------112 - January 16, 2009 - INDIA-WEST People _ Jathedar of Akal Takhat Visits West Coast Gurdvvaras

By MICHEL w. POTTS Sardarni Guru Amrit Kaur , Special to India-West Siri Sikdar Sahiba of Sikh Dharma International. Singh Sahib Gurubachan Singh, The next stop was Phoenix, Ari- the Jathedar of Akal Takhat Sahib, zona, where on Jan. 7 the Jathedar visited in New Mexico, visited the Dwara Arizona and California during a Ashram and was shown the new west coast visit Jan. 6 to 9 at the building rmder construc- invitation of Bhai Sahib Satpal tion. He was welcomed by Sikh Singh Khalsa, ambassador of Sikh Dharma International and local Dharma and chairman of the New community members and was given Mexico-based Sikh a saropa at the Gurudwara. He also Mission of America. visited several other local commu- Accompanied by Giani Ranjit nity members in the afternoon. Singh, head of the Granthi BangIa The Jathedar arrived in Los Sahib, and Satpal Singh Khalsa, his Angeles in the evening of Jan. 8 first stop was in Espanola, New and went directly to the Walnut Mexico, where he attended the Gurdwara, where he was honored Jan. 6 evening program in with a saropa by the management remembrance of the Jrme 6 attack committee. In response, he said on Aka! Takhat Sahib in 1984. that as Akal Takhat Jathedar he Sikh Dharma. ashrams across was always there for the entire Sikh the nation and internationally community and could be contacted celebrate this particular day on at the office of the Akal Takhat for the 6th of every month of the any information or help. year following a tradition initiated Whileaddressing the Walnut Gur- by Yogi Bhajan to remember the dwara sangat, he said there is a need From left to right: Giani , Bhai Sahiba Bibiji, Bhai Sahib Satpal Singh, Jathedar Akal Takhat Giani Gur- martyrdom of Akal Takhat Sahib for Sikh parents to bring the values buchan Singh, and Siri Sikdar Sahiba Guru Amrit Kaur at Espanola Gurdwara, New Mexico, Jan. 6. on that fateful day in 1984. and teachings ofthe SiriGuru Granth In his address to the gathering, Sahib to our children. voted have a television in every The Jathedar assured them that in the Sikh Panth, which must have the Jathedar spoke of the services Giani RaI\jit Singh said that the room in their homes and listen he would address the issues along the respect of all . of Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji entire Sikh community must adhere to all kinds of music and watch with the other Jathedars of other The three-day visit was Giani to the Sikh Panth and his role in to the Hukamnamas and directions TV shows, most families do not Takhats and bring a uniform code Gurubachan Singh's first to the bringing thousands of westerners from the Akal Takhat as it is the have the Siri of conduct for all Sikhs. United States after assuming the to the Sikh faith. supreme authority of the Sikhs. in their homes. He said that we The Jathedar then visited the office of Jathedar of Akal Takhat The Jathedar said that he was The second stop was at Buena must teach our children Ptu\iabi Lankershim Gurudwara, where Sahib. In allhis speeches at various impressed and inspired by the Park Gurdwara, where the Jathe- and instill in them the teachings GianiRaI\jitSinghstressed the need Gurdwaras, he asked the Office of dedication of the local sangat and dar said that he was happy to of the Shabad Guru. for all Sikhs to abide by and respect the Ambassador of Sikh Dharma to their role in continuing the mis- come to the Southland and visit On Jan. 8, the Jathedar visited the office of the Aka! Takhat. He continue to promote the teachings sion started by Yogi Bhajan. He the local sangat of the Sikhs. In the Vermont Gurdwara in North reminded everyone that after the of the Shabad Guru in the western appealed to all members of Sikh his address, he emphasized the Hollywood along with Giani Ranjit Guru Granth Sahib and the Panj cormtries and inspire more people Dharma International to work fact that all Sikhs must adhere by Singh, where he was honored by Payaras, the Jathedar of Akal to live by the teachings of the Siri in unity to promote the mission the teachings of the Shabad Guru the managing committee of the Takhat is the next highest person Guru Granth Sahib. started by Yogi Bhajan. and also tell their next generation Gur~wara with a saropa, and sev- At the end of his address, he to live by the Shabad Guru. eral members brought a number was honored with a saropa from He noted that while the de- of Sikh issues to his attention.