂਸਰ ਪੀੜਤ ਨੂੰ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ ਦਰਾਂ ’ਤੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਕੀਮਤੀ ਹੰਝੂ ਵਹਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਲਾਚਾਰ ਨਾ ਹੋਣਾ ਪਵੇ।ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦੇ ਗ਼ਮਾਂ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਾਮ ਥੋੜੀ ਲੰਮੇਰੀ ਜ਼ਰੂਰ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ ਪਰ ਅਜੇ ਤੀਕ ਕੋਈ ਅਜਿਹੀ ਸ਼ਾਮ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਈ ਜਿਸ ਤੋਂ ਅੱਗੇ ਸਵੇਰਾ ਨਾ ਹੋਵੇ।ਮੌਤ ਨੂੰ ਮਾਤ ਪਾਉਣ ਵਾਲ਼ਾ ਤੇ ਦੁਖਾਂ ’ਚ ਵੀ ਮੂਹੋਂ ਉਲਾਂਭੇ ਭਰੀ ‘ਹਾਏ-ਹਾਏ’ ਕੱਢਣ ਦੀ ਥਾਂ ਸ਼ੁਕਰਾਨੇ ਭਰੀ ‘ਵਾਹੁ-ਵਾਹੁ’ ਉਚਾਰਨ ਵਾਲ਼ਾ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦਾ ਇਹ ਚੈਂਪੀਅਨ ਜਿਵੇਂ ਉਮੀਦਾਂ ਦੇ ਬੁਝਿਆਂ ਚਿਰਾਗ਼ਾਂ ਨੂੰ ‘ਜਗਦੀ ਸ਼ਮ੍ਹਾ’ ਦੇ ਖ਼ੁਆਬ ਦਿੰਦਾ ਹੋਇਆ ਬਸ ਇਹੋ ਆਖ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੋਵੇ:

ਦਿਲ ਨਾ ਊਮੀਦ ਤੋ ਨਹੀਂ, ਨਾਕਾਮ ਹੀ ਤੋ ਹੈ
ਲੰਮੀ ਹੈ ਗ਼ਮ ਕੀ ਸ਼ਾਮ, ਮਗਰ ਸ਼ਾਮ ਹੀ ਤੋ ਹੈ।

-ਵਿਕਰਮ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੰਗਰੂਰ
ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ਿਤ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਟਿ੍ਬਿਊਨ 26/03/2011 ਸੱਜਰੀਆਂ ਪੈੜਾਂ

"PAGGAN VICHON PAGG PATIALA-SHAHI HAI KARDA SIFAT JEEHDI SARA JAGG NI"

In India, turbans are referred to as a Pagri. The word specifically refers to the headdress that is worn by men and needs to be manually tied. There are several styles which are specific to different regions and religions. A Pagri is a symbol of honour and respect across all regions where it is a practice to wear one. It is also why almost of all of these will honour important guests by offering them one to wear.

In British period, The Muslim elites of South Asia especially of western Punjab used to wear long pagri which was also a symbol of nobility, honour and respect. In Punjab and Sindh members of the landed aristrocracy always wore this pagri. This pagri was a part of full formal dress and was used to wear with Sherwani.

The Sikh turban, known as the Dastar, is mandatory for all Khalsa Sikhs to wear. The Pheta is worn in Maharashtra and also has regional variants like Puneri and Kolhapuri pheta. In Mysore and Kodagu the turban is known as the Mysore Peta. The Rajastani turban is commonly called the Pagari. It will vary by caste, class, religion and region. It also serves practical functions like protecting from the elements, used as a pillow, blanket or towel. When unravelled, it is used like a rope where it is tied to a bucket to draw water from the well.

The Pagri will also vary in shape, size and colour. The colour will vary related to occasion it will be worn. For example, Saffron (associated with valour) is worn during rallies, White (associated with peace) is worn by elders, Pink (associated with spring) is worn during the spring season or marriage ceremonies, etc.

Though all styles of turban are great & wonderful, but I have presented this article & information regarding Patiala-Shahi turban especially because firstly I like this style from the day I was born as my grandfather, father, chacha ji & other relatives used to wear turban in this style; Secondly, I feel that it is the most easiest & covenient style of tying a turban and looks better aesthetically, symmetrically & artistically then other styles of turban; and Thirdly, it suits the people of all ages, whether children, youth or older ones; and Fourthly, because today most of the youngsters are forgetting and replacing this style of Turban by the sharp, narrow & tilted turban which is far away from the Patiala Shahi turban .


According to the song sung by Pammi Bai, “Paggan vichon Pagg Patiala Shahi ae, karda sifat jeehdi sara jagg ni, bochvin ne pagg sardar bannhde, shaunki bande bannhde ne tedhi pagg ni”

“Patiala Shahi, Ludhiana style, Amritsari Pagg, Tikkhi Pagg, Bhangra Pagg and the Gol Pagg, or the round turban, are the various styles out of which the Patiala style is the most popular one”, The Patiala turban was evolved over a period of time and is best suited for those with broad faces and sharp features, ethnic characteristics which exemplify Sikhs of the region.


