Seeking Sikhi

An Eventful Year End and New Year

2008-01-27T13:59:00.001+08:00

It was a busy year end for me. Back to back events left me with little time to blog. Things at work have taken a rather crucial turn. I have decided to take a leap of faith into sole proprietorship. You can read about it on my new blog. I have put up tiny posts to mark this journey that gets more and more interesting by the day. "D-day" is 1st Feb, 2008. With Guru Ji's grace, things have just fell into place. I am amazed by the abundant grace he has showered on this poor soul.

I do wish I had the time to share other memorable events that took place during this tumultuous time. There are enough posts on the samelan, 2007. Sabha had a dedicated blog for the event. I will try and share some thoughts on the samelan though. Then there was my usual sidewaja gig with Veer Manpreet Singh which took me as far as Bangkok this time around. A wonderful experience but which caused me to miss out on lil Gurparkash's first day to nursery. Hope to share some of those experiences as well. However, the next few months will be quite busy as I nurture my new firm into its formative years.

Veer Manpreet Singh-Encore

2007-12-12T19:04:00.000+08:00

The vibes of "Tuhi Tuhi" (Only You Lord, Only You) will be reignited with the return of Veer Manpreet Singh Ji from UK. This time Veer Ji makes his first ever appearance at the Annual Gurmat Parchaar Samelan to be held at Klang from the 16th to 22nd December, 2007. With his mesmerising vocals and delivery of the message of Gurbani with clarity and conviction, I would imagine that Veer ji would be an instant hit at the Samelan perhaps even a permanent feature at the annual event in years to come. Veer Ji will be be here post samelan up to 10th January, 2008 with a short visit to Bangkok in between.

A Ceremony of Bliss

2007-12-05T21:50:00.000+08:00

"Dhan Pir Eh Na Akhiyeh, Behan Ekheteh Hoye,
Ek Jot Doe Moorti, Dhan Pir Kaehiyeh Soe"
They are not called husband and wife who merely sit together;
rather they are husband and wife, who having two bodies are one in spirit.

So how do two individuals become one in spirit? This is made possible by the Anand Kaaraj (ceremony of bliss), which does not only bind a man to a woman but in turn binds the two of them to the Shabad Guru, as the shabad "Habey Saak Kurahveh Dithey, Tau Palley Tendey Laagi" is sung, thus laying the foundation for a common vision and journey towards becoming one in spirit with the SHABAD GURU.

We were blessed to have an Anand Ceremony in our family on 25 November, 2007. Rajvinder Singh (Raj to us), my brother-in-law, was married at Singapore's Central Sikh Gurdwara to his lovely fiance, Surbjit Kaur.

It was a beautiful ceremony preceeded by the usual Maiyan, Sangeet and Jaago and followed by a glamorous wedding reception at the posh Marina Mandrin Hotel, one of Singapore's finest. Congrats to the newly weds and to the whole family, especially my mom-in law. Harsohela and Gurparkash had a splashing time throughout and the highlight for them was walking into the Darbaar as their MamiJi to be's flower girls.

Some pictures I took of the ceremonies:

Sharan tying the Raakhi at the Maiyan

Sharan's Mom getting Raj all oiled up

A free for all with the yellow haldi stuff

Harsohela and Gurparkash found the punishment amusing

Harsohela described this as Nani Ma's finger painting

All showered up, Raj is escorted out by his Mama Ji, Brig-Gen Ravinder Singh (for good measure, the task was assigned to the good BG to prevent any possible escape)

Blessings and Love from Raj's proud Nani Ji, Mdm Harnam Kaur

Some serious Gidda by the aunts

Sangeet Nite at the Khalsa Club Singapore

My eldest sister, Jaswant feeding the best man, Chubby on the morning of the wedding

Raj all set for the big day
The flower girls making their entrance

The bride, Surbjit escorted by her brothers

With the flowers girls after the Anand Kaaraj. Raj appears to be in a daze.

