WesternSSA IceBreaker 2006

The Western Sikh Students' Association will be running its first meeting this Monday October 2nd, 2006. The meeting will be held in Kresgie 208 and will start at 7:00pm. The meeting will be a short introduction of The Executive Committee, along with some announcements and mixers to get everyone acquainted with one another. If you are aware of anybody that is still interested in signing up, membership WILL still be available. Lastly, we look forward to seeing you all out on Monday night! Oh, and YES there will be free food for Members.

WSSA HOME PAGE

We have had some complaint from some individual who are unable to click on any of the links in the flash intro!

There are TWO reasons!

• either you have been using IE 7.0 which is still a RC1 and not the Final Release.
• or, you have had IE 7.0 and have uninstalled it. Now you are unable to access the flash links from both Firefox and IE 7.0

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you! You are welcome to comment on any other obscure phenomenon you encounter regarding the flash intro. We are students in the learning process. Any mistakes we make, please let us know and we will try to fix them ASAP!

Cheers
Webmaster

Spinning Wheel Film Festival

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As you all know, the Spinning Wheel Films Festival is coming up fast next week. The Canadian Organization of Sikh Students has been able to work alongside SWFF to bring to you, students, a great package in order to attend the event.

SWFF comittee has offered a discount on Student (Weekend) Passes only, for $55, with a valid Student ID. Please take this opportunity and attend the festival as its always a great event, and a worthwhile cause. The original price for Student Passes are $75 - saving $20 for students is definitely worth while.

Please contact WesternSSA and we will be able to provide further details for Pass Pick-up and Payment. The deadline is Wednesday Sept 27, so you need to contact us... NOW!

The 4th Annual
2006 Spinning Wheel Film Festival
A Celebration of Sikh Films

September 29th - October 1st 2006

Isabel Bader Theatre
93 Charles St. West
Toronto, Canada

For tickets, schedules or more information:

Visit: www.spinningwheelfestival.com

Email: info@spinningwheelfestival.com

Call: 416-879-SPIN (7746)

ClubsWeek Summary

CLUBS WEEK

WesternSSA will kick off the year with clubsweek begginning next week! This will be a chance for any new or returning students to become members. The following are details about ClubsWeek so make sure you come check us out!

What Is It?

Clubsweek is an oppertunity for students to join clubs and get involved in clubs that interest them. WesternSSA will be taking part in clubsweek and will be giving out SSA Memberships. Shirts and Shaheedi 400 cd's will also be

When Is It?

September 18th - September 22nd
Monday - Friday
10am-4pm

Where Is It?

UCC Gym

WesternSSA... Still Flying High!

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DETAILS FOR WESTERN FROSH TO COME SOON

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A Fateh to all and a Welcome Back! Its been a long 4 months since the last school year ended and although WesternSSA has appeared to be inactive that is definitely far from the truth! WesternSSA spent their summer working underground to bring their members and the online community some more of that goodstuff! WesternSSA over the next few weeks will be introducing...

WesternSSA Overseas

-We will be releasing details and material from a recent trip to Kashmir and the State of Sikhi in that region.

Upcoming Events

- ClubsWeek Dates will be announced
- Annual Rainsbhayee has been confirmed for October 14th - more details are still to come

New Alliances

- The announcement and official launch of new partnerships.

Brand new online resources - westernssa.com

- new pictures
- new videos
- new audio

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 Center9 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: 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.

Stop Genocide, Save Darfur!

Genocide has been defined as the "Deliberate and systematic destruction of a Racial, Political, or cultural group". The Sikhs have experienced three major genocidal killings 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.

