Ontario Sikh Youth - UPDATES

..::Post Report::.. - WaterloSSA Sikh Youth Camp July 2006

2006-07-24T18:03:00.000-07:00

Vaahegurooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaahegurooo ji ki fatehhh !!

(Before we start this email, we apologize if there are any mistakes in writing this email ... bhul chukaa maaph!)

WATERLOOSSA SIKH YOUTH CAMP JULY 2006 …in three words … A GREAT Success !!

We personally thank all participants, all sevadars and councellors, all generous donators, all the community members and EVERYBODY else that somehow contributed to this wonderful 3 day camp !!!

Honestly, no one wanted it to end, it felt just right. Everyone felt it was home simply because it was fully at the gurdwara sahib, with guru sahib! All 3 days evolving around guru ji, PRICELESS! There were about close to 70-80 kids in total with over 25-30 sevadars and councellors. All together, the numbers were over 100! For a small community such as kitchener/waterloo, this was UNBELIEVABLE and the kids just LOVED IT!

(The following is a small outline, we may miss something big or small trying to remember all the activities that were done throughout the day. We apologize if anything was left out)

Day 1 - Friday

All the kids arrived bright and early at 10am with 3-4 organizers coming in and help setting up with opening icebreakers/introductions and activities for the kids. More sevadars/councellors and participants and also kids start coming in throughout the day.

Our first event with the kids was a game called SIKH-tionary, where one team draws something related to sikhi and the team needs to guess what it is in a time frame to get a point. We had pizza for lunch to start off, with a break and soccer for the kids. WOW, it was like the whole khalsa army playing soccer out there. Having fun with those kids was just amaazing. The end score was 3-2 but the judges ruled that Jaspaul Singh was 'out of bounds' when he scored the winning goal after a nice play by Jagdish Singh. So the judges ruled it was a tie game! Then we came back in and had a break.

We think no kid will forget Randip bhaaji and his great inspirational discussions with the kids. The kids absolutely loved him. He was famous for his simran with the kids, which every kid just loved. Repeated so lovingly, and with full concentration.

The bani that was used for the camp was..
mehelaa 4
gur sathigur kaa jo sikh akhaaeae s bhulukae outh har naam dhiaavai
oudhum kurae bhulukae purubhaathee eisunaan kurae anmrith sar naavai
oupudhaes guroo har har jup jaapai sabh kilavikh paap dhokh lehi jaavai
fir churrai dhivus gurubaanee gaavai behadhiaa outhadhiaa har naam dhiaavai
jo saas giraas dhiaaeae maeraa har har so gurasikh guroo man bhaavai
jis no dhaeiaal hovai maeraa suaamee this gurasikh guroo oupudhaes sunaavai
jun naanuk dhoorr mungai this gurasikh kee jo aap jupai avureh naam jupaavai

It was repeated over and over again throughout the camp until the kids knew what it meant. They loved it!

Arts and Crafts time with the kids where the kids got a plain white tshirt and drew sikhi related stuff on them with markers, cut/paste materials, and they were simply astonishing!! One of a kind artists!!

Then it was time for simran/rehiras and kirtan. One thing we have to say is that the kids loved kirtan time. EVERYONE of them sang with everyone and it was just soo amaazing guru kirpaa naal! We ended with langar.

10pm, we all started getting to bed.

Day 2 - Saturday

3AM wake up call!!

We were aware it was a big responsibility expecially sleeping at gurdwara sahib. The singhs were sleeping on the main floor with the main councellors sleeping on the entrances of the rooms and the bibian on the top floor with the entrances blocked. There were about 15 guys and 15 bibian sleeping at the gurdwara sahib with one bathroom each so it was a mission for everyone to get ready for amritvela. It was really unbelievable to see little kids getting up on the first call and be ready for amritvela. We had nitnem, simran and even asa di vaar on the first day! It was great to see all the kids sitting together and singing guru jis praises. Cereal for breakfast and then a small break with ALOO VALAI PARAONTAI !! HMMMM SOOO GOOD!!

We thank Sukhsehj bhenji for coming in doing a discussion group exercises with the kids, the kids simply loved her. Her encouragement on the girls of the camp was needed and the kids will not forget her sweet and inspiring words. She introduced a theme of winning 'vouchers' for the kids. If they do something good to earn something like though seva, or answer a question during discussion, they were given vouchers and told by collecting vouchers they will be given prizes at the end of the camp!

Then it was time for another break. These were little kids from ages 6-18 so we gave them more breaks then usual :). We had langar for lunch, follow with some fun activites with the kids. The kids really had a good time tackling down Jaspaul Singh for no reason, hahahah!

We thank Harmanpreet Singh veerji who came all the way from Toronto to do a little seminar with the kids which included a short video on discrimination of sikhi, discussion on such topic and then followed by a video "Rise of Khalsa". Some kids fell asleep, some watched the video and some had freetime outside (we dont blame them as some sevadars took naps as well) hehe.