The groom's neices and nephew looking stunning at the reception

At the reception. From left Mr & Mrs. Shiv Kumar, Parmesh S (Raj's Mamaji) and Babli (Raj's cousin)

Mr & Mrs Rajvinder Singh at their wedding reception

Clockwise: Har Gobind S, Manjit K, Nela, Jaswant K and Jasleen K- Raj had everyone in stiches

Gurparkash showing one of her many moves-seriously

Article on Gurgaddi Dihara

2007-11-12T15:00:00.000+08:00

Indrajit Singh, OBE's "Thought for the Day" for BBC radio always makes for very profound reading. In just a few short paragraphs the issue, and often the solution, is laid bare for all to ponder upon. This recent post extracted from the GLZ was in conjunction with the Gurgaddi Dihara:

"Thought for the Day BBC Radio 4 23-10-07 by Indarjit Singh

It’s sometimes said that whenever we humans get in real trouble, God sends a prophet or messenger to help sort us out and put us back on an ethical track. When God looked at the Punjab in the middle of the 15th century He saw people immersed in ritual who had lost all sense of self-esteem; people who looked the other way as their wives and daughters were carried off to captivity in frequent invasions from the north. Rumour has it, God said: ‘one prophet won’t be enough for this lot; I’ll send ten!’ And, so it came to pass that Sikhism had nine spiritual successors to the founder of the faith, Guru Nanak. A more earth-bound reason for Guru Nanak’s nine successors, lies in the wisdom and astuteness of Guru Nanak. He realised that it was relatively easy to set out simple principles of ethical and responsible living, but far far harder to change human behaviour to challenge injustice, and work for a fairer society. So the Guru started a system of succession to show that the teachings of Sikhism, with their emphasis on justice and compassion were a practical way of life in different social and political climates. The task of the successor Gurus was to protect and nurture Sikh teachings until they had taken root in popular psyche.

This week, Sikhs throughout the world are celebrating the anniversary of the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh’s declaration in 1708 that the mission had succeeded and the community was now mature enough to stand on its own. He declared that in future the Guru Granth Sahib, the book containing the teachings of the Gurus should be regarded as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs. Unfortunately, some of us take this too literally and place greater emphasis on looking after and adorning the holy Granth with fine coverings, than looking to the guidance within it. It’s much the same with rituals found in other religions that divert us from focussing on actual teachings. We live in a world that throws up daily reminders of the damage caused by irresponsible and selfish living; global ones like damage to the environment and climate change, and more locally, harm to our social environment as seen in family breakdown, rising crime and a culture of greed. Our different religions give excellent guidance to help us to more responsible living, but unless we follow it, ten times ten Gurus, messengers or prophets, will never be enough. "

Sant-Sadh-Bhagat-Brahmgiani-Defined

2007-10-20T10:46:00.000+08:00

I came across a very insightful article on the Gurmat Learning Zone by Rabinder Singh Bhamra and thought it would be worth sharing. The next time I meet someone with any such title to his name, I'm certain to ponder over some of these quotes from Gurbani. The article has been minimally edited:

"Sant, Sadh , Bhagat and Brahm Giani are spiritual seekers who areSelf and God realized thru their 'bhagti' of Brahm. Their minds are spiritually awakened as they have crossed the 'bhavjal sagar' or the world ocean and reached the Nij Ghar and Sehaj Ghar. They have become 'jiwan mukat' emancipated while alive and will not have to be born again as they have no attachments or 'moh' left for the physical world.

They have conquered the five 'doots', evil spirits of Maya and have achieved the bliss within themselves by uniting with God. Their journey on this planet which started in Satjug has come to an end by their worship of God, cleansing of their mind with Naam thru Japna/ Simrnna; pure thoughts, words and deeds, thru blessings of the Guru, help of True Sants on their spiritual journey and Grace of God Who accepted them back to Its House, Sehaj Ghar. Their minds have reached the 'turiya avastha'/ chautha pad', the spiritual realm.

