July 2009 - GNFA.org
Transcription
July 2009 - GNFA.org
Sandesa sMdysw Guru Nanak Foundation of America YO U R C O N N E C T I O N T O G N FA Issue 1 Important dates Conserving , one newsletter at a time Welcome to the first issue of Sandesa. We hope you are as excited as we are about the new design and format. More importantly, we hope you enjoy reading this quarterly newsletter. Along with keeping you informed about news and events associated with the GNFA community, we have included religious teachings and feature articles. If you have feedback about the newsletter, or would like to contribute a piece, please let us know. Our goal is to make the newsletter interesting for everyone from children to elders. In the spirit of conservation and environmental friendliness, we have also made a few subtle changes to the newsletter. First, we are not using any glossy pages. Second, we are using recycled paper to print the newsletter. Finally, we are using a tighter formatting to reduce the total number of pages in the newsletter. While each of these steps is tiny, we hope it will motivate others to do a little more to preserve our limited resources. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 35% of the municipal solid waste stream July 2009 Guru Harkrishan Ji's Parkash Utsav will be celebrated on Friday July 24th, 2009 Sunday July 26th, 2009 Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Parkash Utsav will be celebrated on is made up of paper and board products. So even though over 50 million tons of paper is recycled each year, more can still be done. A little effort to recycle and reuse today will keep our resources available for tomorrow. GNFA: Humming with Activity www.gnfa.org -by Dr. Lisa Singh Friday Oct 30th, 2009 Sunday Nov1st, 2009 Monday Nov 2nd, 2009 Khalsa School registration begins July 5th PAATH COMPETITIONS Tav Parsad Savaiyee and Kirtan Sohila : Aug 8, 2009 Japji Sahib : Sept 26, 2009 Inside this issue: From Chairman‘s desk 2 Mela 3 Sikh Heritage Week 4 Virsa 6 Gurmat Sangeet 7 Kirtan Samelan 10 Committee Reports 12 Wellness 14 Teen‘s Corner 14 Word Find 16 Operation Walk 18 Khalsa School 19 Sikh Day Parade 20 sM d y s w Sandesa From the desk of the Chairman Dear All activities require the Sangat‘s support of time, effort, resources, and money. May Wahe Guru grant us all the dedication to contribute these to our Gurdwara. GNFA members, This is an exciting time at GNFA. The newly appointed committees are actively working to plan cultural events, organize educational programs, work with fiscal responsibility, and keep our members informed about the latest events. Your new Board has appointed 15 committees with a total of 85 members working to serve the sangat. We must also recognize the service of our resident Jatha, Sewadar and visiting Jathas. It is truly humbling to serve together and we thank you for this opportunity. Among the recent accomplishments and activities at GNFA, we had a very successful youth kirtan sammelan this year with enthusiastic participation from about 150 youth. Khalsa school recently completed its academic year. Enrollment this past year reached nearly 150 students. It is exciting to see the growth of our youngest members. Our website has a new look and is being actively updated (www.gnfa.org). You can go to the site and register your email address to receive information about upcoming events. Finally, our GNFA mela was another wonderful community experience with over 350 attendees. The Membership committee is working to improve our records and conduct a membership campaign. A revised membership application form will soon be ready and membership dates announced. May I also please remotivate us. All these activities require the Sangat‘s support of time, effort, resources, and money. No contribution is too small, and none too big. May Wahe Guru grant us all the dedication to contribute these to our Gurdwara. Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh Tejbir Singh Phool Chairman, GNFA The Finance committee obtained Board approval of an interim budget and will present an annual budget to the Board in June. It will include plans for raising finances we need to meet our long term needs. Please see our audited report for 2008, our monthly financial picture, and our weekly income and expenses on the notice board. Sandesa Newsletter Staff COPY EDITORS Dr. Lisa Singh Meeta Kaur Ravneet Singh Harsharan Kaur STAFF COLUMNISTS Harsharan Kaur Ravneet Singh Dr. Lisa Singh Arvinder Kaur LAYOUT AND DESIGN Dr. Lisa Singh Dr. Sukhjeet Ahuja Meeta Kaur Ravneet Singh GUEST COLUMNISTS Dr. Gurnam Singh Dr. Hema Sidhu Ravinder K. Gill Tajinder K. Ahluwalia Dr. Harpal Khanuja 2 PHOTOGRAPHY Sirmukh Singh Manku Dr. Sukhjeet Ahuja Harsharan Kaur Gajinder Singh EDITOR Atam Parkash Singh WEB SITE www.gnfa.org Sandesa is published quarterly by Guru Nanak Foundation of America 12917 Old Columbia Pike Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904 ‘ The Sandesa staff thanks Bhai Harvinder Singh ji for editing the Punjabi articles. www.gnfa.org e-mail : newsgnfa@gmail.com Printed on recycled paper Issue 1 July 2009 GNFA Mela adds some new twists The GNFA Mela was held on June 13th, 2009. Approximately 350 people of all ages attended the event. There were activities