Then it was finally time for simran. This time it was the little kids that joined in for simran and they were absolutely amaazing! Some did simran they never ever touched a vaja before. Some did it and were taught by lending hands by sevadars sitting beside them and did simran! It was really amaazing. Rehiras sahib followed by kirtan. Nehee Choudhun re babaa raaam naaam .... wow kids you guys were LOUD! Then we had a treat for the kids including gurdwara made pasta salad and sholai pooriaa. Kids loved it!

It was close to 9pm when we had another treat for everyone which was a CAMPFIRE. Aside from billions of musquitos running around for our blood, none of us can forget the words of veer Randip Singh around the campfire explaining the meanings of the shabad that everyone just sang together.

Then close to 10:30pm, it was sleep time.

Day 3 - Sunday

3AM wake up call!

We believe everybody including all the kids got up and did nitnem together. Along with simran for a full hour and a half. It was really something for the kids. Amritvela is really the blessed hours of the day! Even simran sessions with Randip paaji the small kids described as peaceful, calm, and even being happy! hehe.

Then we had langar with the kids followed with free time. The kids challenged the elders to a 'friendly' game of basketball. It was bibi Sarbjot Kaur vs bhai Randip Singh. The challenge was if the kids win they get to do whatever they want, and if the organizers win they get to tell the kids what they have to do. Both sides were trying to score but it seemed like the elders had some trouble keeping up with them kids. After a controversial game, the kids did lose 15-14, but it was a hard faught game for both sides. The kids were awesome! Thanks to Dilbar Singh and Navroop Singh for the 'water full of jug' ..hehe.

We came back inside and had another discussion session with veer Randip Singh. "mehelaa 4 .. gur satgur kaa.." Free time was again given to kids after a warming discussion with singh ji. They finished off their tshirts. WOW, we have to say they are awesome designers.

Around 11AM we decided to take all the kids outside for another surprise! It was "Pinyaata" time (if that is how you spell it) and voucher prizes. Kids loved it again! At the end of it, the "Pinyaata", which was of 'winnie the poo' was sliced by the head in gatka moves. Pretty fun and enjoying by the kids. They were given chances by age groups and by answering question by the sevadars. At the end everyone got equal prizes and explain that the voucher idea was just to encourage kids to get involved in seva. And sevadars explained the theme about Haumai (ego) that we should strive to get away from that.

We all went inside to have another mixed vegetable stir/pasta servings with juice and watermelon! Again, it was SOOO delicious. Great thanks to the auntian, veers, bhenjis that helped with the cooking in the kitchen for the kids!

And to end it all off, we began the kirtan darbar for the kids at roughly 1245 and ended around 530pm. All the kids got a chance to do kirtan. Even ones that didnt ever do kirtan before either in sangat or nothing period were given a chance and encouraged by sitting with them and helping them play the vaja while the rest of the sangat helped them sing together! EVERYONE was singing! The kirtan itself was beautiful and pumping. Waterloo sangat ROCKS!

To end this never ending email, we would like to give out thanks to all the sangat locally and by far that came out and put in their two cents towards the camp. We love you all !!! Sevadars from York University, Western University, University of Toronto (scarborough/mississauga), Laurier University, Sheridan College and even high school students were all there!

We thank you all!

We ask for any lack of discipline, mistakes we may have caused during the camp and we ask forgiveness. Bhul chukaa maaph jio!

Departing from them was the most depressing moment of many kids/sevadars/auntian/uncles. Everyone encouraged that this must be done more often, because the kids are our future and they need to be given these oppurtunities instead of going to parties, clubs etx. If we can get to them now, it may change their lives forever. We MUST take actions now. We encourage everyone that from whereever you are, please get involved in these sevas. Or if there arnt anything like this, take the seva yourselves! With guru jis kirpa everything falls in positively!

Sevadars will be getting up all PICS and RECORDINGS up on ONTARIOSIKHYOUTH.CA real soon, so please keep tuned! OSY.CA sevadars are currently upgrading servers and switching their whole database so they have told us to let sangat know to be patient! :)

WATERLOOSSA.COM COMING SOOON !! PLEASE STAY TUNED !!

Vaahegurooo ji bless you all and hope in guru jis baana we can do another camp like this in the future! Please forward out to anyone we may have missed and to your lists to encourage others to come out for next time!

JOOO BOLAAAI SOOOO NIHAAAAAALL ..

SATTTT SRIIIII AKAAAAAAAAALL !!!!!!

VAAAAHEGUROOOO JI K A KHALSAAAA, VAAAAAHEGUROOOO JI KI FATEHHHHHHH !!!

Still uploading/upgrading..

2006-07-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

Vaahegurooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaahegurooo ji ki fatehhh

We apologize but due to time shortage and slow internet connections we are trying our best to upload all the files back up on the site! It is taking us more time then expected please stay tuned and we promise everything will be back up including MORE files coming soon expecially from the recent WATERLOOSSA SIKH YOUTH CAMP !!

bhul chukaa maaaph!

daas,

Vaahegurooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaaheguroo ji ki fatehh

Upgrading Servers!

2006-07-17T20:20:00.000-07:00

Vaahegurooo ji ka khalsa, Vaahegurooo ji ki fatehhhh

OSY.ca will be down for a day or two due to server upgrades! We are moving to a new and better server with more space, so watch out for more surprises!! :)

Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause...bhul chuk muaf!