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

For More information contact : sikhsagainstgenocide@gmail.com
or visit: www.sikhsagainstgenocide.com

Hoodies and Shirts

Please click on the link in the top menu bar, or below

http://www.sikhstudents.ca/tshirts-and-hoodies-for-sale/

Immortal Shaheedi - still available - $10.00. Please Contact Parm Singh parmsc@yahoo.com, or Parminder Singh parminder.j@gmail.com

A Message To WesternSSA Alumni

Schools done and the summer is finally here!! We hope everyones exams and classes went well and we wish you a fun and safe summer. For those of you returning in the fall we look forward to having you join WesternSSA again. However, every year there are numerous valued members that finish their time at Western and move on, essentially becoming Western and WesternSSA Alumni. This year we would like to maintain contact with those that have over the years done a great amount of seva. Therefore, we ask that if you are not returning to Western next year and would like to stay in touch with WesternSSA as a member and an individual who future generations can look too for guidance, to please submit your contact information for next year. It is asked that you provide your name, number, email and address.

WesternSSA is also looking to keep track of its history starting from the very first exec, nearly a decade ago. Therefore, if you are in contact with any previous execs or members that may be interested in keeping in touch, please forward this message to them.

All information can be sent to us via westernssa@gmail.com

Yours Truly, Your Sevadaars
WesternSSA Exec

The Rise of Khalsa

While Sikh Media appears to be growing and increasing in popularity a new frontier has been ventured into by "Vismaad Animated Movies" who have utilized a key tool in the preservation of Sikh History. We encourage everyone to take a helping hand in the sales of the second movie released by Vismaad Productions as it important to preserve the history of the Sikhs, and what better way then to present it to children of all ages through an animated series. For more information please view the press release attached below.

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AN ENTHRALLING TRIBUTE TO A GREAT SIKH GENERAL...

Animated movie “The Rise of Khalsa” has the distinction of being the first ever movie made on legendary Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. The movie is produced by Vismaad; who brought “Sahibzadey: A Saga of Valor & Sacrifice”; the first ever animated movie on Sikh history. When reminded about these firsts Director, Sukhwinder Singh said: “Sewa first. It is Waheguru ji’s grace and Sikh Sangat’s blessings that we are bestowed this great sewa to bring forth our remarkable history”.

Vismaad is an IT SOLUTIONS & CONSULTING COMPANY promoted by three Gursikh IT professionals. Singapore based Bakhtawar Singh says “we realized that contemporary Sikh generations know very little about Sikh history and what better way than animation to meet this objective“. “Sahibzadey” was highly appreciated by Sikh Sangat and gave us courage to embark on our second project “The Rise of Khalsa”.

“The Rise of Khalsa” takes you along Baba Banda Singh ji’s journey from his first meeting with Guru Gobind singh ji at Nanded to conquering of Sirhind. Guruji ordained Babaji to reach Punjab and reorganize the Khalsa forces to put an end to tyranny and injustice.

Recently a Movie preview was shown at Mohali to a select audience comprising Military Generals, Industrialists, Educationists and representatives of various Sikh organizations.

After watching the movie Major General M.S. Kandal (retd) said “An enthralling tribute to a great Sikh General. It’s amazing to watch Baba Banda Singh ji’s military acumen portrayed so well through animation. Well done boys! Keep the good works going!!”

According to Navnit Singh animation is the most effective medium when it comes to teaching History to today’s kids. Why kids? We had even adults calling us to tell how “Sahibzadey” made them ponder over their ignorance about a vibrant Sikh History.

“The Rise of Khalsa” is due for worldwide release on 21-May-06. Premier shows are planned at major cities including Toronto, Vancouver, Fremont, Los Angeles, New York, London and Singapore.

For More Details Please Visit www.riseofkhalsa.com

Sant Ji's Message To Monas (cut hair)

Baba Jarnail Singh Bhindraanvale's Message to Monas (cut hair)

From Baba jee's lecture in Singh Garj compiled by Bh. NaraiN Singh
Translated by Admin www.tapoban.org


So, I have a request for all of you who have cut their kesh and beards and have the name "Singh". I put my hands together and ask, 'Please, become my brothers'. And only become my brothers if you think I'm good. If you think I'm a low-life then don't at all become my brothers. If you call me good, then you'll have to keep your kesh and beards, give up liquor and if you call me a low-life, I'll be quiet and sit down and leave you alone.

Ok, those of you who have cut your kesh and beards, am I good or am I a low-life??

