FCCI FLO Amritsar honors Shivpreet Singh on Vaisakhi 2022

From: shikha sareen 

Respected Mr. Shivpreet, 

Subject- Invitation to honor Mr. Shivpreet as the "Pride of Punjab" by FICCI FLO Amritsar.

Greetings from Shikha Sareen, incoming Chairperson, FICCI women organization Amritsar - a chapter launched in April 2018.

FICCI FLO is one of India's prestigious and renowned Women's organizations that represents over 8000 women entrepreneurs. With an experience of over 33 years, FLO rigorously works towards empowering women by encouraging, facilitating, and polishing their professional excellence through workshops, seminars, conferences, training, and capacity-building programmes.

FICCI FLO has its roots spread throughout India, and Amritsar was its 15th Chapter which was launched in April 2018, entertaining 250 Amritsari women. The number rose to almost double in the coming years. Throughout these years the vision has been one - to let women create ‘HerStory’ and to fulfill this, FLO provides women with exposure, growth, learning, and experiences that are beyond the walls of our city.

This year, through a myriad of facilitating events, our purpose would be to uplift and empower at least 10-15 subaltern women from different fields like Jails, rural areas, orphanages and lead them into believing and recognizing their strengths and capabilities by providing them with skill development programs, health campaigns, and various socio-economic initiatives.

FLO truly stands for 'Power to Empower’ and who could be an epitome of true empowerment other than an artist like you. Therefore, FLO-Chapter Amritsar would feel privileged to honor you as "Pride of Punjab" because you have been a true inspiration.

We are sure that your presence and interaction at the event will leave our Amritsari women feeling enriched, inspired and evolved.

Following the path of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the initiative you have taken of fostering oneness in the world through music is remarkable. Your foundation DhunAnand inspires us and echoes our vision of empowering talented people. As a small tribute to your efforts, we would also like to support and fund DhunAnand foundation.

Formerly, we were also joined by the inspiring Mrs. Diya Mirza, Ms. Susmita, Mrs. Vidya, Mrs. Farrah Khan, Ms. Malika, Ms. Swara, Mrs. Lara Dutta, Ms. Bhoomi Dandekar, Ms. Rujuta, Ms. Lisa Ray, Ms. Tahira Kashyap, Mr. Sabyasachi, Mrs. Twinkle Khanna, Mrs. Kareena Kapoor and Ms. Neena Gupta, whose presence lit a spark in the hearts of the several working women. But this year, I believe my tenure as a chairperson will be truly complete with your artistic presence.

We will be deeply honored and humbled if you will accept our proposal for being our guiding light and an inspiration. We would love to soak in the divine power of your beautiful voice.
The event will be conducted at a five-star property and to make your experience comfortable in our city Amritsar,
we will be taking care of your flight ticket food service, a luxurious five-star stay and VIP darshan to the Golden Temple. There will be huge media coverage, where the branding will be done at Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport, along with putting hoardings in the city. We assure you that the hospitality of FLO will be amazing. We will try our best to make your stay memorable.

We will be deeply honored and humbled if you will accept our proposal and shower us with
Regards 
Shikha Sareen

Sent from my iPhone

https://urbanmelange.com/shikha-sareen/

Designation:

“Today, you find women in occupations & in roles that were once regarded as the sole prerogative of men.”

Creativity is not a skill, it is a way of life; aptly believes Shikha Sareena, a millennial lady who has been carving a niche in the industry with her creative instincts. Born & brought up in Amritsar, Shikha completed her education from Alexandra School, Amritsar. Ever since childhood, she was passionate about painting and to further hone her interest in the subject, she pursued Masters in Fine Arts from Guru Nanak Dev University. Her talent got wings when she married and joined Kamal Tents, the business that was started by her father-in-law, Mr. Sushil Sareen. “As the Creative Head of Kamal Tents, I am now neck-deep in theme parties & events, which truly satisfies my creative instincts”, says Shikha.

Bhai Nand Lal dialogue with Sri Gobind Singh Maharaj

This is part of Rehat Nama dictated to Bhai Sahib by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj:

Guru Gobind Singh Ji to Bhai Nand Lal, Written Down by Bhai Nand Lal Ji

"Suno Nand lal Yeh saaj.

Pargat karoo apna raaj.

Chaar varan ik varan karaau.

Waheguru Singh ko Namm japaao.

Charrey Singh tis mukut karau.

Jhoolan nejey hasti saajey.

Duaar duaar pur naubat baajey.

Sava Laakh jab dhukhey paleeta.

Tabhe Khalsa udhey ast lau jeeta.

Raaj Karega Khalsa aaki rahe n koi.

Khuaar hoey sabh milengey bachey sharan jo hoey.