They are all given unique assignmens by God or by their ownn choice to select one of the four positions to serve Him or revel in the gift of Naam or dhian or gian as Sants, Sadhus, Bhagats and Brahm Gianis . These positions are very briefly discussed below on the basis of Gurbani..

SANT

Sant is assigned the location where Anhad Sabad of God goes on all the time. Sant relishes this Anahad Sabad/Bani/Dhun

"Teh geet Naad akharay sanga. Oohan Bhagat karay Har ranga." p-739

The Sants have access to the Spiritual wealth of Anhad Bani and holds the key to this.They can help the seeker to this Anhad Sabad:

"Anhad banee poonji. Santan hath rakhee koonji." p-893

Sants will brief the seekers on 'akath katha' the invisible path to reach the Supreme Being. This is their assignment.

"Kahaiy Nanak suno Santo katheo kath khanee." p-918

Thru this Anhad Bani which God Himself is uttering inside every body, will reveal this unknown path to the seeker when they hear it under guidance and help of a Sant:":Har ki katha Anahad Bani." p-439

Sants become servants of God and have easy access to His mansion. They know well their Divine Master and will guide the seeker to Him:

"Pucho ja-ay pdhaooan chalay chakar ho-ay.Rajan jaa-nay apna dar ghar thaak na hoay." p-57

The Sants are directed by God to do simran on Gurmantra above everything else and help others to do the same to bring peace to them.

"Saajan Sant karo eh kaam. Aan tiag japo Har Naam.Simar simar sukh paavo. Aap japo avray Naam japavoh." p-290

SADHU

Sadhus are blessed with doing 'kirtan' , singing praises of Naam and the True One. The Sadhus will deliver this 'kirtan' to those who accept Guru'sword as Truth:"Ram Naam kirtan rattan vath Sadhu paas rakheejay.Jo bachan Gur sat sat kar ma-naiy tis aa-gaiy kaadh dhreejaiy." p1326

Since Sehaj Dhun goes on with Naam, Sadhus stay with Sehaj Dhun.If we keep the company of Sadhus and renouncing our ego beg their help, they will help us cross the Bhavjal/ Agan Sagar by bringing us to the treasure of Naam.

"Aap shod benati karoh.Sadh sang agan sagar taro." 295

If we desire the Four Cardinal Gifts, we should go and serve Sadhus:

"Chaar pdarath je ko mangay. Sadh jana kee sewa laagay." p266

To meet our True Lord, which is the only purpose of this human birth, one is advised that the only important thing in life is to do is Japna in the company of a Sadh:

"Bhaee parapt manukh dehuria. Gobind milan kee ehi teri baria.Avar kaaj teray kitay na kaam. Mil sadh sangat bhaj kewal Naam."p-12

BHAGAT

Bhagat stays in high comfortable spiritual palaces of Sookh Mehal

"Sookh mehal jan kay ooch dwaray.Ta meh vassay bhagat piaaray." p-739

They are always imbued with peace of God's Naam:

"Sukhmani sukh amrit Prabh NaamBhagat jana kay mun bisram." p262

Bhagat's food for mind is only Hari Naam and they are always heard singing praises of God. They live in the Nij Ghar serving God and win respect at the door of His Mansion:"Bhagtan ka bhojan Hari Naam Niranjan pehnan bhagat bdaeeNij Ghar vaasa sada Har sewan Har Dar sobha paaee." p-1233

In Japuji Sahib, Guru Ji has dedicated four pauries to Bhagats .They are always in peace and happiness and listening to them many a grief andsins are dispelled:"Nanak Bhagtan sada vigas. Sunniay dookh paap ka naas." p-2.

God loves His Bhagats and they look beautiful singing his praises atHis door:"Bhagat teray mun bhanvday. Dar sohan keertan ganvday." 262

BRAHM GIANI

Brahm Giani is a seeker whose mind is fully awakened into spiritual realm and lives in Sach Ghar having gained independence from doots of Maya. He is liberated from the cycle of reincarnations:.