No, it won't do to remain quiet like that. Say it out loud.

No, No, just those who have cut beards….

If I'm good, then why don't you listen to me? If you keep your kesh and then I tell you to call me a Sant, or bow to me, then you can get rid of all your hair. Also, you can cut your hair too if I tell you to oppose the Panth.

It was an old Sikh cry, "Sir Jaavay taa(n) jaavey mayraa Sikhee sidak naa javai" meaning, "If my head goes, then so be it, may my Sikhi faith never leave me."

But now there are two cries: Dharam jaavay taa(n) jaavay, saaDee kursee kitay naa jaavay meaning "Our Faith can go if it must, but our political seat should go nowhere. "

Or those youth who cut their hair and beards also have a cry:

Dharam jaavay taa(n) jaavay, daaRee saaDay moo(n)h tay naa aavay. Meaning, "Our faith can go if it must, but please let no beard come on our faces".

Tell me, if a son does not look like his father, what do you call him? Those of you sitting here with cut beards, do we believe in Dasam Paatshaah? Tell me, do we?

Sangat: Yes, we believe in him.

Well if we believe in him, then are we joining with him? Our Dasam Paatshaah had a kacherra, kirpan in a gatra, a beautiful dastaar, a beautiful Sree Saahib and Sarbloh kaRaa. We have a string type of thing around our necks, what do they call it? RakhRee? I don’t' know what it is. We have a baandar kachee (monkey panties i.e. briefs) and we have no dastaar on our head or beard on our face. How will we call ourselves Guru's Sikhs? How will people call us the sons of our father??

If you want to be sons of your father and my brothers, those of you with cut hair have to keep it after today. And those of you who don't want to be their father's sons, then it's up to you if you want to stay a man or become like women. If you want to be men, then keep it uncut, and if you don’t' want to be men, go to Darbaar Saahib and do ardaas, "Sachay Paatshah! Kill us and make us women. And make the women men." Trade off like this. Then, you'll have no beard on your face, nor will the barber have to sharpen his knife on a worn out leather shoe and rub it on your faces. And then neither would I have to have the headache of saying all this and neither would you feel angry after hearing it.

Oi! Now tell me, are you going to become your father's sons or not?? Why aren't you answering?? Those of you with cut beards, why are you sitting there with your heads down? And it's not going to work out if you don't speak…

Taken From: www.tapoban.org

Essay Marathon

Send your essays in to westernssa@gmail.com

All essays will be appearing Sikh Sangat Youth Forum
www.sikhsangat.com

Please indicate whether you would like to remain 'anonymous' or we may use your name.

The prize for this Essay Marathon?

Having the honour of being an inspiration to millions of individuals around the world and spreading the awareness for Sikhi as Seva.
There is no greater prize for a Sikh.

Spread the Love Jio ... It's in us to Give

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

ON SALE!

Summer is here!...And so are the Brand New WesternSSA and COSS T-Shirts, as well as the new Shaheedi 400 Album...Hurry and place your order, before they are sold out!

Below are some samples, if you are interested in making a purchase please email us at westernssa@gmail.com

WESTERNSSA SHIRTS

WesternSSA Shirts are still available...

Mens Singh Shirts are Available in Baby Blue and Womens Kaur Baby-T's are available in Pink. The cost is $20






COSS SHIRTS

The first in a series of gear offered by COSS is now available...

The cost of the shirt is currently $10, if you are interested in making a purchase please email your name, address and size to westernssa@gmail.com



SHAHEEDI 400 ALBUM

The new Shaheedi 400 is now available for $15 Canadian. Again, if you are interested please email us via westernssa@gmail.com

SAMPLE TRACKS/TEASERS
Mukhon Satnaam Bolda
Reet Khalsay Di
Chamakde Taare
The Legend of Jinda Sukha
Azaad Sherni Bibi Deep Kaur

Nagar Keertan Update

GTA:
Malton - Rexdale Nagar kirtan will take place April 23rd departing Malton at 12pm. So those interested in volunteering or helping out. Please arrive at Malton by the main Khalsa School entrance no later then 10:30 am on Sunday April 23rd.