Since its inception, however, cross migration of Sikhs within Punjab and across the world has somewhat affected the style, with the true Patiala Shahi turban connoisseurs now being relatively small in number.

Even though the Patiala turban has developed into an art form, it captures a carefree spirit, mainly because it presents a round & balanced look with its rear being flat. The thumb is used to depress the cloth at the forehead to create the perfect, triangular effect with the fifty (a band of cloth worn under the turban, the colour usually chosen to match) or patka.

Other requisites of the Patiala turban include use of Finlay‘s "F-74 mal-mal" fabric, at least seven-and-a-half meters of it or more, which is cut in half and sewn together to double the width; some light starch; and, a twist in the last larh.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, R.S. Randhawa, explains that the final larh was twisted in order to strengthen it so that it could support the kalgi (aigrette). The tradition, long after the kalgi has been discarded as an ornament, has however continued, says Mr. Randhawa. He adds that the tradition of leaving the ear lobe visible in the Patiala style is continued by those who, like their ancestors, still wish to wear earrings.

While the colours of the Patiala turban were always light, pink and lemon were regarded as the state colours. ‘‘The colours have to be soft", says Raja Malvinder Singh, scion of the Patiala royal house. He says light colours were worn since the Patiala turban took its final shape during the reign of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. He recollects that different colours were used, depending on the festivals being celebrated. For example, the tarbuzi (watermelon) colour was worn during the Dussehra season. The darkest hue thus worn was dhani (dark green) to mark the Muslim mourning at Moharram.

Raja Malvinder states that though a style which could be loosely described as a Patiala one first came into being during Maharaja Rajinder Singh's time, it did not become identified as such and standardized until Bhupinder Singh's reign.

The Raja says that whereas the best quality of mal-mal cloth from Dhaka was used at first, Finlay's made it more accessible and commonplace once it started manufacturing the F-74 label. However, the width of this new version was 20 inches less than the earlier supply, as a result of which the turban became slightly smaller. He adds that presently only families associated with the Patiala State have continued sporting the style.


"I used to wear the Patiala Shahi turban when in college, but my style changed when I joined the Army," says Mr. Randhawa. The same is said to be true of royal family scion, Capt. Amarinder Singh. Presently, very few neelgars (dyers) in the city are said to be able to get the Patiala colours right because the traditional artisans were from the Punjabi-Muslim community, but the art is gradually being lost in the region now. Thus, Patiala-shahi turban is the part of our culture and I would like that the youngsters should reattach with their traditional roots & start wearing this Shahi style of turban...... - HARGUNPREET SINGH.

WHEN RECITATION OF GURBANI CURED ME OF DEADLY CANCER, I EXPERIENCED GOD - VASU BHARADWAJ

ਜਾ ਤੂ ਮੇਰੈ ਵਲਿ ਹੈ ਤਾ ਕਿਆ ਮੁਹਛੰਦਾ ॥

jaa too merai vall hai taa kia muhchha(n)dhaa.... When You are on my side, Lord, why should I worry?

If God is with me, who can harm me?: Not even the deadliest disease of cancer can take my life away and that is exactly the divinely inspiring message of the truly miraculous story of my victorious battle against bone cancer which was medically diagnosed to be multiple melanomas.

It was the continuous recitation of Gurbani that not only cured me of bone cancer that had already destroyed most of my bones in my skeleton, but also shattered my will to live. The blessings of Guru Granth Sahib not only triggered and accelerated the processes of complete and total cure in my body, but the Guru also enabled me to experience God. This also inspired me to pursue Naam therapy to totally and permanently get rid of otherwise fatal bone cancer.

Can Shabad-Kirtan and faithful recitation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib save me from fatal clutches of cancer.

Can such a miracle happen?

These were the questions that repeatedly crossed my mind and also dominated my dreams. Initially, I dismissed such ideas and being a science researcher with American educational background, I did not even believe in the existence of god. I have always been taught by my American scientists, teachers and professors that our life and the universe are governed by the irrefutable and irreversible laws of science and that God was nothing but a 'concept' or an illusion invented by timid and non-scientific minds. Hence, I have never been to any place of worship and also never prayed. But not anymore.