"Sache mehal niwaas nirantar avan jaan chukaaia." p--7

The food for his mind is Brahm Gian or the knowledge of Infinite Being. His mind is all the time absorbed in deep meditation of Supreme Lord."Brahngiani ka bhojan gian.Nanak Brahm Giani ka Brahm dhian." p-273

There is no difference in the nature of God and Brahm Giani.

"Nanak Brahm Giani aap Parmesar." 273

They are most of the time in deep meditation and serve God and do simran in that state only. Their mind is always in self control and remain pure all the time:

"Nadri Satgur seveeay nadri sewa hoay. Nadar eh mun vas aavay nadri mun nirmal ho-ay." p-558

With regards

rabinder Singh bhamra"

Sikh Chef Braves Danger to Save a Life

2007-10-11T13:22:00.000+08:00

I picked up an amazing story about a Sikh man's courage. Check it out here. It was reported on one of my favourite blogs, Sepia Mutiny. Thanks Harminder for introducing me to this interesting Umreekan NRI blog.

This story is about connecting with ones inner courage and drawing strength from it when circumstances demand it. It is something that we as Sikhs pray for in our "anthem", "Deh Shiva Bar Mohe Ehey, Shub Karman Tey Kabhoo Na Taroh". I like the part when the perpretrator, armed with 4 knives, simply moves away from his victim when 56 year old Amarjit Singh, bloodied and unarmed, confronts him with valour and without any regard for his own safety. I hope I have it in me to do the same, when called upon.

Bhai Tarjit Singh Ji and Bhai Niranjan Singh Ji in KL soon

2007-10-08T18:40:00.000+08:00

We will be blessed with some wonderful and inspiring Katha and Kirtan very soon. Bhai Tarjit Singh Ji (Karnal Wale) will be back for a week's discourse on Rehraas Sahib. Its the whole of next week starting Monday at Gurdwara Sahib Titiwangsa. These sessions are not to be missed. Bhai Sahib will share wonderful insights on the philosophy of the Baani whilst highlighting the correct grammar, pronunciation and diction of the Paath.

Later this month, Bhai Niranjan Singh Ji (Jawaddi -Kalan Wale) will be in KL for a short visit. He will participate in a special Kirtan Darbar in lovong memory of the late Bhai Rajinder Singh (UK Wale) to be held at Gurdwara Sahib Titiwangsa on the 27th of October, 2007. Also featuring at that samagam is all time favourite, Giani Mahinder Singh Ji Khalsa. See you there!

Dya Sings to the World

2007-10-01T13:46:00.000+08:00

Dya Singh with PKJ at Gurdwara Sahib Kuantan

Kirtan is one of the greatest gifts given to Sikhs by our Guru Sahibaan. Osho once remarked during his discourse on Japji Sahib, that Guru Nanak attained God simply by singing his glorious praises. It is not surprising that Kirtan is usually one of the main activities during our Diwan at the Gurdwara. The first Sikh Kirtania is of course Guru Nanak himself. Guru Nanak was accompanied on his Udasis by his faithful companion Bhai Mardana, a Muslim, born in a family of minstrels and himself an accomplished musician and Rebab exponent. Thus the earliest Kirtan was performed by Guru Nanak and his Muslim companion during the Udasis all over the Indian sub-continent streching to the middle-east. Then of course we had the Bhatts who performed Kirtan at Harmander Sahib during the time of Guru Arjan. During my childhood I have witnessed, Muslim Qawwals perform Kirtan at Gurdwara Sahib Tatt Khalsa. It was quite an amazing experience. The image of this group of about 8 to 10 Qawwals sitting on stage with their fur-caps (songkoks) and belting out Gurbani Kirtan on top of their voices is etched in my memory forever. Given this historical backdrop, I have always considered kirtan to be borderless and all encompassing. Meaning that one can (and should) be enjoined in Kirtan at all times and anywhere. In my humble opinion the performance of Kirtan should not be limited to only diwans/satsang where Guru Granth Sahib Ji is present. Sikhs should be encouraged to present and share the universal message contained in the Gurbani to the whole world and at every given opportunity. And what better way to present Gurbani but in the form of Shabad Kirtan in the same way as Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana did some 500 or so years ago.