TORONTO:
COSS will have a float at the downtown nagar kirtan. We are requesting all volunteers to contact us. We will also require kirtanees so please book your time ASAP. Toronto Volunteers are requested to meet at CNE location for 8:30 sharp on Sunday April 30th (day of the nagar kirtan)

IF INTERESTED PLEASE EMAIL:
WesternSSA Exec: westernssa@gmail.com
COSS Exec: parmsc@yahoo.com or parminder.j@gmail.com

GTA Nagar Keertan!

MALTON - REXDALE: Sunday April 23rd
Malton - Rexdale Nagar kirtan will take place April 23rd departing Malton at 12pm. So those interested in volunteering or helping out. Please arrive at Malton by the main Khalsa School entrance no later then 10:30 pm on Sunday April 23rd

ALL INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS PLEASE EMAIL ASAP

DOWNTOWN TORONTO: Sunday April 30th
We will also have a float for the downtown Nagar Kirten @ CNE, which will be arriving in the morning. For anyone that may be interested in helping set up and decorate the float, please make plans to come early or feel free to contact Parm Singh for additional information. An exact time will be soon emailed out again as the date nears. If anybody is interested in doing kirten on the float, again contact Parm Singh. We will be having COSS t shirts ready @ both Nagar Kirtens, so please be prepared to wear a Tshirts to show our unity.

We may also be able to get a Table at City Hall grounds to help serve food as they do each and every year, however this can only be done if we have sevadaars willing to get to City Hall ahead of time, and be dedicated to that seva for the majority of the afternoon. If you ARE seriously interested please contact (PARMINDER OR PARM), and if we have enough devoted sevadars we will let you know the status as the day nears.

ALL INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS PLEASE EMAIL ASAP

IMMORTAL SHAHEEDI:
Listen to the upcoming tracks at http://www.shaheedi.com book your copy today. COSS is the official distributor of the CD in Canada and assisting with its Launch. CD's will be on sale at the Nagar Kirtan on a first come first serve basis. However, volunteers will be given first choice.

check for updates on www.sikhstudents.ca

CONTACT INFO:
WesternSSA Exec: westernssa@gmail.com
Parm Singh - parmsc@yahoo.com
Parminder Singh - parminder.j@gmail.com

The Panthic Otrpeka

The recent popularity of blogging has hit home with the sikh community and without a doubt blogging and Sikhi have proven to provide a rather large spectrum of focus, ranging from sikh student associations to being purely news based and informational. However, one of the most informative and revolutionary Sikh blogs finds home at thepanthicotpreka.blogspot.com. The Panthic Otpreka consistently catches ones attention and stimulates the mind from a perspective that would normally be ignored given current societal pressures on Sikh Youth. The Panthic Otpreka is hands down one of the best "nothing-but-sikhi" blogs on the net... check it out for yourself.. here is a copy of the most recent post

Monday, April 17, 2006

The Whole World is Born of Sikhs

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh,

Below is an extract from a speech by Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Bhindrawale.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh


This issue come up every day; regarding the Sikhs being a separate Nation. I like to make another humble statement. They say Sikhs are extremists. I asked those leaders: "If the Sikhs are extremists, you should accept the Sikhs are a separate Nation (inasmuch as extremism is their exclusive characteristic). If Sikhs are a part of Hindus, then you should write Hindus as extremists (the characteristics of Sikhs and Hindus being the same on that hypothesis)." When they want to abuse us or use foul language towards us it is exclusively towards people with turbans, but when we ask for our rights, we are told: "You are part of us." they say: "You are born out of us." I humbly submit that the whole world is born of Sikhs. In a Pundit's home, in a Muslim's home, or in a Sikh's home, no one is born without hair. If all people stayed as they were born of their parents and kept the appearance given them by God, they would not be called Chhalli Ram or Gulli Ram. Everyone would address them as Sardar Ji. Tell me who is born? Who is created by Nature? Don't get into misunderstandings over this.

