Guru Gobind Singh Foundation 13814 Travilah Road, Rockville, Maryland 20850 (301) 309 9528
Press Release For Immediate Release Washington Sikhs pay tributes to Guru Arjan, who faught for the downtrodden and included hymns of saints like Ravi Dass in the Sikh scriptures - The Guru whose 400th Martyrdom Anniversary being marked this year Washington, February 13, 2006 - Over three hundred Sikhs reflected on the hymns and life of Guru Arjan Dev ji in an event to mark the 400th anniversary of his martyrdom in the newly inaugurated gurdwara in the nation's capital. This was the launch of a six month program by Guru Gobind Singh Foundation to mark this anniversary which will be observed worldwide by Sikhs from June 16- 18 this year. He was executed by the Mughal ruler, Jahangir in 1606 in Lahore, Pakistan. The fifth successor of Guru Nanak, Guru Arjan Dev, is credited for giving the infant Sikh religion a strong footing. During his Guru period, he constructed the Harmandar Sahib which is popularly known as the Golden Temple, in Amritsar and compiled the Sikh scriptures Guru Granth Sahib. Jahangir (_1569_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1569) -_1609_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1609) ), according to his own autobiography, ordered the execution of the Guru and gave orders to torture and kill the Sikh Guru. Guru never uttered a word of protest against his own torture and asked his followers to learn the lesson of showing perseverance in the face of great adversity. Sikhs revere the Guru deeply and believe that he gave his life for the cause of bringing humanity close to God and to each other. He is the first Sikh martyr and perhaps the first and the most famous martyr of India who willingly gave his life. Sikhs from all over world will be observing this anniversary in June but already major plans have been drawn to have events in Lahore, Pakistan, and Amritsar. Pakistan Gurdwara committee, in collaboration with Pakistan Government, SGPC, Akali Dal and the Punjab and Union Government are planning various programs. The current atmosphere of friendly relations among both India and Pakistan, surely will draw masses of Sikhs to visit Lahore to pay respects to the Guru at the Dehra Sahib Gurdwara which was the site of his execution located next to famous fort built by the Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Guru Arjan completed the monumental task of the compilation of the Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib in 1604 and installed it in the Golden Temple. He himself wrote over 2000 hymns in the Sikh Scriptures. His hymns reflect deep spiritual yearning for God and inspiration to create harmonial society. He also founded several Northern Indian cities and towns. It was during his period that Amritsar became more populous and the most important religious and trade center of Northern India. He also founded many senior centers and virtually handled the major crisis of plague in Lahore and relieved suffering population in the absence of Government operation. He had gained popularity among the poor and under privileged sections of both Hindu and Muslim populations. To strengthen the interfaith bonds further, he had Mian Mir, a highly revered Sufi Muslim saint, lay the foundation stone of the Golden Temple in 1598. This is perhaps the first interfaith move in World's religious history. Guru's popularity and his ability to mobilize masses was noticed by Jahangir who had felt threatened. Akbar, Jahangir's father, had cordial relations with Sikh Gurus. Jahangir had mentioned his intentions to kill Guru Arjan Dev in his memoirs known as Tuzk-e-Jahangiri. Guru Gobind Singh Foundation has launched 10 sessions on the reflection on the religious hymns of Guru Arjan Dev ji and his life and message. The first session was inaugurated by the former Granthi of Harmander Sahib, Giani Jagtar Singh Jachak, who elaborated on the life of the Guru. He also made the congregation of 300 people repeat after him some of the most popular hymns of the Guru. He appreciated GGSF for organizing this program and said, "We Sikhs need to have more meaningful observation and not forget the message of his Gurbani. We need to live our lives according to his message which would surely connect us with our Creator." Jagtar Singh Jachak In the more interactive session over 80 people asked questions on the meaning of some of the hymns written by the Guru. Bhai Gurdarshan Singh, Granthi of GGSF, a scholar of Gurbani himself, translated some of the hymns which are written in Sanskrit language by the Guru. GGSF is also planning other events related to this anniversary. Gurdwaras of Metropolitan Washington are also contemplating a joint event to mark this historical day. >From left to right - Dr. Harminder Kaur Mangat, Dr. Rajwant Singh, Harjap Singh Riyait, Giani Jagtar Singh Jachak, Bhai Gurdarshan Singh, Rajinder Pal Singh and Sarabjit Singh Sidhu after the interactive session Dr. Rajwant Singh, Executive Director of GGSF, said, "Guru Arjan Dev ji was a manifestation of peace and love of God for the entire humanity and it is our responsibility to let other people know about this Divine teacher. He not only lived an extraordinary life but also in died in supreme sacrifice. Many young people can find direction for their own life from Guru Arjan Dev ji." Harjap Singh Riyait, who coordinated the program, said, "We as a community are indebted to Guru Arjan Dev ji and his life gives us inspiration to find deeper meaning in our lives." GGSF will hold consecutive sessions every other week leading until the major event in June. Directions for the Gurdwara Sahib: From 495 Beltway, take 270 North, take Exit 6B for Rt 28 West, turn left at Darnestown Road, turn left at Travilah Road, go two miles and the gurdwara will be at your right. Ranjit Singh (703-354-5419) Amrit Kaur (703-802-0114) Dr. Rajwant Singh (301-294-7886) Harminder Singh Jassal (703-503-9678) Guru Gobind Singh Foundation 13814 Travilah Road, Rockville, Maryland 20850 (301) 309 9528 About GGSF: Guru Gobind Singh Foundation (GGSF) is a Gurdwara that is a Spiritual Center, an institution with a vision to create world wide awareness regarding Sikhs and Sikhism- the world’s 5th largest religion. Since its very inception in 1985, GGSF’s mission has been to enhance the image of Sikhs thru every possible channel and bring them into the mainstream. It has provided the representation to the Sikh community in various platforms in myriad ways. It has consistently worked to create awareness among Americans at large regarding Sikhs and Sikhism. It has been invited, time and again, to the White House and other governmental agencies, regarding the issues concerning the Sikhs in America. Apart from regular Sunday diwans, it conducts Gurmat and Punjabi classes, in addition, to Kirtan classes in Washington metro area. Its annual summer camps are immensely popular among the youth. The new facility of the gurdwara Sahib of GGSF was inaugurated on October 2nd and that will increase its diverse activities manifold. �������������������������������������������������������� This is ZESTCaste whose members watch India's painful journey to society's de-casteisation. Members are encouraged to post messages to [email protected] If you got this mail as a forward, subscribe to ZESTCaste by sending a blank mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] OR, if you have a Yahoo! ID, by visiting http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ZESTCaste/join Get all ZESTCaste mails sent out in a span of 24 hours in a single mail. 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