Gyani Kewal Singh (9356133804), former Jathedar, Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo was made convener. The first thing PTS did was to check the use of alcohol and drugs during elections held in 2012. The PTS group under him visited a large number of villages in Punjab and convinced the people to use their vote without any temptation like that of alcohol etc. Such a step helped in reducing such a use to a great extent. The movement was intensified with the efforts to spread the message that all the Sikh organization should join hands in enlarging the Taalmel Sangathan not merely for increasing its number, but for enriching the same with their valuable views and suggestions. It is in this context only that Giani Kewal Singh and a group from the Taalmel Sangathan visited various Gurdwaras in Delhi and Punjab for interacting with the Singh Sabha Committees managing such Gurdwaras as to clarify them the concept of ‘Taalmel’. Giani Ji also visited a number of other Indian states to elicit the support of the people. It was made clear to all the organizations that each and every organization will continue to do its work with its own office bearers and the Taalmel Sangathan in no way will interface with their functioning and the objects to be achieved. It will only act as a coordinator among all the organizations being the constituents of a bigger and broader group. Gradually, when some more organizations joined the sangathan, Akal Purakh ki Fauz headed by S. Jaswinder Singh Advocate (9814898802) also became a part of this organization. S. Jaswinder Singh Advocate became very active in Sangathan’s activities and started acting as Deputy Convener along with Giani Kewal Singh Ji. They associated with S. Sukhdev Singh Bhaur and other likeminded people to initiate the constitution of a panthak assembly which was formed on the lines of Punjab Assembly. It held its first session on 20th Oct 2018 at Amritsar. The committee which was formed to convene this session was comprised of S. Jaswinder Singh Advocate, Navkiran Singh, Prof. Jagmohan Singh, S. Jagmohan Singh, S. Sukhdev Singh Bhaur and S. Kanwarpal Singh. The session was attended by representatives of various Sikh organizations, including people from various parts of the Indian subcontinent and USA and Dubai. In this session ten resolutions were passed relating to various panthak issues like ban on the activities of Sauda Dera at Sirsa, suitable action for Bargari and Behbal Kalan incidents and installation of the portraits of Bhai Kishan Bhagwan Singh and Bhai Gurjeet Singh, the martyrs of Behbal Kalan police firing in the gallery of martyrs at the Central Sikh Museum Amritsar.
Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha
There are some organizations on city level, state level and national level which can be treated as Umbrella organizations. Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha is one such organization on state level, presently concerned with two states. This is one of the oldest Singh Sabha Organisations stationed at Gurdwara TT Nagar Bhopal in the state of Madhya Pradesh. When, following Singh Sabha movement, the organizations like Chief Khalsa Dewan, SGPC and Shiromani Akali Dal came into being, it was the need to expand their activities in such a way that all the Sikhs living in different parts of the country feel attached to them. Thus, when the centenary of Singh Sabha Movement was celebrated in 1973, the SGPC President, S. Gurcharan Singh Tohra appointed a centenary committee under the able chairmanship of S. Hukam Singh, former speaker of Lok Sabha. It was this committee which decided to hold seminars, discussions and big congregations in different states as a part of the celebrations. In Madhya Pradesh also, various Singh Sabhas were setup and for the purpose of bringing them together a central body called central singh sabha was also established in 1974. Distinguished Sikhs in Madhya Pradesh at that time were associated with this Central Singh Sabha. Dr. Santokh Singh of Bhopal has been one such prominent figure. He was one of the founders of All India Sikh Student Federation (along with S. Sarup Singh, S. Amar Singh Ambalwi and others). Since the formation of this Central singh Sabha in 1973, he has been its patron. In the year 2000, when Chhattisgarh state was made a separate state, this Central Singh Sabha became Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh Central Singh Sabha. Presently 11 Singh Sabha committees are working in different cities of these two states under the supervision of the Central Organisation. Their main tasks are to organise programmes for the young Sikh Children with a view to keep them tied to their Gursikhi Roots. The Central organisation holds every year an annual Samagam in which most of the Singh Sabhas assemble and deliberate on the Panthak issues. These annual celebrations have been organised in different towns like Indore, Raipur, Jabalpur, Durg, Ujjain, Bhopal, Sagar and Gwalior. The 30th Annual Samagam was held on 29th and 30th September 2018 at Gwalior. In the last samagam, whereas a good number of representatives of the Singh Sabhas of different cities of the states participated, some scholars from other states like Dr. Harbhajan Singh, Dehradun, Dr. Inderjeet Singh Gogoani from Amritsar and S. Khushal Singh from Chandigarh also participated as expert speakers on the subject “the role of Gurdwaras in connecting the Sikh youth to gursikhi”. Valuable suggestions were
published in Souvenier which was distributed and sent to various Singh Sabhas.