Happy Baisakhi!

The Western Sikh Students Association would like to wish everyone a Happy Baisakhi! For those that are not familiar with the historical significance of Baisakhi in Sikhi, we have attached a brief historical recount taken from www.anandpursahib.org...enjoy!

History of Baisakhi

Baisakhi Day: March 30th, 1699

Click to watch a video telling the story of Baisakhi

RealPlayer software required

The Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, installed himself as the Emperor of India in 1657. To achieve his aim he had annihilated almost all his family opposition. Immediately after consolidating his power he embarked on a policy of religious persecution and set upon the process of Islamization of India. The Brahmins were his primary target. He levied unethical religious taxes against Hindus, and shut their temples and places of learning. He had been convinced by his clerics that once the Brahmins accepted Islam the others would follow. The Brahmins, particularly the inhabitants of Kashmir, looked for some dynamic leadership to fight this subversion.

The Brahmins of Kashmir approached Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621-1675), the ninth in the line of Sikh Gurus, who was on the throne of the Sikh religion. They asked him for guidance on combatting the atrocities committed by the Mughal Emperor. At the time of their meeting, Guru Tegh Bahadur's nine year old son, Gobind Rai, was sitting beside him. As Guru Tegh Bahadur went into a deep state of contemplation, his young son asked the reason of his repose. Guru Tegh Bahadur said that the matter was of vital importance; the world is aggrieved by oppression; and no brave man had yet come forward who was willing to sacrifice his life to free the earth from the burden of' Aurangzeb's persecution of Hindus. Young Gobind Rai replied: "For that purpose who is more worthy than thou who art at once generous and brave." So after entrusting the Guruship to Gobind Rai, Guru Tegh Bahadur proceeded towards Delhi, the seat of the Mughal Empire.

Upon reaching Delhi, the Guru and his loyal attendants were immediately imprisoned by Aurangzeb. While in prison, Guru Tegh Bahadur foresaw the beginning of his ecclesiastic journey. To test his son's courage and capability to carry on the Guru's mission, he wrote him saying, "My strength is exhausted, I am in chains and I can make not any efforts. Says Nanak, God alone is now my refuge. He will help me as He did his Saints." In reply young Guru Gobind Rai wrote: "I have regained my Power, my bonds are broken and all options are open unto me. Nanak, everything is in Thine hands. It is only Thou who can assist Thyself."

Guru Teg Bahadur offered his life for the freedom of conscience and conviction of anyone belonging to a faith other than his own. His spirit of sacrifice and courage was kindled into the heart of Gobind Rai.

Hundreds of people gathered around the place where Guru Tegh Bahadur was martyred in Delhi. The executioner abandoned the Guru's body in the open. No one came forward openly to claim the body to perform religious rites. Even ardent disciples withdrew unrecognized. Taking advantage of the stormy weather that followed the execution, two persons covertly took the body of Guru Tegh Bahadur for cremation. This cowardice fomented in Gobind Rai an urge to endow his Sikhs with a distinct identity.


With the criteria of courage and strength to sacrifice, Gobind Rai became the tenth Sikh Guru. He wanted to instill these principles in his downtrodden followers. He wanted to uplift their morale to combat the evil forces of injustice, tyranny, and oppression.

He was 33 years old when he had Divine inspiration to actuate his designs. Every year at the time of Baisakhi (springtime), thousands of devotees would come to Anandpur to pay their obeisance and seek the Guru's blessings. In early 1699, months before Baisakhi Day, Guru Gobind Rai sent special edicts to congregants far and wide that that year the Baisakhi was going to be a unique affair. He asked them not to cut any of their hair -- to come with unshorn hair under their turbans and chunis, and for the men to come with full beards.

On Baisakhi Day, March 30, 1699, hundreds of thousands of people gathered around his divine temporal seat at Anandpur Sahib. The Guru addressed the congregants with a most stirring oration on his divine mission of restoring their faith and preserving the Sikh religion. After his inspirational discourse, he flashed his unsheathed sword and said that every great deed was preceded by equally great sacrifice: He demanded one head for oblation. After some trepidation one person offered himself. The Guru took him inside a tent. A little later he reappeared with his sword dripping with blood, and asked for another head. One by one four more earnest devotees offered their heads. Every time the Guru took a person inside the tent, he came out with a bloodied sword in his hand.

