My family and our times: 08/01/2010

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Visit to Badbar July 2010

July 2010 Visit

A very short trip to Badbar. the paddy had ben transplanted and the entre Pocket in 'Nehri Land' was used. I also found a huge building recently inaugurated by Parkash Singh Badal, the Chief Minister of Punjab. This Engineering College is being constructed about 1/4 Kilometer towards the village Badbar from my 'Nehri Land'. My land is at Stone, 2 miles from the village.

Green Lush Paddy Fields standing proud with Harvinder

Government MULTI-TECHNICAL COLLEGE being built in Badbar

Government Multi-Technical College, Badbar

Working on Tube Well.

Adding Floors

Friday, August 27, 2010

On the 14th Death Anniversary of my Dad S.Vas Dev Singh

March 15, 1919 in Multan - Aug 27, 1997 in Santa Clara, Ca

On 23rd of august 1997, my fatther S Vas Dev Singh left for his heavenly abode. Known as 'Bhagat Ji' to his near and dear, he truely lived his life as humble Saint. He was a very simple, peace-loving and God fearing man. He had no bitter enemies and no real close friends. I never found him overjoyed with happiness nor drowned by sorrows. When my grandmother died in Chandigarh, he was informed about the death around noon time. He immediately gave the first instruction to my wife to setup the lunch before packing up for Chandigarh. At the time of my wedding, he was found doing day to day chores without asking for any special ritual except inviting the oldest living family member to bless me. Following quote of Bhai Nand Lal Ji Goya fits into his life period, as he left this world:

" Havaai Bandagi Aavurd Darr Wajood Marra,

Wagarnah zoke Chunni Aamdan Na Bood Marra'

English Translation:

Devotion to you, like the breeze, blew me

into the Garden of Existence.

         There was no other urge for me to take birth.

          Happy is the life that is spent in Your worship,

         What else is there to gain beneath the blue dome?

While I inherited his aggricultural and urban property, I have more valuable possessions as listed below

The Passport which was issued in a Single day.

The wallet in which he always kept my picture (1967) and Harvinder (1973)

Tooth brush, Tooth Brush Case, a piece of Soap

A sewing needle and thead

His Eye-Glasses with a Cover from Dayal Opticians, Lajpat Nagar

His 'Kangha' the comb

The hand bag carrying all these articles

Legible copy of the San Francisvo Mercury News ran an Obituary on him

The Obituary in San JoseMercury News

Death Certificate

His true and perfect life will float down the stream of time and ripple round the spheres.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Guru Ka Lnagar at Hayes Town Gurdwara London follows tradition

Our Visit to Hayes Town Gurdwara London

As a self made rule, I try my best to visit the Gurdwara Sahib of the city/Town, I happen to visit. The visit gives me a chance to connect to my people and install a landmark on my memory map.

Walk To the Gurdwara

Hayes Town

Harvinder, at The Gurdwara Sahib, searching for humble Donation in her Purse

Recorded 'Kirtan' was being played as we entered the Sanctorum, with one lady on the left found deep in Meditation. The atmosphere was so soothing, peaceful and freshening

There was only one person( he seemed to be one among the Sangat) attending the Kitchen at that time. As we asked for 'langar', he felt so bad because the last bread had been recently served. The person, who looked helpless, pressed us hard again and again to wait for a little while when the fresh 'Rotis' will be cooked in no time and served to us. As we, having a short time to catch the flight for San Francisco, excused ourselves and instead took one piece of sweet and a cup of hot tea. Harvinder grabbed one Apple which we enjoyed eating on our way back. It was so heart catching that even in the remotest corners of the world, serving of 'Langar' is keeping pace with the Spirituality in Gurdwaras.

Bhai Nand Lal ji's langar tradition is being followed at Hayes Town Gudwara, London. May the 'Langar' tradition long live.

The following story is reflective, perhaps, of the time before the creation of the Khalsa and the addition of the name Singh and Kaur. as per SikhiWiki:

After the martyrdom of his father Guru Tegh Bahadur, many people of differing religions began to flock to Sachkhand Sri Anandpur Sahib Ji to be blessed with the darshan of the next Satguru Sri Guru Gobind Rai Ji. Over many years a non broken sucession of Sikh Gurus had started many Langars (free kitchens), which were run by their beloved Sikhs.

Just as it is today the Guru Ji’s langar was served free to all those who came into the house of Guru Nanak Dev.

In the days after the Guruship was thrust upon the young Gobind Rai, Guru Gobind Rai ji had started many Guru ka Langars (free meal kithcens for any visitors to the Sikh Gurdwaras). A Sikh by the name of Bhai Nand Lal Ji was in charge of one of these kitchens. One day, all-knowing Guru Gobind Singh ji decided to visit the nearby kitchens in disguise. Guru Sahib would go to his kitchens a little bit before langar was meant to be served and then he would urgently tell the sevadaars that he was very hungry. Not recognizing their Guru in his disguise they greeted him with courtesy and affection but they would always tell him to return later on when the langar would be served to all. All of the kitchens the Guru went to gave him a similar response.

The last kitchen that the disguised Guru visited, without his Kalgi adorned turban, was the kitchen run by Bhai Nand Lal Ji. Here the unknown guest to the Guru's kitchen was again told that langar was nearly ready. As the Guru turned to leave, Bhai Nand Lal Ji came running after him with what food was ready and began to plead with the Guru's guest to sit down.

Bhai Nand Lal Ji said:

“The home of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is like no other in this world or the next. No one shall leave empty handed.”

The Guru, in disguise, smiled at Bhai Nand Lal Ji and began to eat his langar.

The next day Guru Ji told the sangat the whole story. Maharaj then told his beloved Sikhs to follow the example of Bhai Nand Lal Ji.

SikhiWiki