Medical History

It was April 27th 2002 when three different teams of oncologists and haematologists from Mumbai, Surat and Ahmedabad presented me with the unanimous medical investigation reports based on their repeatedly unanimous findings, they passed their judgment with one voice that my life is going to end in a few days as the deadly cancer called multiple melanomas has ruined most of my bones that are functionally vital for my survival. On April 29th 2002, I had completed three and half years of painful life as a terminally bed-ridden cancer patient. I was slowly dying of cancer. The bony structures of my right ear had been eaten away by bone cancer that gave me total deafness in my right ear. Repeated audio graphs done by several E.N.T. surgeons proved beyond doubt that the decibel loss was irreversible and so immense that Dr. A.B.R. Desai in Mumbai, who is reputed to be the final authority on E.N.T. ailments, told me that there was something very tragically wrong with the bones in my right year and after trying several treatments, Dr. Desai told me that he has no medicine for my ailment and that I will never be able to hear with my right ear. The reputed E.N.T. surgeon Dr. Farida Wadia of civil hospital was of the opinion that if the loss of hearing in the right year was not due to nerve deafness and was really a symptomatic manifestation of some un-diagnosed ailment then the hearing will return after that un-diagnosed ailment is cured. Is she blessed with 6th, 7th and 8th sense? I guess say so because that is exactly how the events ran their course.

Medical Prognosis Poor

Dr. Farida Wadia was also using her imagination like telescope in time and exactly predicting things which were yet to come. Later, it was Dr. Kiran Shah, the senior most reputed oncologist haematologist in Surat who himself performed bone marrow analysis and gave me the shocking news that I am not only suffering from bone cancer called multiple melanomas but the cancer has already destroyed much my vital bones. As per his advise, electrophoresis of the blood and MRI - [magnetic resonance imaging] - of brain and skull as well as CT-Scan were also done at Mahavir General Hospital which confirmed beyond doubt that I am slowly but surely dying of bone cancer. I had been loosing appetite and had developed dislike for food. [Anorexia nervosa] in between, I had also suffered from tumour on the right side of my head which gave me excruciating headache and giddiness. I lost orientation and would fall after walking for 30 seconds. As soon as cancer was diagnosed, I was immediately admitted to government civil hospital. There they administered six chemotherapy sessions – one every 28th day. This further destroyed my appetite and all the hair on my head and body were gone. I suffered these agonies for more than three and half years when on April 27th 2002, three teams of doctors and oncologists advised me that I should prepare my will as I had only a few days left.

Beginning of the Miracle

Now, this was the phase when the divine miracle began to take shape. It was Sardar Kesar Singh, the owner of reputed " Kwality Group of Hotels and Restaurants" in Surat and his son Sardar Manjeet Singh, who suggested to me that I should undertake a pilgrimage to the holy Golden Temple at Amritsar and offer Akhand Path and Ardas with complete faith and total devotion and pray before Sri Guru Granth Sahib to cure me of my cancer and bless me with good vibrant health and long life to remain in his service. I initially, took this suggestion very lightly and argued back that I do not understand Punjabi or Gurmukhi and would therefore, not follow any word of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and whatever brief knowledge of Sikhism and Sri Guru Granth Sahib I acquired was in April of 1999, when I wrote six researched articles on the 300 years of Khalsa celebrations published in the Indian press. But, Sardar Kesar Singh, who is also the president of Gurdwara at Udhana-Surat, convinced me that Sri Guru Granth Sahib's blessings are not restricted to those who speak or understand Punjabi or Gurmukhi. It is the faith and sincere devotion to the Guru which makes you worthy of his blessings.

Inspiration and Dedication

I found Sardar Kesar Singh's advice very much inspiring. Moreover, my sister-in-law Miss Kunti, a staunch devotee of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and a faithful follower of principles of Sikhism since her childhood, was equally instrumental in motivating me to undertake this pilgrimage. she taught me the basic philosophy of Sikhism and brought me a copy of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in English. My mother-in-law Ms.Shanti Hotchand Khatri, have a separate room at their bungalows at Baroda where they offer prayers, Ardas and listen to Shabad Kirtans every early morning. Their persuasion proved to be decisive.

The Miracle

So we left by Golden Temple Mail express train which departed from Surat at around 1-15 a.m. on April 29th 2002. We were received by the staff of Golden Temple and particularly Sardar Diljeet Singh Bedi who is in charge of liaisons with press and the public. Myself being a leading journalist, foreign-educated researcher and U.S.A. trained science writer, was given a VIP treatment and given accommodation in room no. 16 of Sri Arjan Dev Niwas. Since I had only a few days to live according to my doctors, they quickly made preparations for Akhand Path and Ardas after I paid Rs 2100 as fees. My wife Kanta, my daughter Halley and my brother-in-law's daughter Puja also sat with me. I was permitted to photograph and tape-record entire Akhand Path as well as Shabad Kirtans which I wanted to keep listening till I was to breath my last on my death - bed.

