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James Miller McKim (November 10, 1810 – June 13, 1874) was a Presbyterian minister and abolitionist. He was also the father of the architect Charles Follen McKim.

 

McKim was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and educated at Dickinson College and Princeton. In 1835, he was ordained pastor of a Presbyterian church at Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania. A few years before, the perusal of a copy of Garrison's Thoughts on Colonization had made him an abolitionist. He was a member of the convention that formed the American Anti-slavery Society, and in October 1836 left the pulpit to lecture under its auspices for the cause of emancipation. He delivered addresses throughout Pennsylvania. In 1840, he moved to Philadelphia to worked for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society as lecturer, organizer, and corresponding secretary. At times, he served as the editor of the Pennsylvania Freeman.

 

In 1849, he was on the receiving end of an unusual and historic shipment, when Henry "Box" Brown, an innovative and determined escaped slave from Richmond, Virginia, arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in a small shipping box and emerged into freedom. McKim was depicted in the The Resurrection of Henry Box Brown at Philadelphia, a lithograph by artist Samuel W. Rowse, which was widely published to help raise funds for the Underground Railroad. Brown wrote his autobiography in 1851. McKim's labors frequently brought him in contact with the operations of the underground railroad, and he was often connected with the slave cases that came before the courts, especially after the passage of the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850.

 

In 1859, Reverend McKim and his wife Sarah Allibone (née Speakman) McKim escorted Mary Brown, the wife of abolitionist John Brown, to Virginia, after his failed raid there at Harper's Ferry. The McKims were accompanied in this effort by Hector Tyndale, another Philadelphia abolitionist. After visiting her husband in jail in Charlestown, Virginia [today Charles Town, West Virginia], Mary Brown, along with the McKims and Tyndale, stayed in Harper's Ferry until after the John Brown's execution on December 2, 1859. The McKims prayed and held hands with Mary Brown until the hour of execution passed. Afterward, they assisted her in claiming Brown's body and escorted her northward, and at least McKim himself continued with her to North Elba, N.Y. (present-day Lake Placid) for the funeral service and interment.

 

In the winter of 1862, immediately after the capture of Port Royal, South Carolina, he was instrumental in calling a public meeting of the citizens of Philadelphia to consider and provide for the wants of the 10,000 slaves that had been suddenly liberated. One of the results of this meeting was the organization of the Philadelphia Port Royal Relief Committee. He afterward became an earnest advocate of the enlistment of colored troops, and as a member of the Union league aided in the establishment of Camp William Penn, and the recruiting of eleven regiments. In November 1863, the Port Royal Relief Committee was enlarged into the Pennsylvania Freedman's Relief Association, and McKim was made its corresponding secretary.

 

As the American Civil War dragged on, and, after President Lincoln announced the emancipation of the slaves in the South in 1863, McKim joined the Freedmen's Aid Commission and provided valuable services to that body. He travelled extensively, and labored diligently to establish schools in the South. In 1865, he joined the American Freedman's Union Commission and used every effort to promote general and impartial education in the South. In July 1869, the Commission having accomplished all that seemed possible at the time, it decided unanimously, on McKim's motion, to disband.

 

His health having meantime become greatly impaired, he soon afterward retired from public life. In 1865 he assisted in founding The Nation of New York. He died in West Orange, New Jersey.

On Dec. 15, 2015, at 6 p.m., the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County constitutional officers, and the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District directors all took their oath of office in the Government Center forum.

 

Fairfax Circuit Court Judge Penney Azcarate administered the oath of office to 16 elected officials, who each swore to support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the commonwealth of Virginia, and to faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties incumbent upon them as officials of Fairfax County.

 

All elected officials will take office on Jan. 1, 2016.

 

More information:

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/opa/inauguration/

 

After returning to the island early this morning, President Rajapaksa received a briefing of the events that took place in Aluthgama, Beruwala and Dharga town and decided to go to Beruwala this afternoon to hold discussions with both Buddhist and Muslim communities, together, at the District Secretariat. President Rajapaksa assured all communities that an “impartial inquiry” will be held to bring to justice anyone responsible for the violence, irrespective of race, religion or ethnicity. The Buddhist and Muslim communities that were present for the discussion told the President that they want to live in peace with each other. President Rajapaksa assured protection for the Buddhist temples as well as the Muslims who were displaced. President Rajapaksa said the Government will rebuild homes and businesses that were destroyed.

 

බොලිවියාවේ සංචාරයෙන් පසු අද උදැසන දිවයිනට පැමිණි ජනාධිපති මහින්ද රාජපක්‍ෂ මැතිතුමා, පසුගිය දිනවල අලුත්ගම, බේරුවල සහ ධර්ගා නගරයේ වූ සිද්ධීන් පිළිබඳව තතු විමසීමකින් අනතුරුව, පස්වරුවේ බේරුවල ප‍්‍රාදේශීය ලේකම් කාර්යාලයෙදී බෞද්ධ හා මුස්ලිම් ජනයා සමග සාකච්ඡාවකට එක් විය. එම අවස්ථාවේදී රැස්ව සිටි ජනතාව ඇමතු ජනාධිපතිතුමා, තත්වය සම්බන්ධයෙන් අපක්ෂපාතී පරීක්ෂණයක් පවත්වා ජාති ආගම් තරාතිරම් නොබලා වැරදිකරුවන්ට දඬුවම් ලබාදීම අනිවාර්යෙන්ම සිදුකරන බව සහතික විය. තමන් එකිනෙකා සමග සාමයෙන් හා සහජීවනයෙන් ජිවත් වීමට කැමති පිරිසක් බව එහි රැස්ව සිටි බෞද්ධ හා මුස්ලිම් ජනතාව ජනාධිපතිතුමා සමග කියා සිටියහ. බෞද්ධ සිද්ධස්ථානවලට හා අවතැන් වූ මුස්ලිම් ජනතාවට ආරක්ෂාව ලබාදීමට සහතික වූ එතුමා, විනාශ වූ නිවාස සහ ව්‍යාපාරික ස්ථාන රජයෙන් ප්‍රතිසංස්කරණය කරන බවද කියා සිටියේය.

 

பொலிவிய பயணத்தை அடுத்து இன்று காலை நாடு திரும்பிய ஜனாதிபதி மஹிந்த ராஜபக்ஷ அவர்கள், பேருவளை பிரதேச செயலகத்தில் இன்று மாலை மதத்தலைவர்கள் மற்றும் பொது மக்களுடன் கலந்துரையாடளில் ஈடுபட்டார். அளுத்கம, தர்கா நகர் மற்றும் பேருவளை சம்பவங்கள் தொடர்பில் பக்கச்சார்பற்ற விசாரணை மேற்கொள்ளப்பட்டு குற்றவாளிகளுக்கு மதவேறுபாடின்றி நிச்சியம் தண்டனை வழங்கப்படும் என உறுதியளித்தார். தாம் சமாதானமாக வாழ விரும்புவதாக அங்கு குடியிருந்த பௌத்த, முஸ்லிம் மக்கள் ஜனாதிபதியிடம் தெரிவித்தனர். சம்பவத்தால் சேதமடைந்த உடமைகள் அரசாங்கத்தினால் மீள திருத்தியமைக்கப்படும் என ஜனாதிபதி உறுதியளித்தார்.

 

(Photos by: Sudath Silva)

I was really excited to get this phone and when I opened it I was delighted to see what all it came with. The box included a manual, the phone, a battery (already inside the phone but with insulation tape across the prongs), a USB charger and a set of headphones. I got it in black, because I figured I did not really want anything to flashy and I love the way it looks. The back of the phone is made up of little small squares that look a lot like little pixels. It's adorable.

 

I turned it on without the SIM card in it the first time and it booted up pretty fast, faster than my Nokia Lumia 521. I played around with it and looked at the Installed Apps. There are certain questionable apps on the phone, but I plan on rooting it so I can get those off the device. I dislike most pre-installed applications and this is something I do with almost all phones that come into my possession.

 

When I finally went to insert the SIM card, me being the "brilliant" person I am was not paying to much attention to what I was doing. This phone has dual SIM card slots and one (SIM 1) is for a normal, standard SIM card and it appears that (SIM 2) is for a NANO SIM card, which is what I have. I stuck my SIM up in the (SIM 1) slot and got it stuck. Yay me! Please be careful and pay attention to wear you are sticking your SIM, ensure it goes into the right slot. It is pretty obvious. I am not honestly sure why or how I missed it. Totally a user error. After I got the SIM card up I rebooted it and I called my mom. We had a very nice one hour phone call with no issues. I then ended the call and put it on charge and it became my daily use phone after that and it did not let me down! I did NOT root this phone before testing it. This review is of an un-rooted phone.

 

The call quality remained amazing and it never had any issues with dropping calls unexpectedly. I did manage to hang up a few times using my cheek, but I have that issue with almost every touch screen I use. It was able to send and receive messages no problem, including multimedia messages. The one issue I had with it was the adware. Every time I opened the browser it would try to get me to download something or try to convince me that I had won something. It was rather annoying. The phone had only enough room for one app, I used it for my Fitness Tracker, but it worked amazingly with the phone. I did not insert an external micro-SD card, but there was a slot for it and when you went to Settings - Apps there was an option for you to move certain apps to your Micro-SD card, if you had one inserted. I will be buying a micro-SD card and testing this out in a few weeks. (I will update this review).

 

Another thing I really liked about this phone was the location of the charging port. With most of my devices, I have had to replace the charging ports because they were located on bottom. I have a bad habit of using my device while it charges and it puts strain on the port itself due to the location. With this phone, it is on top and it makes it super easy to use the device without placing strain on the port itself and the charging cable. The design on the back of the phone is pretty awesome itself. It looks like a collection of little pixels to me. I love it!

 

This device is good and handy for any one who needs a good working phone. It is fast, responsive and light weight and it is able to do everything that my Samsung Galaxy could do. It could do with an upgrade of the camera (0.3 MP front facing and rear facing both), but it is still capable of taking pictures. I am probably going to end up ordering another of these for my husband. I don't want to share my new phone!

 

I received this product at a discounted price in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All opinions expressed are genuine, truthful and impartial.

 

It is sold by IPRO & FACTORY on Amazon and you can find their store here: www.amazon.com/s?marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&me=A34VJ...

 

Source: The attempt to divorce the Princess of Wales, impartially considered: more particularly with reference to the probability of its success (2nd ed.; London: Printed for J. Ridgway and Sons, Piccadilly, 1816); 23 cm. Call # TrialsB C22 pam24.