Vaaaheguroo ji ka khalsa, Vaaaahegurooo ji ki fatehhhh

Toronto Sanjha Samagam - August 24-27

2006-07-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

(from email source)

Vaheguru Jee Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Jee Kee Fateh!!

As many of you have been hearing, there will be a Sanjha Samagam in Toronto this summer. Lets take this opportunity to unite as one panth and sing the Glorious Praises of our Guru. Inspired by our brothers and sisters in the UK, Toronto Sangat requests your presence at this all-inspiring Keertan Samagam. This will be Toronto's first ever Sanjha Samagam, so lets make it a program to remember! There will be sangataa from all over the WORLD attending this samagam, so please do NOT miss this opportunity to join in SAADH SANGAT! ALL accommodations for outside sangat WILL be taken care of. Please do not hesitate to contact sevadars for any questions/comments/concerns. We hope to be blessed with the presence of all the Sangat!!

Chardi Kalaa!!

Vaheguru Jee Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Jee Kee Fateh!!

GGSCF Annual Run

2006-07-16T07:53:00.000-07:00

Vaaheguroo jee kaa khaalsaa, Vaaheguroo jee kee fateh!

The Guru Gobind Singh Children's Foundation is having their annual run this august, below are more details of the run:

The objectives of this event are:
• To be a challenge to those children and youth that take part, be something they remember with pride and instil the value of team work and community service.
• The GGSCF slogan is “…children helping children…” the participants will collect pledges that will be used to sponsor children in developing countries. This will be through charities like Foster Parents Plan and other charities that carry out similar work. Fund raising target is $15,000.

Route & Date:
This year the relay run will take place on Sunday August 20th, 2006. The run will start at Scarborough Gurdwara and finish in Sikh Heritage Center (Mayfield) Gurdawara. We will be passing through many other Gurdwaras such as Ramgarhia, North York, Rexdale, Malton, Brampton, Dixie and Mississauga.

All those wishing to run should be between 6 to 18 years old. Organizers may make exceptions to the age limit. A registration fee of $10 is required for all participants. Registration forms will be received by August 6th, 2006 (or when number limits have been met as we can only transport limited number of participants).

LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!
Due to the venue and the logistics of transportation, the number of participants and volunteers will be capped at 120. There will be a list kept of all registrations on a first come basis and a backup list after the numbers have been exceeded incase someone cancels. Those under 18 must have the registration form signed by their parents. If numbers exceed those that can be accommodated the organizers will limit participation even if individuals have registered before the deadline so early registration is recommended. Detail instructions will be issued to participants after the registration deadline and a pre-event meeting will be held to explain logistics to parents and volunteers. All transport arrangements will be made between Scarborough and Mayfield.

Parents/older youth (18+) that are willing to help the children and youth successfully complete this project should also complete the first part of the registration form as a sign of commitment and indicate any areas they can help in. The volunteers chosen will be on a first come basis and upon the responsibility they will be assigned and previous experience.

Vaaheguroo jee kaa khaalsaa, Vaaheguroo jee kee fateh!

Post-Trip

2006-07-12T07:12:00.000-07:00

Vaaheguroo jee kaa khalsaa, Vaaheguroo jee kee fateh!!

I think everyone who went will agree that it was an un-forgettible time. Ahhhhh memories, but it was such a wicked time with all my veerjis and bhainjees!!!! I'm so glad to have found people whom I can relate to and connect with, couldn't ask for anything better. Anyways, you can't really capture the entire experience in a few words, but we started out @ the park, it rained like anything, so we tried to find any space we could to avoid getting soaked. Some rides were in the works like bumper cars, on which we kept riding and crashing, who knew bumping cars can be so much fun, lol.

After that and a few other rides, the rain started dying down, and we headed off to them roller coasters, personally never being to one in over 6 years so I thought I was gonna barf. Anyways, no barf (thankfully) and a few water bottles later, the rain poured like anything, but we were stuck with no place to hide, hahahaahah, so we're like what the heck just run, and that was probably the best part of the day, after getting completely soaked we had no problem going on any water rides!!! Otherwise you're always worried about bringing your swimming clothes, extra socks, blah, blah, blah. Soooo, went on some of the water rides, met some very interesting people, I don't think any of us remember shutting up for a second it was one funny thing after another, either we were making fun of each other or of the indian and chinese accents in the booths and of people operating the rides, and the ticket person named 'HANJEEEE'. :D

At the end of the trip I think everyone liked the fact that it rained, which made it easier for everyone to go on the water slides, which you have to go on, even if it don't rain, hahaha. Anywho, everything went well, for all who missed out, hmmm what can I say, suckaaaa, maybe next time.

Vaaheguroo jee kaa khalsaa, Vaaheguroo jee kee fateh!!

*Note: Some of the views on the blog are of the youth and their experiences on certain events, not necessarily of the admin team. If you also went and want your post up please click on the comments section and add to it. If you missed out then attend trip on Saturday, being organized by COSS, alot of us couldn't go on saturday because of work, etc. so we picked a day that suited everyone's schedule.

Updates!