Uth gaye safa malesh kee kar koorha paasaar.

Danka baajey fateh ka nihklank avtaar."

Guru Gobind Singh ji to brother Nand Lal, Written Down by brother Nand lal ji

"Listen Nand Lal this decoration.

Pargatize your secret.

Chaar varan ik varan karaau.

Chant your name to Waheguru Singh.

Charrey Singh should I release this.

Jhoolan nejey hasti saajey.

Prayer and prayer.

When you are in sorrow.

That's why Khalsa fly and come to win.

Raaj Karega Khalsa aaki rahe n koi.

All the children will meet if they are alive.

Woke up after doing clean massage.

Danka baje Fateh's uniform incarnation. "

Deewan Todar Mal Khatri

The price of 4 yards of land is about 3 billion 50 crores.

(78000X44500)

Khatri Dewan Todder Mall Ji Chopra. Those who bought the land for the funeral of little sahibzads and Mata Gujri ji by laying 78000 gold stamps. The price of those 78000 stamps is about 3 billion 50 crore rupees today. Which is considered the world's most expensive land till date.

We all often recite the great martyrdom of Dashmesh father Guru Gobind Singh ji and Fateh Singh ji...

This history is incomplete without the mention of Deewan Todermal.

Dewan Todermal got land by laying gold stamps for rites as per the condition kept by Nawab Wazir Khan and performed the funeral of the bodies of younger Sahibzad and Mata Gujri Ji. Dewan Toddermal performed his duty and showed loyalty towards Guru Sahib , She Made them immortal in history forever

Bhai Shalo ji

It’s very important to know the details of key personalities involved in the development and construction of  Sri Harimandir Sahib and the Sarover. 

Bhai Shalo ji: Sewadar during the construction of Sri Harimandir Sahib 

Bhai Shalo Ji, was a well known and important Sikh during the times of Guru Ram Das Ji, Guru Arjan Sahib Ji, and Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.

Bhai Shalo was born on 29th September 1554, in the village of Daula Kingra, Muktsar Sahib district of Punjab, to Bhai Dyala Ji and Mata Sukhdei Ji. The family were a Dhaliwal jat family of the Malwa region of Punjab.

History

Bhai Shalo's parents were originally followers of Pir Sakhi Sarwar (Sultanias). After having Darshan of Guru Ram Das Ji (1574-1581) Bhai Shalo's parents became Sikhs.

Bhai Shalo's parents migrated to village Majitha, located in Amritsar District of Punjab, where they settled. But Bhai Shalo who was then a young youth, stayed at Amritsar, then known as Guru Ka Chak, with Guru Ram Das ji. Bhai Shalo would carry out selfless service (sewa) and meditation (simran).

The Sikh sangat, from Lahore, visiting Guru ji in Amritsar would stop at the dharamsal of Bhai Shalo. Guru Arjan Sahib Ji himself visited Bhai Shalo's dharamsal many times, showing the affection which Guru ji had for his gursikhs.

In 1589, Bhai Shalo attended the wedding of Guru Arjan Sahib Ji to Mata Ganga Ji, at Gurdwara Sri Mao Sahib, with many other great gursikhs. And Bhai Shalo also attended the wedding of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, in circa 1605. Bhai Shalo Ji re-joined with God in the year 1628, at the age of 74. He was cremated at village Behla, District Tarn Taran. 

Gurdwara Bhai Shalo Da Tobha is located near Gurdwara Guru Ka Mahal, where the Ninth Sikh Guru was born and Qila Lohgarh Sahib, in the City of Amritsar. The building of the Gurdwara dates back to the Sikh era, during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh 1799-1839, its architectural designs are typical of Ranjit Singh's era.

Bhai Shalo's Great Sewa

For the establishment of Amritsar, Bhai Shalo Ji brought traders and workers of 52 castes and settled here. Guru Arjan Sahib Ji was delighted to know this and gave charge of the city to Bhai Sahib.

For strengthening and renovating of the Sarovar, fuel was required for the kiln. Bhai Sahib went to many villages like Pandori Waraich etc and encouraged people to donate fuel (with bio fuel like dung cakes, firewood, agri-residue etc).

Many people gave donations and Bhai Sahib bought carts full of fuel. Guru Arjan Sahib Ji was pleased with Bhai Sahib and stated the person who would bath, with heart and soul, in Bhai Shalo's pond (tobha) they would be blessed with a son and weak children who would bath in it would become healthy.