BBC impartiality was challenged today by several hundred Pro Palestine protesters who gathered outside the Birmingham studios located in the Mailbox. Several speakers highlighted the disproportionality of coverage and just days after 4 Palestinian children were bombed on a beach in Gaza.

 

The protesters held an impromptu march to a scheduled Stop the War meeting. When it became clear that the Council House could not accomodate the number of protesters wishing to attend a sound system was hastily put together and a mass public meeting was held in the city's Chamberlain Square.

The public weighbridge was once a common feature of Irish towns. Most goods were traded in bulk and by weight so both the seller and the buyer needed to have accurate measurements. Since the public weighbridge was owned and operated by the local authority, it could be relied upon to give an accurate and impartial measurement.

I cannot pretend to feel impartial about colours. I rejoice with the brilliant ones and am genuinely sorry for the poor browns.

 

Sir Winston Churchill

On Dec. 15, 2015, at 6 p.m., the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County constitutional officers, and the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District directors all took their oath of office in the Government Center forum.

 

Fairfax Circuit Court Judge Penney Azcarate administered the oath of office to 16 elected officials, who each swore to support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the commonwealth of Virginia, and to faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties incumbent upon them as officials of Fairfax County.

 

All elected officials will take office on Jan. 1, 2016.

 

More information:

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/opa/inauguration/

 

After returning to the island early this morning, President Rajapaksa received a briefing of the events that took place in Aluthgama, Beruwala and Dharga town and decided to go to Beruwala this afternoon to hold discussions with both Buddhist and Muslim communities, together, at the District Secretariat. President Rajapaksa assured all communities that an “impartial inquiry” will be held to bring to justice anyone responsible for the violence, irrespective of race, religion or ethnicity. The Buddhist and Muslim communities that were present for the discussion told the President that they want to live in peace with each other. President Rajapaksa assured protection for the Buddhist temples as well as the Muslims who were displaced. President Rajapaksa said the Government will rebuild homes and businesses that were destroyed.

 

බොලිවියාවේ සංචාරයෙන් පසු අද උදැසන දිවයිනට පැමිණි ජනාධිපති මහින්ද රාජපක්‍ෂ මැතිතුමා, පසුගිය දිනවල අලුත්ගම, බේරුවල සහ ධර්ගා නගරයේ වූ සිද්ධීන් පිළිබඳව තතු විමසීමකින් අනතුරුව, පස්වරුවේ බේරුවල ප‍්‍රාදේශීය ලේකම් කාර්යාලයෙදී බෞද්ධ හා මුස්ලිම් ජනයා සමග සාකච්ඡාවකට එක් විය. එම අවස්ථාවේදී රැස්ව සිටි ජනතාව ඇමතු ජනාධිපතිතුමා, තත්වය සම්බන්ධයෙන් අපක්ෂපාතී පරීක්ෂණයක් පවත්වා ජාති ආගම් තරාතිරම් නොබලා වැරදිකරුවන්ට දඬුවම් ලබාදීම අනිවාර්යෙන්ම සිදුකරන බව සහතික විය. තමන් එකිනෙකා සමග සාමයෙන් හා සහජීවනයෙන් ජිවත් වීමට කැමති පිරිසක් බව එහි රැස්ව සිටි බෞද්ධ හා මුස්ලිම් ජනතාව ජනාධිපතිතුමා සමග කියා සිටියහ. බෞද්ධ සිද්ධස්ථානවලට හා අවතැන් වූ මුස්ලිම් ජනතාවට ආරක්ෂාව ලබාදීමට සහතික වූ එතුමා, විනාශ වූ නිවාස සහ ව්‍යාපාරික ස්ථාන රජයෙන් ප්‍රතිසංස්කරණය කරන බවද කියා සිටියේය.

 

பொலிவிய பயணத்தை அடுத்து இன்று காலை நாடு திரும்பிய ஜனாதிபதி மஹிந்த ராஜபக்ஷ அவர்கள், பேருவளை பிரதேச செயலகத்தில் இன்று மாலை மதத்தலைவர்கள் மற்றும் பொது மக்களுடன் கலந்துரையாடளில் ஈடுபட்டார். அளுத்கம, தர்கா நகர் மற்றும் பேருவளை சம்பவங்கள் தொடர்பில் பக்கச்சார்பற்ற விசாரணை மேற்கொள்ளப்பட்டு குற்றவாளிகளுக்கு மதவேறுபாடின்றி நிச்சியம் தண்டனை வழங்கப்படும் என உறுதியளித்தார். தாம் சமாதானமாக வாழ விரும்புவதாக அங்கு குடியிருந்த பௌத்த, முஸ்லிம் மக்கள் ஜனாதிபதியிடம் தெரிவித்தனர். சம்பவத்தால் சேதமடைந்த உடமைகள் அரசாங்கத்தினால் மீள திருத்தியமைக்கப்படும் என ஜனாதிபதி உறுதியளித்தார்.

 

(Photos by: Sudath Silva)

On Sunday, a nail-biting evening of quarter-final games in the Rugby World Cup. First up were the Wallabies (Australia) v the Springboks (South Africa).

Next game, the Pumas (Argentina) v the All Blacks (New Zealand). It was heart-attack inducing till the final whistle. (New Zealand won)

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

McGuigan Black Label from Australia

Obikwa from South Africa

Two of my favourite reds

Lien Internet l'Impartial : actu.fr/normandie/gisors_27284/a-guerny-dans-leure-street...

Publié le 2 Juil 18 à 17:56

|Modifié le 3 Juil 18 à 7:23

À Guerny dans l’Eure, du street art à la campagne avec les hérissons de Pierre-Marcel Schmidt

Le talentueux et original Pierre-Marcel Schmidt, de Saint Clair-sur-Epte, expose sa nouvelle création au hameau de Gisancourt à Guerny, en bordure de la voie verte.

 

Il suffit de peu à l’artiste pour égayer les paysages ruraux et donne libre cours à son imagination.

C’est dans son atelier de Saint Clair-sur-Epte que Pierre-Marcel Schmidt a créé ces œuvres pour le moins originales.

Déjà lors de Boutiqu’art

On notera d’ailleurs au passage que ce n’est pas la première fois que l’artiste se distingue par les œuvres décalées.

Originaire de Strasbourg, celui qui a grandi à Gisors nous avait déjà surpris l’an dernier à l’occasion de l’exposition Boutiqu’art de Gisors, avec une représentation personnelle et exceptionnelle du Vexin normand.

Pierre-Marcel Schmidt nous avait déjà épaté lors de Boutiqu’art à Gisors avec cette étonnante carte du Vexin normand.

New Beginnings Fundraiser 2017

 

I was on hand for the BEGINNINGS Auction this year on behalf of board member Crash Gregg and The Triangle Downtowner Magazine.

  

Date: Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Time: 6:00-8:30pm

Place: The Umstead Hotel, 100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary, NC

  

The BEGINNINGS organization is for parents of children who are at the very least Hard of Hearing is non-profit helping parents and families. Their impartial support helps families make informed decisions by empowering advocacy for their child’s needs.

  

New Beginnings also supports deaf parents who have hearing children.

  

I'm on tap next to photograph Governor Cooper again this Saturday.

Justic, Fairplay and Impartiality: Three things the entire Pakistani nation has waited for since 1947 when India was divided. Proud owners of a glorious past and Islamic heritage of virtuous lifestyles all this society has been given was the opposite of any justice, no sense of fairplay and partiality everywhere. Disillusioned society has slowly decayed to the level of primates without tolerance or civic society.

The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong in the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially. If you are none of these you can be sure it will kill you too but there will be no special hurry.

Ernest Hemingway

L'atelier du Pommier de Pierre Marcel à Saint-Clair-sur-Epte accueille en ce moment les paraboles en trompe-l'oeil peintes par l’artiste et par ses élèves. Une poignée de paraboles dont les graphismes, plus vrais que nature, se fondent avec malice dans le paysage. L'artiste, fidèle à son inspiration néo-rurale a utilisé le support contemporain de la parabole, " qui défigure notre Vexin" explique-t-il, pour transfigurer ce paysage urbain. Les paraboles clin d’œil ont été présentées à la fête annuelle du Parc naturel régional du Vexin français au château de Villarceaux le 3 juin dernier. Elles sont maintenant devant l'atelier... et valent le coup d'oeil !

BBC impartiality was challenged today by several hundred Pro Palestine protesters who gathered outside the Birmingham studios located in the Mailbox. Several speakers highlighted the disproportionality of coverage and just days after 4 Palestinian children were bombed on a beach in Gaza.

 

The protesters held an impromptu march to a scheduled Stop the War meeting. When it became clear that the Council House could not accomodate the number of protesters wishing to attend a sound system was hastily put together and a mass public meeting was held in the city's Chamberlain Square.

After accusations of discrimination in the 1992 Directors’ hiring process prompted a University inquiry, a new interview process coupled with a $10,000 budget cut made for a dramatic year. The station emerged with a more impartial hiring process and a well-trimmed budget. DJs kept busy on their own, wagering on the Iowa-Iowa State basketball game that year.

This is the place where guilt and innocence are determined, by those who are pledged to be impartial. (This is the courtroom in the McNairy Co. courthouse.)

To the memory of

JAMES BURKIN BURROUGHES ESQR

A Justice of the Peace, a Deputy Lieutenant

of this County, and Captain of the Blofield

and South Walsham Troop of Yeomanry Cavalry:

 

He died November 30, 1803, aged 43 years,

and left to the care of his afflicted Widow CHRISTABEL,

only surviving issue and heiress of HENRY NEGUS of Hoveton Esqr,

the education of Seven Sons, and one Daughter.

 

As a Magistrate He was firm, discriminating and impartial.

The exemplary discipline of his Troop, and their affectionate

Attachment to their Commander, honourably distinguished

his military Character. In private Life, as a Husband,

a Parent, a Landlord, a Master, and a Friend, few have

equalled, none could exceed him. Endeared to All by

his unaffected Piety, by his liberal and unobstentatious

Charity, and by his social Virtues.

 

He died beloved, respected,

lamented.

 

The memorial was probably originally in the church of St Peter, Burlingham, which became derelict in the early 20th Century. For more on the family see comments below.

A wedding in Perivolos beach Santorini and Grace Hotel featured on Grace Ormonde www.weddingstylemagazine.com/real-weddings/impartial-and-.... Photographer Vasilis Pasioudis

BBC impartiality was challenged today by several hundred Pro Palestine protesters who gathered outside the Birmingham studios located in the Mailbox. Several speakers highlighted the disproportionality of coverage and just days after 4 Palestinian children were bombed on a beach in Gaza.

