Kabir

Kabir

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

A testimony on courage


Today, I would like to share with you all a video.

This is Sukhjit Kaur. We first showed this video at the mini samelan in June, and since then requests have always come in for the link - and rightly so.

So, I am not going to say too much, watch for yourself - and I hope this inspires anyone who may be in this situation or something similar, or just inspires you nonetheless.

As always, stay golden.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Weddings, 2014

As we sat on that sofa, she held my hand, and squeezed it. I grinned, and looked over to see her holding his hand as well. Photos were being taken. 
Raunaka Vyah Diyan! 

My year started with a wedding. Weddings - that cliched event some hate, and some reaaaally love. But love or hate, there is no escape (from about 12857593 a year). It stares you in the face, tickles you in the ribs, beckons knowingly, waves come hither welcomingly. 

But the best kind of weddings, are those in which you - as an individual, as someone related to those getting married - feel connected to. Those weddings, from which you come home exhausted, from dancing, from smiling, from laughing, singing and meeting people, from having so much joy in your heart that you don't know what else to do, from watching people you love take those vows to be with each other, and I think it's time I use a period or two. 

And this year alone, I've had three or four (or seven) of such weddings. (Much deserved post this is)

There was G, an older sister figure, a motivator, a listening ear, a laugh inducer, amazingly talented actress (she'll deny it - but she's a great impromptu) and with all of that, the best, tight, big hugs giver. At her wedding, we put up an actual, choreographed dance with practice of a few days, and we had a grand, grand time.
At her wedding I learnt that the bride or groom - on some of the most special days of their lives, can make others feel special. It is because of how she looked out for us on her special day that I smile whilst writing this. And obviously because we had such, such fun :P
At her wedding I saw how some things should be left to simplicity, and how some effort in other areas will leave a lasting impression.
At her wedding I saw from where I sat, her a vision in red, looking as lovely as can be, (although she was worried about the makeup) and I saw how heads turned and tears formed.
At her wedding I beamed as they walked the Laavan, looking around to see that all of our hearts were so full, of joy and pride.
At her wedding on new year's day we were at her house, laughing and looking at her - I remember saying - being so in her element. (She had the power of vatna)
And just yesterday, I am reminded that in one week, it will be a year since she got married.


Then there's J, oh my J. 
A July wedding. Heart shaped saree blouses. A petite (read,tiny) girl whom I've known forever, grown up with, made up nonsense phrases with, had first-child-in-depth conversations with. 
Eve of the wedding. We stand in panic while realizing that the florist has shut for the night. WE are in charge of flower girl and bridesmaid arrangements. Disaster averted, flowers acquired, we adjourn for the ultimate slumber party - minus the bride, of course. At the rehearsal we sit in the cathedral, and watch in disbelief as she is up front and center. I sit between the two other culprits in our gang and warn them to not start crying (yet). We joke about bringing extra tissues the next day to pass around.
The day of the wedding arrives and, the flowers turn out gorgeous (all you,S), our sarees turn out ok (despite being draped not to perfection) and manage to avert any bride meltdowns. All it takes is for us to look at her, and she knows, she knows we are there.
Being a bridesmaid (officially) - was an experience like no other. She put is in the middle of everything, and we felt - officially - as if we were family. To E (the husband), thank you for the spa treatments!
Fast forward to the reception, and dancing the night away, crazy dancing. Go back to the food tasting, and tasting some delicious, delicious paneer. Go forward to the day of the wedding and step into the house, and see my best friend, in her wedding saree. She gets her veil put on, and we pose for photographs. Go back to months before when we get the call and she shows us the ring. Go forward to receiving the bridesmaid sarees. Go to flowers selection trips, and having adventures with seemingly inane tasks! Go forward to the bridesmaids meeting up to shop and go to the tailor, planning the bachelorette, and having - a slumber party and another adventure.
Allow me to be mushy, now - and say that guys, love ya.