for all age groups. The little kids enjoyed games and face painting. The older kids played volleyball. There was also a balloon toss, tug-ofwar and musical chairs for everyone. Gajinder Singh along with Avtar Singh conducted a boli game where people were tested on their knowledge of Punjabi vocabulary. Many children were interested in the gatka demonstration by Mr Nagi. The winners for the Best dressed Punjaban /Best dressed Gabru was awarded to Mrs Basi. She was totally in the Mela spirit and was dressed half punjaban/half gabru. The Best dressed Mutiyaar was awarded to Karmjit Kaur and the Best dressed Shezaada was awarded to Gurdeep Singh. The food was traditional and enjoyed by all. Mrs. Hema Sidhu along with a team of Doctors were conducting medical tests and giving free consultation. The American Radiology was also there performing DEXA (bone density) tests for all the seniors free of charge. Finally, there were a number of Raffles with prizes donated from Atlantic Wireless, Furniture Express and Si Salsa. Article by: Tajinder K. Ahluwalia Pictures by: Sirmukh Singh Manku www.gnfa.org 3 4 www.gnfa.org Issue 1 July 2009 Celebrating Sikh Heritage Week in the Nation’s Capital The Library of Congress (LOC) is a treasure chest of knowledge with more than 142 million items in about 470 languages. It is a true coming of age for the Sikh diaspora that the Sikh Collection Initiative has been launched at this venerable institution of learning. The Kaur Foundation, a SikhAmerican educational outreach organization, in collaboration with the Asian Division of the LOC and the Asian Division Friends Society, presented a national conference celebrating Sikh Traditions, Heritage and Arts on June 18-19, 2009 to mark the occasion. The Council of the District of Columbia passed a Sikh Heritage Week Recognition Resolution. Senator Richard Lugar (IN), Congressman Michael Honda (CA), Sen. Ben Cardin (MD), Congressman Chris Van Hollen (MD), and a representative of DC Mayor Adrian Fenty delivered remarks of felicitation and support. tion, and Dr. G.S. Mann, Director of the Center for Sikh and Punjabi Studies at the Univ. of California, Berkeley. Several distinguished nonSikh speakers such as Dr. Paul Taylor, Curator at the Smithsonian‘s Natural History Museum, F.S. Aijazuddin, Principal Aitchison College, Lahore, and Susan Stronge, Curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, gave testament to the increasing engagement of international scholars in Sikh studies. The erudite DC talk show host Kojo Nnamdi was a forum moderator and showed a deft understanding of Sikh issues. Internationally renowned photographer, Fiona Aboud‘s striking photos showcased the rich mosaic of Sikh lives and experiences. panel, comprising highly accomplished young Sikh Americans. Model Sonny Caberwal, whose turbaned visage lit up the huge Kenneth Cole billboards in Manhattan. Arpinder Kaur, the first turbaned female pilot in the US. Architect Jasmit Singh Rangr whose home designs are driven by ―universal themes that unite us all.‖ And a young Kaur whose poignant eloquence electrified the audience -- award winning post 9-11 documentary filmmaker Valerie Kaur. Arpinder Kaur first turbaned female U.S. pilot - by Harsharan Kaur The title of the conference was ―Taking Heritage into the 21st century‖. So it was apt that the conference closed with the ―vision of tomorrow‖ A highlight of the conference was the book launch of ―Empire of the Sikhs: The Life and Times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.‖ Its highly regarded authors, writer Patwant Singh and numismatist (coin collector) Jyoti Rai spoke eloquently about Maharaja Ranjit Singh‘s progressive vision. Darshpreet Singh- Basketball player, Trinity College, Texas Being rooted in their heritage gives them wings to fly and help create more ―inclusive environments‖ and cross cultural understanding. Artists: Amrita and Rabindra Singh The extraordinary achievements of Sikhs in diverse fields were evident in the presentations by renowned artists Amrita K. Singh, Rabindra K. Singh and Aparna Caur, industry leaders like Dr. Kanwarjit Singh , member of the Global Health Program at the Gates Founda- Sonny Caberwal a model for Kenneth Cole, Dior & Versace www.gnfa.org 5 sM d y s w Sandesa iek idn guru U nwnk dyv jI nwl krqwrpur vyKy… gurU nwnk dyv jI dI AwKrI audwsI dy bwd aunHW ny iek swDwrx AdrS jIvn jIx Aqy kIrq krn dI jwc dsI[ BweI siqbIr isMG ny ApxI pUsqk kudrqI nUr ivc bVI FUMgI Koj qoN bwd anHW dI roz dI ijMdgI dy bwry eyh drswieAw… ‚gurU nwnk dyv jI ny audwsI vwly swry k`pVy auqwr id`qy sn Aqy Awm gRihsqIAwN dy pihrwvy ivc hI ivcrdy sn[ Awp jI dw nym ies qrHwN dw sI ik fyF pihr rwq rihMdI au`Tdy[ ieSnwn krdy qy sMgqW vI ieSnwn kr Drmswl juV jwNdIAwN[ jpujI dy pwT auprMq Awsw kI vwr dy kIrqn huMdy [ idn cVHy qk gurbwxI dw kIrqn hMudw [ Sbd dI kQw vI au`Qy ho jWdI[ iPr sB rl ky ‘ggn mih Qwl riv cMd dIpk bny’ dw Sbd pVHdy[ ies Sbd dy pVHwey jwx qoN hI pqw l`gdw hY ik gurU jI isKwN ivc ikqnI cOVI idRstI BrI hoeI dyKnw cwhuMdy sn[ ieh iek pRkwr dw bRhmMf gwien (kwsmk AYNQm) sI[ svyry dw nwSqw pw ky sB ikrq ivc jut jwNdy[ gurU jI vI KyqwN nUM cly jwNdy[ qIsry pihr iPr Sbd kIrqn hMudw qy Sbd dI crcw huMdI[ vihmwN-BrmwN, kurIqIAwN qy kuhJy irvwjwN qoN jigAwsUAwN nUM gurU jI