One prominent Sikh musician who is living up to this is Dya Singh of Australia who has probably broken more barriers between Sikhs and non-Sikhs worldwide than the rest of us put together. He has done this in the tradition of Kirtan, albeit in his own unique style. Many non-Sikhs, particularly in Australia, are familiar with the message of Gurbani through the music of Dya Singh. On his recent visits to Malaysia, some my friends and I have had the opportunity to perform with Dya Singh. It has always been a truly spiritual experience. I have been receiving updates from Dya Singh on his programmes over the globe, which he aptly calls "Dyaries", and would like to share an excerpt from Dya's most recent update:

" On September 1st. our group had been invited to do kirtan by the families of film director/producers Paul Berges and Gurinder Chadha, to do kirtan at the celebration of the birth of their (mixed) twins Ronak and Komini. The fixture was organised as a Jorh Mela at the Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Hounslow, near Southall, UK. Gurinder and family were told that I was banned from doing kirtan at the gurdwara - NO REASON GIVEN, except that our doing kirtan at the gurdwara would mean loss of income for their residential ragis. Another 'hidden' reason it will appear is that I am now considered to be a professional 'singer' who sings 'outside' gurdwaras or away from 'babay-dhi-hajuri'...I guess I am fated not to do kirtan at this gurdwara either... If any Sikh gurdwara does not want us to do kirtan, I am sure there are others who do appreciate our message of hope and universal truths as espoused by Baba Nanak/Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj.

SO WE ARE NOW BANNED BY DIXIE GURDWARA IN TORONTO LEADING TO REGULAR CONCERTS BY THE 'ART OF LIVING FOUNDATION' IN TORONTO; WE ARE ALSO BANNED BY SINGH SABHA IN BARKING, LONDON; THERE ARE OTHER SINGH SABHAS IN AND AROUND LONDON WHICH ARE 'NOT SURE' AND NOW WE ARE BANNED FROM SINGH SABHA HOUNSLOW. WE HAD NO RESPONSE FROM ANY GURDWARA IN CHICAGO (USA) ALLOWING US TO BE HOSTED BY Dr. NAGRA IN St.LOUIS INSTEAD, last month."

This is SHOCKING to say the least. If this is how a positive Sikh role-model is treated by the so-called leaders of the Panth, I shudder to think of what lies in the future for our Sikh youth. To put it rather crudely, if Guru Nanak himself were to appear in any of these Gurdwaras today, he may be banned on the excuse that he has reportedly sang Kirtan in Bhagdad, Mecca, Benaras, etc., and that too in the company of a Muslim musician. Is this the price one has to pay for taking Sikh music/Kirtan to the rest of the world as intended by our Guru Sahibaans? Unfortunately, the Sikh Rehat Maryada does not address this point specifically. All it says is that "Only a Sikh may perform Kirtan in a Congregation". So does one lose his Sikhi if he is "caught" singing Shabads to non-Sikhs outside the Gurdwara? Something is seriously wrong with the people in whom we entrust the running of our sacred institutions. May Guru Nanak give us the courage to correct this. Let me hear your thoughts on this.

True Australian Ghost Story

2007-09-27T18:03:00.000+08:00

For those of you who love a good ghost story:

This story happened in Brisbane and it's true. John Bradford, a Sydney University student, was on the side of the road hitch hiking on a very dark night and in the midst of a storm. The night was rolling on and no car went by.The storm was so strong he could hardly see a few feet ahead of him. Suddenly he saw a car slowly coming towards him and stopped. John, desperate for shelter and without thinking about it, got in the car and closed the door, just to realize there was nobody behind the wheel and the engine wasn't on! The car started moving slowly. John looked at the road and saw a curve approaching. Scared, he started to pray, begging for his life.Then, just before he hit the curve, a hand appeared through the window and turned the wheel. John, paralysed with terror, watched how the hand appeared every time they came to a curve. John saw the lights of a pub down the road so, gathering strength, jumped out of the car and ran to it. Wet and out of breath, he rushed inside and asked for two shots of tequila.He then started telling everybody about the horrible experience he went through. A silence enveloped everybody when they realized he was crying and....wasn't drunk. About 15 minutes later, two guys walked into the same pub. They were also wet and out of breath. Looking around and seeing John Bradford sobbing at the bar, one said to the other, "Look, Bruce.. there's the idiot that got in the car while we were pushing it."