In addition to the annual functions, the organisation also arranges various mini sessions/meetings and holds Gurmat awareness camps for the guidance of the upcoming generation. During the last two years such camps have been organized at Bhopal, Indore and Ratlam. An interstate Gurmat Awareness camp was also organised at Gurdwara Nanak Jheera, Bidar. Hundred children were imparted Gurmat education and participated in various competitions held in the camps. In these camps, the participants are also given training in Martial Arts like Gatka. The next interstate Gurmat Education Camp has been planned from 6th June to 11th June 2018 at Gurdwara Sri Reetha sahib, Champavat (Uttrakhand).
One significant task of this organisation has been their taking care of Sikligars. They have started many projects with a view to bring them in the main stream. Their project for the welfare of Gurdwara Hazoori Singh (priests) is also appreciable. During the last two years, they have helped them in getting education for their children and the medical aid required by them. 54 children from their families are now being supported for meeting their educational expenses further a good number of ladies have been helped by giving them sewing –knitting machines to increase their earning. This Kendri Singh Sabha has also being entrusted to send the names of the persons who want to visit Pakistan and arrange visas for them. A good number of persons from Madhya Pradesh were sent on the occasion of Vaisakhi 2018. The organisation is also publishing Madhaya Pradesh News Letter from time to time wherein articles of Sikh religion are given and the activities of the organisation and their forthcoming programmes are informed to the people. The organisation also coordinates not only with various other Sikh organisations including Sri Akal Takht Sahib, SGPC, DSGMC etc., but also interacts with the Government Departments on behalf of the Sikhs of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The present President of the organisation in S. Gurdeep Singh (M.: 9826082000), S. Surinder Singh is the General Secretary and S. Manjeet Singh is the Additional General Secretary. The contact nos. of the organisation are 9993374885 (M.) and 0755-4912467 (Landline). Its email is mpcgksgss@gmail.com.
The Pune Camp Sikh Association
This Association was registered vide registration No. A-924 under the BPT Act 1950 in the year 1957. It was aimed at promoting activities for the benefit of the people, the Sikh Community in particular. Sardar Sant Singh Mokha who is presently the Chairman of the Building Committee, was one of key persons to launch its activities. The first main activity of the Organization was to construct a Gurdwara at a conspicuous place in the Pune City. Three acres of land in Pune Cantonment area was earmarked for this purpose. Sardar Kartar Singh Anand made strenuous efforts to take No Objection Certificate from Ministry of Defence and the construction was started. Earlier the Gurdwara was known as Hollywood Gurdwara as it was built at the site of a Hall where earlier entertainment programmes were organised. Later on, the Sikh Sangat wanted to change its name as Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar. Then President Sardar Balwant Singh Anand got the land registered in the name of the Gurdwara. Gradually, Hospital was attached to the Gurdwara but a separate Committee was formed to manage its affairs. Similarly, Guru Nanak Public School and a Junior College were added. The old Gurdwara Building was demolished and a large new building has been constructed in the recent past under the guidance of Sardar Harminder Singh Ghai and Sardar Sant Singh Mokha. Sardar Harminder Singh Ghai remained President of Gurdwara for a number of years. Presently Gurdwara provides services for community kitchen, hospital, school & a Sarai (lodging) for all the people. A Sikh historical museum has also been added. Regular Management Committee is headed by Sardar Charanjit Singh Sahani as President (M – 9822029221) Sardar Balwant Singh Oberai (M – 9822099456) is the Secretary of the Organization. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Guru Nanak Public School and Junior College are Sardar Harminder Singh Ghai and Sardar Kuljeet Singh Chaudhary. Sardar Jagjeet Singh Khalsa is Chairman of Guru Nanak Medical Foundation while Sardar Harminder Singh Ghai is Vice-Chairman. The entire team organises Blood Donation Camp twice a year and health checkup camps after every three months.
Sikh Council of Pakistan
The Pakistan Sikh Council is an organisation which works for the rights of Sikh community in Pakistan. This organisation was started by S. Ramesh Singh Khalsa, who is now the Patron-in-Chief of the organisation. When he was honoured with recognition in the Sikhs in charity section of the World Sikh Award in Canada, he made it clear that Pakistan is a safe country for Sikh and there is no danger for Sikh religion and 25000 Sikhs living there.