vrjdy[ nvIN rOSnI imldI[ AQrbn (jwdU, tUxy, mMqrwN, hvnwN, pUjw, pKMfw) dw Bwr jo pRoihqwN ny mnuKqw ‘qy pwieAw hoieAw sI aus nMU auqwr prHwM suitAw jWdw[ mnuK haumY iqAwg, Pu`l vrgw hlkw ho ky prqdw [ AQrbn vyd jwdU-toixAwN qy suKnwN lYxdyx dy mMqrw nwl BirAw hoieAw hY[ gurmuK (gurU nwnk) ny auh lwh prHwN sut idqw [ iksy ivcoly, pRoihq, mOlwxy dI loV nhIN sI rhI[ mhwrwj dw kQn sI ik mnuK nUM vwihgurU ny Awjwd suqMqr pYdw kIqw hY[ ieh Awpxy pYrW ivc mxW mUMhI byVIAW pweI iPrdw hY[ ieh byVIAW ht jwxgIAW jd gurU-Sbd dy lV lgygw: kyqy bMDn jIA ky, gurmuiK moK duAwr] 6 schu ErY sBu ko aupir scu Awcwir] Swm nU iPr sodr ArqI dw pwT huMdw[ swry rwq dw prSwd pwauNdy[ iek pihr rwq jd gujr jwNdI qW swry soihlw dw pwT kr ky ibsrwm krdy[ krqwrpUr dI mrXwdw dyKx nUM ikqnI sihl sI pr inBwaux leI lok lwj qjxI pYNdI sI, jo kTn kwrj sI[ lokI qW pwT, pUjw rihq jwN SrwA, SrIAq, iSPwrS, (hwmw) nMU hI jwxdy sn aunHW leI ieh smJ ky turnw ik ieh sB Pokt krm hn, ArMB ivc bVw kTn kdm sI[ keI qW kuJ kdm hI tur ky iPr ky C`f bYTdy[ keI krqwrpur AwauNdy, gurU nwnk dyv jI nMU h~l vwhuMdy, KyqI krdy krwauNdy dyK hI prq jNdy[ keI cwr vrxW nUM iek QW pRSwd C`kdw dyK, n`k mUMh cVHw muV jWdy [ keI gurU jI nUM gRihsqI qy iPr gRihsq inBWidAW dyK mUMh moV bYTdy, pr ivrly hMudy jo smu`cw krqwrpur dw jIvn mwxdy qy iPr jIvn svwr GrW nUM muVdy[ auNj qw AnykW vwrdwqW hoeIAW pr swfy ieiqhws ny iek aucycI swKI swDUAW dI iek mMflI dI ilKI hY[ iek swDUAW dI mMflI AweI[ aunHW gurU jI Aqy is`KW nUM KyqW ivc kMm krdy, lMgr leI lkVW ilAWdy, pSU sMBwldy qy lMgr pkWdy ifTw Aqy jd gurU jI koloN ivdwiegI lYx l`gy qW swDUAW dy muKI ny ikhw : ‘muAwP krnw qusI qW sHwn (dWd) hI pwl r`Ky hn[ gurU jI ny koeI au`qr dyx dI QWvyN aunHw nUM kuJ idn hor rukx leI ikhw[ hux jd kuJ idnW qoN bwd auh rvwnw hox l`gy qW kuJ inmrqw nwl swDU AwgU ny kyhw : ‘nwnk jI, qusW qW ienswn pwl r`Ky hn’[ mhwrwj ny iPr kuJ idn hor rukx leI ikhw[ www.gnfa.org hux jd iqAwr ho auh prqn l`gy qW swDu ny ikhw: ‘gurU jI qusW qW dyvqy pwl rKy hn’[ guruU pwqSwh ny kuJ idn hor rukx leI ikhw[ ies vwrI aunHW swirAW hI gurU nwnk dy crn pkV ley[ iKmW mMgI qy ikhw: ‘mhwrwj qusW qW rb hI pws ibTwieAw hoieAw hY’[ is`K dw smu`cw jIvn dyK ky hI is`KI dI soJI Aw skdI hY[ jo kyvl ikrq krdy dyKdw hY, auh ienHW nUM pSU smwn hI jwxdw hY[ jo praupkwr krdw, syvw ivc KIvy huMdw, iek dUjy ‘qy jwn dyNdy dyKdw hY, ah ienswn jwxygw Aqy ijs ny is`K nUM AMmRq vyly jwp jpyNdy kIrqn ivc iekwgr ic`q dyK ilAw hY, auh kyvl dyvqw smwn hI jwxygw, pr jd koeI is`K nUM srIr dI suD Bulw, inrol Sbd nwl joV, praupkwr leI jUJdw, jwnW vwrdw dyKdw hY, auh ienHW nUM r`b rUp hI khygw[ gurU nwnk jI dI ieh hI krwmwq sI ijnHW mwxs qoN dyvqy kr id`qy[ krqwrpur dy pey pRBwv bwry sujwn rwie BMfwrI ny hI g`l mukWdy iliKAw hY kI bwbw nwnk dy is`K Awqm rsIey, igAwnI, kihxI-krnI dy pUry, isD-swDk qy phuMc vwly, musqjwbul dwvwq huMdy hn[ isK ny ieh Ascrj Kyf KyfxI krqwrpuroN is`K leI sI[ B`t klshwr jo BtW dw mohrI AwgU sI, ny vI, ieh g`l vwr vwr duhrweI hY ik gurU nwnk jI iek rs nwm jpdy qr gey hn qy swrI isRstI vI nwm dI brkq nwl qwr id`qI hY[ Awp rwj jog mwixAw hY qy is`KW nUM vI rwj jog mwxn dI jwc isKlw id`qI hY[ ‘hir nwm rsik nwnk gur, rwju jog qY mwixE]’ - Compiled by Ravneet Singh Issue 1 July 2009 sRI gurU Arjn dyv jI dw vfmUlw Xogdwn: gurmq sMgIq prMprw - fw. gurnwm isMG Dean, Faculty of Arts and Culture Professor and Head, Gurmat Sangeet Chair Punjabi University, Patiala gurmq sMgIq prMprw nUM inrMqr pRgqI Aqy ivkws dIAwN rwhwN qy qorn ivc sRI gurU Arjn dyv jI dw v`fm`ulw qy ivSyS Xogdwn hY[gurU Arjn dyv jI ny sRI gurU grMQ swihb dI rwgwqmk sMpwdnw krky AiDAwqmk Aqy sMgIq jgq nUM AwpxI ivl`Kx dyx duAwrw BrpUr kIqw[ ijQy Awpny Awpxy qoN pUrbly is`K gurU swhIbwn dI bwxI dw AiDAYn krn auprWq ausnUM kRmvwr rwgW ADIn sMpwdq kIqw, auQy gurmiq sMgIq prMprw dI ivvhwrkqw nMU nvIn idSw vI prdwn kIqI[ Awp smyN kIrqn prMprw dy gwiek BweI mrdwny nwl sbMDq hox krky iek Kws qbky ivcoN hI sn[ ieh kIrqnIey (gwiek) mrwsI jW fUm kOm ivcON sn Aqy iehnW nUM ‘mrdwny ky’ ikhw jWdw sI[ Awp dy drbwr ivc BweI s`qw Aqy blvMf kIrqn krdy sn[ iehnW qoN ibnW BweI kydwr, JwJU Aqy mukMd vrgy pris`D rwgI rbwbI vI kIrqn kirAw krdy sn[ gurmiq sMgIq dw KUb prcwr kIqw [ iehnW ivcoN s`qw Aqy blvMf dI joVI dw ivSyS sQwn hY [ s`qw Aqy blvMf ny kuJ kwrnW krky sRI gurU Arjn dyv jI dy drbwr ivcoN kIrqn dI syvw C`f dIqI[ haumY ivc gurU swihb Agy ApxI mhwnqw dI crcw krn lgy[ ies smyN gurU swihb ny Awm is`K ny Awm is`K sgqw nUM kIrqn gwien krn dw AwdyS id`qw [ ijs nwl kIrqn gwien prMprw ivSyS gwiek SryxI ivcoN inkl ky sDwrn lokW ivcrn lgI[ ies prkwr gurbwxI kIrqn ikirAwqmk qOr qy rwgI, rbwbI-ksbI lokW Aqy AisiKAk swDwrn lokW, dohw vrgW ivc mkbUl hoeI[ Awpny Awm jn swDwrn ivc ‘klXug mih kIrqn prDwnw’ dy mwrg qy qoirAw[ sRI gurU Arjn dyv jI dy smyN qoN lY ky hux qk ieh prMprw iehnW dohW rUpW ivc prcwr ihq inrMqr jwrI hY[ sRI gurU Arjn dyv jI ny gurmq sMgIq dy sMsQwgq prcln leI qrnqwrn swihb nUM kIrqn kyNdr vjoN sQwpq kIqw Aqy ies qoN ibnw sRI drbwr swihb AMimRqsr nUUM vI mukMml krvwieAw[ gurU nwnk dyv jI duAwrw prcilq kIrqn gwien prMprw nUM Awpxy nvIAW qy molk ivSStqwvW sihq aujwgr kIqw[ Awid gRMQ ivc Awp qoN pUrvly gurU swihbwnW dy nwl Awp dI bwxI vI drj hY[ Awp dy 44 rwgW ivc 2216 Sbd Aqy slok imldy hn[ AwpdI bwxI rcnw isrI, mwJ, gauVI guAwryrI, gauVI cyqI, gauVI bYrwgix, gauVI