Sikh Federation (uk) Calendar 2008

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

The Sikh Federation (UK) will release the Calendar below tomorrow and will be available before the New Year in most towns and cities in the UK and mainland Europe

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

The Sikh Federation (UK) will release the Calendar below tomorrow and will be available before the New Year in most towns and cities in the UK and mainland Europe

Calendar has been very well received.

Calendars were distributed today from Leicester.

A large number of Calendars were taken away by Sikhs from Bedford, Birmingham, Coventry, Derby, Gravesend, Leamington, Leeds, Slough, Southampton, Walsall, Willenhall, Wolverhampton.

Sikhs from Bradford, Bristol, East London, Newcastle, Southall etc. are urged to pick up Calendars from the Barsi programme for Brahmgiani Sant Baba Thakur Singh Ji in Milton Keynes tomorrow evening.

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

The Sikh Federation (UK) will release the Calendar below tomorrow and will be available before the New Year in most towns and cities in the UK and mainland Europe

Calendar has been very well received.

Calendars were distributed today from Leicester.

A large number of Calendars were taken away by Sikhs from Bedford, Birmingham, Coventry, Derby, Gravesend, Leamington, Leeds, Slough, Southampton, Walsall, Willenhall, Wolverhampton.

Sikhs from Bradford, Bristol, East London, Newcastle, Southall etc. are urged to pick up Calendars from the Barsi programme for Brahmgiani Sant Baba Thakur Singh Ji in Milton Keynes tomorrow evening.

We have received numerous requests from abroad for the Sikh Federation (UK) Calendar for 2008. Sikhs from several countries e.g. Canada, USA etc. will be at the Barsi programme for Brahmgiani Sant Baba Thakur Singh Ji in Milton Keynes tonight. They will be asked to take some Calendars back to their respective countries. We will also be sending a small number of Calendars by post to countries in mainland Europe.

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

The Sikh Federation (UK) will release the Calendar below tomorrow and will be available before the New Year in most towns and cities in the UK and mainland Europe

Some have asked for the wording on the right under the eight headings to be reproduced. This will be done tomorrow so others can read and add comments.

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

There are eight headings and write ups on the right hand side of the Calendar. These read as follows:

6 January – Shaheedi Bhai Satwant Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh

On 6th January 1989 the thoughts of the whole Sikh Nation were with Bhai Satwant Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh. They had taken this most important task, and with it all the heartache for them and their families. Both were in Chardi Kala as they walked towards the noose. Early at 4am their voices could be heard from outside the jail, shouting, "Bole So Nihal ! Sat Siri Akaal !" Then a few moments silence as both of them stepped forward and kissed the hangman’s noose. Very heavy rain started to fall. The Indian Government did not hand over the bodies of Shaheed Bhai Satwant Singh and Shaheed Bhai Kehar Singh to their next of kin. Their bodies were cremated within Tihar jail. When the cruel authorities started cremating the bodies, the rain suddenly stopped. Nature was doing its bit to respect the Shaheeds. The thoughts of the whole Sikh Nation are with Shaheed Bhai Satwant Singh and Shaheed Bhai Kehar Singh. They will live forever in the hearts of all Sikhs.

26 January – India’s 58th Republic Day

Every year Sikh representatives from across the UK take part in a symbolic protest outside the Indian High Commission on India's Republic Day on 26 January. What India calls Republic Day marks the day in 1950 when India adopted its Constitution, but for Sikhs it is "Betrayal Day". In 1930 political leaders declared that no constitution of independent India would be acceptable which did not give "full satisfaction" to the Sikhs. However, promises made to Sikhs prior to independence were quickly forgotten. The Constitution failed to deliver any safeguards or political rights for the Sikhs as a people or nation; the Sikhs rejected the Constitution and refused to sign it. Article 25 even denies Sikhism, the fifth largest faith in the world, separate recognition as a religion – an affront that is widely seen as a deliberate act of suppression of the Sikhs.