 

The protesters held an impromptu march to a scheduled Stop the War meeting. When it became clear that the Council House could not accomodate the number of protesters wishing to attend a sound system was hastily put together and a mass public meeting was held in the city's Chamberlain Square.

Gaza London demonstration and march Saturday 9th August 2014. 150,000 marched through London to Hyde Park.

48 – JEUDI 22 AVRIL 2010 – L’IMPARTIAL

Oise

SAINT-CLAIR-SUR-EPTE > ASSOCIATION PLEIN PH’ART

Un final musical et ensoleillé

L’exposition de l’association gisorsienne Plein Ph’art, baptisée EXPianO s’est achevée dimanche, sur une note ensoleillée.

Alléchante sur le papier, l’idée maîtresse – transformer des pianos, tout ou partie, en œuvre d’art – s’est effectivement révélée source de surprises créatives.

Les artistes participants ont modelé à leurs goûts et selon leur inspiration les instruments morts.

Vieux de 150 ans pour la plupart, non restaurables, ils ont été donnés par le facteur de piano Nicolas Dumas, à Montagny-en-vexin. Au final, ils ont repris vie sous formes diverses.

Après une ouverture d’exposition en musique, avec le Gee jazz band, la clôture a également été musicale, un récital de piano venant logiquement terminer le cycle artistique. Des pièces de Chopin ont notamment été exécutées avec le bonheur par le trio de pianistes Marie Bénédicte Lavoine, Hugues Delaunay et Vincent Vidal.

Légendes des photos :

Les pianos ont repris vie sous formes diverses

L’exposition s’est en toute logique achevée par un concert de piano.

The reality regarding trips within the Dominican Republic. Hotels as well as hotels arrange several actions for everyone every day. The actual reps from the journey companies offer numerous trips. Keep in mind, journeys reserved online or even through nearby visit providers away from vacation resort tend to be as much as 50% less expensive than within the vacation resort (the actual journey companies need 35-50% fee!). Should you book straight using the supplier from the visit, it may be less expensive and you'll have much more option. There are many impartial trip providers accessible plus they provide exceptional trips. www.dominicanrepublic24.com/excursions.html

Voici une petite FC réalisé, une belle petite Minifée Woosoo jamais je ne pensais autant aimer ce modèle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bref gagatise devant ma petite!! Manque encore le gloss et le msc et aussi une wig approprié du coup mais bo je ne pouvais pas ne pas me dépêcher de la prendre en photos!!

Connu dans certaines parties du monde comme Margravine la Maudite.

Viens durant les nuits sombre, avec ses ailes silentieuse elle enroule sa victime dans un manteau mortelle. Elle est impartial comme la mort et inflexible comme la pierre.

BBC impartiality was challenged today by several hundred Pro Palestine protesters who gathered outside the Birmingham studios located in the Mailbox. Several speakers highlighted the disproportionality of coverage and just days after 4 Palestinian children were bombed on a beach in Gaza.

 

The protesters held an impromptu march to a scheduled Stop the War meeting. When it became clear that the Council House could not accomodate the number of protesters wishing to attend a sound system was hastily put together and a mass public meeting was held in the city's Chamberlain Square.

A Sikh is a follower of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion which originated during the 15th century in the Punjab region. The term "Sikh" has its origin in the Sanskrit words शिष्य (śiṣya; disciple, student) or शिक्ष (śikṣa; instruction). A Sikh is a disciple of a guru. According to Article I of the Sikh Rehat Maryada (the Sikh code of conduct), a Sikh is "any human being who faithfully believes in One Immortal Being; ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh; Guru Granth Sahib; the teachings of the ten Gurus and the baptism bequeathed by the tenth Guru". "Sikh" properly refers to adherents of Sikhism as a religion, not an ethnic group. However, because Sikhs often share strong ethno-religious ties, many countries, such as the U.K., recognize Sikh as a designated ethnicity on their censuses. The American non-profit organization United Sikhs has fought to have Sikh included on the U.S. census as well, arguing that Sikhs "self-identify as an 'ethnic minority'" and believe "that they are more than just a religion".

 

Male Sikhs usually have "Singh" (Lion), and female Sikhs have "Kaur" (Princess) as their middle or last name. Sikhs who have undergone the khanḍe-kī-pahul (the Sikh initiation ceremony) may also be recognized by the five Ks: uncut hair (kesh); an iron or steel bracelet (kara); a kirpan (a sword tucked into a gatra strap); kachehra, a cotton undergarment, and kanga, a small wooden comb. Baptized male Sikhs must cover their hair with a turban, which is optional for baptized female Sikhs. The greater Punjab region is the historic homeland of the Sikhs, although significant communities exist around the world.

 

HISTORY

Sikh political history may be said to begin with the death of the fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan Dev, in 1606. Guru Nanak was a religious leader and social reformer in the 15th-century Punjab. Religious practices were formalized by Guru Gobind Singh on 30 March 1699. Singh baptized five people from a variety of social backgrounds, known as the Panj Piare (the five beloved ones) to form the Khalsa, or collective body of initiated Sikhs. Sikhism has generally had amicable relations with other religions, except for the period of Mughal rule in India (1556–1707). Several Sikh gurus were killed by the Mughals for opposing their persecution of minority religious communities including Sikhs. Sikhs subsequently militarized to oppose Mughal rule. The emergence of the Sikh Confederacy under Ranjit Singh was characterized by religious tolerance and pluralism, with Christians, Muslims and Hindus in positions of power. The confederacy is considered the zenith of political Sikhism, encompassing Kashmir, Ladakh and Peshawar. Hari Singh Nalwa, the commander-in-chief of the Sikh army in the North West Frontier, expanded the confederacy to the Khyber Pass. Its secular administration implemented military, economic and governmental reforms. The months leading up to the partition of India in 1947 were marked by conflict in the Punjab between Sikhs and Muslims. This caused the religious migration of Punjabi Sikhs and Hindus from West Punjab, mirroring a similar religious migration of Punjabi Muslims from East Punjab.

 

The 1960s saw growing animosity between Sikhs and Hindus in India, with the Sikhs demanding the creation of a Punjab state on a linguistic basis similar to other states in India. This was promised to Sikh leader Master Tara Singh by Jawaharlal Nehru, in return for Sikh political support during negotiations for Indian independence. Although the Sikhs obtained the Punjab, they lost Hindi-speaking areas to Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. Chandigarh was made a union territory and the capital of Haryana and Punjab on 1 November 1966.

 

Tensions arose again during the late 1970s, fueled by Sikh claims of discrimination and marginalisation by the Hindu-dominated Indian National Congress party and tactics adopted by the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

 

According to Katherine Frank, Indira Gandhi's assumption of emergency powers in 1975 resulted in the weakening of the "legitimate and impartial machinery of government", and her increasing "paranoia" about opposing political groups led her to institute a "despotic policy of playing castes, religions and political groups against each other for political advantage". Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale articulated Sikh demands for justice, and this triggered violence in the Punjab. The prime minister's 1984 defeat of Bhindranwale led to an attack on the Golden Temple in Operation Blue Star and to her assassination by her Sikh bodyguards. Gandhi's assassination resulted in an explosion of violence against Sikh communities and the killing of thousands of Sikhs throughout India. Khushwant Singh described the riots as a Sikh pogrom; he "felt like a refugee in my country. In fact, I felt like a Jew in Nazi Germany". Since 1984, relations between Sikhs and Hindus have moved toward a rapprochement aided by economic prosperity. However, a 2002 claim by the Hindu right-wing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that "Sikhs are Hindus" disturbed Sikh sensibilities. The Khalistan movement campaigns for justice for the victims of the violence, and for the political and economic needs of the Punjab.

 

In 1996, United Nations Commission on Human Rights Freedom of Religion or Belief Special Rapporteur Abdelfattah Amor (Tunisia, 1993–2004) visited India to report on religious discrimination. The following year Amor concluded, "In India it appears that the situation of the Sikhs in the religious field is satisfactory, but that difficulties are arising in the political (foreign interference, terrorism, etc.), economic (in particular with regard to sharing of water supplies) and even occupational fields. Information received from nongovernment (sic) sources indicates that discrimination does exist in certain sectors of the public administration; examples include the decline in the number of Sikhs in the police force and the military, and the absence of Sikhs in personal bodyguard units since the murder of Indira Gandhi".

 

Although Sikhs comprise 10 to 15 percent of all ranks of the Indian Army and 20 percent of its officers, they make up 1.87 percent of the Indian population.

 

During the 1999 Vaisakhi, Sikhs worldwide celebrated the 300th anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa. Canada Post honoured Sikh Canadians with a commemorative stamp in conjunction with the 300th anniversary of Vaisakhi. On April 9, 1999, Indian president K.R. Narayanan issued a stamp commemorating the 300th anniversary of the Khalsa.

 

DEFINITION

According to Guru Granth Sahib:

One who calls himself a Sikh of the Guru, the True Guru, shall rise in the early morning hours and meditate on the Lord's Name. Upon arising early in the morning, the Sikh is to bathe, and cleanse himself in the pool of nectar. Following the Instructions of the Guru, the Sikh is to chant the Name of the Lord, Har. All sins, misdeeds and negativity shall be erased. Then, at the rising of the sun, the Sikh is to sing Gurbani; whether sitting down or standing up, the Sikh is to meditate on the Lord's Name. One who meditates on my Lord, Har, with every breath and every morsel of food – that Gursikh becomes pleasing to the Guru's Mind. That person, unto whom my Lord and Master is kind and compassionate – upon that Gursikh, the Guru's Teachings are bestowed. Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of that Gursikh, who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it.

 

Simran of the Lord's name is a recurring theme of Guru Granth Sahib, and Sukhmani Sahib were composed to allow a devotee to recite Nam throughout the day. Rising at Amrit Velā (before sunrise) is a common Sikh practice. Sikhism considers the spiritual and secular lives to be intertwined: "In the Sikh Weltanschauung ... the temporal world is part of the Infinite and partakes of its characteristics." According to Guru Nanak, living an "active, creative, and practical life" of "truthfulness, fidelity, self-control and purity" is superior to a purely contemplative life.

 

FIVE Ks

The five Ks (panj kakaar) are five articles of faith which all baptized Sikhs (Amritdhari Sikhs) are obliged to wear. The symbols represent the ideals of Sikhism: honesty, equality, fidelity, meditating on God and never bowing to tyranny. The five symbols are:

- Kesh: Uncut hair, usually tied and wrapped in a Dastar

- Kanga: A wooden comb, usually worn under a Dastar

- Katchera: Cotton undergarments, historically appropriate in battle due to increased mobility when compared to a dhoti. Worn by both sexes, the katchera is a symbol of chastity.