Blessings

But I was never to be lying on my death-bed because the moment the Granthi started reciting the Akhand Path , I began to feel streams of energy entering and flowing thru my body. It rose majestically from the pages of Sri Guru Granth Sahib like a serene cool flame of light entering my body through my fingers. The excruciating pain which I had suffered while struggling to reach the Golden Temple also disappeared. After 48 hours, I got up on my own two feet and began to feel and enjoy such vibrant health that I almost ran with joy towards Sri Arjan Dev Niwas and quickly climbed the stairs to my room no. 16. My appetite returned. I first took bath and then visited Jaliyanwala Bagh and then went to the 'Hotel Cityheart' and for the first time in three and half years I enjoyed a variety of Punjabi and Chinese foods which I had missed like deserts miss the rains.

Return to Surat

We returned to Surat on 18th May 2002 and on 25th May again bone marrow analysis and electrophoresis tests were done on my body. No cancer was detected. Hence, to obtain second medical opinion, the samples were sent to Mumbai and Ahmedabad and medical doctors there also confirmed that the bone cancer is gone. My oncologist at Ahemedabad Dr. Pankaj Shah was preparing for stem cells transplant on me which was to have cost me Rs. nine lakhs. The entire medical world was taken by surprise. All doctors agreed that this is, indeed, a miracle because there is no medicine in Allopathy that can cure deadly cancer within 48 hours and effect a 180 degree change. The latest electrophoresis: serum protein test done is dated April 7th 2003 at Abha Clinical Laboratory. The doctors have signed this medical test report with comments: " no melanomas band."

Post-Miracle Analysis

I have preserved all the medical reports and x-rays done before and after the Akhand Path and Ardas at Golden Temple and they all tell the true story of my miraculous cure. Ever since this miracle, I am not only experiencing Guru's vibrations within me but also feel God's spiritual energy within me which inspires me and guides me in thought and deed, and vibrate in unison with him. I am joyfully back to " cheers and gears of life.", soulfully sharing my God-Given spiritual energy with those who love and faithfully listens to Guru Granth Sahib and enrich their mind, body and soul with divinely vibrant health.

Charhdi-Kala

Now, I am enjoying the life of guru-inspired faith and taking Sri Guru Granth Sahib and God as my constant companion. It is the miracle and the divine magnetic spell of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which I also realized through Naam therapy that has not only blessed me with healthy life but considering my greatly vibrant health, spiritual strength and new youthful looks and glamorous shining black hair, the same oncologists tell me that I am totally free of all kinds of diseases. I myself feel so close to the Guru that something tells me that I will live for 125 years and remain in Guru's service and bring true love, happiness and inspiration to all my friends.

My life has taken a spiritual turn. I get sound sleep without any sleeping pills. Since 25th April 2002, I am no longer on any medicine. I read Nitnem and get sound sleep and get up early to read Paath and enjoy Shabad Kirtan on Punjabi TV channel. Guru's teachings have gone a long way in dispelling the darkness of ignorance. Guru has not only changed my destiny but made me a devotee with the faith that is not blind but enlightened.

Conclusion

So often, I see and meet Gurus in my dreams and they taught me a new healthy life-style to give happiness to others. I am never angry. I have no bad habits and always remain jovial. Now, my motto is: ' people enjoy the happiness they feel. but I enjoy the happiness I give. Guru's one of the teachings says : " Kirat Karani and Wand Chhakana." - Meaning: earn the fruits of your hard work ‘ Naam Japana’; and share your fruits with others with love. I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when not feeling it. I believe in God even when he is silent. There is one God. God is truth. He is the creator of the universe and all beings. He is without fear and without hatred. He is the eternal being and the divine soul, birth less, self enlightened. He is enemy to none. Through grace of the Satguru he is met. Diseases and sins are destroyed by hearing the name of God says Guru Nanak. The Name, revealed to me by Guru's advice, is the breath of my life and the praise of the lord is my life's vocation. " Truth is great but greater than truth is truthful living." says Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The Khalsa belongs to [the wondrous guru ] God; all victory of is the victory of [the Wondrous Guru ] 'Wahe Guruji ka Khalsa- Wahe Guruji ki Fateh'.

MIRACLE OF GURU'S GRACE {SAKA PANJA SAHIB}

On the 8th August, 1922 A.D., the police arrested five Singhs for cutting Acacia wood for langar (community kitchen) from uncultivated land attached to Gurdwara Guru Ka Bagh. Everyone was sentenced to a fine of rupees fifty and imprisonment for six months on charge of stealing wood from the land of the Mahant. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee started an agitation against this excess of the Government. Mr. B.T., the additional police superintendent started beating with clubs the Singhs taking part in the agitation. On the 13th September, the beating was stopped on motivation from Reverend C.F. Andrews and Singhs were arrested and sent to prisons.