13 April – 30th anniversary of the 1978 Amritsar massacre

Thirty years ago on 13 April 1978 a pivotal event occurred on this anniversary day of the creation of the Khalsa. Over a million Sikh’s had assembled at Amritsar to celebrate Vaisakhi; at the same time, a group called the Nirankaris held a procession and conference in Amritsar in direct confrontation to the fundamental beliefs of Sikhs. During the conference, the speakers made vile and degrading statements about Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and shouted insulting slogans directed at the Sikh religion. Orthodox Sikhs led by Bhai Fauja Singh took a group of Singhs to oppose them. At the end of the melee thirteen orthodox Sikhs were martyred and over 50 were injured in the protest. Eventually a case was registered against sixty two Nirankaris, however all were acquitted. Fears of Indian government manipulation were reinforced when the case was heard outside Punjab in Hindu majority Haryana.

6 June – 24th anniversary of June 1984

Sikhs throughout the world were outraged by the June 1984 Indian army assault on the Darbar Sahib Complex, where the Akaal Takht, Sikh Reference Library and historic artefacts were destroyed or damaged beyond repair. To maximise casualties the unprecedented action ordered by Indira Gandhi using artillery and tanks was deliberately timed to coincide with the anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Not surprisingly there were huge numbers of pilgrims in attendance, which resulted in thousands of innocent Sikhs being killed in cold blood, many with their hands and feet bound, including women and children. Joyce Pettigrew described the attack 'not to eliminate a political figure or a political movement but to suppress the culture of a people, to attack their heart, to strike a blow at their spirit and self-confidence. The army . . . went berserk and killed every Sikh man, woman and child who could be found inside the temple complex'. Over 125 other Gurdwaras, including forty historic Gurdwaras throughout Panjab were simultaneously attacked using massive fire power. This attack laid the foundation stone for the establishment of an independent sovereign Sikh State of Khalistan.

15 August – India’s 61st Independence Day

15 August marks India’s Independence Day and prolongs the suffering of the Sikhs. Prior to Indian independence Sikhs were less than 1.5% of the total population, but their contribution to the freedom struggle was immense. 77% of all those sent to the gallows were Sikh as well as over 81% of those sentenced to life imprisonment. 10-15 million refugees were exchanged between India and Pakistan in August 1947 with 40% of all Sikhs becoming refugees. Partition resulted in up to 2 million people being murdered. India’s founding fathers had given numerous solemn promises that the Sikhs freedom and dignity would be safeguarded. Jawaharlal Nehru had said that ‘the brave Sikhs of Punjab are entitled to special consideration. I see nothing wrong in an area set up in the north of India wherein the Sikhs can also experience the glow of freedom’. These promises were conveniently forgotten after independence and the Sikhs were dismissively told by the same Nehru that the ‘circumstances had now changed’.

September – Annual International Sikh Convention organised by the Sikh Federation (UK)

The Sikh Federation (UK) is an independent non-governmental organisation that was set up in September 2003 to work on issues of concern to Sikhs in the UK with the aim of giving Sikhs a stronger political voice by taking an increasing interest in mainstream politics in the UK. In September each year the Federation organises an International Sikh Convention to promote the establishment of an independent sovereign Sikh State of Khalistan. Since its establishment, the Sikh Federation has provided UK Sikhs with a much needed voice at an international level by focussing its efforts on increasing political activities in and around Europe. The Federation has in recent times organised the first ever European Sikh Freedom Lobbies, World Sikh Lobby at the UN and World Sikh Summit.