- Kara: An iron bracelet, a weapon and a symbol of eternity

- Kirpan: An iron dagger in different sizes. In the UK Sikhs can wear a small dagger, but in the Punjab they might wear a traditional curved sword from one to three feet in length.

 

MUSIC & INSTRUMENTS

The Sikhs have a number of musical instruments: the rebab, dilruba, taus, jori and sarinda. Playing the sarangi was encouraged in Guru Har Gobind. The rubab was first played by Bhai Mardana as he accompanied Guru Nanak on his journeys. The jori and sarinda were designed by Guru Arjan. The taus was made by Guru Hargobind, who supposedly heard a peacock singing and wanted to create an instrument mimicking its sounds (taus is the Persian word for peacock). The dilruba was made by Guru Gobind Singh at the request of his followers, who wanted a smaller instrument than the taus. After Japji Sahib, all of the shabda in the Guru Granth Sahib were composed as ragas. This type of singing is known as Gurmat Sangeet.

 

When they marched into battle, the Sikhs would play a Ranjit Nagara (victory drum) to boost morale. Nagaras (usually two to three feet in diameter, although some were up to five feet in diameter) are played with two sticks. The beat of the large drums, and the raising of the Nishan Sahib, meant that the singhs were on their way.

 

DISTRIBUTION

Numbering about 27 million worldwide, Sikhs make up 0.39 percent of the world population; approximately 83 percent live in India. About 76 percent of all Sikhs live in the north Indian State of Punjab, where they form a majority (about two-thirds) of the population. Substantial communities of Sikhs (more than 200,000) live in the Indian states or union territories of Haryana (more than 1.1 million), Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh Assam and Jammu and Kashmir.

 

Sikh migration from British India began in earnest during the second half of the 19th century, when the British completed their annexation of the Punjab. The British Raj recruited Sikhs for the Indian Civil Service (particularly the British Indian Army), which led to Sikh migration throughout India and the British Empire. During the Raj, semiskilled Sikh artisans were transported from the Punjab to British East Africa to help build railroads. Sikhs emigrated from India and Pakistan after World War II, most going to the United Kingdom but many to North America. Some Sikhs who had settled in eastern Africa were expelled by Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in 1972. Economics is a major factor in Sikh migration, and significant communities exist in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Malaysia, East Africa, Australia and Thailand.

 

Although the rate of Sikh migration from the Punjab has remained high, traditional patterns of Sikh migration favouring English-speaking countries (particularly the United Kingdom) have changed during the past decade due to stricter immigration laws. Moliner (2006) wrote that as a consequence of Sikh migration to the UK "becom[ing] virtually impossible since the late 1970s", migration patterns evolved to continental Europe. Italy is a rapidly growing destination for Sikh migration, with Reggio Emilia and Vicenza having significant Sikh population clusters. Italian Sikhs are generally involved in agriculture, agricultural processing, the manufacture of machine tools and horticulture.

 

Primarily for socio-economic reasons, Indian Sikhs have the lowest adjusted growth rate of any major religious group in India, at 16.9 percent per decade (estimated from 1991 to 2001). Johnson and Barrett (2004) estimate that the global Sikh population increases annually by 392,633 (1.7 percent per year, based on 2004 figures); this percentage includes births, deaths and conversions.

 

REPRESENTATION

Sikhs have been represented in Indian politics by former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh and the deputy chairman of the Indian Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal is also a Sikh. Past Sikh politicians in India include former president Giani Zail Singh, Sardar Swaran Singh (India's first foreign minister), Speaker of Parliament Gurdial Singh Dhillon and former Chief Minister of Punjab Pratap Singh Kairon.

 

Politicians from the Sikh diaspora include the first Asian American member of the United States Congress, Dalip Singh Saund, British MPs Piara Khabra, Parmjit Dhanda and Paul Uppal, the first couple to sit together in a Commonwealth parliament (Gurmant Grewal and Nina Grewal, who requested a Canadian government apology for the Komagata Maru incident), former Canadian Shadow Social Development Minister Ruby Dhalla, Canadian Minister of State for Sport Baljit Singh Gosal and Legislative Assembly of Ontario members Vic Dhillon and Jagmeet Singh. Ujjal Dosanjh was the New Democratic Party Premier of British Columbia from July 2004 to February 2005, and was later a Liberal frontbench MP in Ottawa. In Malaysia, two Sikhs were elected MPs in the 2008 general elections: Karpal Singh (Bukit Gelugor) and his son, Gobind Singh Deo (Puchong). Two Sikhs were elected assemblymen: Jagdeep Singh Deo (Datuk Keramat) and Keshvinder Singh (Malim Nawar).

 

Sikhs comprise 10 to 15 percent of all ranks in the Indian Army and 20 percent of its officers, while making up 1.87 percent of the Indian population. The Sikh Regiment is one of the most-decorated regiments in the army, with 73 Battle Honours, 14 Victoria Crosses, 21 first-class Indian Orders of Merit (equivalent to the Victoria Cross), 15 Theatre Honours, five COAS Unit Citations, two Param Vir Chakras, 14 Maha Vir Chakras, five Kirti Chakras, 67 Vir Chakras and 1,596 other awards. The highest-ranking general in the history of the Indian Air Force is a Punjabi Sikh, Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh. Plans by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence for a Sikh infantry regiment were scrapped in June 2007.

 

Historically, most Indians have been farmers and 66 percent of the Indian population are engaged in agriculture. Indian Sikhs are employed in agriculture to a lesser extent; India's 2001 census found 39 percent of the working population of the Punjab employed in this sector. The success of the 1960s Green Revolution, in which India went from "famine to plenty, from humiliation to dignity", was based in the Punjab (which became known as "the breadbasket of India"). The Punjab is the wealthiest Indian state per capita, with the average Punjabi income three times the national average. The Green Revolution centred on Indian farmers adopting more intensive and mechanised agricultural methods, aided by the electrification of the Punjab, cooperative credit, consolidation of small holdings and the existing, British Raj-developed canal system. According to Swedish political scientist Ishtiaq Ahmad, a factor in the success of the Indian green revolution was the "Sikh cultivator, often the Jat, whose courage, perseverance, spirit of enterprise and muscle prowess proved crucial". However, not all aspects of the green revolution were beneficial. Indian physicist Vandana Shiva wrote that the green revolution made the "negative and destructive impacts of science [i.e. the green revolution] on nature and society" invisible, and was a catalyst for Punjabi Sikh and Hindu tensions despite a growth in material wealth.

 

Punjabi Sikhs are engaged in a number of professions which include science, engineering and medicine. Notable examples are nuclear scientist Piara Singh Gill (who worked on the Manhattan Project), fibre-optics pioneer Narinder Singh Kapany and physicist, science writer and broadcaster Simon Singh.

 

In business, the UK-based clothing retailers New Look and the Thai-based Jaspal were founded by Sikhs. India's largest pharmaceutical company, Ranbaxy Laboratories, is headed by Sikhs. UK Sikhs have the highest percentage of home ownership (82 percent) of any religious community. UK Sikhs are the second-wealthiest (after the Jewish community) religious group in the UK, with a median total household wealth of £229,000. In Singapore Kartar Singh Thakral expanded his family's trading business, Thakral Holdings, into total assets of almost $1.4 billion and is Singapore's 25th-richest person. Sikh Bob Singh Dhillon is the first Indo-Canadian billionaire. The Sikh diaspora has been most successful in North America, especially in California’s fertile Central Valley. American Sikh farmers such as Harbhajan Singh Samra and Didar Singh Bains dominate California agriculture, with Samra specialising in okra and Bains in peaches.

 

Sikh intellectuals, sportsmen and artists include writer Khushwant Singh, England cricketer Monty Panesar, former 400m runner Milkha Singh, Indian wrestler and actor Dara Singh, former Indian hockey team captains Ajitpal Singh and Balbir Singh Sr., former Indian cricket captain Bishen Singh Bedi, Harbhajan Singh (India's most successful off spin cricket bowler), Bollywood actress Neetu Singh, Sunny Leone, actors Parminder Nagra, Neha Dhupia, Gul Panag, Mona Singh, Namrata Singh Gujral, Archie Panjabi and director Gurinder Chadha.

 

Sikhs have migrated worldwide, with a variety of occupations. The Sikh Gurus preached ethnic and social harmony, and Sikhs comprise a number of ethnic groups. Those with over 1,000 members include the Ahluwalia, Arain, Arora, Bhatra, Bairagi, Bania, Basith, Bawaria, Bazigar, Bhabra, Chamar, Chhimba, Darzi, Dhobi, Gujar, Jatt, Jhinwar, Kahar, Kalal, Kamboj, Khatri, Kumhar, Labana, Lohar, Mahtam, Mazhabi, Megh, Mirasi, Mochi, Nai, Rajput, Ramgarhia, Saini, Sarera, Sikligar, Sunar, Sudh, Tarkhan and Zargar.

 

An order of Punjabi Sikhs, the Nihang or the Akalis, was formed during Ranjit Singh's time. Under their leader, Akali Phula Singh, they won many battles for the Sikh Confederacy during the early 19th century.

 

IN THE INDIAN & BRITISH ARMIES

Sikhs supported the British during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. By the beginning of World War I, Sikhs in the British Indian Army totaled over 100,000 (20 percent of the force). Until 1945 fourteen Victoria Crosses were awarded to Sikhs, a per-capita regimental record. In 2002 the names of all Sikh VC and George Cross recipients were inscribed on the monument of the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill, next to Buckingham Palace. Chanan Singh Dhillon was instrumental in campaigning for the memorial.

 

During World War I, Sikh battalions fought in Egypt, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Gallipoli and France. Six battalions of the Sikh Regiment were raised during World War II, serving in the Second Battle of El Alamein, the Burma and Italian campaigns and in Iraq and receiving 27 battle honours. Around the world, Sikhs are commemorated in Commonwealth cemeteries.

 

In the last two world wars 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded. They all died or were wounded for the freedom of Britain and the world, and during shell fire, with no other protection but the turban, the symbol of their faith.

—General Sir Frank Messervy

 

British people are highly indebted and obliged to Sikhs for a long time. I know that within this century we needed their help twice [in two world wars] and they did help us very well. As a result of their timely help, we are today able to live with honour, dignity, and independence. In the war, they fought and died for us, wearing the turbans.

