I Am A Sikh

I am a Sikh,

Because…

I do not believe in hatred,

because in my daily prayer,

I ask for the well-being of all humanity—“Sarbat da bhala.”

And my tradition

is to offer even an enemy water during war.

I do not accept dictatorship,

because my faith

upholds the democratic authority

of the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones).

I oppose intellectual arrogance,

because even the Guru

believed in the principle of

Guru and disciple.

That’s why

he received initiation

from the very Panj Pyare he had chosen,

and even against his own will,

he bowed to their collective decision.

I reject casteism,

because I know

the Panj Pyare came from

marginalized and oppressed communities,

and my Guru

honored them as his own Guru.

I support human rights,

because Sikh history

is about making the ultimate sacrifice—

giving one’s head—

for the poor, the oppressed,

and the persecuted.

I stand for trust and faith in all,

because I know

that even after losing all four sons

and his entire family,

even after being deceived and betrayed,

the Tenth Guru

still urged Sikhs in prayer

to give trust and faith to all.

I strongly believe in humility,

because in our daily Ardas (prayer),

we ask for

Sikhs to have low egos and high thinking—

to be wise and grounded.

I do not fear righteous action,

because I was taught:

“Never fear to act justly,”

and also,

“With determination, claim your victory.”

I do not discriminate based on religion,

because the Guru Granth Sahib says:

“First, the Creator created light.

All beings are of that light.

From that one light, the whole world was born — so who is good, and who is bad?”

Easter Hunt by Geet in 2019

After spending the whole day at the Easter Eggstravaganza in her school, my younger granddaughter Geet came home bursting with excitement. She couldn’t wait to share every little detail of her Easter egg hunt with me—her Dada Ji.

The moment she walked in, her eyes were shining, cheeks flushed with joy, and she came running straight to me, holding her basket like paper bag with full of colorful eggs like a prized treasure. “Dada Ji! Dada Ji! Look what I found!” she exclaimed, hopping with excitement.

She then sat next to me on the coffee table, pulling out each egg one by one, telling me where she found it, who she was with, and what was inside—some had chocolates, others little toys, and a few even had shiny stickers. Her energy was infectious. I found myself smiling at her animated expressions, the way her hands moved as she explained, and how she kept glancing up at me to make sure I was listening closely.

What touched me the most was not just her joy, but how eager she was to include me in it. She even offered me one of her special eggs—“This one’s for you, Dada Ji,” she said with such sincerity, my heart melted.

Moments like these are priceless. Watching her grow, seeing her so happy, and being the one she wants to share her joy with—this is what being a grandparent is all about.

Inspired by a Punjabi poem

बना-बना के मिटाता है क्यों ?

बना-बना के मिटाता है क्यों ?

राह और रास्ते भटकाता है क्यों ?

जिन्हें तू खुद इस दुनिया में लाता,

उन्हीं को फिर रुलाता है क्यों?

अगर उनहे रुलाना ही था,

उन्हें दुनिया में लाता है क्यों ?

सुंदर-सुंदर फूलों को तू,

बना-बना के मुरझाता है क्यों ?

अगर तुझे उन्हें मुरझाना ही है,

फिर तू उन्हें खिलाता है क्यों ?

नाज़ुक सी बेल ज़मीन पर ही,

भरकम तरबूज़ व पेठा उगाता है क्यों ?

बढ़े बढ़े पीपल व बेरी के पेड़ पर,

छोटे-छोटे फल लगाता है क्यों?

तू न्याय करने वाला है, फिर भी,

ऐसा अन्याय करता है क्यों ?

किसी को कुछ भी नहीं देता,

किसी को नाक तक भर देता है क्यों ?

पापियों को फूलों-सा रखता है,

गुनहगारों को खुशियाँ देता है क्यों ?

कईयों को देता है ढेरों सौगातें,

कईयों को दुखों में डुबो देता है क्यों ?

बरसात समंदर पर होती है,

रेगिस्तान सुखा देता है क्यों ?

किसी को देता है भारी बालों के गुछे,

किसी को गंजा कर देता है क्यों ?

परमात्मा का जवाबः

ये मेरी कुदरत के राज निराले,

जो इंसान की समझ से पराले,

तू ‘प्रीत’ क्यों बहलाता है?