-Sikh Diaspora

Vishavjit Singh - A Sikh Captain America

Vishavjit Singh

I am impressed by this man from my similar background - a tall, skinny, brown and above all a Sikh known as Vishavjit Singh. Falling in the same age group and from same UC Berkeley after their high school education from their country of origin, I find similarity of life approach too as my son Shiv. Here is the Story:

Five years ago Vishavjit Singh, above, took on the persona of Captain America. Singh has applied this humor to famous images and icons, including superheroes from the Golden Age of comic books. (Photo by Fiona Aboud)

Vishavjit Singh is Sikh Captain America

With his creations, the cartoonist throws a mighty shield at the hate and prejudice he’s experienced 

by Lisa Edge | 29 Jun 2018

On the first floor of Wing Luke Museum in the International District of Seattle, several cartoons of people wearing turbans accompanied by succinct statements are on display. They’re the creations of Vishavjit Singh, a Sikh man who is sharing his story through colorful, witty and sometimes sarcastic cartoons. 

“We Are From Here” shows a Sikh woman and man donning turbans while standing side by side. The man is holding a pitchfork in his hand. It’s a nod to Grant Wood’s iconic “American Gothic” painting. It was painted in 1930 and is an example of regionalism, representing two people living in Iowa. In Singh’s cartoon there’s no farm house or trees in the background. There’s a word bubble above them that states: “We are from freaking right here. Next question!” 

“People in turbans and beards are just like you. They love humor,” said Singh. “I want people to question their propensity to use stereotypes, to have stereotypes of other people.

Singh has applied this humor to famous images and icons, including superheroes from the Golden Age of comic books.
In his cartoons, Singh often addresses what he calls “turbanphobia,” the irrational fear of those who wear them. “What’s Under the Turban” shows a smiling man with glasses and a beard, captioned: “It’s called a turban, underneath is a 3-pound explosive device known as the brain.”

Singh is well acquainted with dealing with people’s negative attitudes toward him. Because of the way he looks — a bearded Indian man who wears a turban — he’s mistaken for a Muslim and seen as someone who doesn’t belong. 

Sikhism is an independent faith that originated in the Punjab region. It is the world’s fifth-largest religion, and Sikhs have been in the U.S. for more than 125 years, according to the Sikh American Defense Fund. 

The reaction to his appearance changed dramatically after the events of September 11, 2001. Brown men wearing turbans became closely associated with terrorism and came to symbolize the ultimate “other.” He said Americans have a limited tolerance for turbans unless they are in a Disney movie or caricatures in entertainment.

Singh lives in New York City and has been the target of verbal abuse. After a quick assessment, he’ll either ignore the insults or confront those attacking him. Singh will ask them outright if they think he’s Osama bin Laden or a terrorist. Often, they’ll back away from their insults and apologize. One might expect the people directing derogatory comments his way to be white; Singh said that’s not always the case. It often comes from black and hispanic men. It’s a layered and complex dynamic as to why those groups direct derisive comments his way.  

“I’ve come to realize everybody has prejudices, everybody stereotypes, has stereotypes,” said Singh. “We’re prone to engage in simple narratives but life is very complicated, human beings are very complicated, individuals are very complicated.”“I’ve come to realize everybody has prejudices, everybody stereotypes, has stereotypes,” said Singh. “We’re prone to engage in simple narratives but life is very complicated, human beings are very complicated, individuals are very complicated.”

Rather than label those who label him, Singh hopes they learn a lesson instead. As upsetting as they are, he’s chosen to not let those experiences turn him into a jaded person. 

Singh was born in Washington, D.C., and spent most of his childhood in India. His family survived the 1984 Sikh Massacre that left thousands dead. After high school he moved back to the states to attend college in California. He removed his turban and cut his hair short. During those years he was often mistaken as hispanic. Exploring Eastern philosophy led him back to embracing his Sikh identity. 

Singh said an interactive cartoon by Mark Fiore titled “Find the Terrorist” published in October 2001 led him to cartooning and back to his love for drawing. He connected with Fiore’s piece because it captured his predicament and combated hatred through humor. The deadly attack on a Sikh temple in Wisconsin in 2012 also had a profound effect on Singh. He decided the world needed a superhero who fights the bigotry and hate in our midst.

Five years ago Singh took on the persona of Captain America. The tall, intelligent and athletically gifted superhero is a one-man army defending freedom and liberty. Even if one is unacquainted with the super soldier’s abilities, his red, white and blue costume alone signals his unrivaled patriotism. 

Captain America was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby for Timely Comics (later Marvel) and is known for the infamous first issue in 1941 in which he punches Adolf Hitler square in the face.

Many Marvel characters other than Steve Rogers have donned the suit and wielded the shield, each bringing their own personality to the icon. Singh’s Captain is the perfect pairing in his fight against bigotry. He initially created a poster showing Captain America in a beard and turban for New York Comic Con. A year later a photographer convinced him to bring the cartoon to life by donning it himself, vibranium shield and all. 

