Introduction

Vaisakhi is the festival that Sikhs all over the World celebrate on the 14th of April. It is the birthday of Sikh Nation.

Historical Background

Over 300 years ago, the people of India were subjected to slavery, torture, hate crimes, rape, and forced conversion by the ruling community. There was a lack of unity and strength amongst the common people and their hopes and aspirations had been shattered.

Guru Ji's Solution

To provide a solution to the above problems, after a preparation of over 200 years started by Guru Nanak, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Rai Ji called a gathering of all his Sikhs to Anandpur Sahib Ji in 1699 AD.

Neither a Shield, Nor a Sword

by T. SHER SINGH

I have noticed that the concept of seva - loosely translated as "selfless, voluntary service" - is nowadays increasingly wielded as a weapon and less as what it is meant to be.

The other day, when a community volunteer was asked why she repeatedly failed to do what she had undertaken to do, why she hadn't met her obligations fully or in a timely fashion, I was flabbergasted by the response I overheard:

"I do seva, bhenji", she protested. "I'm not getting paid for this. I spend so many hours here, while I could easily be doing something else. I don't have to listen to this nonsense: if you don't want me here, say so, and I'm gone!"