2006-07-11T23:55:00.000-07:00

Vaahegurooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaahegurooo ji ki fatehhh

This week we have a lot more updates for sangataan!

Pics from the recent WONDERLAND trip have been added in the PHOTOS section:
http://www.ontariosikhyouth.ca/photos/thumbnails.php?album=66

Simran from Dixie on Tuesdays have been added for this week:
http://www.ontariosikhyouth.ca/keertan/andromeda.php?q=f&f=%2FSimran

A live kirtan recording of Bhai Avtar Singh Jis recent visit to Toronto have been added from popular demand! If anyone else has recordings for Bhai Sahib ji from the other days he was here, please send and we can host it for you:
http://www.ontariosikhyouth.ca/keertan/andromeda.php?q=f&f=%2FMiscellaneous+Keertan+Files%2FOther

Evening Weekend Sangat on Saturday recordings from two weeks ago:
http://www.ontariosikhyouth.ca/keertan/andromeda.php?q=f&f=%2FMiscellaneous+Keertan+Files%2FJuly+2006%2FEvening+Weekend+Sangat+-+Saturday

daas,

WATERLOOSSA PRESENTS: SIKH YOUTH CAMP!

2006-06-30T22:48:00.000-07:00

Vaahegurooo ji ka khalsaa, Vaaaheguroooo ji ki fatehhhh

WATERLOOSSA PRESENTS:

SIKH YOUTH CAMP 2006
JULY 21-23
KITCHENER GURUGHAR
For ages 6-18

There will be Sports, Gurbani Vichaar, Keertan Classes, Gatka, and MUCH MUCH MORE! It will be a sleepover camp, and there are LIMITED spots available.

PLEASE CONTACT WATERLOOSSA:
at uwssa@yahoo.com by JULY 7,
to get your name on their list TODAY!

CAMP SEVADARS/COUNSELLORS ALSO NEEDED!!

To obtain an application form for either involvement in the camp or as a sevadar/councellor, please email uwssa@yahoo.com!
ALL APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY JULY 7 !!!

Please help us spread the word!

For more information contact waterloossa via
Email: uwssa@yahoo.com
Phone: Mandeep Kaur – (519) 590 – 8562
Tanveer Kaur – (519) 591 – 5414
Jaspaul Singh – (416) 953 – 5051

Please view and fwd the attached posters to all friends and family.

Daas,

Monday, June 26, 2006

2006-06-25T23:25:00.000-07:00

Vaahegurooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaahegurooo ji ki fatehhh!

We have added a lot more things for the sangat this week including:

- Erindale Park Mississauaga Family Picnic PICS are now up(over 100 people came out to a fun day of sports, vege-burger bbq, kirtan and vichaar!)

- Recordings from the kirtan done by youth at the picnic, which was done outside in the open, are also now up!

- Save DARFUR event, www.sikhsagainstgenocide.com, which was this weekend @ Rexdale Gurughar was also a successful well organized event put together by a variety of active organizations. Some pics have been added up for sangataan!

Stay tuned for more weekly updates,

Vaahegurooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaahegurooo ji ki fatehhh!

Thursday, June 22, 2006

2006-06-22T17:01:00.000-07:00

Saadh Sangat jee,

The EVENTS section has been installed and events have been added, lets keep the calendar full of exciting events this summer. Depending how the picnic goes maybe we can organize more events either for paintballing, a trip to wonderland, lasertag, or bowling, you can leave your feedback in the comments section.

Website modifications @ OSY.ca:
- Gurbani added on bottom of page
- Akhand Jaap 2006 photos/keertan added
- A pop-up linked to the blog added

Daas

..more updates !!

2006-06-18T22:16:00.000-07:00

Vaaahegurooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaahegurooo ji ki fatehhh

Firstly we apologize for a late update!

All pics and recordings from the recent AKJ raensabayee @ kitchener gurughar are now up as per sangats request. It was such an amaazing raensabayee guru kirpa naal, please enjoy!
http://www.ontariosikhyouth.ca/keertan/andromeda.php?q=f&f=%2FMiscellaneous+Keertan+Files%2FJune+2006%2FAkhand+Kirtan+Raensabayee+Kitchener+-+June+10

AKHAND JAAP which happened this past weekend, was also guru kirpa naal fabulous! Sevadars put in a lot of effort and time into this program and hence we got a amaazing beautiful night filled with love in the air!

Pictures from the AKHAND JAAP are now up, recordings are soon to be followed! www.sikhstudents.ca will also have them up!
http://www.ontariosikhyouth.ca/photos/thumbnails.php?album=63

More kirtan files are soon to be added as well including last weeks simran files, and much much more! To view previous simran files, heres the link!

daas,

MORE updates !!

