sometimes it's good to take a break..

It's been a while... over a year in fact since I even touched this blog. Since June 23rd 2007 a lot of things have happened, dont think for a moment that I'm going to go through each event one by one, because that aint gona happen!

This is just a little not to say that I'm back and that I'll get back to updating this thing, with mostly pointless, useless and boring information. But it's all gooood! And if I do go AWOL again, just remember... sometimes it's good to take a break....

5th Annual Sikh Inspiration Camp Leeds

where were you 23 years ago...?

1984 saw the horrific attack on the Sikh Nation and its most Holiest Shrine. Sunday 3rd June 2007 marks the 23rd Annual Remembrance Rally and March in the UK. Where were you 23 years ago? Where are you now?

cant wait to go back...

I know, I know its been a hell of a long time since I updated this thing, but I can only apologise for that! And after much pressure from those closest to me, I felt enough is enough. So here it is. Most of you will know that I recently returned from India, an amazing trip - probably the best trip to India I've ever been on.

There's nothing really that can compare to India, the amazing sites and the thought of this is where our Satguroo's grew up, played and had jokes... as well as recited Bani and other Gurmat activities, is something that astounds me. The trip started at Darbaar Saahib, we flew straight to Amritsar Airport, which may I add, is rather quite nice in comparison to Delhi. We obviously headed straight for the main attraction - Harimandar Saahib and after having Darshan from outside went to our rooms. The Singhs had already been there for a week when we (my sister, Navroop Singh and me) arrived and dayum their room was nasstyyy! 5 Singhs sharing a room in the middle of summer with no AC and no windows! You make the calculations yourself, the stench of raw kachheray was enough to make me sick - luckily I held it in!

Sukhjinder Singh (BC), JGSK, Jasbir Singh, Roop Singh (My Dad), Sukhjinder's Dad, Satnam Singh

Nevertheless, night fell, we had langar and got another room. The Singhs then decided to do Ishnaan Seva and Parkarma Seva of Darbaar Saahib. I'd done Ishnaan Seva before, but i'd never really seen Parkarma Seva - a group of singhs and some bibian wash the whole of the Parkarma before Parkaash of Maahaaraaj is done. It aint an easy seva and is really strenuous, but this doesnt stop those Singhs who do it everyday, without fail!

The next morning, we didnt have time to worry about jet-lag, we was up and out. Heading straight for Mehtay. We got to Mehtay and to be honest, I wasnt really surprised with what I saw. The number of Singhs were few and far between and the atmosphere wasnt really the same, having said that, we got Darshan of Madhojee whom we had missed dearly and they were an inspiration, as ever. We left Mehtay and headed for Khiyala, the Dera for Akali Baba Tirlok Singh, Jathedar Tarna Dal Khiyala. They are another great Gursikh and nephew of Sant Baba Thakur Singh Jee. We sat with them did Bachan Bilaas etc and then bounced out.

The whole of the India trip was very much like this, bouncing from one spot to another meeting Nihang Singhs, Taksali Singhs, Akhand Keertani Singhs... it was all good fun. And being able to go to Hajoor Saahib was the icing on the cake! I didnt think it could get much better than that... then we returned to Amritsar. We had a week left and decided to rock it at Darbaar Saahib. We then got a surprise visit from one of the most humble and amazing Gursikhs that I've ever met. Mata Surjeet Kaur Jee, the mother of Shaheed Bhai Baljinder Singh Jee "Raju". The biography of Bhai Saahib will hopefully be up soon on www.neverforget84.com. Mata Jee's love for Guroo Raam Daas was amazing and they had so much Nimrata. The family were out of this world, the seva they did for us was unbelievable. Truly amazing Gursikhs.

So all in all, the trip to India was truly amazing. I've not even gone into detail with regards to all the events but maybe somethings are best kept Gupt. Neverthless I sure as hell can't wait to go back...

building cultural awareness for a better society...

For over 20 years the Sikh Educational Advisory Services have been travelling nationwide encouraging the non-Sikh youth of today to become more aware of their multicultural society in which they live. The Leeds based organisation have dedicated their time to the Panth by visiting schools in order to educate students and teachers on Sikhi. The service they provide is something which can be deemed as vital for the progession of Sikhi within today's society. Many non-Sikh youth unintentionaly mistake the Sikh identity for that of Muslims and in particular members of terrorist organisations. To the contrary we all know Sikhs are peace-loving and law abiding citizens, however the outer appearance is unfortunatly similar to that of Muslims and this is a subject that needs to be tackled.

Not only are the non-Sikh youth misguided but too are the media, it is for these reasons that the Sikh Educational Advisory Services applies themselves to building cultural awareness for a better society...

For more info visit: www.RoopSingh.com

if this was to happen in the uk...

The discussion at the moment is to tax our roads in order to cut congestion. There's an online petition to stop this new law being implemented, if it works or not is another matter in which only time can tell. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy the clip and just imagine if this was to happen in the UK...

the legend that is rocky balboa...

Now some people are fans others aren't. The point is, Slyvester Stallone does it again! The sixth Rocky film to be made was watched by myself today and I can safely say it isn't the best, however, it certainly isn't the worst.

I've been a Rocky fan since I can remember, watching the trials and tribulations of the uneducated, logger-headed boxer work his way through the difficult tests that were put before him. This film was slightly different. Rocky had obviously retired, Adrian had passed away, Paulie was still doing his thing while young Robert (Rocky's son) was a young man, in search of a career within what I can only assume being the stock market (didn't go into great detail). Since his retirement and the demise of his wife, Rocky decided to open an Italian restaurant, named after his beloved. The film slowly progresses and I mean SLOWLY until we see a new kid on the block - Mason Dixon, who is the undisputed heavyweight champ but has not really had any serious contenders. The film drags on a little and we see Rocky mope about wondering where Adrian has gone until he finally gets offered an exhibition match with the champ. Being one to never back down from a challenge, Rocky 'reluctantly' accepts the challenge and they set to training. Now this is the part of the film we enjoy, seeing if at his age, Rocky and Slyvester can really do it. We see him go through similar training regimes that he endured in the previous films and although his stomachs a little flabby he can still lift some weight!

In the end the Rocky loses the fight by split decision but the fight is one which is worth watching, Rocky wasn't really fazed by the loss, it was more of a way to close a chapter that was beginning to drag on just a bit too long. Nevertheless, it's a good film and I'll probably get it on DVD. That ends another chapter in the legend that is Rocky Balboa...

Apologies if I spoiled the plot for anyone - But ohh well!