Bhai Ram Singh Guru Gyan Mission

2007-09-18T13:45:00.001+08:00

For the past 2 evenings (7.30-8.30pm), I have been attending a lecture series on Ardas by well known kathavachak, Bhai Ram Singh of the Guru Gyan Mission. It is being held daily until Saturday, 22 Sept, 2007, at Gurdwara Sahib Sungai Besi, KL. Bhai Sahib Ji is presently on a tour of Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. His detailed programme and topics of discussion can be viewed here. Many of you would have heard this young, talented and well researched speaker at the Cheras Semagam last year. This upcoming and dedicated Parcharak is extremely IT savvy and the talk series is well structured and accompanied by a power point presentation. It is well designed and easy to follow. Even young children are benefitting tremendously. What I find most amazing about Bhai Sahib Ji is his ability to relate even the most difficult of concepts to events that occur in our daily lives. The Power Point presentation is in Romanised version and provides an easy to understand translation into the English Language. Even if you have missed the first 2 sessions, do not despair, as every session starts with a brief recap of the earlier sessions. The talk on Ardas will be followed by a series on Japji Sahib at Gurdwara Sahib Klang from 23-29th Sept, 2007. Do come and encourage others to come as well. Food for the soul is complemented with Guru ka langgar for the body. This programme is brought to us by a few dedicated sewadaars. May Guru Ji bless them with Chardi Kala.

Tabla Maestro Sibu Ji in Malaysia

2007-09-08T22:26:00.000+08:00

For all of you tabla lovers out there there will be a tabla workshop/performance in Sabha House. Details are as follows:-
Date: Saturday, September 15, 2007
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Sabha House Conference Room
71 Jalan Maarof, Bangsar
Contact InfoPhone: 012 339 7281
Email: hargopal@gmail.com
Master Sarbjit Singh (Sibu Ji) will be showcasing his tabla and keyboard playing prowess at this performance. For those of you who were fortunate enough to catch his superb performance with Ghulam Abbas last Saturday, no introduction is necessary. For the rest of you, this show is not to be missed. The guy is truly inspiring.
Fee : RM20 only per person, to cover costs.

Gur Pooray Kirpa Dhari

2007-09-06T22:45:00.000+08:00

I was looking forward to Saturday the 1st of September, 2007, for more reasons than one. Most importantly, my Little Darling (my pet name for her), Gurparkash Kaur, was turning 3. This is a picture of her in her ANGRY! pose. Gurparkash was born on the 300th anniversary of the Parkash Dihara of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which fell on 1st September, 2004. The hukamnama, with which we were blessed at Gurparkash's naming Ardas, was Gur Pooray Kirpa Dhari, Prabh Poori Loch Hamari (The Perfect Guru Has Been Merciful, My Heart's Desires Are Fulfilled). Blessed with this wonderful hukam of the Guru, we decided to name her Gurparkash, a combination of the first word of the hukam and the blessed day of her birth.

So great were the blessings of the True and Perfect Guru, that Gurparkash's birthday celebrations had been intertwined with the Parkash Dihara of her Guru for the rest of her life. We normally celebrate her birthday with an event at the gurdwara. This year was no different. The Akhand Paath, in commemoration of the Parkash Dihara was being held at Tatt Khalsa Gurdwara, KL and we had a small diwan from 2 to 4pm in one of the smaller Darbar Sahib with Sukhmani Sahib recitation and some Kirtan, followed by ardas and hukamnama. After that, some delicious Tosai, samosaas, cake and cha were served to the Sangat. Gurparksh and older sister, Harsohela Kaur, also had fun sharing party packs with other kids present.