9 October – Shaheedi Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda and Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha

On 9 October, 1992, Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda and Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha were sent to the gallows. Shaheed Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda and Shaheed Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha are two martyrs that repeated history and proved that the Sikh spirit of the past is ever present. They stood for the truth and accepted the Sikh historical tradition of acting against enemies of the Sikh Nation. In the spirit of the Sikhs of the 18th century, they stood and claimed justice in a hostile environment. Fully aware of the consequences of their actions they killed General A.S. Vaidya in Pune. General Vaidya was the Commander of the Indian army in June 1984 and put into action the State's terrorist attack against the Darbar Sahib and other Sikh Gurudwaras. They died for the Sikh faith and Sikh homeland. They were men of their word and had no fear of death. They shared sweets with each other and jail staff after the Magistrate pronounced their death sentence. They fully respected the Magistrate's decision and accepted the consequences of their actions.

31 October - Shaheedi Bhai Beant Singh & 24th anniversary November 84

By ordering the Indian army assault on the Golden Temple complex and the genocide of Sikhs in June 1984 Indira Gandhi sealed her own fate. She never completed her short walk from her home to her office at her official residence on October 31, 1984, as two of her devoted bodyguards shot her dead. After the killing of Indira Gandhi thousands of Sikhs in over 130 cities across India were massacred in the most barbaric method of burning. Encouraged by central government Ministers and MPs with the connivance of the police, mobs were assembled to carry out a four day orgy of killings and plunder. On hearing of the death of his mother Rajiv Gandhi, who was to become the Indian Prime Minister said "Let us teach these bastards (the Sikhs?) a lesson". The killers, organisers and inciters have not been punished. The Indian Government refuses to take action and punish the guilty.

Please provide your comments on any of the above

[sohan singh51]

Good work as it was difficult to read small imprints. Also send details of events to be held.

sohan

There are eight headings and write ups on the right hand side of the Calendar. These read as follows:

6 January – Shaheedi Bhai Satwant Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh

On 6th January 1989 the thoughts of the whole Sikh Nation were with Bhai Satwant Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh. They had taken this most important task, and with it all the heartache for them and their families. Both were in Chardi Kala as they walked towards the noose. Early at 4am their voices could be heard from outside the jail, shouting, "Bole So Nihal ! Sat Siri Akaal !" Then a few moments silence as both of them stepped forward and kissed the hangman’s noose. Very heavy rain started to fall. The Indian Government did not hand over the bodies of Shaheed Bhai Satwant Singh and Shaheed Bhai Kehar Singh to their next of kin. Their bodies were cremated within Tihar jail. When the cruel authorities started cremating the bodies, the rain suddenly stopped. Nature was doing its bit to respect the Shaheeds. The thoughts of the whole Sikh Nation are with Shaheed Bhai Satwant Singh and Shaheed Bhai Kehar Singh. They will live forever in the hearts of all Sikhs.

26 January – India’s 58th Republic Day

Every year Sikh representatives from across the UK take part in a symbolic protest outside the Indian High Commission on India's Republic Day on 26 January. What India calls Republic Day marks the day in 1950 when India adopted its Constitution, but for Sikhs it is "Betrayal Day". In 1930 political leaders declared that no constitution of independent India would be acceptable which did not give "full satisfaction" to the Sikhs. However, promises made to Sikhs prior to independence were quickly forgotten. The Constitution failed to deliver any safeguards or political rights for the Sikhs as a people or nation; the Sikhs rejected the Constitution and refused to sign it. Article 25 even denies Sikhism, the fifth largest faith in the world, separate recognition as a religion – an affront that is widely seen as a deliberate act of suppression of the Sikhs.

13 April – 30th anniversary of the 1978 Amritsar massacre

Thirty years ago on 13 April 1978 a pivotal event occurred on this anniversary day of the creation of the Khalsa. Over a million Sikh’s had assembled at Amritsar to celebrate Vaisakhi; at the same time, a group called the Nirankaris held a procession and conference in Amritsar in direct confrontation to the fundamental beliefs of Sikhs. During the conference, the speakers made vile and degrading statements about Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and shouted insulting slogans directed at the Sikh religion. Orthodox Sikhs led by Bhai Fauja Singh took a group of Singhs to oppose them. At the end of the melee thirteen orthodox Sikhs were martyred and over 50 were injured in the protest. Eventually a case was registered against sixty two Nirankaris, however all were acquitted. Fears of Indian government manipulation were reinforced when the case was heard outside Punjab in Hindu majority Haryana.