pUrbI, gauVI mwJ, gauVI mwlvw, gauVI mwlw, Awsw, Awsw kwFI, AwswvrI, AwswvrI suDMg, gUjrI, dyvgMDwrI, ibhwgVw, soriT, vfhMs, DnwsrI, jYqsrI, tofI, bYrwVI, iqlMg, sUhI iblwvl, goNf, rwmklI, ntnwrwiex, nt, mwlI gauVw, mwrU, quKwrI, kydwrw, BYrau, bsMq, swrMg, mlHwr, kwnHVw, kilAwx, pRBwqI, pRBwqI ibBws, ibBws prBwqI rwgW ivc aupl`bD hY [ gurU swihb ny bwxI duAwrw SwsqrI Aqy lok sMgIq dovyN prMprwvW dw pRXog kIqw[ Awpny ijQy bwxI rcn leI sB qoN izAwdw rwgW Aqy gwien SYlIAW dw pRXog kIqw auQy ivSyS bwxI rcnwvW, pdy, AstpdIAW, CMq, vwr, soihly, AMjulIAW Awid ivc vI rcnw kIqI[ gwien leI swrMdw Aqy qblw (joVI) swz dw vI pRXog hox lg ipAw sI [ sRI gurU gRMQ swihb dI rwgwqmk sMpwdnw, kIrqn prMprw dI jnswDwrn ivc mkbUlIAq, kIrqn kyNdr dI sQwpnw, Aqy iviBMn v`fmulIAW bwxI gwien rcnwvW dI dyx duAwrw, sRI gurU Arjn dyv jI ny gurmiq sMgIq prMprw ivc vfyrw qy iviSSt Xogdwn pwieAw hY[ Excerpted with author's permission from his book Gurmat Sangeet: ‘Parbandh tey Paasaar’ Awp duAwrw ricq 36 pVqwlW v`K v`K rwgW ADIn drj imldIAW hn[ Awp smyN gurbwxI www.gnfa.org 7 sM d y s w Sandesa S.A.M. Video & Photography We provide services for all occasions, including… Weddings, Receptions, Banquets, Birthdays Anniversaries, Concerts, Shows. Kirtans, Festivals PAL to NTSC & NTSC to PAL Conversions Your Video is available for DVD also Sirmukh S. Manku (703)250-6702 or (703) 927-2680 ssmanku@aol.com Capturing Memories That Last a Lifetime…. PASSION FOR TRUTH & Punjabi Community Hour RADIO & TV RADIO PROGRAM WORLLDWIDE ON INTERNET For daily news about South Asia and daily Live Kirtan & Hukamnama from Darbar Sahib Amritsar, visit www.passionfortruthtv.com www.geocites.com/~mschawla For More Information call Mr. Chawla at (703)-734-0689 Email to mschawla@hotmail.com 8 www.gnfa.org Issue 1 July 2009 Helping the Census Bureau learn more about our community The U.S. Census Bureau conducts a variety of censuses and surveys each year. The decennial survey is used to determine the population of districts in different states across the country. The information provided on these different surveys are used by the Bureau to provide summary statistical data about the population. GNFA is collaborating with the US Census Board to generate awareness among Sikhs about the importance of completing a Census survey, the participation process, and the availability of different job opportunities at the Census Bureau. As the Sikh population in the United States grows, it is important that our community share its views with various government entities and leaders. Doing so will give a voice to our community. The U.S. Census Bureau is issuing a call to action for every resident of our nation: “Be Counted in 2010.” For more information about the 2010 Census, visit 2010census.gov. www.gnfa.org 9 sM d y s w Sandesa Sikh Youth Embrace Gurmat Sangeet There is a more enticing way for large numbers of Sikh youth to spend the Memorial Day weekend than lounging lazily at the beach or shopping for deals. For the fifth year in a row, the Washington Capital Sikh Youth Kirtan Sammelan held at Guru Nanak Foundation of America (GNFA), Silver Spring, Maryland, drew a substantial number of enthusiastic participants and listeners from several gurdwaras. About 150 youth, ranging in age from four to twenty-one, inspired the sangat with their dedication to gurmat sangeet at this year‘s sammelan, held on May 23. The institutions represented were Anhad Bani of York, Pennsylvania, Gurdwara Sahib of Augusta, Georgia, Guru Angad Institute of Sikh Studies (GAISS) of Sterling, Virginia, GNFA, National Gurdwara of Washington DC, Raag Rattan Jatha of Maryland, Sri Harmandir Academy of Maryland, and Washington Sikh Center of Maryland. award was presented to one jatha from each age group in recognition of their accomplishment in advanced areas of Gurmat Sangeet, among them, playing the complex tanti saaz (stringed instruments). There were two categories at the sammelan organized by the dharmik committee of GNFA -- competing and noncompeting. The competition section had three age groups: Juniors (7-10 yrs.), Intermediate (11-14 yrs.) and Seniors (15-18 yrs.). Each jatha had 12 minutes to perform and the judging criteria were rigorous. All age groups were required to sing a shabad in its nirdharit raag, that is, the raag in which it was composed by our guru sahibaan. The melodious notes of raags Kalyan, Bilaval, Sarang, Malhar, Todi, Asa, Tilang, Basant, Kannada, Sorath, and Kedara induced feelings of deep devotion in the sangat. The results: Juniors: This year all jathas in this category happened to be from GNFA. The organizers would like to encourage participation in this age group from other institutions as well. Outstanding Achievement Award and First Place: (GNFA) Amrita Kaur, Amrita Kaur Sawhney, Anmol Kaur, Harpreet K. Nagi, Jaskiran Kaur, Jasneer Kaur and Mehar Cheema. 