Edit: They are now having a baby. Yes, we are officially aunts in a few months, and that is going to take me a whole (long) blog to express.

And now, for the most recent special wedding. This girl, who has become an important, important person in my life. Sleep over, she says. I obediently do as she says, and have a ball. M, and the pink suits. I looked through the photos we had taken two years ago the other day, and a smile comes on thinking of the madness that had ensued. 4 girls in London, 4 girls from samelan, 4 girls in a bond like no other. The hen party, a welcome break from the wedding-y details and work for her, and a smashing time for us.
She calls me, a week or so before the wedding, to vent. She shows me the results of her make up trials. She tells me of the many, many suits getting stitched, the many trials that come with it, and more importantly, she tells me of what she feels.
We sleep over, and help pack the suits and other things up - wrapping paper and plastic envelopes, and clothing items and boxes all strewn across the floor. It feels like a wedding is coming - and we soak it all up. Three days before the wedding, we arrive - people are fixing tent details, vacuuming carpets, serving up food, and such. We get roped into packing up ladoos, then getting other details sorted. Sleep evades me, for some reason. I hear G coughing, M tossing and then finally settling, and before we knew it, the morning of the first ceremony arrived.
Whilst the aunties (and penjis! They are married and everything!) were busy vatna-fying her, we sneaked away to get some technical stuff done. She had requested for background music for the house, and I had forgotten an important track. We get back in time for the scrubbing session - all faltu girls to use up leftover vatna. I get a big hug, and my clothes and hair get a big dose of vatna.
The next bit is pretty hilarious, it is the mithey chaul thing - and she hates mithey chaul. Hahah!! The things you do :P
And then, her mehndi is being applied, lovingly. Someone or other is always there, sitting by her, chatting, whilst the others lounge, break into random song and dance, head out to run errands, and more family arrives. I am so incredibly sleepy by then but nothing that won't be cured with some excitement.
We get our mehndi on, and as the gang arrives start making plans for the night. Her room is a jumble of people, girls and bags and make up and hair straighteners and laptops and make up artists. Eventually everyone is ready - we acquire batik shirt and sarong for the jago event, and we are ready to rock and roll. I have to admit, (don't laugh at me, okay) as we were sitting in the living room and the ladies-songs-with-dholki was happening, I looked over and said ; this is actually pretty fun. Also, having the event at home is a whole different experience. There aren't 20 million people around, and as everyone pretty much knows each other the whole atmosphere is warm, fun and ...close and inviting.
Needless to say, proper dancing happened - we have all the sweaty photos to speak for us, too. That night, we help her with her mehndi, and hair wash, and stay up talking. I don't think we were thinking it that time, but it was the last night we would be sleeping together before she got married.

Friday we are instructed to stay while she goes to get her nails done, and are told to sleep in. We spend the morning chilling with her aunts, and getting small projects done, ready for Saturday. Some errands run, some rest, some anticipation,  and suddenly it is Saturday.

Suddenly, she is walking in - Harinder is singing Adays Tisai Adays, the moment is so, so beautiful, and suddenly, the Laavan is over. Suddenly, she is at the house, giving me a smile and we are catching a moment - realising we haven't spoken all day. And suddenly, she is giving us all hugs - before getting into the car.
We get back into the house, a strange feeling - but we proceed to get cold drinks out and sit and have a picnic of sorts.

In all the weddings I have shared with you, there was something so, very special. I don't think I've captured it too well, seeing as I've written longer with the more recent ones, but in every wedding, the bride has a special, special place in my life. In each wedding, there are so many details that I am sure I have missed, but know that, all are in my memories.

And yes, though I may have only written about these, there have been several other weddings this year that were special, each unique and lovely in its own way, each with people dear and special to me.

Love you, guys.


Guru Pita.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

A collection of very short stories

Today I would like to share with you a collection of inspirational things heard at the Samelan. 

When they (Panj Pyare and new amritdharis) were walking in, I felt I could see Guru Gobind Singh. 