This organisation is based at Nankana Sahib and takes up the Sikh issues wherever they arise in the country. The Patron of the organisation is S. Ramesh Singh Khalsa. The contact no. of this Council at Nankana Sahib is +923008467096.
Sikh Sewaks Australia
It is a non- profitable organization based in Melbourne & was formed in 2010 with the objective of providing a platform for individuals, families and the whole Sikh Community in Australia (mainly in Melbourne) to connect with each other, to grow as a family and community, in all areas of life – Religiously, Economically, Culturally and to reclaim the ‘Wow” Factor/”Shain-Shahi” that Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed us with. The intent is also to encourage and motivate people to make a difference in themselves and the society, through Simran and Sewa while leading a healthy, happy and spiritual lifestyle. A note regarding their activities as sent by them is reproduced hereunder :
RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
- Gurmat Family Camps – which are held twice a year, with a participation of about 600 people, thus far and in each of our camp there are approximately 40 to 50 people that partake Khandeh Di Pahul.
- Weekly Simran programs in houses and other house Divans, which is a totally free sewa, including the swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Kirtan, Ardaas and all required Utensils/Carpets
- Gurbani Santhiya and Gurmukhi classes (Beginners, Intermediate and Advance) and Kirtan Classes as well as ongoing special Jaap and spiritual growth programs
- Special Leadership and life coaching programs as well as programs to develop new parcharaks and kirtanias
The participation in these programs and initiatives has increased and has extended to other states in Australia as well as India, New Zealand and UK.
OUR IMMEDIATE PLANS
Over the years, SSA has grown and to accommodate, manage and facilitate the future plans and activities, a bigger place was needed. With the grace of Guru Nanak Dev ji and the Blessings of Baba Deep Singh ji, SSA has thus purchased an acreage in Devon Meadows, Victoria to house Dhan Dhan Baba Deep Singh Ji’s Asthaan.
SSA has formulated a 100 year vision for Shahida Sahib which will be shared progressively.
To start with, besides the existing programs, we will be introducing:
- Sepahi training – Archery & Horse Riding training together with Shastar making.
- Self Mastery/Self Improvements programs.
- Youth Leadership Programs.
- Living Skills for kids – To help kids understand principles of life & live gracefully.
- Family Relationship programs
- Marriage Counselling
- Self-defence – for all ages (special class for women)
- Business Advice/setup – Financial Planning and Property investment programs (this service is already in place- which we hope to extend)
- Vocational training programs
FINANCIAL & WELFARE ACTIVITIES
A support system for students and new migrants to Australia
- Providing free accommodation and food until they are able to stand on their own feet,
- Helping migrant families and students acquire rental properties and providing them with basic furniture/amenities if needed and helping Students resolve Visa and PR Issues.
- Including them into a job network so that they can find suitable jobs
- Helping deserving families with financial assistance and also students with tuition fees assistance (this sewa has also been extended to India based on discretion and funds)
- Providing Advice, Guidance and Seminars on Financial Planning and Property Investment.
HELP LINE & SUPPORT
- Helping in family crisis, problems and disputes, financial issues, student visa, fees etc
- Providing an atmosphere of an extended family – a sense of belonging and love.
- Providing a platform for discussion of common family issues – upbringing of children, teenage problems, education planning, mentoring and growth in all areas of life.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
- Outings and Recreational activities
- Special classes – cooking, sewing etc
- Birthday parties
- Ongoing Fitness Programs”
All their programmes are claimed to have been funded by the Daswand contribution made by the Core Sewadaars of Sikh Sewaks.
Their Contacts are, Swaran Singh +61430032577 and Amritpal Singh +61425330555. Their Webiste is www.sikhsewaksaustralia.org / face book: SikhSewaksAustralia.
American Sikh Council
When the world Sikh Council was formed, its chapters in various countries including USA were created. However, when the World Sikh Council failed to achieve results, most of the chapters came to a close. The American Chapter of the World Sikh Council continued to function with a new name as Americal Sikh Council. Almost all the Gurdwaras in America became members of this Council. Thus the said organization is an umbrella organization of Sikh and Gurdwara organization in the United States, generally called as the voice of Sikhs in America. It is the purpose of the ASC to represent the interest of the American Sikh Community at interdaith, government, social and civic levels within United States and Internationally. In addition, it helps in resolving the conflicts among the members of organizations and also provides various other services to them. This council is an active member of the Global Sikh Council (GSC), an organization of national level Sikh Organizations from various countries. The head office of this organization is as per PO Box 3635, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA. It can be contacted on phone no. 888-340-1702 and e-mail:contact@americansikhcouncil.org.