Later that day, we had a wonderful evening of Ghazals, Geets, Classical Khayals, Sufi Khayals and a few golden bollywood oldies with Ghulam Abbas Khan. We were truly lucky that a very gifted tabla maestro, Ustad Sarbjit Singh or better known as Sibu Ji, was on hand to accompany Khan saab. Sibu Ji was born without sight and his feat of mastering the tabla at a relatively young age of 28, is nothing short of being truly magnificent. The evening went on until late as Khan saab was flooded with requests of famous Ghazals and Bolloywood oldies which Khan saab readily obliged and delivered beautifully. He is a truly gifted and talented singer. As I watched Sibu Ji masterfully and flawlessly deliver the strokes of the tabla, I couldn't help but think of the irony of being guided through a beautiful world of rhythm and music by someone who is visually challenged. Well, he showed true vision in his performance that evening. This was a Saturday that will be remembered by all for a long long time.

An Evening of Ghazals and Geets

2007-08-30T13:22:00.000+08:00

Anyone who knows me well, will know how much I love urdu and punjabi ghazals sung in semi-classical fashion. I grew up listening to and singing along with the soulful ghazals of "Fankaars" such as Ghulam Ali, Mehdi Hassan, Pervez Mehdi, Anup Jalota, Jagjit Singh, Talat Aziz, Riaz & Imtiaz Ali Khan, even Pankaj Udhas in his early days(when he was not so commercial), and more recently Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Hariharan.

Late last week I got a call from a Singaporean friend of mine, Amarjeet Bajwa, who was calling from Melbourne, Australia. Some of you may recall a few years ago we had a young Sikh ghazal exponent, Jasvinder Singh, who performed a couple of shows in Malaysia and Singapore to launch his latest ghazal album, "Arsh". Amarjeet was the one who composed the music for that album. If you haven't heard that album, you have been missing out on something truly wonderful. Amarjeet has done an awesome job with the music which is blend of Indian classical/contemporary and even a bit of modern Jazz. Somehow that album always finds its way and stays in the cd changer of my car for long periods.

Amarjeet's call this time around was to introduce me to an old friend of his, a gentleman from Mumbai by the name of Ghulam Abbas Khan, who is a well known ghazal, sufi, classical vocalist and comes from a family of highly acclaimed musicians. Ghulam Abbas was in Melbourne to perform in a few ghazal shows and as good fortune would have it, he had a stop-over in KL enroute back to Mumbai. I immediately accepted Amarjeet's idea of organising a small ghazal mehfil for us to listen to this wonderful and gifted musician in a live setting. Despite the short time span my good friend Bhajan Singh, a remisier with TA Securities has been very helpful in getting the show together and we are hopeful it will be a success albeit on a small scale due to time constraints.

The details are as follows:-

Venue : SSU Club Aman

Date and Time : Saturday, 1st September, 2007 at 8 pm

Contribution : RM20 per pax to cover expenses.

There will be a short tea break in between and some light refreshments like mee hoon and samosaas will be served.

This promises to be an excellent and memorable musical evening. So guys please do come and join and do spread the word around to other Ghazal lovers. You can call/sms me to book a seat (012-2050664).

There, Its Done

2007-08-22T14:08:00.000+08:00

A warm and spiritual
WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA, WAHEGURU JI KI FATEH
to all Gursikhs and Warm Greetings to the rest of the cyberworld.
I hope that I will be able to put up some stuff here that is readable whilst sharing my thoughts and hoping to learn from the rest of you guys who are already veterans at this.
Please feel free to express your thoughts and ideas via comments. However profanity(in any language) is not welcome. If you have an uncontrollable urge to use 4 letter words, %$%* is an acceptable alternative.
I hope to keep it light and humourous. Please feel free to offer any advise that may improve this blog.

Cheers,
Belay