One day a squad of army pensioners led by Subedar Amar Singh Dhaliwal from Kapurthala state courted arrest. Magistrate Aslam Khan sentenced those Singhs to imprisonment of two and a half years and a fine of one hundred rupees each. Those Singhs were boarded on a train from Amritsar to Attak on the night of the 29th October, 1922 A.D. The train stopped at Rawalpindi on the 30th October and moved on after change of staff and taking water for the locomotive. The Sikh community of Gurdwara Panja Sahib on that route got ready food and drink to serve the Singhs of the squad, took it to the railway station early in the morning of the 31st October and started waiting for the train to arrive.

The station master told them, "The train shall not stop at this station. You have made these arrangements for nothing." Bhai Karam Singh replied, "Baba Nanak had stopped a mountain with one hand. Cannot his Sikhs stop a train ?" At ten o'clock, seeing the train approaching, Bhai Karam Singh lay on the railway line. Next to him Bhai Partap Singh, Sardar Ganga Singh, Sardar Charan Singh, Sardar Nihal Singh, S. Tara Singh, S. Fakir Singh, S. Kalyan Singh and many other Singhs and Kaurs (female of Singh) squatted on the track. Seeing the Singhs lying on the track, the driver of the train blew the whistle time and again but the Singhs did not budge as if they had not heard the whistle at all. The engine ground the bones of Bhai Karam Singh and Bhai Partap Singh to pulp and the others suffered injuries. The train stopped.

Bhai Partap Singh said to Sangat (Sikh devotees), "Serve the hungry Singhs in the train first. You can take care of us afterwards." The train halted for one and a half hours. The Sikhs served the Singhs in the train whole-heartedly and then turned to the injured. Bhai Karam Singh, thirty year old son of Bhai Bhagwan Singh, Jathedar of Gurudwara Sri Kesgarh Sahib, died after a few hours. On the next day Bhai Partap Singh, twenty-four years of age, son of S. Sarup Singh, Goldsmith of Gurudwara Sri Akalgarh Sahib, Gujranwala attained martyrdom. Before attaining martyrdom he recited " Kabira sant Muye kiya Roviye jo apne greh jaye, rovo saakat bapre jo hato haat bikaye" and instructed his 18 years old wife that never cry over his death otherwise his sacrifice will be wasted. It is said that she never cried her whole live and bravely recited Gaddi the Chhand written in honour of these Train Martyrs and was also engrossed in "Naam Simran".

When the train-driver was asked the reason for stopping the train, he replied, 'When the train hit the Singhs lying on the track, vacuum lever dropped out itself of my hand and the train stopped. I did not apply the brakes."

Famous writer Kartar Singh Duggal has also written a short story "Karamaat" or "Miracle" in which he compared and related both the incidents, first of Guru Sahib & Wali Kandhari and secondly this incident of stopping the train, saying that Guru is capable of doing anything & as he stopped the big stone thrown from the top of the hill by Wali Kandhari, by his one hand; in the same way he stopped this speedy & fast coming train through his Sikhs, with His power & grace.

SOME INSPIRATIONAL & LIFE CHANGING THOUGHTS OF SRI SATHYA SAI BABA JI

• Love All Serve All, Serve Ever Hurt Never.
• Love and Serve the motherland; do not hate or hurt the motherland of others.
• Honour every religion; each is a pathway to one God.
• Love all men without distinction; know that mankind is a single community.
• Adore God; Abhor Sin.
• Do not tempt others by offering bribes, or demean yourself by accepting bribes.
• Start the day with love, Spend the day with love. Fill the day with love, End the day with love, This is the way to God.
• Duty is God, Work is Worship; Even the tiniest work is a flower placed at the feet of God.
• When there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character; When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home, When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation; When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.
• Love as thought is truth. Love as action is right conduct, Love as understanding is peace, Love as feeling is non-violence.
• There is no difference between Good and God. The selfish existence of good is nothing, it is zero. If a good man rises above his egoism, One zero of good is dropped and he attains God-hood.
• All is divine, all is God, and unity is divinity.
• Love gives and forgives, Ego gets and forgets.
• A son has no greater duty, no higher good than serving his parents.
• Start early, Drive slowly, Reach safely.
• There is only one religion, the religion of Love; There is only one caste, the caste of Humanity; There is only one language, the language of Heart; There is only one God, and He is Omnipresent.
• Happy, happy, happy, Be happy; Make others happy, Then God will be happy.

• Life is a song - sing it. Life is a game - play it. Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a dream - realize it. Life is a sacrifice - offer it. Life is love - enjoy it.