—Sir Winston Churchill

 

IN THE WEST

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sikhs began to emigrate to East Africa, the Far East, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In 1907 the Khalsa Diwan Society was established in Vancouver, and four years later the first gurdwara was established in London. In 1912 the first gurdwara in the United States was founded in Stockton, California.

 

Since Sikhs (like Middle Eastern men) wear turbans, some in Western countries have been mistaken for Muslim or Arabic men since the September 11 attacks and the Iraq War. Several days after the 9/11 attacks Sikh Balbir Singh Sodhi was murdered by Frank Roque, who thought Sodhi was connected with al-Qaeda. CNN suggested an increase in hate crimes against Sikh men in the United States and the UK after the 9/11 attacks.

 

Since Sikhism has never actively sought converts, the Sikhs have remained a relatively homogeneous ethnic group. The Kundalini Yoga-based activities of Harbhajan Singh Yogi in his 3HO (Happy, Healthy, Holy) organisation claim to have inspired a moderate growth in non-Indian adherents of Sikhism. In 1998 an estimated 7,800 3HO Sikhs, known colloquially as ‘gora’ (ਗੋਰਾ) or ‘white’ Sikhs, were mainly centred around Española, New Mexico and Los Angeles, California. Sikhs and the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund overturned a 1925 Oregon law banning the wearing of turbans by teachers and government officials.

 

In an attempt to foster Sikh leaders in the Western world, youth initiatives by a number of organisations have begun. The Sikh Youth Alliance of North America sponsors an annual Sikh Youth Symposium, a public-speaking and debate competition held in gurdwaras throughout the U.S. and Canada.

 

ART & CULTURE

Sikh art and culture are nearly synonymous with that of the Punjab, and Sikhs are easily recognised by their distinctive turban (Dastar). The Punjab has been called India’s melting pot, due to the confluence of invading cultures (Greek, Mughal and Persian) from the rivers from which the region gets its name. Sikh culture is therefore a synthesis of cultures. Sikhism has forged a unique architecture, which S. S. Bhatti described as "inspired by Guru Nanak’s creative mysticism" and "is a mute harbinger of holistic humanism based on pragmatic spirituality".

 

During the Mughal and Afghan persecution of the Sikhs during the 17th and 18th centuries, the latter were concerned with preserving their religion and gave little thought to art and culture. With the rise of Ranjit Singh and the Sikh Raj in Lahore and Delhi, there was a change in the landscape of art and culture in the Punjab; Hindus and Sikhs could build decorated shrines without the fear of destruction or looting.

 

The Sikh Confederacy was the catalyst for a uniquely Sikh form of expression, with Ranjit Singh commissioning forts, palaces, bungas (residential places) and colleges in a Sikh style. Sikh architecture is characterised by gilded fluted domes, cupolas, kiosks, stone lanterns, ornate balusters and square roofs. A pinnacle of Sikh style is Harmandir Sahib (also known as the Golden Temple) in Amritsar.

 

Sikh culture is influenced by militaristic motifs (with the Khanda the most obvious), and most Sikh artifacts - except for the relics of the Gurus - have a military theme. This theme is evident in the Sikh festivals of Hola Mohalla and Vaisakhi, which feature marching and displays of valor.

 

Although the art and culture of the Sikh diaspora have merged with that of other Indo-immigrant groups into categories like "British Asian", "Indo-Canadian" and "Desi-Culture", a minor cultural phenomenon which can be described as "political Sikh" has arisen. The art of diaspora Sikhs like Amarjeet Kaur Nandhra and Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh (the "Singh Twins") is influenced by their Sikhism and current affairs in the Punjab.

Bhangra and Giddha are two forms of Punjabi folk dancing which have been adapted and pioneered by Sikhs. Punjabi Sikhs have championed these forms of expression worldwide, resulting in Sikh culture becoming linked to Bhangra (although "Bhangra is not a Sikh institution but a Punjabi one").

 

PAINTING

Sikh painting is a direct offshoot of the Kangra school of painting. In 1810, Ranjeet Singh (1780–1839) occupied Kangra Fort and appointed Sardar Desa Singh Majithia his governor of the Punjab hills. In 1813 the Sikh army occupied Guler State, and Raja Bhup Singh became a vassal of the Sikhs. With the Sikh kingdom of Lahore becoming the paramount power, some of the Pahari painters from Guler migrated to Lahore for the patronage of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh and his Sardars.

 

The Sikh school adapted Kangra painting to Sikh needs and ideals. Its main subjects are the ten Sikh gurus and stories from Guru Nanak's Janamsakhis. The tenth Guru, Gobind Singh, left a deep impression on the followers of the new faith because of his courage and sacrifices. Hunting scenes and portraits are also common in Sikh painting.

 

WIKIPEDIA

BBC impartiality was challenged today by several hundred Pro Palestine protesters who gathered outside the Birmingham studios located in the Mailbox. Several speakers highlighted the disproportionality of coverage and just days after 4 Palestinian children were bombed on a beach in Gaza.

 

The protesters held an impromptu march to a scheduled Stop the War meeting. When it became clear that the Council House could not accomodate the number of protesters wishing to attend a sound system was hastily put together and a mass public meeting was held in the city's Chamberlain Square.

On Dec. 15, 2015, at 6 p.m., the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County constitutional officers, and the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District directors all took their oath of office in the Government Center forum.

 

Fairfax Circuit Court Judge Penney Azcarate administered the oath of office to 16 elected officials, who each swore to support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the commonwealth of Virginia, and to faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties incumbent upon them as officials of Fairfax County.

 

All elected officials will take office on Jan. 1, 2016.

 

More information:

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/opa/inauguration/

 

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), hosted by Azerbaijan in Baku, took place from 18 to 20 November 2024. With Azerbaijan, ITF Vice-President, serving as this year’s Presidency, COP29 was held at the iconic Baku Stadium. The event focused on fostering transparency, impartiality, and inclusivity through a framework built on two mutually reinforcing pillars: enhancing ambition and enabling action.

BBC impartiality was challenged today by several hundred Pro Palestine protesters who gathered outside the Birmingham studios located in the Mailbox. Several speakers highlighted the disproportionality of coverage and just days after 4 Palestinian children were bombed on a beach in Gaza.

 

The protesters held an impromptu march to a scheduled Stop the War meeting. When it became clear that the Council House could not accomodate the number of protesters wishing to attend a sound system was hastily put together and a mass public meeting was held in the city's Chamberlain Square.

BBC impartiality was challenged today by several hundred Pro Palestine protesters who gathered outside the Birmingham studios located in the Mailbox. Several speakers highlighted the disproportionality of coverage and just days after 4 Palestinian children were bombed on a beach in Gaza.

 

The protesters held an impromptu march to a scheduled Stop the War meeting. When it became clear that the Council House could not accomodate the number of protesters wishing to attend a sound system was hastily put together and a mass public meeting was held in the city's Chamberlain Square.

via

 

Nourishment

 

Appearing to begin the New Year to the correct feet having a nearer look at your quality of life? With more and more folks getting conscious of how food influences our well-being and health, it’s significant to find individuals that are competent nutrition trainers to assist with all the procedure out. In this essay we’re heading to have a look in the spectral range of of care providers who the best way to find the right choice for you personally, and provide nutrition solutions, what qualities to try to find.

 

Evidently, people get interested to get many different grounds in nutrition. Some need to slim down while manage diabetes, others are seeking to get muscle, decrease cholesterol, enhance functionality in a unique activity, or maybe discover exactly what the-heck “paleo” signifies. Inside the domain of nutrition, all of these are reasonable goals which will influence the kind of trainer you seek.

 

As a scientific discipline is really extensive that when individuals become fascinated in it-they usually need to know as much as you possibly can about everything relating to foods and the way that it interacts with all the human anatomy, selecting a nutritionist, selecting a dietitian, registered dietitian, nutrition. Obviously, try out numerous food diets and as they dig further in to complicated physical procedures, nutrition can be an all encompassing goal.

 

Below are a few things to think about when you’re searching for to get a nutrition trainer:

 

Qualifications and Expertise

 

Simply because there are certificates and a variety of nutrition certificate in use now, it may be really difficult to evaluate the caliber of a trainer’s expertise and instruction. Bear in mind that anybody may be referred to as a nutrition or nutritionist trainer. It’s not a name commanded ordinance or for legal reasons, as well as a permit to to apply is typically perhaps not needed.

 

Registered Dietitian (ROAD) – A registered dietitian does a year long internship related in structure to health-related residency finishes four years of school, and must-pass a demanding nationwide accreditation examination. RDs are educated extensively in clinical nutrition therapy, supplying nutrition assistance for disease-management in many different out-patient and clinic options. Some may possibly also provide specialties, for example sports dietitians together with the Licensed Professional in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) qualification who perform mostly with sportsmen, together with dieticians that are Qualified Diabetes Teachers (CDE) and perform with diabetic people.

 

As I mentioned before, being a nutrition trainer that is good is not only about certification or the qualification. People perhaps not just have their pick of various qualifications that are impartial, but could additionally opt to follow higher level levels in nutrition. Sadly, neither of those is entirely indicative of a man’s skill to supply quality nutrition solutions to people in a way that is successful and protected.

 

Nourishment as a wellness science exists on earth in many different types, and lots of care providers with varying levels of expertise and license are supplying nutrition solutions. The reality of the problem is, the qualification does the trainer is always made by n’t. Here are a couple of instances of the mo-Re widespread health vocations nutrition training providers are offered by that:

 

Doctors of the Maryland assortment have had limited learning nutrition. Happily, instances are changing and several doctors that are newer are getting to be more and more eloquent in nutrition technology as well as the program of nutrition treatment for preventive treatment and long-term disease control.

 

Doctrine

 

It’s significant to decide the trainer’s doctrine and whether your own is matched by it. Are they open minded with regards to nutrition? Do they maintain up with re-search and current trends? Nutrition trainers that are great must have an evidence-based strategy, constantly driving themselves improve and to understand their particular understanding. Simultaneously, they shouldn’t be inclined to blowing off any strategy that is fresh out-right, but as an alternative have the capacity to objectively assess it on assisting re-search and previous experience. All these are great standards when studying your trainer, to bear in mind.

 

Counselling Abilities

 

The nutrition trainers that are most effective may also be counsel that are outstanding. Meals may be issue that is tricky. It quite private, and certainly will be linked to additional dilemmas including selfimage, depression, consuming problems, and dependence. Having a nutrition trainer with abilities in this region is exceptionally useful.

 

Standing

 

Wait to to check out customers the trainer spent some time working with. What do outcomes that are standard seem like? Have customers been met? Have they written any testimonies? When do-ing your study, all these are excellent queries to have in brain.