6 June – 24th anniversary of June 1984

Sikhs throughout the world were outraged by the June 1984 Indian army assault on the Darbar Sahib Complex, where the Akaal Takht, Sikh Reference Library and historic artefacts were destroyed or damaged beyond repair. To maximise casualties the unprecedented action ordered by Indira Gandhi using artillery and tanks was deliberately timed to coincide with the anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Not surprisingly there were huge numbers of pilgrims in attendance, which resulted in thousands of innocent Sikhs being killed in cold blood, many with their hands and feet bound, including women and children. Joyce Pettigrew described the attack 'not to eliminate a political figure or a political movement but to suppress the culture of a people, to attack their heart, to strike a blow at their spirit and self-confidence. The army . . . went berserk and killed every Sikh man, woman and child who could be found inside the temple complex'. Over 125 other Gurdwaras, including forty historic Gurdwaras throughout Panjab were simultaneously attacked using massive fire power. This attack laid the foundation stone for the establishment of an independent sovereign Sikh State of Khalistan.

15 August – India’s 61st Independence Day

15 August marks India’s Independence Day and prolongs the suffering of the Sikhs. Prior to Indian independence Sikhs were less than 1.5% of the total population, but their contribution to the freedom struggle was immense. 77% of all those sent to the gallows were Sikh as well as over 81% of those sentenced to life imprisonment. 10-15 million refugees were exchanged between India and Pakistan in August 1947 with 40% of all Sikhs becoming refugees. Partition resulted in up to 2 million people being murdered. India’s founding fathers had given numerous solemn promises that the Sikhs freedom and dignity would be safeguarded. Jawaharlal Nehru had said that ‘the brave Sikhs of Punjab are entitled to special consideration. I see nothing wrong in an area set up in the north of India wherein the Sikhs can also experience the glow of freedom’. These promises were conveniently forgotten after independence and the Sikhs were dismissively told by the same Nehru that the ‘circumstances had now changed’.

September – Annual International Sikh Convention organised by the Sikh Federation (UK)

The Sikh Federation (UK) is an independent non-governmental organisation that was set up in September 2003 to work on issues of concern to Sikhs in the UK with the aim of giving Sikhs a stronger political voice by taking an increasing interest in mainstream politics in the UK. In September each year the Federation organises an International Sikh Convention to promote the establishment of an independent sovereign Sikh State of Khalistan. Since its establishment, the Sikh Federation has provided UK Sikhs with a much needed voice at an international level by focussing its efforts on increasing political activities in and around Europe. The Federation has in recent times organised the first ever European Sikh Freedom Lobbies, World Sikh Lobby at the UN and World Sikh Summit.

9 October – Shaheedi Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda and Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha

On 9 October, 1992, Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda and Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha were sent to the gallows. Shaheed Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda and Shaheed Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha are two martyrs that repeated history and proved that the Sikh spirit of the past is ever present. They stood for the truth and accepted the Sikh historical tradition of acting against enemies of the Sikh Nation. In the spirit of the Sikhs of the 18th century, they stood and claimed justice in a hostile environment. Fully aware of the consequences of their actions they killed General A.S. Vaidya in Pune. General Vaidya was the Commander of the Indian army in June 1984 and put into action the State's terrorist attack against the Darbar Sahib and other Sikh Gurudwaras. They died for the Sikh faith and Sikh homeland. They were men of their word and had no fear of death. They shared sweets with each other and jail staff after the Magistrate pronounced their death sentence. They fully respected the Magistrate's decision and accepted the consequences of their actions.