काहे अपनी टाँग अडाले।

Wedding ceremony of Jason and Sharini kicks off

Jason happily posed with Sharini

The wedding celebrations of our dearest Jason Kapoor and Sharini began with beautiful Sikh religious ceremonies.

Jason took his turn to pay respect by swinging the Chavar over Sri Guru Granth Sahib

We commenced with the culmination of the Akhand Path – the complete reading of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Now is the turn of Jag Kapoor to pay honor to Sri Guru Granth Sahib

It was truly special to witness the coordination of devoted participants, including a few who joined us from India.

Early participants

By the time Bhai Pinderpal Singh Ji started his ‘Katha’, the North Hall was getting near  to its full capacity.

Each word, each line was read with utmost reverence—no page or verse was missed.

Bhai Sahib reciting Guru Teg Bahadur Bani to complete the course of reading.

The path concluded with the reading of the 9th house (ninthMohalla) from the Bani of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, resonating in the Sangat.

The view of Sangat by Harvinder

Following this, Hazuri Ragi Jatha offered soul-stirring shabads that moved everyone.

Bhai Pinderpal Singh ji at his best

Then, Bhai Pinderpal Singh Ji, a revered Panthic and global Sikh scholar, shared the deep meaning of the Anand Karaj – the Sikh wedding ceremony.

 Bhai Harjider Singh ji Srinagarwale singing apropriately for the occasion. 

Bhai Harjinder Singh Srinagarwale feeling relaxed after the performance.

It was the perfect moment when Bhai Harjinder Singh Ji from Srinagar recited a couple of unforgettable shabads, adding grace to the gathering.

Hukamnama being read to the congregation and Sangat listening with similar attention.

After the ardas, we all listened with full attention to the Hukamnama – the divine order of the day – which was shared along with its English meaning. 

Hukamnam:

ਧਨਾਸਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥ ਤੁਮ ਦਾਤੇ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਲਕ ਨਾਇਕ ਖਸਮ ਹਮਾਰੇ ॥ ਨਿਮਖ ਨਿਮਖ ਤੁਮ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਲਹੁ ਹਮ ਬਾਰਿਕ ਤੁਮਰੇ ਧਾਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਜਿਹਵਾ ਏਕ ਕਵਨ ਗੁਨ ਕਹੀਐ ॥ ਬੇਸੁਮਾਰ ਬੇਅੰਤ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਤੇਰੋ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਕਿਨ ਹੀ ਲਹੀਐ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਕੋਟਿ ਪਰਾਧ ਹਮਾਰੇ ਖੰਡਹੁ ਅਨਿਕ ਬਿਧੀ ਸਮਝਾਵਹੁ ॥ ਹਮ ਅਗਿਆਨ ਅਲਪ ਮਤਿ ਥੋਰੀ ਤੁਮ ਆਪਨ ਬਿਰਦੁ ਰਖਾਵਹੁ ॥੨॥ ਤੁਮਰੀ ਸਰਣਿ ਤੁਮਾਰੀ ਆਸਾ ਤੁਮ ਹੀ ਸਜਨ ਸੁਹੇਲੇ ॥ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਰਾਖਨਹਾਰ ਦਇਆਲਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਘਰ ਕੇ ਗੋਲੇ ॥੩॥੧੨॥ {ਪੰਨਾ

I am seen offering my respects by swinging Chavar over the revered Sri Guru Granth Sahib

Summary of the Hukamnama:

The Lord is the ultimate nurturer and protector, always cherishing His children. We rely on Him completely. Though we have only one tongue and limited understanding, His virtues are infinite and beyond description. He forgives countless sins, patiently teaches us, and lovingly guides even the most ignorant. Taking refuge in Him brings peace, for He is our true friend and companion. In the end, we are all humble servants of His divine home.

Family pictures after the food:

A heartfelt congratulations to the entire Kapoor family on this joyous union. 

Pammy Kapoor expressing her expert advice to Jag Kapoor on offerings

Special kudos to Jag and Pammy Kapoor for designing and executing such a beautiful and meaningful celebration with love, devotion, and grace. To top it all off, a delicious catered meal was professionally arranged and served in the South Hall, leaving everyone fulfilled in body and spirit.