Thinking their Guru to have gone berserk, the congregants started to disperse. Then the Guru emerged with all five men dressed piously in white. He baptized the five in a new and unique ceremony called pahul, what Sikhs today know as the baptism ceremony called Amrit. Then the Guru asked those five baptized Sikhs to baptize him as well. He then proclaimed that the Panj Pyare -- the Five Beloved Ones -- would be the embodiment of the Guru himself: "Where there are Panj Pyare, there am I. When the Five meet, they are the holiest of the holy."

He said whenever and wherever five baptized (Amritdhari) Sikhs come together, the Guru would be present. All those who receive Amrit from five baptized Sikhs will be infused with the spirit of courage and strength to sacrifice. Thus with these principles he established Panth Khalsa, the Order of the Pure Ones.

At the same time the Guru gave his new Khalsa a unique, indisputable, and distinct identity. The Guru gave the gift of bana, the distinctive Sikh clothing and headwear. He also offered five emblems of purity and courage. These symbols, worn by all baptized Sikhs of both sexes, are popularly known today as Five Ks: Kesh, unshorn hair; Kangha, the wooden comb; Karra, the iron (or steel) bracelet; Kirpan, the sword; and Kachera, the underwear. By being identifiable, no Sikh could never hide behind cowardice again.

Political tyranny was not the only circumstance that was lowering peoples' morale. Discriminatory class distinctions (--the Indian "caste" system--) promoted by Brahmins and Mullahs were also responsible for the peoples' sense of degradation. The Guru wanted to eliminate the anomalies caused by the caste system. The constitution of the Panj Pyare was the living example of his dream: both the high and low castes were amalgamated into one. Among the original Panj Pyare, there was one Khatri, shopkeeper; one Jat, farmer; one Chhimba, washer-man; one Ghumar, water-carrier; and one Nai, a barber. The Guru gave the surname of Singh (Lion) to every Sikh and also took the name for himself. From Guru Gobind Rai he became Guru Gobind Singh. He also pronounced that all Sikh women embody royalty, and gave them the surname Kaur (Princess). With the distinct Khalsa identity and consciousness of purity Guru Gobind Singh gave all Sikhs the opporunity to live lives of courage, sacrifice, and equality.

The birth of the Khalsa is celebrated by Sikhs every Baisakhi Day on April 13. Baisakhi 1999 marks the 300th anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh's gift of Panth Khalsa to all Sikhs everywhere.

Blog Updates coming soon!

Apoligies go out to all those who have been visiting the blog recently and to their dismay, frequent updates have not been made. Although the year has come to an end, that does not mean that the blog will. You can be assured that regular updates will begin once again at the end of April! Also, if anyone has ideas or topics for discussion, feel free to leave comments. Good luck to all of those individuals with exams.

Dasaray,

WSSA blogger

What a Finale it was!!

With our Satguru’s Kirpa the annual langar held by the WSSA- the final event, was a perfect way to end the year.

The langar preparations went very smoothly and one could say, rather successfully as many of the university students volunteered and strengthened their domestic skills experiencing a mere day in the life of our mothers. Even WSSA exec member Gurpreet Singh was witnessed participating in the preparations-a rare yet reassuring occurrence.

The day of the langar itself was beautiful. The sun welcomed everyone to the Gurudwara putting them in good spirits from the start. The Sangat was able to hear various types of kirtan ranging from the sweet voices of young children to more refined and regal kirtan done by the older individuals. The Gurudwara was packed as if it were a religious day. To make things even better, Western Alumni joined us.

Many thanks go out to everyone who attended to make this kirtan what it was. It went as smoothly as it did simply because of the seva and effort put in by Western students and of course all of the parents who’s continued support lays the foundation for all of this success.