Since then he’s brought his message to thousands of people on the streets of New York, at comic cons and at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. His message is strong but not as violent as how Steve Rogers takes down Red Skull, Captain America’s most infamous nemesis. In one of the photos on display in the exhibition, Sikh Captain America stands in front of a line of police officers. He’s holding a sign with the phrase: “Let’s kick some intolerant ass with compassion.”

The popularity of Sikh Captain America has given him the opportunity to leave his career as a software engineer and become a full-time artist. You can hear the enthusiasm in his voice when he talks about the storytelling sessions he holds at diversity conferences, corporations and schools from elementary to the college level. 

“I share my story through cartoons, then I connect it to broader issues of race, identity, bullying, diversity, vulnerability, prejudices,” said Singh. “I mix up all those things that little ones can connect to, adults can connect to.” 

When talking to students he’ll ask them to share the first words to come to mind when they see him. For elementary school kids it’s “turban or that thing on your head,” “I like your shoes and you’re skinny.” By middle school the response to where they think he’s from is usually outside of the U.S. He uses the misperceptions as a teaching opportunity.

“I make the point that we all fall into this trap of labeling and stereotyping each other although we know we should not but we do it anyways because that’s how our brains are wired,” said Singh. “How we culturally kind of learn a lot of these kinds of things.”

He also holds cartoon workshops and encourages the kids to express themselves through art.

In addition to writing about his experiences for various publications and cartooning, the next big project for Singh is an autobiographical graphic novel. Given his ability to share frustrating experiences in a straightforward, inviting way, it should come as no surprise that Singh describes himself as a hopeful person. He’s also confident there are better days ahead of us.

Courtesy of Street Roots’ sister paper Real Change / INSP.ngo

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Street Roots is an award-winning, nonprofit, weekly newspaper focusing on economic, environmental and social justice issues. Our newspaper is sold in Portland, Oregon, by people experiencing homelessness and/or extreme poverty as means of earning an income with dignity. Learn more about Street Roots

Here is another video talk link by Vishavjit Singh

https://youtu.be/yy0EMN-L9k4

Happy 22nd Anniversary Shiv Shilpy

5000 years of Indian History

I found this chart very interesting. Regarding the omission of Sikh Empire and history, I talked to Dr Tejus Naik, who feels it was connected to his talk where it was clearly mentioned about Sikh history and the talk is available on You Tube. He further said that it was an unintentional omission.

Eating hot food among Siblings

A story:

S Hari Singh, my father S Vasdev Singh and chacha ji S Inderjit Singh spent childhood together. All of them wanted to eat hot roti at the same time. While sitting on a mat near the fire, my grandma would give half roti to S Hari Singh being the older one and the other half splitted in further half to remaining brothers.

My grandma told me this story while feeding me and my Dad similarly about 60 years back.

New Tie for Simba

Simba came to our room to show his new Tie knitted by Shilpy. He obediently sits down.

A memory still alive with my sister Bhagwant

‘Aarti Kunj Bihar ki,

Aarti Girvardhari Ki

Devta Phoolo se Barse

…..

In winters in our teens, we heared this from our Khail Bazar Radha Krishna Mandir everyday at 6.00 AM. We were forced to get early morning to study and revise our school books. Biji always instructed that in winters nights are long and the mind is fresh in the morning.

I also remember that Bhagwant will again and again snap her eyes to sleep and I will shout to complain to Biji that she is sleeping only and not studying. 

It looks now that my attention was more on you rather on my own study.

Mountain Trains in India

Shaheedi Week

Butterfly by Geet

A Story by Geet

How to Grow Wheat by Geet

There is an important factor like ‘Love’ which is required to grow wheat faster. Here is how Geet explains how to grow wheat efficiently. She proves the fact that Geet has the Genetic variant in her blood.

Evolution of Life - I by Geet

Grandma Harvi is expert to teach, pick and record the amazing stories by Geet.

Evolution of Life -II by Geet

An excellent conversation between Grandma Harvi and four years old Grand daughter Geet. It’s difficult to guess who is teaching whom.

Four years old Geet gets a Gift from Baba ji on Christmas

Shilpy Mom has taught Geet that Baba Ji always gives the Gift on Christmas. On 2018 Christmas Baba Ji actually gave her a gift of phone. How excited she is and proudly tells me the whole procedure of getting a gift.

Geet Wish List at the Feet of Baba Ji-2021

As I entered Baba ji room, I found a hand written note at the feet of Baba Ji.

Being raised in the Christian environment in the USA Schools, she made her wish list as is normally presented to Santa Claise.

Scintilizing performance by Geet Dec 17, 2021

This year Tiffany Dance Academy performance took place near home in Dublin High School Center for Performance Art and Education.

Geet did it extremely well. You can spot her in the second row on the right most side.