MADISON HEIGHTS: The Sikhs of Michigan celebrated the Gurpurb celebrating the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev. Ji in Sikh Gurdwara in Madison Heights Michigan on November 221992 The Akhand Path started on Nov.201992 260 families (about 1000 people) participated in the celebration of Gurpurb.

Bhai Mangal Singh Ji Bhai Shanghara Singh Ji and a number of Sikh Youths participated in the Kirtan Program Dr. Pashaura Singh gave an inspiring lecture about the unique message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Who preached the virtues of Oneness of God brotherhood of mankind equality of women humility truthfulness humbleness and love for all. Guru Nanak Sahib was the first religious leader to raise his voice against the cruel and unjust conduct of the rulers of that time. Guru Nanak Dey Ji used strong words such as greedy officials behaving as mad dogs the rulers being untruthful. This kind of behavior was possible as a large number of the Community leaders were behaving as pets of the rulers and were leading the community towards the traps of cruelty set by untruthful leaders and cunning officials. Dr. Singh explained the meaning of Shabad Salok of Majh Di Var “Harnaan Bajaan Tai Sikdaran.” In this Shabad Guru Nanak Dev Ji has used the practices of deer hunters and eagle hunters of that time to convey his message During those days hunters used nets to catch herds of deer’s/eagles. The hunters used to own baby deer’s/eagles and train them as their pets for a couple of years. At the time of hunting these hunters would lay down their nets in the forest release a few of the pet deer’s. These pet deer’s would try to run back to their masters making other herds of deer’s to follow them and they would all get trapped in hunters nets. Probably our community is in a similar state where some of the leaders are acting as pets of the cruel rulers and leading the community into their traps.

A number of students from the Un of Michigan who are enrolled in the Sikh Studies and Punjabi courses in the program. Three of them spoke before the Sangat. All of them including one Native American (Kevin Johnson) had high praises for the classes.

It appears that majority of the Sikh Sangat in Michigan Supports Sikh studies program at the Un of Michigan.

The Sikh Sangat of Michigan and other Sikh Communities have donated about three hundred thousand dollars (mostly in donations of about $400/family per year) for this cause. The goal is to collect one million over five year period. Once this g0al is reached the trust at the Un of Michigan would generate enough income to Support the Sikh Studies program perpetually. This is one of the best gifts that We can give for coming Be narrations for the study of our heritage We appeal to Sikh Sangat to contribute to this noble cause whatever they can. The donations are tax deductible and checks should be made to University of two Un of Michigan Sikh Studies Program 130 Lane Hall Ann arbor Mi 48109-1209 Thank you for your help and blessings Bhul Chuk Maf

For more info. Baldey Singh Dhaliwal313-451-0710. Satnam

Singh Bhugra 517-483-1136

Article extracted from this publication >> December 11, 1992