I was crying but I don't know why. 

I could feel something - maybe it was Guru Gobind Singh there. 

If you were listening, why weren't you in tears? Where else does that happen? How does that even happen? They were both taking a hukamnama to decide, and they got the SAME hukamnama! They didn't even know until later! 

How many of us are going to get on that plane - are we going to miss it again?

You have to listen, just listen!! 

I was looking at the screen. Usually the meanings are long, difficult words. This time it was SO simple! Just SO simple!! JUST 4 WORDS! 
NOTHING ELSE WILL WORK.
 (AVAR KAAJ TERE KITE NA KAAM)

In an hour, that plane is going to take off. If any one of you have been thinking about it, now is the time. 

If you don't give yourself a chance, how will you ever know?

As I was walking towards the darbar, these are the words I hear : And tonight, they will tie that knot! We will welcome those brides as they walk in. And now we will sing ... 

Habhay Saak Koorhavay Dithay Tao Palai Taidai Laagee

I took my amrit 5 years ago, here in Bentong. At that time, I didn't feel as much as I did today. You all made me feel today. 

Last year, as they were walking in, I knew. I knew that I need to be in that line, I need this. 

I asked Guruji, to open my heart. I asked for him to let me feel his presence at least once, to give me a sign. Can I practice wearing my kakkars?

When I go home from samelan, I want to learn path. I can do Japjee and Rehras, and I want to learn the other paths also. 

How did I know? There comes a time when you will cry. You will cry and you won't know why. It happened when I was 13. The jatha was singing and I was crying, crying so much. 

When he said, what if you die in the next 2 days?

He was so Chardikala, that he did not cry, penji. He just let go a Jaikara, because he knew she was suffering. When she passed away, she had a smile on her face. 

I was in a bad place. But every night, I would play Jaap Sahib and fall asleep listening to it. I am a changed person, now. 

I was there. I was there, in Anandpur. 

What are we doing as Guru Gobind Singh's children? 

She said, you will both sing at the satsang next week. We did, but she had passed away by then. 

Penji, as the Sahibzade were standing in court, they answered, Inna Vada Wazir, te Inne Neech Kamm! 

We are the saint soldiers, Sant- Sipahi. Now, we need to listen to the orders for the day. Let's listen to the Hukamnama.

We turn off the screen so everyone can focus on the path from their respective gutkas. 

Just the talks, those talks, that was IPS - that was inspiring me, that was my sanggat happening. 

Penji, Belum Cuba Belum Tahu! 

And at that moment when they were singing I had tears in my eyes.

I feel like my heart is so full, just so full that it might burst and I don't even know how I feel, but there is so much emotion. 

What's the meaning? 'When I could not be with You for just one moment, the Dark Age of Kali Yuga dawned on me.' 

It was so inspirational, and I felt so happy.

We are all here to do sewa. 

You have a choice. You always, always have a choice. What will you choose? How are you going to make that choice in everything you do?

Someone tied a turban for him. He came and told me, I want to have a turban too. I want this too. He told my mother that he wants to take amrit. She was crying. 


That's all for now. Keep you posted. 




Monday, December 22, 2014

Journey to Anandpur

Samelan has just ended. 
OK, its been two days, but we need some time to recuperate! (Although, to be honest we all still have puffy eyes). 

I have SO much to write about, to share with you all these memories. 

But, before all else I have to tell you of the little musical we put up. I call it the Journey to Anandpur, although we had no title, no name for the main character and practically no actual rehearsal with all the components tied in.

1) The sound of music 
WE are all equally proud to say that the music was beautiful. This is thanks to Veer Pirthypal (Paley) who brainstormed with us, and the music team - consisting of le sistere : Pervin, Harinder and Satpreet. 
Together, amongst themselves they created a medley of soulful, uplifting and amaaazing tracks - both Gurbani and folk. 