31 October - Shaheedi Bhai Beant Singh & 24th anniversary November 84

By ordering the Indian army assault on the Golden Temple complex and the genocide of Sikhs in June 1984 Indira Gandhi sealed her own fate. She never completed her short walk from her home to her office at her official residence on October 31, 1984, as two of her devoted bodyguards shot her dead. After the killing of Indira Gandhi thousands of Sikhs in over 130 cities across India were massacred in the most barbaric method of burning. Encouraged by central government Ministers and MPs with the connivance of the police, mobs were assembled to carry out a four day orgy of killings and plunder. On hearing of the death of his mother Rajiv Gandhi, who was to become the Indian Prime Minister said "Let us teach these bastards (the Sikhs?) a lesson". The killers, organisers and inciters have not been punished. The Indian Government refuses to take action and punish the guilty.

Please provide your comments on any of the above

[sohan singh51]

Good work as it was difficult to read small imprints. Also send details of events to be held.

sohan

There are eight headings and write ups on the right hand side of the Calendar. These read as follows:

6 January – Shaheedi Bhai Satwant Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh

On 6th January 1989 the thoughts of the whole Sikh Nation were with Bhai Satwant Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh. They had taken this most important task, and with it all the heartache for them and their families. Both were in Chardi Kala as they walked towards the noose. Early at 4am their voices could be heard from outside the jail, shouting, "Bole So Nihal ! Sat Siri Akaal !" Then a few moments silence as both of them stepped forward and kissed the hangman’s noose. Very heavy rain started to fall. The Indian Government did not hand over the bodies of Shaheed Bhai Satwant Singh and Shaheed Bhai Kehar Singh to their next of kin. Their bodies were cremated within Tihar jail. When the cruel authorities started cremating the bodies, the rain suddenly stopped. Nature was doing its bit to respect the Shaheeds. The thoughts of the whole Sikh Nation are with Shaheed Bhai Satwant Singh and Shaheed Bhai Kehar Singh. They will live forever in the hearts of all Sikhs.

26 January – India’s 58th Republic Day

Every year Sikh representatives from across the UK take part in a symbolic protest outside the Indian High Commission on India's Republic Day on 26 January. What India calls Republic Day marks the day in 1950 when India adopted its Constitution, but for Sikhs it is "Betrayal Day". In 1930 political leaders declared that no constitution of independent India would be acceptable which did not give "full satisfaction" to the Sikhs. However, promises made to Sikhs prior to independence were quickly forgotten. The Constitution failed to deliver any safeguards or political rights for the Sikhs as a people or nation; the Sikhs rejected the Constitution and refused to sign it. Article 25 even denies Sikhism, the fifth largest faith in the world, separate recognition as a religion – an affront that is widely seen as a deliberate act of suppression of the Sikhs.

13 April – 30th anniversary of the 1978 Amritsar massacre

Thirty years ago on 13 April 1978 a pivotal event occurred on this anniversary day of the creation of the Khalsa. Over a million Sikh’s had assembled at Amritsar to celebrate Vaisakhi; at the same time, a group called the Nirankaris held a procession and conference in Amritsar in direct confrontation to the fundamental beliefs of Sikhs. During the conference, the speakers made vile and degrading statements about Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and shouted insulting slogans directed at the Sikh religion. Orthodox Sikhs led by Bhai Fauja Singh took a group of Singhs to oppose them. At the end of the melee thirteen orthodox Sikhs were martyred and over 50 were injured in the protest. Eventually a case was registered against sixty two Nirankaris, however all were acquitted. Fears of Indian government manipulation were reinforced when the case was heard outside Punjab in Hindu majority Haryana.

