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.

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

First Roti baked by Jania 2010

This is the First 'Roti' rolled by little 4 years old   

Grand daughter Jania for her Grandpa. As I took the first bite, she immediately asks " how is the taste Dada Ji?"

It is as sweet as butter, pat came my reply.

My Visit to England July 2010

While transporting between the Terminals at Heethrow Airport, London

Having a walk to the Gurdwara

Add caption

Getting a breather on way to Gurdwara

Back to Comfort Hotel where we had a really comfortable stay

Finally relaxing and waiting for the transport back to Airport

Father-Daughters Dance 2010

Jania Kapoor Pre School work 2009-10

A Tour of City’s Water Falls

On the very first day of School Summer vacations 2010, I took Gobind and Jania to Water falls established by the city beautiful San Ramon.

To My Brother-In-Law Amrit Dhir - Father of Generic Medicine Marketting in India

I understand that you will be soon wrapping up your innings after a glorious performance where you almost were a leader in the entire Nation in the field of Marketting Generic Medicine in India. I have seen you closely rising the steps in your profession. I was, however, not able to follow you up that closely when you reached the pinnacle in view of my migrating to US of A. But still I feel with proud that you have done a remarkable job for yourself, your employer and for the humanity. I found you so much engrossed in your work at the cost of your personal interests.

So, now Waheguru has bestowed upon His utmost blessings to you. Now is the time to start fresh for the next innings which I am hopeful that you will come out as masterful and successful. You have to pay back to the humanity for all the goodies offered to you by Him.

Only the other day, I met you for the first time for a lunch at a Vegetarian Shudh restaurant in Regal building to talk about proposal for my sister Amar Jit in the hot summer month of May 1975. From then onwards, we had a remarkable journey of friendship culminating into brotherhood all through. During this period, we stood up to the sad times together and overjoyed happy times shaking the legs on the melodious tunes of Bhangra music, without ever forgetting Him.

I appreciate that you have always given me more respect than it has been due to me during these years. Finally I pray to Waheguru that we continue to have same and even better relationship in your next innings.

May Waheguru bless you even happier, contented and full of opportunities to attain them.

With love, affection and lots of hugs.

Gobind Jania In Hawaii on Spring Break Trip with parents.

Hundred Flowers

Luau Moments, Courtsey: Shiv

I warned both Gobind and Jania on their Spring Break 2010 Trip to Big Island Hawaii (a Volcanic Island), when I went to drop them at the San Francisco Airport that they are going to miss the grandparents. Both of them were so excited and almost ignored the warnings and instead insisted us to accompany them. The ticket pricing, at the last moment was so high, discouraged us to join them.

3D computerized image of Big Island

The next day we waited for a 'Miss you' call, but hardly there was any call coming from Hawaii. So in the evening, we finally checked to find out what was happening. We were assured that they were having a blast on the trip. Second day, we found out that they had enjoyed themselves in their Resort pool and were having fun of their lives.

As the third day approached, while we were coming back from the Wednesday Weekly Program from the Hayward Gurdwara Sahib, THE CALL came. It was a long one for almost 25 minutes and were pressing to chat with grandpa also, as I could not do so while driving. She continued to emphasize that she wants to sleep on our bed with grandma.

Sleeping Pattern:

This is quiet usual after every couple of days, she would like to go to sleep on our bed. So does Gobind, but Jania has a last say and would never budge from her spot on our bed. Poor Gobind accepts the option to go to his Star-war Room along with his grandpa. Surprisingly they take only 60-90 seconds to go to sleep. Jania is now shifted to her Princess Room for spending the night. If by chance Jania remains on our bed, one of us will have constant barrage of kicks on our bodies, while the other will be used as a pillow. Similarly they throw away their parents from their bed if allowed to use their bed. This is their consistant sleep pattern.

As I parked the car in the garage, the phone was finally given to me. While Gobind was talking on Volcanos, pool and other strange things, Jania grabed the phone. When confronted if she conceded that she missed us. She immediately reacted that she was missing us too much. She further told since only one more day was left and would come back home to join us.

Luau Moments, Courtsey: Shiv

Now I told her to bring one Hawaian flower for me. She spontanously replied that she will bring one hundred of them for me and further consoled me not to worry.

                                                    

                                                      Lehua Blossom, Hawaii

      

So, my day is awaitng for 100 flowers, may be as shown above.

PS: As Gobind and Jania stepped into the main enterance of our house after the trip, both of them synchronously spoke that they could not bring the flowers as they (authorities) did not allow them to bring. Yes they were absolutely right as no vegetation can be allowed to be brought to the main land by passengers.

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