2006-06-06T21:43:00.000-07:00

Vaahegurooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaheguroo ji ki fatehhh

Its a great week for kirtan lovers ! :)

This weeks Tuesday Dixie Simran has been added !
http://www.ontariosikhyouth.ca/keertan/andromeda.php?q=f&f=%2FSimran

Kuldev Singhs House Kirtan program in Pittsburgh has also been added. An amaazing program guru kirpa naal, a MUST hear!
http://www.ontariosikhyouth.ca/keertan/andromeda.php?q=f&f=%2FMiscellaneous+Keertan+Files%2FJune+2006%2FKuldev+Singhs+House+Keertan+Pittsburgh

And lastly but not least, on sunday it was the Grand Opening of the new YUDH GATKA AKHARA!! From the pics it looked like a great opening. Thanks to sevadars we can share the pics with the sangat! :)
http://www.ontariosikhyouth.ca/photos/thumbnails.php?album=61

Enjoy !

daas

NEW UPDATES

2006-06-05T23:05:00.000-07:00

Vaaheguroo ji ka khalsa, Vaaahegurooo ji ki fatehhhh

More new files have been added into the KEERTAN section of the site !

Simran files from last weeks TUESDAY SIMRAN AT DIXIE have been added, along with Akhand Kirtan from Malton Gurughar last saturday has also been added! Everyone MUST listen, it is truly mind blowing keertan/simran!

If anyone hasnt yet viewed all pics along with other older kirtan files, please do so! We guarantee its something to experience live in person !

AKHAND JAAP JUNE 17th @ DIXIE is next on the youth list !

daas,

2006-05-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

Stop Genocide Save Darfur

"We Should Feel Sad If Someone Dies of Injustice" - Guru Arjan Dev Ji

Sunday June 25

2:30pm – 5:30pm

Sikh Spiritual Center

9 Carrier Dr., Rexdale, Ontario

Program Includes: Raag Keertan, Eye Witness Accounts, Recently filmed video from Darfur, Presentation by Amnesty International and C.A.S.T.S. and Human Rights Booths

Website: http://www.SikhsAgainstGenocide.com

Email: SikhsAgainstGenocide@Gmail.com

Genocide has been defined as the "Deliberate and systematic destruction of a Racial, Political, or cultural group". The Sikhs have experienced three major genocidal massacres from 1764 to 1984. In India, there is a history of major human rights violations against Dalits ("untouchables"), Tribals, Women, Sikhs, Muslims, and Christians.

With this in mind, let us stand up to injustice and 'Rekindle The Spirit' of our Guru's. On June 25, 2006, @ Sikh Spiritual Center, Rexdale from 2:30 – 5:30pm the Sikh community along with Amnesty International and C.A.S.T.S. (Canadians Against Slavery and Torture in Sudan) will come together to show our support to the people of Darfur.

In Darfur over 2 million people are homeless and some estimate 10,000 people are dying each month. Women are being raped, people abducted, families savagely killed, and villages burnt to the ground. Those who escape these atrocities are forced to congregate in overcrowded disease ridden camps. It is up to us to help those in need.

Toronto Akhand Jaap - Saturday June 17th @ Dixie !

2006-05-30T14:05:00.000-07:00

Vaaaheguroooo Ji Ka Khaaalsa
Vaaahegurooooo Ji Ki Faaatehhhh

(**NOTE TIME/PLACE CHANGE**)

Vaahegurooo jio ..

IN LOVING MEMORY OF DHAN DHAN SRI GURU ARJUN DEV JIS 400th SHAHEEDI DIWAAS & MARTYRS of 1984..

On SATURDAY JUNE 17th, there will be an AKHAND JAAP @ DIXIE GURUGHAR IN HALL 5!!

REHRAAS SAHIB -- 6pm
SIMRAN -- 7pm

All sanagaataaan from far and wide are humbly invited to join the Toronto Youth for a night to remember the sacrifice of our 5th Guru Ji. Any sort of living/transportation arrangements can be taken care by the contacts on the poster via phone or email.

For any other information regarding the event please contact Sevadaars on the Poster!!

VAAAHEEGUROOOOO !!

COSS SEVADARS

Ontario Sikh community loses founding member!

2006-05-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

(From SS NEWS)

http://www.sikhsangat.org/publish/article_1049.shtml

Ontario Sikh community loses founding member
By SSNews, therecord
May 23, 2006, 17:42

To the province's Sikh community, he was a pioneer. Kuldeep Singh Chhatwal was the first Sikh to move his family into Ontario in the 1950s.

In the 1960s, the Kitchener resident was a founding member of the local Golden Triangle Sikh Association. In the 1970s, he helped establish the first Sikh temple in Toronto and in the 1980s, he did the same in Kitchener.

Chhatwal succumbed to cancer last week at 85 years old.

"By the time he died, he was considered the godfather of our community in Ontario," Kan, 58, said. "He was a very gentle man and a spiritual man."

Chhatwal came to Toronto ahead of his family in 1953, wearing his turban and a long beard.
At the time, people weren't used to seeing a man in a turban and they were reluctant to hire him, Kan said.

It wasn't until Chhatwal shaved his beard and took off the turban that he found a job as an electrical engineer, Kan said.

"He never held a grudge," he said. "That was just part of life."

But the experience motivated Chhatwal to help other new Canadians adjust to their surroundings. Chhatwal's extensive community involvement included providing refugee services through the Kitchener Waterloo Multicultural Centre.

He was also a long-time member of the Liberal Party, the Kitchener Waterloo Kiwanis Club and the Waterloo Regional Police Citizen Advisory Board.