2nd Place: (GNFA) Avneet K. Bahra, Jaskeerat K.Sian, Mallika K. Ubhi, Mehar Cheema, Saihajleen K. Bahra, Tudhjot Kaur. 3rd Place: (GNFA) Gurun Singh, Mehar Cheema, Rabir Goomer, Veer Birgi. In each age group, 1st, 2nd and 3 r d place were awarded. In addition, an outstanding achievement 10 www.gnfa.org Intermediate: Outstanding Achievement Issue 1 Award and First Place: (GNFA) Gurleen Kaur, Japji K. Bindra, Nimarta K. Chowdhary, Prabhleen K. Aneja, Prableen K. Chowdhary, Prabhleen Kaur. 2nd Place: (Washington Sikh Center) Chetveer Singh, Jeevan Singh, Kiran Kaur, Sajjan Singh 3rd Place: (GNFA) Angad Uppal, Kunal Khurana, Prabjit Sehdev, Sanjam Singh, Vargun Sodhi. Seniors: First Place: (National Gurdwara) Amandeep Singh, Jasleen Kaur, Jolainder Kaur, Mohmeet Singh, Sandeep Kaur. Outstanding Achievement Award and Second Place: (GNFA) Amolak S. Nagi, Dilbagh S. Nagi, Gurpreet Singh Sarin, Harleen Kaur, Nihal Singh, Ramneek K. Nagi. 3rd Place (Tied): (GNFA) Dilbagh S. Nagi, Haneet S. Chadha, Navraj S. Kalra, Ravneet S. Chadha 3rd Place: (GNFA): Manpreet Singh, Narjit Singh, Surjit Singh. July 2009 The sammelan provided many memorable moments. Some especially striking ones were: . Kiran Kaur, age 5, of Washington Sikh Center, playing the violin with an amazing purity of notes. · Prableen K. Chowdhary playing tabla – an inspiration to other girls to learn too. T h e 12 - me m be r n o n competing jatha from GAISS that played all the tanti saaz (stringed instruments ) including dilruba, rabab saranda, sarangi and taus as well as the traditional percussion, jori from the time of our guru sahibaan. A special performance by the guest jatha from Connecticut, 17-year-old Hardeep Chana and 14-year-old Jasmeet Chana. Hailing from a distinguished lineage of gurmat sangeet proponents, the br o t h e r s ‘ pe r f o r m an c e showed artistry and maturity. Hardeep ‗s mellifluous voice and melodious taus were matched by Jasmeet‘s commanding tabla performance. They were ably accompanied by Soni Kaur Sarin (dilruba and vocals) and Gurpreet Singh Sarin (mandolin) of the Raag Rattan jatha. A central role in the success of the sammelan was played by the hazoori ragis of GNFA. Bhai Jagmohan Singh ji, Bhai Harmohan Singh ji and Bhai Harvinder Singh ji, tirelessly and selflessly trained 50 youth for the sammelan. Our community is indebted to them for their contribution in inculcating a love for Gurmat Sangeet in our youth. This youth kirtan sammelan is held on the Saturday of the memorial day weekend annually. For a guru-centered holiday celebration, sadh sangat is invited to GNFA for the 6th Washington Capital Sikh Youth Kirtan Sammelan on May 22, 2010. Article by: Ranvinder K. Gill & Harsharan Kaur www.gnfa.org Pictures by : Sirmukh Singh Manku 11 sM d y s w Sandesa Committee Reports Building Maintenance Committee 2009. The next phase consists of a hearing by a review committee from the Park and Planning Commission and then on to the full commission board. The committee continues to provide them with any necessary information and will keep the sangat updated on further developments. The long-term goals of this committee are to improve the cleanliness and appearance of the Gurdwara. To date, the Langar Hall carpet has been replaced, paneling removed, and a fresh coat of paint has been applied. The flower beds have been weeded, and new The committee is still using the funds raised from a 2005 plants have been planted. fundraiser. They would like to The committee will also be encourage the sangat to docleaning and organizing the nate to the new building fund entrance area and bulletin whenever possible. Donations boards. Plans are underway can be given to the GNFA Langar hall renovation to add toilet seat covers and Treasurer at any time. replace damaged ceiling panEducation Committee Community Affairs scribes to its Elementary School els in the Women‘s restroom. Committee Most education activities are Sojhi Curriculum package, Bylaws Committee which includes Boli – Language The main objectives of the self supporting and funded Arts; and Virsa – History and The Bylaws Committee has a through tuition and private Community Affairs Committee Gurmat. Plans for the 2009draft ready to be reviewed by donations. In the year 2008, are to plan quarterly events 2010 school year include exthe General Body for final over the next 10 months. The the Education Committee panding the curriculum from approval. first event the committee budget was $30,000 and Elementary into the Middle planned was the Punjabi Mela Committee deposited $31,500 Capital Projects with GNFA. The 2009 budget School level. on June 13th 2009. Committee is $50,000. Major expenses Every year, the Education ComIn response to a Montgomery The committee is planning the include: facility expansion, mittee awards one merit County request concerning the following events (exact dates computer equipment, software, award in the amount of new gurdwara building permit, TBD): Cultural Program books, supplies, school bags, T- $2,000 to a college-bound the committee submitted a new (October), Family Fun Night shirts, and awards. graduating High School senior. round of documents on May 8th, (January), Youth/Senior Event In 2008, Khalsa school regis- The selection criteria includes: (March). tered 150 students in 7 levels grade point average, SAT of instructions. The committee score, involvement in GNFA has expanded our school facil- and community activities, an ity with another trailer that extempore essay, and an interhouses 36 KG students and 6 view with a GNFA Board apteachers. The classroom was proved selection panel. The furnished with Montessori style 2008 award was sponsored furniture. The