 

Fundamentally, it comes all the way down to what your specific aims are and having the ability to fit them with knowledge for the reason that place to your nutrition trainer. Don’t forget, expertise, education, as well as certificate are significant, but similarly so so can be connection, doctrine, and training fashion.

 

As of late, using the preponderance of interpersonal press and blogs, it’s maybe not overly hard to get a sense of the standing of a nutrition trainer. Additionally, any function they’ve created, written or or elsewhere, will allow you to make a mo Re knowledgeable choice about if they might be an excellent fit for you personally.

 

Connection

 

Selecting a nutritionist, selecting a dietitian, registered dietitian, nutrition Finally, of locating the perfect nutrition trainer the break or make part is whether you believe there’s a connection that is great. For instance, I’ve been informed that it’s nerveracking to consult with a nutritionist like myself, believing I I would act such as the the foodstuff authorities. Such fears are calmed by me instantly by stating, “I’m maybe not here to to guage that which you take in. The truth is, I the many open-handed dietitian you fulfill. I concerned with viewing how we can fit your daily diet and life style so that they help that journey.”, and obtaining you from point A to stage B Obtaining the capacity to relate genuinely to a trainer is very vital that you the achievement of the procedure that is whole. If it doesn’t sense just like an excellent fit, hesitate to change. Don’t forget, this really is about locating you personally the correct trainer.

 

Selecting a nutritionist, selecting a dietitian, registered dietitian, nutrition Similar to fitness areas that are additional, nutrition trainers utilize many different training styles and strategies. These comprise having customers study nutritional labels, practice understanding part dimensions, and monitor meals consumption and calories using a meals diary. Some trainers highlight targets and particular amounts and offer education that is quite in-depth, while others choose a custom and a more generalized -centered strategy.

 

Concerns to Contemplate:

 

Exactly what are your aims?

 

How may the trainer strategy executing nutrition modifications in your lifestyle that is current?

 

Is it true that the trainer provide an initial consult to get a sense of the kinds of solutions accessible?

 

What’s the trainer’s history?

 

What light emitting diode them becoming a nutrition trainer?

 

For More Info: Celtic Nutrition

 

source celticnutrition.wordpress.com/2017/03/07/the-best-way-to-... celticnutrition.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-best-way-to-sele...

BBC impartiality was challenged today by several hundred Pro Palestine protesters who gathered outside the Birmingham studios located in the Mailbox. Several speakers highlighted the disproportionality of coverage and just days after 4 Palestinian children were bombed on a beach in Gaza.

 

The protesters held an impromptu march to a scheduled Stop the War meeting. When it became clear that the Council House could not accomodate the number of protesters wishing to attend a sound system was hastily put together and a mass public meeting was held in the city's Chamberlain Square.

An Idea which assures impartiality by design.

Make a photograph today dominated by browns or other earthtones. Explore how the color influences your subject choice.

A Sikh is a follower of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion which originated during the 15th century in the Punjab region. The term "Sikh" has its origin in the Sanskrit words शिष्य (śiṣya; disciple, student) or शिक्ष (śikṣa; instruction). A Sikh is a disciple of a guru. According to Article I of the Sikh Rehat Maryada (the Sikh code of conduct), a Sikh is "any human being who faithfully believes in One Immortal Being; ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh; Guru Granth Sahib; the teachings of the ten Gurus and the baptism bequeathed by the tenth Guru". "Sikh" properly refers to adherents of Sikhism as a religion, not an ethnic group. However, because Sikhs often share strong ethno-religious ties, many countries, such as the U.K., recognize Sikh as a designated ethnicity on their censuses. The American non-profit organization United Sikhs has fought to have Sikh included on the U.S. census as well, arguing that Sikhs "self-identify as an 'ethnic minority'" and believe "that they are more than just a religion".

 

Male Sikhs usually have "Singh" (Lion), and female Sikhs have "Kaur" (Princess) as their middle or last name. Sikhs who have undergone the khanḍe-kī-pahul (the Sikh initiation ceremony) may also be recognized by the five Ks: uncut hair (kesh); an iron or steel bracelet (kara); a kirpan (a sword tucked into a gatra strap); kachehra, a cotton undergarment, and kanga, a small wooden comb. Baptized male Sikhs must cover their hair with a turban, which is optional for baptized female Sikhs. The greater Punjab region is the historic homeland of the Sikhs, although significant communities exist around the world.

 

HISTORY

Sikh political history may be said to begin with the death of the fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan Dev, in 1606. Guru Nanak was a religious leader and social reformer in the 15th-century Punjab. Religious practices were formalized by Guru Gobind Singh on 30 March 1699. Singh baptized five people from a variety of social backgrounds, known as the Panj Piare (the five beloved ones) to form the Khalsa, or collective body of initiated Sikhs. Sikhism has generally had amicable relations with other religions, except for the period of Mughal rule in India (1556–1707). Several Sikh gurus were killed by the Mughals for opposing their persecution of minority religious communities including Sikhs. Sikhs subsequently militarized to oppose Mughal rule. The emergence of the Sikh Confederacy under Ranjit Singh was characterized by religious tolerance and pluralism, with Christians, Muslims and Hindus in positions of power. The confederacy is considered the zenith of political Sikhism, encompassing Kashmir, Ladakh and Peshawar. Hari Singh Nalwa, the commander-in-chief of the Sikh army in the North West Frontier, expanded the confederacy to the Khyber Pass. Its secular administration implemented military, economic and governmental reforms. The months leading up to the partition of India in 1947 were marked by conflict in the Punjab between Sikhs and Muslims. This caused the religious migration of Punjabi Sikhs and Hindus from West Punjab, mirroring a similar religious migration of Punjabi Muslims from East Punjab.

 

The 1960s saw growing animosity between Sikhs and Hindus in India, with the Sikhs demanding the creation of a Punjab state on a linguistic basis similar to other states in India. This was promised to Sikh leader Master Tara Singh by Jawaharlal Nehru, in return for Sikh political support during negotiations for Indian independence. Although the Sikhs obtained the Punjab, they lost Hindi-speaking areas to Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. Chandigarh was made a union territory and the capital of Haryana and Punjab on 1 November 1966.

 

Tensions arose again during the late 1970s, fueled by Sikh claims of discrimination and marginalisation by the Hindu-dominated Indian National Congress party and tactics adopted by the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

 

According to Katherine Frank, Indira Gandhi's assumption of emergency powers in 1975 resulted in the weakening of the "legitimate and impartial machinery of government", and her increasing "paranoia" about opposing political groups led her to institute a "despotic policy of playing castes, religions and political groups against each other for political advantage". Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale articulated Sikh demands for justice, and this triggered violence in the Punjab. The prime minister's 1984 defeat of Bhindranwale led to an attack on the Golden Temple in Operation Blue Star and to her assassination by her Sikh bodyguards. Gandhi's assassination resulted in an explosion of violence against Sikh communities and the killing of thousands of Sikhs throughout India. Khushwant Singh described the riots as a Sikh pogrom; he "felt like a refugee in my country. In fact, I felt like a Jew in Nazi Germany". Since 1984, relations between Sikhs and Hindus have moved toward a rapprochement aided by economic prosperity. However, a 2002 claim by the Hindu right-wing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that "Sikhs are Hindus" disturbed Sikh sensibilities. The Khalistan movement campaigns for justice for the victims of the violence, and for the political and economic needs of the Punjab.

 

In 1996, United Nations Commission on Human Rights Freedom of Religion or Belief Special Rapporteur Abdelfattah Amor (Tunisia, 1993–2004) visited India to report on religious discrimination. The following year Amor concluded, "In India it appears that the situation of the Sikhs in the religious field is satisfactory, but that difficulties are arising in the political (foreign interference, terrorism, etc.), economic (in particular with regard to sharing of water supplies) and even occupational fields. Information received from nongovernment (sic) sources indicates that discrimination does exist in certain sectors of the public administration; examples include the decline in the number of Sikhs in the police force and the military, and the absence of Sikhs in personal bodyguard units since the murder of Indira Gandhi".

 

Although Sikhs comprise 10 to 15 percent of all ranks of the Indian Army and 20 percent of its officers, they make up 1.87 percent of the Indian population.

 

During the 1999 Vaisakhi, Sikhs worldwide celebrated the 300th anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa. Canada Post honoured Sikh Canadians with a commemorative stamp in conjunction with the 300th anniversary of Vaisakhi. On April 9, 1999, Indian president K.R. Narayanan issued a stamp commemorating the 300th anniversary of the Khalsa.

 

DEFINITION

According to Guru Granth Sahib:

One who calls himself a Sikh of the Guru, the True Guru, shall rise in the early morning hours and meditate on the Lord's Name. Upon arising early in the morning, the Sikh is to bathe, and cleanse himself in the pool of nectar. Following the Instructions of the Guru, the Sikh is to chant the Name of the Lord, Har. All sins, misdeeds and negativity shall be erased. Then, at the rising of the sun, the Sikh is to sing Gurbani; whether sitting down or standing up, the Sikh is to meditate on the Lord's Name. One who meditates on my Lord, Har, with every breath and every morsel of food – that Gursikh becomes pleasing to the Guru's Mind. That person, unto whom my Lord and Master is kind and compassionate – upon that Gursikh, the Guru's Teachings are bestowed. Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of that Gursikh, who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it.

 

Simran of the Lord's name is a recurring theme of Guru Granth Sahib, and Sukhmani Sahib were composed to allow a devotee to recite Nam throughout the day. Rising at Amrit Velā (before sunrise) is a common Sikh practice. Sikhism considers the spiritual and secular lives to be intertwined: "In the Sikh Weltanschauung ... the temporal world is part of the Infinite and partakes of its characteristics." According to Guru Nanak, living an "active, creative, and practical life" of "truthfulness, fidelity, self-control and purity" is superior to a purely contemplative life.

 

FIVE Ks

The five Ks (panj kakaar) are five articles of faith which all baptized Sikhs (Amritdhari Sikhs) are obliged to wear. The symbols represent the ideals of Sikhism: honesty, equality, fidelity, meditating on God and never bowing to tyranny. The five symbols are:

- Kesh: Uncut hair, usually tied and wrapped in a Dastar

- Kanga: A wooden comb, usually worn under a Dastar

- Katchera: Cotton undergarments, historically appropriate in battle due to increased mobility when compared to a dhoti. Worn by both sexes, the katchera is a symbol of chastity.