Police chief Larry Gravel described Chhatwal as "a community leader and visionary who devoted his life to helping others throughout Waterloo Region."

"He had a tremendous impact on our Police Service and community," Gravill said in an e-mail.
"Kuldeep's accomplishments will be a part of our community history forever, and his actions will serve as a model for all to follow."

Chhatwal also fostered religious understanding through his work for Interfaith Grand River.

Chattar Ahuja, president of the Golden Triangle Sikh Association, said Chhatwal's charm and respect for people of all faiths and races were some of his greatest strengths.

"He was a caring person," Ahuja said. "People respected him and looked up to him as a leader."
Chhatwal moved to Kitchener from Toronto in the early 1960s.

He was trained as an engineer but spent his career in sales, first for encyclopedia-giant Britannica Foundation, and then for Pitney Bowes Canada, an office equipment company.

Kan Chhatwal said sales appealed to his father because it meant he was always meeting people.

"He was a very social person," he said. "He would establish an immediate and genuine connection."

When he working for the community or visiting friends and family, Chhatwal would focus on poetry. Kan said his father appreciated all kinds of poetry but it was verse in Urdu, an ancient language, that he liked the most.

Ahuja said that for all of Chhatwal's wisdom, he was funny and down to earth. His passing is a loss for the community, Ahuja said.

"It's a big loss for me," Ahuja said. "I always looked up to him for guidance and courage.
"He was my guiding light."

Anyone wishing to make a donation in Chhatwal's honour is asked to consider a contribution to the Golden Triangle Sikh Association or Lisaard House.

RyeronSSA Raag Kirtan Darbar !

2006-05-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

Vaaaheguroooo ji ka khaaalsaaa, Vaaaaheguroooo ji ki fatehhh

All recordings are now up for sangat to download in the KEERTAN section ! :)

daas,

RYERSONSSA RAAG KD/PAINTBALLING PICS UP!!

2006-05-21T22:59:00.000-07:00

Vaaaheguroooo Jiii Kaaa Khaaalsa, Vaaaahegurooooo Jii Kii Faaatehhh !!

What a great weekend .. firstly the sangat enjoyed some purataan kirtan done in raag by youth/senior jatha (but all arranged fully by youth from RYERSON.. GREAT JOB DONE !!), and then sangat went to WASAGA PAINTBALLING for some outdoor excitement!

Lets start with the RyersonSSA Raag Kirtan Darbar on Saturday. It was a great success, a lot of sangat came out and there were a variety of youth jathay and also senior jathay. Many purataaan instruments were used. We apologize for the quality of the pictures, they werent set accordingly to get the best picture quality.

The next day, it was time for Paintballing. It was great fun and everyone enjoyed. 35+ people came out, see for yourself what you missed out in the pictures. :)

RyersonSSA recordings will be up by tomorrow night. Bhul Chukaa maaph ..

daas,

Simran

2006-05-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

Vaaaheguroooo Ji Kaa Khaaalsa, Vaaaheguroooo Ji Kii Faatehhh !!

This weeks Tuesday Simran files having been added for sangaataan in the KEERTAN section in the SIMRAN folder. :)

Also all OTTAWA RECORDINGS from the YKD are now all up!

daas,

Ottawa YKD Pics/Recordings !!

2006-05-14T23:54:00.000-07:00

Vaaahegurooo ji ka khalsaa, Vaaahegurooo ji ki fatehhh !

Sevadars have now uploaded all pics from this weekends OTTAWA YKD ! They are viewable in the 2006 section of Keertan Darbars in the PHOTOS link. Heres the link:

http://www.ontariosikhyouth.ca/photos/thumbnails.php?album=58

Overall the YKD was a amaazing success with guru jis kirpa. Sangat came from far and wide. Thanks to the ottawa sevadars, sangat from Toronto was given a bus which they enjoyed all the way there either doing simran, kirtan or gursikhi vichaar all the way to ottawa! May vaahegurooo ji bless us with more chardi kala YKD's such as this one and continued blessing from guru ji to stay on this beautiful sikhi path!

They even packed everyone snacks to go along with on the long ride back! DHAN GURU DHAN GURU PYAREY!

All recordings will be up by monday night ! :)

Keep in chardi kala everyone!

daas,

NEW Recordings ..

2006-05-10T23:59:00.000-07:00

Vaaahegurooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaaaheguroooo ji ki fatehhhh

This week sevadars have added a lot of new recordings ..

Saturday Evening Akhand Kirtan on April 29th ..

http://www.ontariosikhyouth.ca/keertan/andromeda.php?q=f&f=%2FMiscellaneous+Keertan+Files%2FApril+2006%2FSaturday+Evening+Akhand+Kirtan+-+April+29th

Sunday Evening Sangat at Dashmesh Darbar on May 7th ..

http://www.ontariosikhyouth.ca/keertan/andromeda.php?q=f&f=%2FMiscellaneous+Keertan+Files%2FMay+2006%2FDashmesh+Darbar+-+May+7th

Last week Friday Simran file has been added in the SIMRAN folder.. this week we apologize but their were some technical difficulties and we were unable to record this weeks tuesday simran..

bhula chuka maph!

daas,

Site is down today ..

