Birmingham,(Samaj Weekly)- Sikh Education Forum (SEF) honoured ‘Bandi Chorr Divas’ on the evening of 21 November 2020. The event was aimed at commemorating the day in which the sixth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Hargobind, was released from Gwalior Fort.
Headquartered in the West Midlands, SEF was founded over 18 years ago, and to date, it has undertaken activities suitable for all ages, cultures, ethnicities and other backgrounds.
This is SEF’s first attempt at observing this historical Sikh historical event via remote technology, to attract wider audiences. Like many other organisations endeavouring to be sustainable despite the raging pandemic, SEF is fast adapting its engagement processes for the benefit of members and others interested in the broader faith and civic endeavours of the Forum.
Gurdip Kaur commenced the evening’s proceedings with her rendition, ‘Satguru Bandi Chorr hai’, Shabad composed by Bhai Gurdaas ji in Gurmukhi.
Retired Medical consultant Dr Kamaljit Singh Ryatt, offered historical insights into the events surrounding the particular period of the 17th century until Guru Hargobind ji’s death in 1644. In his presentation, Dr. Ryatt traced the journey of Hargobind ji using references to validate the sequence of events. He emphasised the importance of researching the history for answers and using them to construct social change that benefits all.
US-born Jasmine Gurpreet Kaur and Brianna Sukhmani Kaur, founders of the USA-based ‘Black Sikh Initiative’, were special guests. They represent a growing number of African-Americans who are fascinated by the teachings of Sikhi. Both women outlined practical actions that Sikhs should undertake in service to Waheguru. These included reaching out to the more marginalised communities, removing the caste practice and colourism, as these regressive practices hinder Sikhs collective progress. They emphasised the importance of proactivity, socially and politically as well as being empathic; that is, ‘walk the talk’. The motto, ‘’I am free when you are free’’, featured prominently in their presentation.
In keeping with the evening’s theme of ‘freedom’, Prabhjot Kaur, author of ‘Hinsya tau Anant Wal’ publication, referred to the 3 vices and how Gurbani helps to cleanse these through compassion, truth and blissfulness within.
Retired Social Worker, Simerjeet Kaur, addressed listeners by reciting a poem, penned to honour the notion of freedom from human egotistical natures. Her prose spoke about the duality and struggle of wants that hinder people attaining consciousness or [true] enlightenment.
Retired General Medical Practitioner, Dr Ravi Vatish, a constant seeker of spiritual knowledge, also has an ardent interest in Sikh philosophy. He discussed the concept of existence and the ultimate aim of life and death.
Celebrated journalist, editor; and award-winning author and publisher, Dr Christopher Adrian Johnson, spoke about the ‘utility of faith’ as a source for greater good. “Your actions should represent who you are and what you do; exercise your faith in whatever you do and use it to do good”, he emphasised.
The host Harminder Kaur Bhogal thanked all guests and attendees. Santokh Singh Dhanda concluded the divas by reciting Ardaas.
To find out more or to become a member of Sikh Education Forum, please email Rajinder Kaur Bhogal at: sikheducatinforum13@gmail.com
Written by – Harminder Kaur Bhogal (Social Secretary of SEF)
