Volume 10 | February 2021
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ਸੂਰਾ ਸੋ ਪਹਿਚਾਨੀਐ ਜੁ ਲਰੈ ਦੀਨ ਕੇ ਹੇਤ ॥
sūrā sō pahichānīai j larai dīn kē hēt .
He alone is known as a spiritual hero, who fights in defense of the downtrodden.
ਪੁਰਜਾ ਪੁਰਜਾ ਕਟਿ ਮਰੈ ਕਬਹੂ ਨ ਛਾਡੈ ਖੇਤੁ ॥੨॥੨॥
purajā purajā kat marai kabahū n shādai khēt .2.2.
He may be cut apart, piece by piece, but he never leaves the field of battle. ||2||2||
(Guru Granth Sahib - Ang 1106 "Bhagat Kabir")
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Aim of Khalsa: To be a SAINT-SOLDIER, Sant -Sipahi . This shlok stresses resolve, determination, justification, and fighting to the last. Spiritual warriors always have a just reason for going to war. Fight for the marginalized. Guru Gobind Singh ji taught us that the sword is only to be used as a last resort.
This shlok also has a strong significance to the principles of Sikhism. In Sikhism, martyrs are those who follow the principle of fighting wrongdoing with the cost of death. This could be oppression, slavery, or someone trying to force the conversion of one’s religious belief. Battlefield here could be a real war with violence or a social platform to shout out one’s voice. Throughout Sikh history, there have been numerous martyrs and resilient Sikhs following this principle and even under immense torture and pain, they still kept true to that principle. In Sikh History, these martyrs include people of all ages including brave kids (Sahibzaade), men (Singhs), and women (Kaurs), who stood up to the oppression of the weak and gave their lives. Even today, these martyrs encourage us to continue on the same path of defending the weak and support one’s religious beliefs. Here, we will spotlight some of these people who have set examples for generations to come.
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THE FARMER'S PROTEST IN INDIA and BOSTON |
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In India, right now, the largest human protest in recent history is taking place. More than 250 million farmers have gathered to protest against the undemocratic passing of three 'farm' laws passed by the Indian Parliament. These bills were passed in September of 2020 and were immediately opposed by the group they claimed to be helping- India’s farmers. The three bills make the lives of small-time farmers much more difficult and grant a lot of power to big corporations allowing them to take over small-town farmers. These new farming bills have removed the Mandi system, and with it, the minimum support price, both of which offer protection to farmers, guaranteeing them compensation for their crops. The passage of these bills will mean that farmers aren’t able to earn enough money for themselves and their families, and will contribute to higher rates of farmer suicides, which are already alarming.
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Meet Our Advisor
Sarbpreet Singh
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He is a writer, playwright, podcaster, and commentator. He is the bestselling author of The Camel Merchant of Philadelphia, published by Westland Publications. His new book, Night of the Restless Spirits, a collection of short stories, has just been published by Penguin.
Q: How did your journey with Gurmat Sangeet start?
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The Sikh Associations in America
KHALSA AID
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In a world with so many cruel happenings and disasters, the need for relief and aid is often never-ending. The fundamental principles of Sikhi include Nishkam Seva (selfless service) and Sarbat da Bhalla (wellbeing of all). The story of Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, a Sikh inspired by ninth Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, represents these principles because Bhai Kanhaiya Ji would treat wounded soldiers in the Battle of Siri Anandpur Sahib in 1704 regardless of which side they were fighting on. He simply knew they were wounded and needed help and saw God’s light in everyone.
Sikhs should continue Bhai Kanhaiya Ji's legacy and help everyone regardless of where they are from or what religion they belong to. One particular organization has managed to do exactly this after being inspired by teachings such as Sarbat da Bhalla.
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NESSC Khalsa School GURU NANAK DEV JI and GURU GOBIND SINGH JI Gurpurab (Virtual) Diwans |
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On December 6th, 2020, the New England Sikh Study Circle (NESSC) Khalsa School and Nishkam TV worked together to present the virtual Gurpurab Diwan of Guru Nanak Dev Ji – the celebration of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, also known as Nanak in his childhood, was born on 15 April 1469. He was the founder of Sikhism and is the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. His birth is celebrated worldwide as Guru Nanak Gurpurab on Katak Pooranmashi ('full-moon of the Katak'), i.e. October–November every year. Read More. ..
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Nishkam TV, is a first-ever student-run online TV channel that started in June 2019 with the mission of promoting different faiths and cultures to bring everyone together as one Humanity. It is an initiative started from the NESSC (New England Sikh Study Circle), an organization established in 1968 and has grown as a center for all Sikhs living in New England. Nishkam TV is proud to say that all the following work was done by the Youth of the Sangat. Read More. ..
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Nishkam TV Website and Newsletter Team
Student Body
Riya Mahanta, Harneet Kaur, Arimita Padam, Simrit Kukreja, Agamjot Kukreja, Jasman Padam
Youth Representative
Tanya Singh
Team Advisors
Simerpreet Kaur, Amanpreet Kaur
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