- Kara: An iron bracelet, a weapon and a symbol of eternity

- Kirpan: An iron dagger in different sizes. In the UK Sikhs can wear a small dagger, but in the Punjab they might wear a traditional curved sword from one to three feet in length.

 

MUSIC & INSTRUMENTS

The Sikhs have a number of musical instruments: the rebab, dilruba, taus, jori and sarinda. Playing the sarangi was encouraged in Guru Har Gobind. The rubab was first played by Bhai Mardana as he accompanied Guru Nanak on his journeys. The jori and sarinda were designed by Guru Arjan. The taus was made by Guru Hargobind, who supposedly heard a peacock singing and wanted to create an instrument mimicking its sounds (taus is the Persian word for peacock). The dilruba was made by Guru Gobind Singh at the request of his followers, who wanted a smaller instrument than the taus. After Japji Sahib, all of the shabda in the Guru Granth Sahib were composed as ragas. This type of singing is known as Gurmat Sangeet.

 

When they marched into battle, the Sikhs would play a Ranjit Nagara (victory drum) to boost morale. Nagaras (usually two to three feet in diameter, although some were up to five feet in diameter) are played with two sticks. The beat of the large drums, and the raising of the Nishan Sahib, meant that the singhs were on their way.

 

DISTRIBUTION

Numbering about 27 million worldwide, Sikhs make up 0.39 percent of the world population; approximately 83 percent live in India. About 76 percent of all Sikhs live in the north Indian State of Punjab, where they form a majority (about two-thirds) of the population. Substantial communities of Sikhs (more than 200,000) live in the Indian states or union territories of Haryana (more than 1.1 million), Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh Assam and Jammu and Kashmir.

 

Sikh migration from British India began in earnest during the second half of the 19th century, when the British completed their annexation of the Punjab. The British Raj recruited Sikhs for the Indian Civil Service (particularly the British Indian Army), which led to Sikh migration throughout India and the British Empire. During the Raj, semiskilled Sikh artisans were transported from the Punjab to British East Africa to help build railroads. Sikhs emigrated from India and Pakistan after World War II, most going to the United Kingdom but many to North America. Some Sikhs who had settled in eastern Africa were expelled by Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in 1972. Economics is a major factor in Sikh migration, and significant communities exist in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Malaysia, East Africa, Australia and Thailand.

 

Although the rate of Sikh migration from the Punjab has remained high, traditional patterns of Sikh migration favouring English-speaking countries (particularly the United Kingdom) have changed during the past decade due to stricter immigration laws. Moliner (2006) wrote that as a consequence of Sikh migration to the UK "becom[ing] virtually impossible since the late 1970s", migration patterns evolved to continental Europe. Italy is a rapidly growing destination for Sikh migration, with Reggio Emilia and Vicenza having significant Sikh population clusters. Italian Sikhs are generally involved in agriculture, agricultural processing, the manufacture of machine tools and horticulture.

 

Primarily for socio-economic reasons, Indian Sikhs have the lowest adjusted growth rate of any major religious group in India, at 16.9 percent per decade (estimated from 1991 to 2001). Johnson and Barrett (2004) estimate that the global Sikh population increases annually by 392,633 (1.7 percent per year, based on 2004 figures); this percentage includes births, deaths and conversions.

 

REPRESENTATION

Sikhs have been represented in Indian politics by former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh and the deputy chairman of the Indian Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal is also a Sikh. Past Sikh politicians in India include former president Giani Zail Singh, Sardar Swaran Singh (India's first foreign minister), Speaker of Parliament Gurdial Singh Dhillon and former Chief Minister of Punjab Pratap Singh Kairon.

 

Politicians from the Sikh diaspora include the first Asian American member of the United States Congress, Dalip Singh Saund, British MPs Piara Khabra, Parmjit Dhanda and Paul Uppal, the first couple to sit together in a Commonwealth parliament (Gurmant Grewal and Nina Grewal, who requested a Canadian government apology for the Komagata Maru incident), former Canadian Shadow Social Development Minister Ruby Dhalla, Canadian Minister of State for Sport Baljit Singh Gosal and Legislative Assembly of Ontario members Vic Dhillon and Jagmeet Singh. Ujjal Dosanjh was the New Democratic Party Premier of British Columbia from July 2004 to February 2005, and was later a Liberal frontbench MP in Ottawa. In Malaysia, two Sikhs were elected MPs in the 2008 general elections: Karpal Singh (Bukit Gelugor) and his son, Gobind Singh Deo (Puchong). Two Sikhs were elected assemblymen: Jagdeep Singh Deo (Datuk Keramat) and Keshvinder Singh (Malim Nawar).

 

Sikhs comprise 10 to 15 percent of all ranks in the Indian Army and 20 percent of its officers, while making up 1.87 percent of the Indian population. The Sikh Regiment is one of the most-decorated regiments in the army, with 73 Battle Honours, 14 Victoria Crosses, 21 first-class Indian Orders of Merit (equivalent to the Victoria Cross), 15 Theatre Honours, five COAS Unit Citations, two Param Vir Chakras, 14 Maha Vir Chakras, five Kirti Chakras, 67 Vir Chakras and 1,596 other awards. The highest-ranking general in the history of the Indian Air Force is a Punjabi Sikh, Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh. Plans by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence for a Sikh infantry regiment were scrapped in June 2007.

 

Historically, most Indians have been farmers and 66 percent of the Indian population are engaged in agriculture. Indian Sikhs are employed in agriculture to a lesser extent; India's 2001 census found 39 percent of the working population of the Punjab employed in this sector. The success of the 1960s Green Revolution, in which India went from "famine to plenty, from humiliation to dignity", was based in the Punjab (which became known as "the breadbasket of India"). The Punjab is the wealthiest Indian state per capita, with the average Punjabi income three times the national average. The Green Revolution centred on Indian farmers adopting more intensive and mechanised agricultural methods, aided by the electrification of the Punjab, cooperative credit, consolidation of small holdings and the existing, British Raj-developed canal system. According to Swedish political scientist Ishtiaq Ahmad, a factor in the success of the Indian green revolution was the "Sikh cultivator, often the Jat, whose courage, perseverance, spirit of enterprise and muscle prowess proved crucial". However, not all aspects of the green revolution were beneficial. Indian physicist Vandana Shiva wrote that the green revolution made the "negative and destructive impacts of science [i.e. the green revolution] on nature and society" invisible, and was a catalyst for Punjabi Sikh and Hindu tensions despite a growth in material wealth.

 

Punjabi Sikhs are engaged in a number of professions which include science, engineering and medicine. Notable examples are nuclear scientist Piara Singh Gill (who worked on the Manhattan Project), fibre-optics pioneer Narinder Singh Kapany and physicist, science writer and broadcaster Simon Singh.

 

In business, the UK-based clothing retailers New Look and the Thai-based Jaspal were founded by Sikhs. India's largest pharmaceutical company, Ranbaxy Laboratories, is headed by Sikhs. UK Sikhs have the highest percentage of home ownership (82 percent) of any religious community. UK Sikhs are the second-wealthiest (after the Jewish community) religious group in the UK, with a median total household wealth of £229,000. In Singapore Kartar Singh Thakral expanded his family's trading business, Thakral Holdings, into total assets of almost $1.4 billion and is Singapore's 25th-richest person. Sikh Bob Singh Dhillon is the first Indo-Canadian billionaire. The Sikh diaspora has been most successful in North America, especially in California’s fertile Central Valley. American Sikh farmers such as Harbhajan Singh Samra and Didar Singh Bains dominate California agriculture, with Samra specialising in okra and Bains in peaches.

 

Sikh intellectuals, sportsmen and artists include writer Khushwant Singh, England cricketer Monty Panesar, former 400m runner Milkha Singh, Indian wrestler and actor Dara Singh, former Indian hockey team captains Ajitpal Singh and Balbir Singh Sr., former Indian cricket captain Bishen Singh Bedi, Harbhajan Singh (India's most successful off spin cricket bowler), Bollywood actress Neetu Singh, Sunny Leone, actors Parminder Nagra, Neha Dhupia, Gul Panag, Mona Singh, Namrata Singh Gujral, Archie Panjabi and director Gurinder Chadha.

 

Sikhs have migrated worldwide, with a variety of occupations. The Sikh Gurus preached ethnic and social harmony, and Sikhs comprise a number of ethnic groups. Those with over 1,000 members include the Ahluwalia, Arain, Arora, Bhatra, Bairagi, Bania, Basith, Bawaria, Bazigar, Bhabra, Chamar, Chhimba, Darzi, Dhobi, Gujar, Jatt, Jhinwar, Kahar, Kalal, Kamboj, Khatri, Kumhar, Labana, Lohar, Mahtam, Mazhabi, Megh, Mirasi, Mochi, Nai, Rajput, Ramgarhia, Saini, Sarera, Sikligar, Sunar, Sudh, Tarkhan and Zargar.

 

An order of Punjabi Sikhs, the Nihang or the Akalis, was formed during Ranjit Singh's time. Under their leader, Akali Phula Singh, they won many battles for the Sikh Confederacy during the early 19th century.

 

IN THE INDIAN & BRITISH ARMIES

Sikhs supported the British during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. By the beginning of World War I, Sikhs in the British Indian Army totaled over 100,000 (20 percent of the force). Until 1945 fourteen Victoria Crosses were awarded to Sikhs, a per-capita regimental record. In 2002 the names of all Sikh VC and George Cross recipients were inscribed on the monument of the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill, next to Buckingham Palace. Chanan Singh Dhillon was instrumental in campaigning for the memorial.

 

During World War I, Sikh battalions fought in Egypt, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Gallipoli and France. Six battalions of the Sikh Regiment were raised during World War II, serving in the Second Battle of El Alamein, the Burma and Italian campaigns and in Iraq and receiving 27 battle honours. Around the world, Sikhs are commemorated in Commonwealth cemeteries.

 

In the last two world wars 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded. They all died or were wounded for the freedom of Britain and the world, and during shell fire, with no other protection but the turban, the symbol of their faith.

—General Sir Frank Messervy

 

British people are highly indebted and obliged to Sikhs for a long time. I know that within this century we needed their help twice [in two world wars] and they did help us very well. As a result of their timely help, we are today able to live with honour, dignity, and independence. In the war, they fought and died for us, wearing the turbans.

—Sir Winston Churchill

 

IN THE WEST

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sikhs began to emigrate to East Africa, the Far East, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In 1907 the Khalsa Diwan Society was established in Vancouver, and four years later the first gurdwara was established in London. In 1912 the first gurdwara in the United States was founded in Stockton, California.