• “Old age is the fourth stage. By the time one reaches this stage of his journey, he must have discovered that the joys available in this world are trivial and fleeting. He must be equipped with the higher knowledge of spiritual joy, available through delving into the inner spring of Bliss. Through his experiences, his heart must have softened and be filled with compassion. He has to be engrossed in promoting the progress of all beings without distinction. And he must be eager to share with others the knowledge he has accumulated and the benefit of his experiences.”
• Education should be used for promoting the welfare of the nation. Knowledge gained through education should be used selflessly for promoting the welfare of humanity. What we need today are Uttama-purushulu (noble and high-minded men and women). The nation will prosper only when there are such persons with noble minds and hearts. Such persons will emerge in society only when there is purity of mind and morality in society. Only a society with a moral foundation can foster such noble persons. Spirituality is the only means for redemption.
• You must be a Lotus, unfolding its petals when the Sun rises in the sky, unaffected by the slush where it is born or even the water which sustains it!”
• Always respect another's opinion and another's point of view.”
• “What you would desire others to do for you, you should do for others. You should respect others, as you want to be respected by them.”
• “Service is the highest spiritual discipline. Prayer and meditation, or knowledge of scripture and Vedanta (holy scriptures of India), cannot help you reach the goal as quickly as service can. Service has a double effect, it extinguishes the ego and gives bliss.”
• Small minds select narrow roads; expand your mental vision and take to the broad road of helpfulness, compassion and service.”
• Once we surrender our mind to GOD completely, HE will take care of us in every way.”
• Teachers are reservoirs from which, through the process of education, students draw the water of life.
• ”Life is a bridge over the sea of changes. Do not build a house on it.”
• “God will not ask you when and where you did service? He will ask, with what motive did you do it? What was the intention that prompted you? You may weigh the service and boast of its quantity. But God seeks quality - the quality of heart, the purity of mind, the holiness of motive.
• ”Where there is FAITH, there is LOVE; Where there is LOVE; there is PEACE; Where there is PEACE; there is GOD; Where there is GOD; there is BLISS.”
• “If God is a flower, you should feel yourself a bee that sucks its honey;”
• Less talk - more work! There is too much talking going on. Because of excessive talking, spiritual energy is being wasted.”
• “LIFE is a mosaic of pleasure and pain - grief is an interval between two moments of joy. Peace is the interlude between two wars. You have no rose without a thorn; the diligent picker will avoid the pricks and gather the flower. There is no bee without the sting; cleverness consists in gathering the honey nevertheless.”

• Do not cultivate too much attachment to things of the world, which appeal to carnal desires and sensual thirsts. A moment comes when you have to depart empty-handed, leaving all that you have laboriously collected and proudly called your own.

• “Agriculture is for living; mind culture is for life. Skills are for shaping material things so that they cater more for the comfort of man; studies are for shaping attitudes, feelings, desires, emotions and impulses of man, so that they may confer more peace, more joy and more fortitude on man.” - HARGUNPREET SINGH.
  

POWER OF LONG AND UNCUT HAIR

It is clear that in modern society most people cut their hair because they feel that to be the norm and no one questions this very wide-spread custom. However, read the following and find out the significance of hair of the human body, mind and spirit:

Historical significance:

The history of hair goes back to the times of the Bible and beyond. The Bible talks of a man called Samson who obtained supernatural powers through his long hair. His hair was later cut and consequently he lost his powers.

G.A. Gaskell writes,‘Hair of the head is a symbol of faith, intuition of truth, or the highest qualities of the mind.’

Dictionary of all Scriptures

Bhagwan Shiv also had long hair and Hindus bathing in sacred Ganga is produced through these long hairs. Even Brahma, Vishnu and other deities also have long hairs.

Prophet Mohammad and other prophets in Muslims also have long hairs and beard also.

Zorothustra of Zorrostrians also have long hair and beard also.

Even Jesus Christ had long hair and a beard.

The 10 Gurus of Sikhism all kept their hair uncut .

Even Sidhs and Jogis in Hindism keep hair uncut. You can see qazis and peers in Islam who also wear long hair.

Everybody believe God to be a perfect creator. It therefore follows that whatever He creates is perfect. The keeping of uncut hair is therefore, recognition of God’s perfection and the submission of a Sikh to the Will of God. (Hukam)Function: Most Sikhs regard hair as a gift from God. But what does this gift actually do for us? Well, the functions of hair can be divided into 5 sub categories. These include an ornamental function, physical function, psychological function, Sikh specific function and a spiritual function.

Ornamental function: Nature has decorated a man with a beard and a moustache to differentiate between a male and a female. A good example from the animal kingdom is a lion with its majestic mane.

Physical function:Just like the skin, the hair helps to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight. It also helps to supply the pituitary gland (located in the head) with phosphorous. Phosphorous is an element which is used in meditation by the aforesaid gland. The hair on our body regulates body temperature and our eye lashes, nostril hairs and ear hairs help to keep out fine dust particles.

Psychological function: This is by far, is one of the most important functions of hair. People cut their hair to look good for other people, and although everyone wants to look sexy and cool, a Sikh is encouraged to impress God and not bother so much about the opinions of everyone else. Keeping hair therefore encourages us to become less vain and more God orientated.

Sikh specific function:Uncut hair is a mark of Sikh identity. The 10th Sikh Guru instructed all his Sikhs to come before him with long hair and weapons. Long hair also represents sacrifice, because there have been many Sikhs like Bhai Taru Singh, who preferred to have their scalp removed instead of their hair cut.