2006-05-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

Vaaaheguroooo jio ..

We apologize but our server/site is down today, we hope to get it back up and running by tomorrow. Guru kirpa kaarn .. we will keep everyone uptodate here..

daas,

**ADMIN NOTE**: Site has been fixed and its back up and running ! Bhul chuk maaph ..
(Edited, May 5 @ 12:05pm)

Essay Marathon ! SIMRAN Files added !

2006-05-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

Vaaahegurooooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaaahegurooooo ji ki fatehhhhh

Every two weeks or so, sevadars do seva of essay marathon where sangataan submit in essays on specific essays topics. Everyone please contribute, as you may learn something new or could inspire someone else to come more into sikhi :) Heres the link:

http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=18391

Also this weeks DIXIE TUESDAY SIMRAN files have been added in the SIMRAN folder.

daas,

PAINTBALLING

2006-05-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

Vahegurooo jio ..

Everyone is invited to come PAINTBALLING with us on Sunday,May 21st from 9am - 5pm @ Wasaga. Rides can be arranged.

Please contact Jaspaul Singh for more information!

For prices and paintball prices goto:
http://www.wasagapaintball.on.ca/
$20 per person for admission, all of the required equipment and 50 paintballs.
(Rough estimate per person will be upto $65, or more, depending on how many paintballs you buy!)

Cut off limit is 30! First come, first serve!

daas,

Email: jaspaulgavria@hotmail.com
Phone: (416) 953 - 5051

Downtown Toronto Nagar Keertan Pics are up !

2006-05-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Vaaaheguroooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaaaheguroooo ji ki fatehhhh

Downtown Toronto Nagar Keertan which happened this weekend on sunday april 30th was amaaaazing guru kirpa naal. And to rememeber this great day, daas has put up sangat pics. There were tens of thousands of sangat i dont know exactly but it was surely a record breaking day. SOOO many chardi kala sangataan !

Enjoy the pics :)

daas,

NEW Recordings/Pics

2006-04-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

Vaahegurooooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaaahegurooooo ji ki fatehhhh

A lot more recordings have been added !!

First off, akhand kirtan from sunday have been added in the MISCELLANEOUS KEERTAN FOLDER files under APRIL. Simran files for this week from Tuesday Dixie Simran have been added in the SIMRAN folder.

Pictures from the Malton to Rexdale Nagar Keertan (first of two) have been added in the OTHER folder under 2006 in the PHOTOS section. The weather was very bad, rained all day but sangaatan still came from far and wide.

Downtown Nagar Keertan in Toronto is this weekend (Sunday, April 30th), everyone attend. (More information in the events section) Pictures will be added next week.

daas,

Vaaaheguroooo ji ka khalsaa, Vaaaahegurooooo ji ki fatehhh

NEW Recordings !

2006-04-23T22:11:00.000-07:00

Vaaahegurooo ji ka khalsaaa, Vaaaheguroooooo ji ki fatehhh !

New recordings have been added. Two new simran files have been added to the Simran folder. These are from Tuesday Evening Simran at Dixie.

5 new files of bhenji Pushpinder ji from India have been added in the Miscellaneous Kirtan Folder in OTHER on sangats request. Bhenji is from india and is only 16 yrs of age, and her kirtan is just soo amaazing, we recommend everyone to hear them !

bhul chuk maph !

daas,

OTTAWA YOUTH KIRTAN DARBAR !!

2006-04-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

Vaaaheguroooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaaaheguroooo ji ki fatehhh

Details are on the poster :)

daas,

Montreal Samagam Recordings !

2006-04-19T15:39:00.000-07:00

Vaaaheguroooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaaaahegurooo ji ki fatehhhh

Vaheguroo jio, montreal recordings are now up, here is the link:

http://www.ontariosikhyouth.ca/keertan/andromeda.php?q=f&f=%2FMiscellaneous+Keertan+Files%2FApril+2006%2FMontreal+Samagam+-+April+13-16

Montreal Samagam was chardi kala, guru kirpa maybe next time more sangat can come. There are always rides available for any samagam/raensbai/kirtan darbar, if you are need of a ride please contact us and we will make arrangements.

bhul chuk maph !

daas,

MORE PICS !

2006-04-18T21:01:00.000-07:00

Vaaaheguroooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaaaheguroooo ji ki fatehhhh

YORK/WATERLOO end of year Paaht Session/Kirtan pics and UTM campus kirtan pics are now up for sangat to view. Just another reason to be involved with your local universities paaht sessions/kirtans/events. For present and future applicants to university, DO get involved with your university SSA's !

daas,

BARSI SAMAAAGAM IN BC !!

2006-04-13T12:32:00.000-07:00

Vaaaahegurooooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaaaaheguroooooo ji ki fatehhhh !!

Vaaaheguroo ji .. book your tickets now..

daas,

LOTS of NEW Recordings Added !!

2006-04-12T20:03:00.000-07:00

Vaaahegurooooo ji ka khalsaaaa, Vaaaaahegurooooo ji ki fatehhhh !!