6 June – 24th anniversary of June 1984

Sikhs throughout the world were outraged by the June 1984 Indian army assault on the Darbar Sahib Complex, where the Akaal Takht, Sikh Reference Library and historic artefacts were destroyed or damaged beyond repair. To maximise casualties the unprecedented action ordered by Indira Gandhi using artillery and tanks was deliberately timed to coincide with the anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Not surprisingly there were huge numbers of pilgrims in attendance, which resulted in thousands of innocent Sikhs being killed in cold blood, many with their hands and feet bound, including women and children. Joyce Pettigrew described the attack 'not to eliminate a political figure or a political movement but to suppress the culture of a people, to attack their heart, to strike a blow at their spirit and self-confidence. The army . . . went berserk and killed every Sikh man, woman and child who could be found inside the temple complex'. Over 125 other Gurdwaras, including forty historic Gurdwaras throughout Panjab were simultaneously attacked using massive fire power. This attack laid the foundation stone for the establishment of an independent sovereign Sikh State of Khalistan.

15 August – India’s 61st Independence Day

15 August marks India’s Independence Day and prolongs the suffering of the Sikhs. Prior to Indian independence Sikhs were less than 1.5% of the total population, but their contribution to the freedom struggle was immense. 77% of all those sent to the gallows were Sikh as well as over 81% of those sentenced to life imprisonment. 10-15 million refugees were exchanged between India and Pakistan in August 1947 with 40% of all Sikhs becoming refugees. Partition resulted in up to 2 million people being murdered. India’s founding fathers had given numerous solemn promises that the Sikhs freedom and dignity would be safeguarded. Jawaharlal Nehru had said that ‘the brave Sikhs of Punjab are entitled to special consideration. I see nothing wrong in an area set up in the north of India wherein the Sikhs can also experience the glow of freedom’. These promises were conveniently forgotten after independence and the Sikhs were dismissively told by the same Nehru that the ‘circumstances had now changed’.

September – Annual International Sikh Convention organised by the Sikh Federation (UK)

The Sikh Federation (UK) is an independent non-governmental organisation that was set up in September 2003 to work on issues of concern to Sikhs in the UK with the aim of giving Sikhs a stronger political voice by taking an increasing interest in mainstream politics in the UK. In September each year the Federation organises an International Sikh Convention to promote the establishment of an independent sovereign Sikh State of Khalistan. Since its establishment, the Sikh Federation has provided UK Sikhs with a much needed voice at an international level by focussing its efforts on increasing political activities in and around Europe. The Federation has in recent times organised the first ever European Sikh Freedom Lobbies, World Sikh Lobby at the UN and World Sikh Summit.

9 October – Shaheedi Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda and Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha

On 9 October, 1992, Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda and Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha were sent to the gallows. Shaheed Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda and Shaheed Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha are two martyrs that repeated history and proved that the Sikh spirit of the past is ever present. They stood for the truth and accepted the Sikh historical tradition of acting against enemies of the Sikh Nation. In the spirit of the Sikhs of the 18th century, they stood and claimed justice in a hostile environment. Fully aware of the consequences of their actions they killed General A.S. Vaidya in Pune. General Vaidya was the Commander of the Indian army in June 1984 and put into action the State's terrorist attack against the Darbar Sahib and other Sikh Gurudwaras. They died for the Sikh faith and Sikh homeland. They were men of their word and had no fear of death. They shared sweets with each other and jail staff after the Magistrate pronounced their death sentence. They fully respected the Magistrate's decision and accepted the consequences of their actions.

31 October - Shaheedi Bhai Beant Singh & 24th anniversary November 84

By ordering the Indian army assault on the Golden Temple complex and the genocide of Sikhs in June 1984 Indira Gandhi sealed her own fate. She never completed her short walk from her home to her office at her official residence on October 31, 1984, as two of her devoted bodyguards shot her dead. After the killing of Indira Gandhi thousands of Sikhs in over 130 cities across India were massacred in the most barbaric method of burning. Encouraged by central government Ministers and MPs with the connivance of the police, mobs were assembled to carry out a four day orgy of killings and plunder. On hearing of the death of his mother Rajiv Gandhi, who was to become the Indian Prime Minister said "Let us teach these bastards (the Sikhs?) a lesson". The killers, organisers and inciters have not been punished. The Indian Government refuses to take action and punish the guilty.

Please provide your comments on any of the above