committee will by Amar-Kartar Foundation, also add audio, video equip- Inc. The 2009 Award is sponment and activity pods. The sored by GNFA Trustee, S. Surinder Singh. The Merit expansion cost is $15,000. Award Recipients were Khalsa School is a member of Beneeta Kaur Ahuja (2008). Sikh Research Institute and subArchitectural drawing of new Gurdwara 12 www.gnfa.org Issue 1 July 2009 Committee Reports cont. Gurdwara Committee informative. You can visit the updated website to see a current list of committee members, contacts, and a schedule of upcoming events and programs. The committee will continue working on the website to improve the basic structure, layout, and content. They want your input. Email your suggestions to: rfloura@gmail.com Langar Committee The following ragi Jathas will be visiting us in coming months; Bhai Sahib Bhai Balwant Singh Ji Panchi - Jul ‗09. Bhai Sahib Bhai Harpal Singh Ji Paras-1st to 16th Aug ‗09 Bhai Sahib Bhai Shawinder Singh Ji -Sept ‗09 The committee will focus on the following objectives : improve health and sanitary concerns, start and maintain a recycling program, keep the sangat updated with information regarding langar, start a monthly clean up for the kitchen and Langar hall, and lower the monthly cost Bhai Sahib Bhai Charanjit for Langar. Singh Ji -Oct ‗09. Youth Committee Website Committee See page 1 for dates of Youth ranging in age from 7forthcoming Gurpurabs being The goal of the Website 14 organized a Gurdwara celebrated at GNFA. Committee is to revamp the cleanup. They scrubbed, old static pages to make mopped, and cleaned the them more user-friendly and kitchen, Langar hall, and Divan hall. The committee plans to organize an open forum for kids to talk about issues that matter to them specifically relating to the Sikh way of life. The forum will provide an avenue for the kids to openly ask questions and share their thoughts. They also want to encourage all eligible kids to register and become youth members. GNFA Committee Members Community Affairs T ajinder K.Ahluwalia (Ginny) © 2 Neeta Singh 3 Gurcharan Singh 4 Arvinder Uppal (Daisy) 5 Bryan Arneja 6 Amarjeet Bahra (Amy) 7 Manveen Sawhney 8 Gurdeep Kaur (Nikee) 9 Sarina Grewal 10 Rippi Kohli 11 Ravinder K Birgi 1 Langar Anthony Arneja © Gurmukh S Matta Jasmin Modi I . S. Gujral Jasvinder S Sethi (Johnny ) Avtar Singh Gurminder Singh Amar Singh Devinder Singh Ashok Gulati Pammy Sahni By Laws Rajindar S Sidhu © Tejbir S Phool Ajit S Dhaliwal Arvinder K Goomer Charanjit S Aulakh Dharam S Dhindsa Dilawar S Dhatt Harnam S Arneja Pritam S Saini Raghbir S Chhinna Capital Projects Kanwaljit Soni © Inderjit Bimbra Gurcharan Singh Bhupinder S Gabri Architect Surinder Singh PE Bhupinder S Katohora Engg. Harnam S Arneja Daljit S Sawhney Dharmik Jatinder Dusaj © Rajwant K Bassi Harjeet Singh Sukhbir Bawa Satwant Tulsi Anoop Kaur Amrita Cheema Ravinder Sawhney Sarabjit Kaur 2 Building Maintenance Inderjit S Bimbra © Surinder Singh Sikh Affairs Gurbaksh S Dhillon © Kulwant S Modi Professional Advisors Surinder Singh PE G S Gahunia PE Newsletter Website Atam Parkash Singh © Gajinder Singh © Sukhjeet Ahuja Sukhwinder Singh 3 Gurmeet S Grewal Phula Singh Ravneet Chadha Anthony S Arneja Pritam S Saini 4 Kamlesh Sardana Gurbinder S Bahra Amardeep Kaur (Rimmi) Gurdeep Kaur (Nikee) Prabhkirat Singh Education Gajinder Singh © Satwant K Tulsi Harsharan G Singh Gurminder S Ahuja Ravinder Kaur Bishan S Nagi Ajaib S Sidhu Manjot S Aneja Prabhjot S Kohli Meeta Kaur Harsharan Kaur Lisa Singh Arvinder K Goomer Atam Parkash Singh Sarbhpreet Singh Ranvir S Fluora Darshan S. Saluja Charanjit S Aulakh 1 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 © - Coordinator Youth Surpal S Birgi © Jasmeen K Modi Amitoj Singh Finance Darshan S Saluja © Kamlesh Sadana Ravinder Arneja www.gnfa.org Harjot Singh (Volunteer) Membership Ravinder S Arneja © Kuljit S Gill Surpal S Birgi Discipline Jaswinder S Sidhu © Sardar S Ahuja Gurudwara Tejbir S Phool Surjit Singh Kunwar S Goomer Ravinder Kaur Gurminder S Ahuja 13 sM d y s w Sandesa Wellness and Rejuvenation Dr. Hema K Sidhu, Ph.D., RPSGT Dr. Ajaib S. Sidhu, M.D., Ph.D. The idea of putting together this article is to educate people about wellness. By doing a few simple things in life, one can make Healthy Families and Healthy Society. One may wonder how this can be achieved. Well, complment Conventional Western Medicine with Alternative Medicine which includes Energy medicine e.g. Biofield Therapies, Reiki, Bioelectromagnetic- based therapies-using magnetic fields and alternating current or direct current fields---Just to name a few as well as Mind-Body medicine e.g. Meditation and Prayer. It is our responsibility to take care of the gift of the body given to us by GOD. We have the opportunity to take care of it and make a conscious decision to stay well. In the present day environments we are stressed, lack good night‘s sleep, breathe poor quality of air and drink water which contains chlorine as well as bacteria killed with chlorine—all this is happening from the toxins within our homes we live in. All the above leads to imbalanced body functions which cause varied symptoms-headaches, infections, allergies, digestive Issues, muscular aches and pains, hormonal imbalance etc. There are