There was Sach Kaho Sun Lehu Sabey, Meri Abey Benti Sun Lije, Siaam Sundar Taj Neend Kio Aayee, and a very, very inspirational rendition of Deh Shiva - among others.

2) Lights, camera, action

Without the lights, we could not have put forth what we had visualised. We (all) would like to thank Inderjit Veerji and team for setting the mood. People totally underestimate the power of lighting, and we are so, very thankful and appreciative of the efforts. 
The Stage (there were more lights added later on)
Also, special thanks to Keval for actually manning the lights!! 
3) Dream team
I cannot begin to express how inspired I am to have this fantastic group of people around. I will just use this point to say thank you, 
Gurleen
Pinday 
Harjeet (special thanks!)
Privish
Raj Calvin
Saheb
Keshmeer
Gurpreet Kaur
Jai
Rishi
Amrit 
Sukhdeep
and Kiranpreet!! 

4) I don't want to use headings anymore
Gurmesh, thanks for getting the montage prepared, and Kiranpreet/G Kaur/ Gurleen - thanks for putting it together. 

ALL of you have helped put this together - and it is no wonder that the audience only had kind and thoughtful things to say. Children and adults both, tears and laughter and hearts swollen, both. 

Media crew, thank you for recording it - please let us have a copy so we (and more importantly, our mothers!) can watch it. 

Penjis, thank you for trusting us to show you what our vision was. 

OK .. long sappy message session over. 

5) Synopsis
The musical documents the journey of an ordinary person to Anandpur, heeding the call of the Guru. The people she meets on the way, their lives, and how these events shape her journey all lead to the climax scene at Anandpur - that Mighties Corner was electrified at this point. I don't think I could tell you too much about it, it might dilute it. 

Finally I would like to thank the producer, Gurpreet for - well getting this done. 

Suddenly, now - it all seems so, so worth it. Keep you updated on the video and I foresee some editing to this. 

Stay golden, you all. 

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Monday, December 1, 2014


You don't know when a miracle, or even whatever's supposed to happen, is going to happen. 

Coming up

Hello fellow humans. 
There is a post on its way. Meanwhile, here is some gruel to fuel you onward. 

1) Samelan is in two weeks. Be forewarned -  all systems go, and its probably going to be a crazy 2 weeks. Joy.

2) New Super Sewaks video (or five) coming up. 

3) Enjoy the new layout, and my artwork. 

Monday, July 7, 2014

Kg Pandan Mini Samelan 2014

PANIC?
Not so much. 2 days before the samelan is due to begin, Belay Veerji (lawyer) loses his voice. Funnily enough, I (and the rest of the core team) am calm and proceed to ring my Golden Girl, Manpreet – just a quick “Can you do the 2 morning IPS sessions?” and a “Sure”. Just a quick run through about the session and its done.
Needless to say, it was a lovely session.

This is not a Mini Samelan, it’s a … MEDIUM samelan
We started the camp on a Wednesday. During the school holidays. At 7p.m. Logically, I expected lots of parents to bring/ send their kids on the Thursday before work.
I check with Pervin (who’s crazy knee deep in registration) at some point on Wednesday evening and there are 100 or so kids.
The ice breakers/ introduction/ games session was a hit.
By the time it is Thursday, there are close to 200 kids. The joy of this, the ‘Raunak’ is unparalled. Children all over the gurdwara, children heading to the youth and sports complex next door, children running up to you at intervals with a million questions, statements, observations, and yes – just for a quick hug and to say hi. (There is no way a sewadar, especially one who is involved with the Mighties can ever be tired when they get this)
And the heading – someone said this in disbelief looking at the organised chaos. And the fact that there was an actual Nikkey Khalsey section, complete with their own module, activities, sewadars.
Which brings us to the next point:

This is like an Annual Samelan  
We wouldn’t go so far as to say that, but what we will admit is that it probably does not conform to your idea of a ‘mini’ samelan. The routine was – Nitnem, Breakfast, Selami and Exercise, Learning Module or IPS, followed by IPS/ Learning Module (the Mighties and Miris were split here), followed by the M&M’s session (more on this later) and then lunch.
After lunch they have 4 hours of games and activities. These included a 4 Sanskar Workshop – where participants (both Mighties and Miris) were exposed to the Janam Sanskar (Naamkaran), Amrit Sanchar, Anand Karaj and Antim Sanskar elements. The Miri Piri participants had Autar Singh Ji – who asked them to include what they thought were superstitions semata-mata and I must say, those were hilarious (and highly accurate)!
Besides that the Miris had their group dynamics, which included team building games, station games, and mind and body challenges. (Thank you, awesome people who planned/ executed these)
Meanwhile, the Mighties were kept busy – on the first day, after the workshop they had a host of traditional/ classic games to choose from; kite flying, Pepsi Cola, snakes and ladders, board games, and even Twister (and loads more) which kept them well and entertained. The wide grin on face factor here for me was the fact that adults enjoyed themselves as well, mengisi masa lapang.  On the arts and crafts front they made some adorably adorable Singh and Kaur people on ice cream sticks. There was also a telematch session for them – this was almost a mini Holla Mohalla!
And of course, they were treated to their favourite superheroes on Saturday, when Super Kaur and Super Singh made an appearance.
OK OK, if you read on you'll realise I originally did not include some things, so on the Miri front there was a debate on current Sikh and general issues ; and this was such a paradigm change for some! Also, lest you think the Miris died of boring learning stuff, they had a host of activities including a Gurbani antakshari and such. 

IPS
If you are like us, and have been to a Samelan (Gurmat Parchar) – you will know that an all important part of the daily routine is the Inspirational Session (IPS). Deepest gratitude goes out to the following jathas who took the time out on a weekday.
Every single jatha NAILED it.

Manpreet Kaur, Balvinder Singh (Belay, Australia) (Doouble thanks for singing our favourite Har Sache Takht Rachaya on the guitar), Sukhdev Singh and the Sri Dasmesh Jatha and Band, Gurmukh Singh and Jatha, Serjit Singh (Senjay) for the talk, Autar Singh for coming despite a bad back! , and Harcharanijt Singh (Raja) with jatha for the perfect ending. (Note that I have randomly included non IPS speakers here, as I can do whatever I like in my post)
Near and far
The sewadars, who showed up from as far as Johor, deserve a Jaikara – for stepping in wherever needed, and to the local youngsters (read: children) who are now grown up enough, we cannot express how proud we are.
It is with Guru’s blessings that a 20 year old prepared (and headed) the Mighty Khalsa module and section.
The darbar committee consisted of two 18 year olds.
The mighties, miris and nikkey all had their own modules, set of materials, and other items set out – which could not have been possible without Rupinder Kaur, Pervinder Kaur; and Manraj Singh, Jagjeet Singh, Karamveer Singh, Rabinder Kaur (Bindi), Ajeet Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Gurleen Kaur, and the whole team preparing to a slight OCD level. HAHA
There were makeshift toilets created by a handful of the gurdwara sewadars  - these provided the ultimate showering experience of a samelan. WIN.

Gift
The theme was Banaa – and the take home gifts were – Turbans for boys, Dupattas for girls. This would not be possible without the kind gesture by Baldave Singh Ji of Leo Enterprises; who gave us amazing prices on the materials, provided free stitching, and got everything ready at express speed.
We are also blessed with amazing sangat, who only needed to be informed “There are materials to be washed” – they took as many as 40 turbans (6 meters each) home, lovingly washed, ironed and folded and brought them back ready for distribution. Penjis and Matajis, you inspire us.
Most of all, the gift is for us, the children, call us what you like, Balak Satsang, Naujawan Satsang – we are all the children of this gurdwara, and we are the children of the sangat.
It is thus that we can proudly say, our elders – or committee, call them what you want, hand us the reigns, sometimes unquestioningly – and let us grow.
And it is thus that we never have to worry if they are enough roti makers, enough penjis to help out, enough daal stirrers, bathroom washers, and so forth.
Another gift I will need to mention is that of the monetary support. Someone asked me where we get the money from, and we are extremely proud to say that it is because you, and people like you contribute, we are able to push ourselves and transform bigger and better plans into actions.