 

Since Sikhs (like Middle Eastern men) wear turbans, some in Western countries have been mistaken for Muslim or Arabic men since the September 11 attacks and the Iraq War. Several days after the 9/11 attacks Sikh Balbir Singh Sodhi was murdered by Frank Roque, who thought Sodhi was connected with al-Qaeda. CNN suggested an increase in hate crimes against Sikh men in the United States and the UK after the 9/11 attacks.

 

Since Sikhism has never actively sought converts, the Sikhs have remained a relatively homogeneous ethnic group. The Kundalini Yoga-based activities of Harbhajan Singh Yogi in his 3HO (Happy, Healthy, Holy) organisation claim to have inspired a moderate growth in non-Indian adherents of Sikhism. In 1998 an estimated 7,800 3HO Sikhs, known colloquially as ‘gora’ (ਗੋਰਾ) or ‘white’ Sikhs, were mainly centred around Española, New Mexico and Los Angeles, California. Sikhs and the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund overturned a 1925 Oregon law banning the wearing of turbans by teachers and government officials.

 

In an attempt to foster Sikh leaders in the Western world, youth initiatives by a number of organisations have begun. The Sikh Youth Alliance of North America sponsors an annual Sikh Youth Symposium, a public-speaking and debate competition held in gurdwaras throughout the U.S. and Canada.

 

ART & CULTURE

Sikh art and culture are nearly synonymous with that of the Punjab, and Sikhs are easily recognised by their distinctive turban (Dastar). The Punjab has been called India’s melting pot, due to the confluence of invading cultures (Greek, Mughal and Persian) from the rivers from which the region gets its name. Sikh culture is therefore a synthesis of cultures. Sikhism has forged a unique architecture, which S. S. Bhatti described as "inspired by Guru Nanak’s creative mysticism" and "is a mute harbinger of holistic humanism based on pragmatic spirituality".

 

During the Mughal and Afghan persecution of the Sikhs during the 17th and 18th centuries, the latter were concerned with preserving their religion and gave little thought to art and culture. With the rise of Ranjit Singh and the Sikh Raj in Lahore and Delhi, there was a change in the landscape of art and culture in the Punjab; Hindus and Sikhs could build decorated shrines without the fear of destruction or looting.

 

The Sikh Confederacy was the catalyst for a uniquely Sikh form of expression, with Ranjit Singh commissioning forts, palaces, bungas (residential places) and colleges in a Sikh style. Sikh architecture is characterised by gilded fluted domes, cupolas, kiosks, stone lanterns, ornate balusters and square roofs. A pinnacle of Sikh style is Harmandir Sahib (also known as the Golden Temple) in Amritsar.

 

Sikh culture is influenced by militaristic motifs (with the Khanda the most obvious), and most Sikh artifacts - except for the relics of the Gurus - have a military theme. This theme is evident in the Sikh festivals of Hola Mohalla and Vaisakhi, which feature marching and displays of valor.

 

Although the art and culture of the Sikh diaspora have merged with that of other Indo-immigrant groups into categories like "British Asian", "Indo-Canadian" and "Desi-Culture", a minor cultural phenomenon which can be described as "political Sikh" has arisen. The art of diaspora Sikhs like Amarjeet Kaur Nandhra and Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh (the "Singh Twins") is influenced by their Sikhism and current affairs in the Punjab.

Bhangra and Giddha are two forms of Punjabi folk dancing which have been adapted and pioneered by Sikhs. Punjabi Sikhs have championed these forms of expression worldwide, resulting in Sikh culture becoming linked to Bhangra (although "Bhangra is not a Sikh institution but a Punjabi one").

 

PAINTING

Sikh painting is a direct offshoot of the Kangra school of painting. In 1810, Ranjeet Singh (1780–1839) occupied Kangra Fort and appointed Sardar Desa Singh Majithia his governor of the Punjab hills. In 1813 the Sikh army occupied Guler State, and Raja Bhup Singh became a vassal of the Sikhs. With the Sikh kingdom of Lahore becoming the paramount power, some of the Pahari painters from Guler migrated to Lahore for the patronage of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh and his Sardars.

 

The Sikh school adapted Kangra painting to Sikh needs and ideals. Its main subjects are the ten Sikh gurus and stories from Guru Nanak's Janamsakhis. The tenth Guru, Gobind Singh, left a deep impression on the followers of the new faith because of his courage and sacrifices. Hunting scenes and portraits are also common in Sikh painting.

 

WIKIPEDIA

On Dec. 15, 2015, at 6 p.m., the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County constitutional officers, and the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District directors all took their oath of office in the Government Center forum.

 

Fairfax Circuit Court Judge Penney Azcarate administered the oath of office to 16 elected officials, who each swore to support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the commonwealth of Virginia, and to faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties incumbent upon them as officials of Fairfax County.

 

All elected officials will take office on Jan. 1, 2016.

 

More information:

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/opa/inauguration/

 

flapublicadjusting.com/blog/three-good-reasons-for-gettin...

 

Miami and its stunning beaches are undoubtedly a wonderful city to live in. However, its vast coastline attracts not only tourists but also a constant series of storms. Considering Hurricane Andrew back in the year 1992, Floyd in 1999, Katrina in 2005, and not to mention category 4 Irma in September this year, Miami is undoubtedly one storm-prone city.

 

If you’re a homegrown Miami resident, then you’re probably not a stranger to the stress-filled wake every storm leaves behind. If you’re new in the city, then you should know what to expect come hurricane season in this otherwise serene beach setting. Either way, it is imperative that you come prepared and protect your home, property, and assets. Along with getting the necessary insurance coverage, it is imperative that you consider seeking services from an Insurance Adjuster in Miami.

 

Here are three main advantages of seeking assistance from a licensed Miami Public Adjuster:

 

Sound Professional Advice. It is physically impossible to stop an impending hurricane hot on its tracks or make it turn around. All you can do is make the best of a bad situation. You’re left with no choice but to prepare and take the necessary precautions, hoping to somehow minimize property damage. All that can be done is brace yourself and deal with the inevitable consequences by arming yourself with professional assistance from an Insurance Adjuster in Miami. He can explain to you in simpler and clearer terms what you should and should not do in order to receive a fair settlement and to keep unfair claims denial at bay. Such a professional possesses ample experience on the tricks of the trade and knows the insurance industry like the back of his hand. In a nutshell, with a trustworthy and expert guide, you won’t end up dazed, confused and lost in the complex process of claiming insurance.

 

Expediency in Receiving Fair Insurance Settlements. Especially when it involves a business, the days you lose to confusing paperwork demanded by your insurance company translates to significant profit loss. When tackled on your own sans professional counsel, the complex process of claiming insurance is comparable to a maze. You’ll find yourself trapped and running around in circles, one business day wasted after another. However, with the help of a public adjuster, an expert guide who knows the intricacies of claiming insurance, you can reach a fair or even larger final settlement in a more expedient manner to keep profit loss to a minimum.

 

Impartial Third-Party Witness to Avoid Going to Court. If your insurance company wrongfully denies your claim, having hired a public adjuster readily affords you an impartial and credible witness to reach a fair settlement without having to go to court.

 

To take advantage of a free inspection, do check out FLA Public Adjusting. We also provide Fire Damage Adjuster Miami.

BBC impartiality was challenged today by several hundred Pro Palestine protesters who gathered outside the Birmingham studios located in the Mailbox. Several speakers highlighted the disproportionality of coverage and just days after 4 Palestinian children were bombed on a beach in Gaza.

 

The protesters held an impromptu march to a scheduled Stop the War meeting. When it became clear that the Council House could not accomodate the number of protesters wishing to attend a sound system was hastily put together and a mass public meeting was held in the city's Chamberlain Square.

BBC impartiality was challenged today by several hundred Pro Palestine protesters who gathered outside the Birmingham studios located in the Mailbox. Several speakers highlighted the disproportionality of coverage and just days after 4 Palestinian children were bombed on a beach in Gaza.

 

The protesters held an impromptu march to a scheduled Stop the War meeting. When it became clear that the Council House could not accomodate the number of protesters wishing to attend a sound system was hastily put together and a mass public meeting was held in the city's Chamberlain Square.

BBC impartiality was challenged today by several hundred Pro Palestine protesters who gathered outside the Birmingham studios located in the Mailbox. Several speakers highlighted the disproportionality of coverage and just days after 4 Palestinian children were bombed on a beach in Gaza.

 

The protesters held an impromptu march to a scheduled Stop the War meeting. When it became clear that the Council House could not accomodate the number of protesters wishing to attend a sound system was hastily put together and a mass public meeting was held in the city's Chamberlain Square.

I cannot pretend to feel impartial about colours. I rejoice with the brilliant ones and am genuinely sorry for the poor browns.

Sir Winston Churchill

A design by Sir Norman Foster's team or prop left-over from "Independence Day"?

 

In June 2005, the Supreme Court moved from the old Supreme Court and City Hall buildings into its new premises on 1 Supreme Court Lane. The current Supreme Court building was designed by British architectural firm Foster and Partners in partnership with local architectural consultants CPG Corporation.

 

Trivia:

 

* The circular disc, which represents the impartiality of justice, serves as a modern interpretation of the dome on the old building.

 

* The marble cladding of the building's external facade is made from laminated sheets of rosa aurora marble harvested in Portugal. In the day, the marble allows natural daylight to filter in, infusing the building with a natural illumination, an allusion to the light which comes from justice. Come nightfall, light from within the building continues to emanate outwards.

 

* The steel-framed disc is supported by 16 slanting tubular disc legs

 

* User-friendly features incorporated into the Supreme Court building include: a children's corner, disabled-friendly features, an information counter, spacious and comfortable waiting areas and a bistro.

 

BBC impartiality was challenged today by several hundred Pro Palestine protesters who gathered outside the Birmingham studios located in the Mailbox. Several speakers highlighted the disproportionality of coverage and just days after 4 Palestinian children were bombed on a beach in Gaza.

 

The protesters held an impromptu march to a scheduled Stop the War meeting. When it became clear that the Council House could not accomodate the number of protesters wishing to attend a sound system was hastily put together and a mass public meeting was held in the city's Chamberlain Square.

BBC impartiality was challenged today by several hundred Pro Palestine protesters who gathered outside the Birmingham studios located in the Mailbox. Several speakers highlighted the disproportionality of coverage and just days after 4 Palestinian children were bombed on a beach in Gaza.

 

The protesters held an impromptu march to a scheduled Stop the War meeting. When it became clear that the Council House could not accomodate the number of protesters wishing to attend a sound system was hastily put together and a mass public meeting was held in the city's Chamberlain Square.

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