Jub Aav Ki Audh Nidaan Banay, Ath He Runn Mein Tub Joojh Maroun
When the time comes for this mortal life to end, may I die on the battlefield fighting courageously”

The knower of the ways of God, the emperor of emperors, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji Maharaj magnificently declares this in the Sikh National Anthem. Why would a Sikh want to die courageously fighting on the battlefield? What is the significance behind this, when the average person of today would suppose the contrary?

The Guru Sahibaan were the embodiment of truth, if Bani is of the Guru"s, then why is the Bani of the Bhagats included in the living eternal Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj? How can it be Bani, if Bani is from Guru Ji? This subject has often been brought up by anti-Sikh organisations, where the marvellous Bani of the Saints and Bhagats has been questioned by the unwise so-called scholars.

After an Ardaas for the grace of the almighty, these two questions formed the foundations of a detailed Gurmat discussion by Bhai Amarjit Singh, and commencement of the Derby Sikh Society"s first ever KHALSA DAY. The idea in posing these questions was not to question Guru Sahib Ji"s glorious Anthem, or to doubt the divine Bani of the Saints and Bhagats, but to get those present thinking more deeply about the unique ideology and philosophy of the Saint Soldier Sikh faith.

While group discussions were taking place, for Sikhs male and female who now felt prepared, the Sikh turban, a crown given by the tenth master known as the Dastaar was tied on those who had not yet practised the faith to this level, but had been attending the Sikh Society"s regular distinctive meetings, where the importance of keeping unshorn hair and wearing the Dastaar for a Sikh has been emphasised. There are several interviews of many members of the Sikh Society, their experience and progression in Sikhi, that have all been kindly carried out by the supportive team at SikhRoots.com and available to read in their Literature (articles) section. An animated DVD presentation on the life of the warrior who shook the Mughal Empire to its very roots, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, was on the programme for the Khalsa Day, as well as a session for Naam Simran.

Bowling proved to be an enjoyable activity later in the day, and the group of Gursikhs were able to challenge each other in a couple of games, while still managing to keep a few Gurmat discussions flowing. The idea behind such an activity is not just the amusement, or the opportunity to engage in informal Gurmat discussions, but also the fact that Sikhs can be distinguished in an environment where non-Sikhs are present, to portray those within Sikh form in a positive light to the wider-society. The outing to the Bowling alleys was finished with a trip to the local Gurdwara in Derby. The moving Hukamnama from Guru Sahib Ji, Katha from the Kathavachaks, inspiring Gurmat Vechaar with the Sangat…naturally, as one would expect, the Gurdwara Sahib brings about a blissful aura, experienced again and again each time one goes for the heavenly vision of Guru Sahib Ji.

Heading back to the University, the Khalsa Day group were pleased to once more hear an inspiring talk by Bhai Amarjit Singh, which he titled “Realms of Reality”.
The Sikh Society"s rousing speaker said, “We need to recognise the importance and relevance of Naam, Gurbani and Rehat”. After the “Samosa Break”, the last talk of the day was called “One Panth, One Amrit, One Rehat”, ingeniously shaped and written to bring together the Panthic agenda behind Derby Sikh Society"s Khalsa Day.

Bhai Amarjit Singh, a former student at the University who continues to support the management of the Sikh Society, returned to take the lead in the organisation of the Khalsa Day. Acknowledged within the University to give talks that satisfy the learner and practising Sikh alike, through the simple yet complex talks, he was asked if such an event would be organised in the future again. He has told the Sikh Society, “Derby Sikh Society"s first Khalsa Day has established there is the potential, support and need for such programmes in the future, now that I have completed my studies, it will allow me, with Waheguru Ji"s blessings, more time to assist in this type of event aimed at practising Sikhs”. He went on to confirm, “The next in line in a series of similar events to be held will be called the "Panthic Mentality Day", for which the initial plans are already being worked on, and will take place later this year”. The committee at the Derby Sikh Society continues to express its gratitude to Bhai Amarjit Singh for his constant support not only during his days as a student, but after as well.

The Derby Sikh Society would like to send its sincere appreciation and thanks to a group of Sikh youths from the thriving and renowned Wolverhampton based "SAINT SOULDIERS FORUM", who kindly accepted an invitation from the Sikh Society and travelled to Derby to attend the event. The "Saint Soldiers Forum" operates on a fortnightly basis from 6.30pm-8.30pm on Thursday evenings in Hall 4 at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, Sedgley Street, Wolverhampton. The forum aims to open up discussions and debates on today"s issues within the Sikh youth. The Derby Sikh Society encourages those in, or around the surrounding areas of Wolverhampton to attend the "Saint Souldiers Forum".

For more information, the forum can be contacted by emailing [email protected].

The Derby Sikh Society can be contacted at [email protected].

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