evidences available which show that in the long run these toxins can initiate cancer. The toxins can be removed from the body by doing a few simple things: Hydrate your body properly—with good quality water which can add energy and balance to your body functions. Breathe good air which not only filters the air from toxins but also has the ability to give negative ions back to you (Negative ions help to reduce stress and provide relaxation). Good Night‘s Sleep— Your body tends to restore it‘s balance when it goes through a deep sleep phase. Problems like insomnia and snoring can be relieved by using a quality mattress based on use of far-infrared and magnetic field technology. It is well known that lack of sleep can cause hypertension, diabetes, anxiety and eating disorder. Role of Products based on Electro-Magnetic Field Technology: This has been around for over 2000 years in Chinese medicine. Magnetic field therapy is also mentioned in some of the earliest writings in Egypt, India and Greece. It further provides a natural way to assist the body‘s normal healing processes as it encompasses all tissues and cells in the range of it‘s field. Applying magnetic fields to an injured area improves blood flow and enhances the body‘s natural healing processes as well as relieves pain and reduces inflammation. Recently its use has been reported even in Medical Literature for managing problems like anxiety, depression, migraines, and diabetic neuropathy. It has proven to be safe, effective, economical and free from adverse effects. The deficiency of a magnetic field creates multiple metabolic problems. The deficiency is created mostly by the blockage of a magnetic field via concrete floors. It seems as if the modern way of life is creating what we may call magnetic deficiency syndrome. It is incumbent on us that in the process of maintaining and regaining wellness, we reverse this trend and bring back the adequate levels of magnetic filed in our intrinsic and extrinsic environment. The body has the potential to regain wellness provided it is given this opportunity. The essential tools are --breathe air free of toxins, drink water free of toxins and ingest food free of toxins. This approach enhances the rejuvenation of body functions at all levels; it‘s like cleaning the house and make everything refreshing. Pray—Wellness for all Dr. Hema Sidhu Software Testing Course Classes held every Sunday from 12:00 to 2:00pm at GNFA If you or anyone you know who may be interested, please contact Kalvinder Singh at singhkalvinder@hotmail.com or come to class 14 www.gnfa.org Issue 1 July 2009 All services backed by Zee Auto Center 14721A Baltimore Ave. a limited-lifetime Laurel, MD 20707 warranty in writing Phone: 301-498-8344 Foreign & domestic Cars Specialists PAUL & RANBIR 301-498-8371 301-498-8303 www.gnfa.org 15 sM d y s w Sandesa Word Find Quilt created by kids full of Khandas. - by Jade Singh Teen’s Corner Did You Know? We have an all new Facebook group. Facebook is a social networking site where you can create your own profile and connect with friends and keep yourself updated with current events in your community. Join The ―GNFA Youth‖ group at Facebook.com where you can: Discuss sikhi related topics with your Friends Share pictures and videos from Community events Participate in Quarterly events (such as writing or artwork) which could be published in upcoming newsletters Stay connected with your friends at GNFA 16 www.gnfa.org Now Serving We Cater throughout the Metropolitan Area! At our Brand New Location! 8874 McGaw Rd Columbia, MD 21045-4785 Phone:(410) 381-1111 www.gnfa.org 17 sM d y s w Sandesa Sangat Supports Operation Walk Maryland . When we thought of starting a branch of Operation Walk here in Maryland, we knew we would find support from our friends and the community. The objectives of this organization hold fast to the Sikh principle of ―vand ke chakna‖ as espoused by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. We were right in our prediction, but we never would have guessed the magnitude of encouragement and appreciation for what we are doing. Operation Walk Maryland is an independent, non profit organization that performs hip and knee replacements free for poor people in developing countries. It is a volunteer organization that takes health care providers from Maryland to perform these surgeries. We also take all the supplies including the joint replacement implants. Each trip costs well over $100,000. Despite this we are able to do these surgeries for one tenth of what the total care would cost in the United States. On these trips we try do about 40-50 joint replacements, in a week‘s time. Last year was our first trip to Peru and it was an overwhelming success. We replaced 49 joints. I cannot express the gratitude of those we helped. Their thanks was unconditional. They know without the expertise of the Operation Walk team that these surgeries would not be possible. We were showered with hugs, kisses and the blessings of many patients and their family members. We too often take our freedom to move without pain for granted. Imagine a manual laborer in the third world, the sole provider for a large family. Suddenly because of debilitating arthritis he cannot work. There is no health insurance. Even