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Sunday, May 11, 2025
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Why I Use My Full Sikh Name with Pride

Punjabi names—Jaswinder, Rupinder, Sharnjeet, Harpinder, Gurparveen—carry the gravity of history and identity. Yet, sometimes, their multiple vowels leave others stumbling. So, we wring out the richness, condense them into Jas, Rup, Sharn, Harp, Gurp—names that fit neatly into mouths unaccustomed to the syllables of the land of five rivers. 

Sikh Women in History: Courage, Wisdom, and Spirit

Sikh Women in History: Courage, Wisdom, and Spirit

Since the foundation of Sikhism, Sikh women have stood as pillars of strength, spirituality, and service. At a time when many societies around the world relegated women to the background, Sikhism emphasized equality. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the faith, openly challenged gender discrimination, asking, “Why call her bad, from whom kings are born?” This powerful foundation set the tone for the generations of Sikh women who would go on to shape history. 

Chardi Kala: Our Prescription for the Mind, Body, and Soul

Chardi Kala: Our Prescription for the Mind, Body, and Soul

Chardi Kala lives in all of us! It is a call to rise, serve, and live with joy, even through pain. In today’s world, nurturing this light isn’t just an aspirational virtue—it’s a responsibility we carry, both for ourselves and for future generations.

Panj Pyare: Guides, Leaders, and the Collective Voice of the Khalsa

Panj Pyare: Guides, Leaders, and the Collective Voice of the Khalsa

Guru Sahib then initiated the Amritpaan ceremony. Amrit was prepared in an iron bowl, filled with water and patasse (sugar crystals), and stirred with the khanda (the double-edged sword) while Gurbaani was being recited. Firstly, Amrit was administered from Guru Sahib to the Panj Pyare, then, astoundingly, from the Panj Pyare to Guru Sahib himself. In a revolutionary step, their last names, the indicators of caste and division, were scrapped and replaced with "Singh" and "Kaur.” Thus, the Khalsa, a casteless community of Amritdhari Gursikhs, was born. 

The Gift of Life: Organ Donation and the Power of Community

The Gift of Life: Organ Donation and the Power of Community

Every April, communities across Canada unite to raise awareness about the life-saving impact of organ and tissue donation, with National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month at its core. It’s a time to spark vital conversations with loved ones about the lasting impact of donation. Fittingly, April also marks Sikh Heritage Month, offering a timely opportunity to explore the cultural and spiritual connections between Sikh values and the act of giving life.  

Raaj Karega Khalsa: 326th Anniversary of the Birth of Khalsa

Raaj Karega Khalsa: 326th Anniversary of the Birth of Khalsa

Globally, we will be celebrating the 326th birthday of the formation of the order of Khalsa this year. The word Khalsa originates from the word khalis, meaning pure. Khalsa is pure in thoughts, pure in action, and pure in commitment. 

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