A lot of new files have been added, 3 kirtan programs in the April section of Miscellaneous Kirtan Folder. Here are the links:

http://www.ontariosikhyouth.ca/keertan/andromeda.php?q=f&f=%2FMiscellaneous+Weekend+Keertan+Files%2FApril+2006%2FAsa+Di+Vaar+Sunday+Morning+-+April+9

http://www.ontariosikhyouth.ca/keertan/andromeda.php?q=f&f=%2FMiscellaneous+Weekend+Keertan+Files%2FApril+2006%2FRexdale+Gurughar+Sangat+-+April+9

http://www.ontariosikhyouth.ca/keertan/andromeda.php?q=f&f=%2FMiscellaneous+Weekend+Keertan+Files%2FApril+2006%2FTuesday+Afternoon+Dixie+Kirtan+-+April+11

And of course every week, tuesday simran files are added. Heres the link for that:

http://www.ontariosikhyouth.ca/keertan/andromeda.php?q=f&f=%2FSimran

Enjoy ! :)

daas,

NAAM SIMRAN !

2006-04-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

Vaaaahegurrroooo ji ka khalsaaa, Vaaaahegurooooo ji ki fatehhh !

Daas has put together a informative post to inform sangat about all naam simran programs at local gurdwaras across ontario. If daas has missed one please forgive, as we only know of the main ones. If there are more please do inform us. Please also forgive on any inaccuracy on times/days.

DIXIE GURUGHAR (Dixie/Derry, Mississauga):

Tuesday - (5:45-8:15pm)
Thursday - (5:45-8:15pm)
Friday - (8:30-9:00pm)
Saturday/Sunday - (5:00-6:00am)

JOT PRAKASH GURUGHAR (Williams Pkwy/Sunpac, Brampton):
Tuesday - (6:30-7:30pm)

MALTON GURUGHAR (Airport Rd./MorningStar, Mississauga)
Every Morning - (4:30-5:30am)
Wednesday - (7:00-8:00pm)

GLIDDEN GURUGHAR (Glidden Rd./West Dr.)
Friday - (7:45pm-8:20pm)

DASHMESH DARBAR GURUGHAR (Gore Rd. Plaza, Brampton)
Saturday (4:00-5:00am)

--------------------------------------------------------------------

ang 262
Page 262

asuttupudhee
Ashtapadee:

simuro simar simar sukh paavo
Meditate, meditate, meditate in remembrance of Him, and find peace.

kal kulaes thun maahi mittaavo
Worry and anguish shall be dispelled from your body.

simuro jaas bisunbhur eaekai
Remember in praise the One who pervades the whole Universe.

naam juputh agunuth anaekai
His Name is chanted by countless people, in so many ways.

baedh puraan sinmrith sudhaakhuur
The Vedas, the Puraanas and the Simritees, the purest of utterances,

keenae raam naam eik aakhuur
were created from the One Word of the Name of the Lord.

kinukaa eaek jis jeea busaavai
That one, in whose soul the One Lord dwells

thaa kee mehimaa gunee n aavai
the praises of his glory cannot be recounted.

kaakhee eaekai dhurus thuhaaro
Those who yearn only for the blessing of Your Darshan

naanuk oun sung mohi oudhaaro
- Nanak: save me along with them! 1

Vaaaahegurooooo .. simran is very important, please spread the word to all family, friends, people you dont even know, bring sangat with you the next time you come to simran :)

Please contribute yourselves as well. Send us information on any programs you know at your local gurdwara, community, university/highschool etx.. or just post it yourself in the events section of ontariosikhyouth.ca !

daas,

G-H Sikh Awareness Day !

2006-04-10T20:32:00.000-07:00

Vaaaheguroooo ji ka khalsaaa, Vaaaaheguroooo ji ki fatehhhh

Guelph Humber (on hwy 27 in rexdale, ontario), are having their first sikh awareness day at the G-H atrium. It THIS thursday APRIL 13th, starting at 6PM !! Everyone come out and show your support !

For more information on the event please contact sevadars of Guelph-Humber @
ghssa@uofguelph.ca

daas,

Have any recordings/pictures/articles ?

2006-04-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

Vaahegurooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaahegurooo ji ki fatehhh

If anyone has any personal youth recordings from their local kirtans and or pictures from keertan/sikhi events, and/or sikhi related articles and would like us to host them for you, please get in contact with us at: http://www.ontariosikhyouth.ca/contact/contact.html

daas,

NEW UPDATES - April 6, 2006

2006-04-07T14:54:00.000-07:00

Vaaahegurooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaaheguroooo ji ki fatehhh

New weekend sangat recordings have been added to the miscellaneous weekend kirtan folder, and 2 new simran files have been added to the Simran folder both in the keertan section. :)

daas,

OntarioSikhYouth

2006-04-07T14:20:00.000-07:00

Vaaaheguroooo ji ka khalsa, Vaaaahegurooooo ji ki fatehhhh

OntarioSikhYouth are proud to launch their very own official blog for OntarioSikhYouth.ca !!

Here you will find uptodate changes to the site (ontariosikhyouth.ca), upcoming events, sevaa and much much more !! We encourage everyone to visit at least every other day to keep in touch. Sevadars will be keeping this and the site uptodate everyday !

bhul chuka maph

daas,