Mentorship
Here we are, at the M&M finally (Were you still wondering?).
Mighties and Miris, a session where both sections get to meet and interact with each other.  The idea : a 30 seconds to fame session ; where they would present the outcome of their interaction, and … you know.. meanwhile hoping that a friendship / veerji and penji ship / some kind of relationship is forged.
The outcome: an incredibly entertaining 30 second to fame – and the bonus? THOSE kids actually interacted/ became friends/ bonded/ whatever.
It was NOT easy – having LOADS of kids, the pairing/grouping, ensuring that on the day of the performance all Mighties had a Miri and so forth.
But thanks to all incredibly amazing people, it happened.
Everything was pre- planned, so on the day all sewadars knew their exact role in life (person to sort kids according to groups, hand out the numbers, the penji who called out the number, the penji ensuring stage smoothness, and so forth).
Also, very happy to say that our pre-existing Naujawan program got new members after the samelan – Bole So Nihaal, Sat Sri Akal!

SIKH (Yes, this is the edited version)
So what did we learn about? Continuing with the Annual Samelan theme ; Pehla Maran Kabool, Jeevan ki Chhad Aas - this shabad and that EPIC tune though, SO MUCH WIN.
The theme we went with is Bana ; from the Bani, Bana, Sewa, Simran and Satsang group. This is what the Mighties module comprised of, and we thought it would present well. 

There was lots to share with them, from being proud with your Saroop, your Values that you carry, how Bani helps, and so much more - the speakers, jathas and sewadars all did a spectacular job. 
Besides that, as you may have read above, there were a lot of other things to learn about, all this was enforced throughout. 

Taeh Dilo Dhanvad
I am typing this after some time, and I can’t remember if I have thanked the photographers, so – a big thank you to Samreet, the Media team, Deven, and all camera phone owners.
I would also like to seriously thank all of you who provided actual, real feedback - this helps immensely!! (and to that person who actually reads my blog, who gave us those statistics on Saturday - that was cool)
I now realise I have not actually explained the essence of what the theme and learning outcome was, oh well let's just say that's for another post anyway. ;) (OK maybe I'll just edit it into this post later!) 

Let me end this post here, and let me end by saying that if at any point I sound like a bragger, please disregard that thought, as all I am trying to do is share with you how amazing you all have been, and how much of an inspiration some things and some people can be to us. Also, our elders have appropriately ensured that we don’t get too big headed!  And most of all, how much fun we have all had, how much we have learnt and how Vaheguru has blessed us.


I hope you’ve had a good read, as always stay smiling, LOTS of love and God bless. 

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Kaun Si Badi Baat Ho Gayi?

So I failed. So what? It is a test.
Just a test.
Yes I whined. I ranted. I complained. I sulked. I was tense.
But you know what?

It's not that big a deal. Sure, some changes need to be made, but I see the silver lining.

Now, thinking back - speaking to that clerk - she said she had cancer.
You wouldn't know it though, she was being her usual bubbly, scoldy-in-a-nice-yet-scoldy-way self, not whining was she?

So what?
In the words of Manu from Challo Dilli : Kaun Si Badi baat ho gayi?

Ek test hi to hai.

Thank you God for keeping me safe, and healthy, and surrounded by supportive people and most of all able to appreciate your Ways.
I see.
Thank you.

Super Sewaks

Check out the videos made for the Annual Gurmat Parchar Samelan as well as the now-monthly one (first vid up).

Super Sewak Playlist

Look out for the Feb vid coming up soon.