Spiritual function

Hair enhances the ability of a human being to experience God. This can be explained by understanding the workings of electromagnets. An electromagnet consists of an iron rod with a coil of wire wrapped around it. The strength of an electromagnet can be increased by increasing the number of coils. Now in a human being, there are nine visible inlets/outlets (2 nostrils, 2 ear holes, 1 mouth, 2 eyes, 2 below the waistline). And the 10th inlet is located in the head and is invisible. It is called the Dasam Dawar. This is where we experience the reality of God and we can consider this to be the iron rod. Hairs are like coils of wire which amplify spiritual energy at the 10th inlet. A greater quantity of head hair will lead to more coils in the (Joora) knot and therefore a higher concentration of spiritual energy. Of course, it is possible to experience God without any head hair like Buddhists. However anything that helps us to experience God more easily should be welcomed. Hair is essentially a spiritual technology that makes it easier to connect with God.

In the religious literature of the world there is much evidence which suggest that God has created humans with great interest. The earthly material used for this purpose was kept kneaded for two centuries. (It is just an assumption and has no relevance with modern calendar system) and then another hypothetical period of 280 years was spent on giving shape to this creation so that the humans thus created should look the most lovable in all respects. Everything was done with much enthusiasm and conscious efforts. The Jewish and Christian churches also contain evidence to this effect that God created man in His own image and put His own particle as soul within him. On the basis of all this, it can be easily presumed that God did not add anything, including hair, to human body which could be termed as superfluous. Thus, trimming the hair amounts not only declining the gift given by God but also disfiguring the shape given to man by Akal Purakh i.e. Lord God. In other words, it can also be taken to mean that by so doing man takes pleasure in finding faults in the blue print prepared by God and thus showing off himself as better qualified and more competent than the creator Lord. to sum up, this amount to endeavours equalling Him and even excelling Him by trying to improve upon His work. Ironically, the creation is getting zealous to override the Creator, thereby allowing ungratefulness to predominate. The only point of consolation in this regard is that this blunder of cutting and disowning hair has not been made by man since the times of Adam, but the same is in practice only since the last few centuries.

Scientific Research on the Hair

The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries in the West provided increased avenues of employment, but at the same time lack of security measures in the factories led to several fatal accidents caused by long hair. To avoid such accidents, the workers started, though unwillingly and with a heavy heart trimming their long hair.

Consequently, the number of people with long hair like that of Shakespeare decreased and with the passage of time such a breed became almost extinct. But inspire of all this one positive development that had taken place there, was a lot of good and deep research on the hair. They wanted to ascertain the benefits of keeping hair and also to find out the changes they effect in human body and temperament. The research carried out with this end in view has highlighted the fact that the hair serves as a factory providing Vitamin D for the body. Vitamin D protects a person against the fatal disease like Tuberculosis and is an essential element for bones, teeth and the nervous system. This is an item that is becoming scarce today. The reason behind its scarcity is that Vitamin D in vegetables is missing to a great extent as a result of the insecticides being sprayed for the protection of vegetable crops from certain diseases.

Consequently, the lackness of Vitamin D is being felt throughout the world. The developed countries have realized this and keeping in view the grave scarcity of Vitamin D, have started producing synthetic Vitamin D. They add this vitamin to the food of the children so that they must not grow up physically weak and mentally tense persons. As against these developed and affluent nations, the poor countries can easily get precious Vitamin D for their children free from the open Sun through their long hair. The significant research has also revealed that longer the hair the more will be the production of Vitamin D through the interaction of Sun heat with the oil in the hair. Thus all this shows that keeping hair is very important for one's physical as well as mental well-being. It has also been proved on the basis of experiments that the hair tied in the form of a knot on the top of the head are capable of attracting the maximum heat energy of Sun just as the television antenna has the capacity to hold photo waves from the atmosphere. (According to Tessitas, the ancient Germans also used to tie their long hair into a knot on the top of their heads. May be, they did so with a view to obtaining the above mentioned benefits). If the rare of Vitamin D can be obtained free from Nature only by keeping long hair, health wise also it becomes imperative for human beings to keep long hair.

Harms of Trimming Hair:

If the hair are not trimmed, their length, growth stops automatically after reaching a certain length. In this situation, hardly 0.5% of the protein that we take in with our daily diet, is spent on their upkeep. On the other hand, the trimmed hair consumes much more protein because this has to be spent on the re-growth of the hair. Had the hair stopped re-growing after having been trimmed once, there would have been no extra expense of protein. However, keeping in view the multidimensional usefulness of the hair for human body, Nature has created within the human body an interesting mechanism to help continuous growth of the hair. This mechanism continues being operational till one breaths one's last. Thus, this mechanism goes on spending more protein on the re-growth of the hair after a person shaves them off or trims them. Nature does this so as not to deny a person the varied benefits of hair. It seems modern man is busy in shaving off the hair under a sort of atheistic culture whereas God is ever involved in their growth. God is quite serious about the hair, whereas man is equally careless. Let us wait and watch the final outcome. Meanwhile, we can only say there is a sort of deadlock as under:

He won't change His habits,Why should we change ours?