if he could afford treatment, there is no expertise in his city, state, or possibly country. Suddenly, a team from the United States with expert surgeons offers to replace his hip. They ask for nothing in return. Imagine how thankful this person will be. His surgeon was a Sikh as were many members of the team. He had never seen a Sardar before, but imagine how he and his family will think of these people forever. Personally, I believe Operation Walk not only allows us to be ambassadors of healthcare from Maryland, but also ambassadors of the Sikh faith as well. We had our first Gala fund-raiser, and many members of the sangat attended. An American colleague of mine, who traveled with us as a surgeon to Peru, remarked at how impressed he was with the turnout from the Sikh Community. That made me proud and thankful. We hope to go to Ecuador this November and Punjab next year, but we are a long way from our financial goals. We continue to need your support. All of us at Operation Walk thank you. To learn more please visit www.operationwalkMD.org. Harpal S. Khanuja, MD Co Founder, Medical Director Operation Walk Maryland 18 www.gnfa.org Issue 1 July 2009 Khalsa school students Khalsa School Calendar Sunday, Sept 13th 2009 November, 8th 2009 January, 3rd 2010 January, 31st 2010 February, 7th 2010 April, 18th 2010 June, 13th 2010 First Day Of School Prakash Diwas Guru Nanak Dev Ji Prakash Diwas Guru Gobind Singh Ji 1st Semester Exam Semester Break Baisakhi Celebrations Final Exam & Last Day of School www.gnfa.org Pictures by Gajinder Singh School Opens School Closed School Closed Mandatory Attendance School Closed School Closed Mandatory Attendance 19 sM d y s w Sandesa New york Sikh Day Parade April 2009 Pictures by Dr. Sukhjeet Ahuja GNFA KHALSA TOASTMATERS CLUB Sharpen your public speaking skills. Make friends from different walks of life. Grow as a speaker in a supportive and friendly environment. Join the GNFA Khalsa Toastmasters Club. For more info., please contact: Dr Daljit Sawhney Gajindar Singh Dr. Hema Sidhu Dr. Sukhjeet Ahuja Club Charter Ceremony VISIT US ON http://khalsa.freetoasthost.biz 20 www.gnfa.org Issue 1 July 2009 It can be done… if we commit Picture this … Children sitting attentively along side their parents inside the Diwan Hall. Not running around in the lobby and Langar Hall. Not texting inside the Diwan Hall. Families sharing shoe cubbies so there are enough cubbies for everyone. No one places shoes on the floor. If someone forgets, those shoes are picked up by the first person who notices and placed in a cubby. Cars parked only in designated areas. Fire lanes are clear. Handicapped spots are honored. No one parks on basketball or volleyball court. Restrooms are always clean as each person takes care. Help make it happen Readers’ Comments & Suggestions We would like to hear from Sangat. Kindly provide us with your comments and suggestions. HELP US UPDATE OUR RECORDS Name:____________________________________ Phone:_____________________________________ Address : _____________________________________________________________ Email:__________________________________ Please submit to treasurer GNFA www.gnfa.org 21 DONOR RECOGNITION Finance committee would like to appeal for donations through the GNFA newsletter. Donations accompanying the form bellow will be recognized in the next issue of along with name of Donor. We will alsoDonor have a feature on ‘Your Donation in action’ in the next issue of Sandesa Recognition ijh pRswid krih puMn bhu dwn ] By His Grace, you give donations in abundance to charities; Guru Arjan Dev Ji Gauree Panna 270 Finance Raag committee would like to appeal for donation through the GNFA newsletter. Donations accompanying the form will be recognized in the next Cut bellow Here issue of along with name of Donor. We will also have a feature on ‘Your Donation in action’ Name :___________________________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip:___________________________________________________________________ ‘e-mail:___________________________________________________________________________ Phone:___________________________ Donation Amount: $50.00 $100.00 $500.00 ___________any other amount All gifts to the GNFA are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of current law. Make checks payable to: GNFA Handover to Treasurer or Mail to: GNFA, 12917 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring MD 20904 22 www.gnfa.org ALL ACCOUNTING FIRMS ARE NOT ALIKE OUR MISSION: To Help Individuals and Small Businesses Achieve Efficiency, Growth, Maximize Profits & MINIMIZE TAXES FOR YOUR SUCCESS WE PROVIDE… ACCOUNTING SERVICES IRS REPRESENTATION BOOKKEEPING TAX PREPARATION FINANCIAL PLANNING FULL PAYROLL SERVICES BUSINESS PLAN PREPARATION AUDITING TAX PLANNING BUSINESS INCORPORATION NEW BUSINESS START-UPS MANAGEMENT SERVICES SOFTWARE INSTALLATION SERVICE WITH A SMILE COME JOIN OUR FAMILY AND WE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOURS CALL (301) 879-0600 OR (301) 602-6122 WE ARE HERE FOR YOU Parminder Singh Ahuja, CPA, PC. 512-K East Randolph Road Silver Spring, MD 20904 11520 Lake Potomac Drive Potomac, MD 20854 www.gnfa.org 23 Non-profit org. U.S..Postage Paid ‗e-mail: newsgnfa@gmail.com www.gnfa.org Permit #2508