Unfortunately, God's Will shall prevail on the long run because He knows the mystery and significance of the hair, whereas modern fashionable man on the other hand knowing the importance of hair tends to be careless, But we must at least think in the light of this fact that hand, foot or any other organ of the body if once get chopped off, does not sprout again, but on the contrary if we trim or shave off the hair, they grow up again soon except in very old age. It must be presumed from this fact that importance of the hair can be more, and certainly not less than hands, feet or other organs of human body.

It is generally observed that the Hindus perform the first mundane (shaving off hair of the head) of their children at the age of 2 or 3 years. On this occasion, the head is completely shaved off. On this shaven head, the hair grows up to half centimeter within one month. The hair grows more rapidly in the case of youth vis-à-vis the small children. In the case of the former, the hair grows 1/8th of an inch in just three days. Nevertheless let us make the case of 2-3 year old child the basis of our contention: his hair grows half centimeter in one month. On average, every person has 85,000 to 1,25,000 hairs on his head. If we take the child to have one lac (hundred thousand) hair on his head, we shall find that such a child spends energy from his body to grow one hair up to the length of 50,000 centimeters or 500 meters if his total growth is computed on a one single hair. If he is in the habit of getting his hair regularly trimmed throughout his life, we can well imagine the amount of energy he might use to grow up the hair again and again. Thus valuable energy and minerals are wasted just for nothing. There should be limit to one's ignorance, but as Ghalib has said 'Who can instruct the already learned.' Man by trimming his hair, is harming himself in many ways.

Another harm that trimming of hair causes is, that

The hair have been the means of receiving energy for brain from the sun, but by trimming then we destroy to great extent that system and there by render the mechanism almost inert.

It does not imply that social classes prone to trimming hair, lack intellectual level even without keeping full hair, they could have accomplished much better had they kept hair intact. Thus we do feel sad that they unwittingly make those means inoperative, which has to supply large quantity of energy to human organism. If we take into account the cumulative loss suffered generations after generations, it seems certain that trimming of hair is certainly an impediment in the way of realizing the aim of perfect human intellect. It thus is certainly a great disadvantage for entire mankind.

Who will consider it wise to continue the trade causing continuous loss? Think and be watchful. This is the need and the expectation of time.

Nature of the Hair:

After their comprehensive research, the scientists have reached the conclusion that the hair stop growing having achieved the level of optimum growth. They remain alive for two to six years. They play their active role during this period and then getting weak, fall off as we comb them. This is called the death of the hair. There is no use keeping the dead hair. However, keeping in view the utmost importance of hair for human being, Nature is ever ready to replenish these dead hair by sprouting new ones in their place. The importance of the hair can also be gauged from the fact that the operation of replacing the dead hair with the new ones gets started immediately and forcefully so that body does not suffer because of their lack. This also shows that new and healthy hair on the head is needed throughout life. That is why God has created such a wonderful mechanism as a result of which person continues to be bestowed with healthy hair for long years of his/her life. The fact that the hair grows rapidly even after their regular trimming, also implies that God does not approve of the human action of shaving off or trimming their hair. In spite of that, God has not yet got annoyed with him. As a proof of this, we find that the new born baby in any family or tradition in the world is blessed with beautiful hair. These hairs are the gift, which God bestows upon him while sending him on to this earth. It is another matter that except Sikhs nobody else endeavors to learn and abide by this will of Almighty. They also do not seem to be in a mood to value this precious Divine gift as much as they ought to. Man considers himself highly cultured. A follower of the Sikh faith does realize that God has blessed him with the sacred hair from his very birth, and these remain with him till his death. Thus, a true Sikh of the Guru neither comes nor goes naked from this world as all parts of this body are covered with the precious gift of hair. Thus, belief in the sanctity of hair saves him from the sense of duality. If we look from the point of view of the naturalists we see that they believe the existence of two ways to live life. One is to live in conformity with nature and the other is to live in conflict with it. The first is the way of harmony and the second is the way of a conqueror who wishes to subjugate and dominate leading to personal and public nuisances. The Gurmat or the Sikh way is one which accepts no dichotomy between man and nature as is enjoined upon Sikhs by Guru Nanak in Bara Maha and Guru Gobind Singh in Akal Ustat and both these Banis serve as the foundation of the Sikh oral and orational practices. 'Hair Power' is the out come of the first attitude and as such is ever charged energizing battery for the human machine. (From SikhiWiki)..........