Travelling to Amritsar, Punjab first time?

Travelling to Amritsar, Punjab first time? Read here about my favourite places in Amritsar and things to do in the Holy City. Visit http://www.squidoo.com/amritsar

Paramjeet Kaur is the next Shobna Singh

Oil canvas (picture taken from Mighty Sikhnet)

I have to tell you what I have discovered lately !!! I think and hope Paramjeet Kaur is the next modern Shobna Singh. I'm so impressed with the selection of the colours and her brush stroke. I think she will make many Sikhs proud. Please visit Paramjeet's art gallery at Yessy.

I was lucky enough to get an answer from Paramjeet. Here is what she says:

"I see world as a temporary phase and illusion. My eyes are focused on a dimension which is not tied to time, rule or place. Love to have freedom of thoughts.. "

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Courage and happy heart inspires me to develop within myself.

My Dad Sr. Kuldeep Singh Ji (who is an amazing poet, lyricist,who holds in depth keen knowledge about Sikh history) and our Great Sikh culture with bright and colorful spirit are my Inspirations. Love for our Gurus and their messages too keep me going which helps me to stroke that on canvas with colors and style.

How many paintings have you sold?

I have sold more then 18 paintings in three shows,one buyer would buy 5-6 paintings at a time.

Do you just paint one-off paintings or you do duplicates of them?

In reality believe me Gurugobind Singhji's painting was my very first portrait i ever made, yes i was trying to copy our great Sobha singhji's work . I literally prayed, took gurus blessing and just gave a start and I was happy when it turnout to be at least good. Gurus paintings are the only paintings which I copied rest all are my own. As per my knowledge my friends, relatives, family members are elated with the path I am going on.

What is the reaction of Sikh/non-Sikh community about your art?

Non sikhs, American, Pakistanis they all are my buyers . Yes when ever i have local show with the community,people do see you with one eye that speaks of art.

I would like to wish Paramjeet good luck and inspiration. I really like her paintings and even thinking of may be getting one for myself... Who knows?

By the way if you are are lover of Sikh art, I personally want to recommend one book. It's called New Insights into Sikh Art. It's a beautiful book which gives insight to Sikh art. Thanks to the lovely book salesman who sold me this book near Golden temple. It's a good addition to my library. Recommended!

Don't miss Sikhnet Film Festival

This year I have missed the Sikhnet film festival. My bad. The festival itself was designed to encourage and inspire our youth to get involved in media and film and use their creativity to produce interesting and educational pieces designed to spread the spirit of Sikhi but you can watch it right now by clicking here. Spare few minutes and watch inspiring movies created by Sikh Youth.

First turbaned woman sikh makes us proud by becoming USA pilot

Featuring Arpinder Kaur: Piloting a Life by Raj Singh (Age 17)

Arpinder Kaur became first turbaned woman pilot in the USA history.

“Two of the reasons I did this were: first, my love of flying and, second, to
set a precedent for the community so they know you can be in your Sikh
appearance and do anything out there; so that my younger brothers and sisters
[the rising generation] will pursue their passions while practicing their Sikh
faith.”

Desi Legend blog would like to thank Arpinder Kaur for making every Sikh proud! Simply awesome news! Great to have an amritdhari female pilot. It is indeed very inspirational news. She is a great role model for many Sikhs!

To read full story go here:http://www.sikhnet.com/people/sikh-woman-first-turbaned-pilot-america

Sarika Singh wins case to wear kara to school

I just switched on BBC news. Finally Sarika Singh wins case to wear kara to school. I'm happy to see and hear news like that. Poor girl was excluded from school in November last year and only now this case is finished. Congratulations to Sarika and everyone who helped her.

News by BBC NEWS

"A Sikh teenager has won her High Court discrimination claim against her school which excluded her for breaking its "no jewellery" rule. Sarika Singh, 14, from Cwmbach, south Wales was excluded in November 2007 from Aberdare Girls School for refusing to take off a religious bangle. The school claimed its no jewellery policy was fair to all.

A High Court judge in London ruled on the controversial matter after reserving judgement last month. Sarika says the Kara bangle - a slim steel bracelet - is important to her as it is a symbol of her Sikh faith. As a result of the judgment, Sarika is allowed to return to Aberdare Girls School in September, wearing the Kara. Her lawyers had told Mr Justice Stephen Silber that the Kara was as important to her as it was to England spin bowler Monty Panesar, who has been pictured wearing the bangle.

I'm so happy to know that no-one else will go through what me and my
family have gone through.

The judge declared the school was guilty of indirect discrimination under race relations and equality laws. After the judgement, Sarika said: "I am overwhelmed by the outcome and it's marvellous to know that the long journey I've been on has finally come to an end.

"I'm so happy to know that no-one else will go through what me and my family have gone through and no other pupil will ever get banned from wearing their Kara again. "I just want to say that I am a proud Welsh and Punjabi Sikh girl."

Sarika's mother, Sinita, 38, added: "We are over the moon. It is just such a relief."
Her father Satnam Singh, read a statement: "We are very pleased with the outcome of the case but we are extremely disappointed the we had to come to the High court in the order to give our daughter the right to wear the Kara in school." Mr Justice Silber said he had been told the Kara bangle was regarded as vital to the Sikh religion. It denoted the "God's infinity" he said and was effectively a "handcuff to God."

The judge rejected claims by the school that the bangle, which he said was less obtrusive than some watches, could be seen as a "symbol of affluence." He said many watches which were allowed at the school were more expensive than than the simple plain steel Kara.

The school banned Sarika Singh from wearing the Kara. He commented: "In this case there is very clear evidence it was not a piece of jewellery but to Sarika was, and remains, one of the defining focal symbols of being a Sikh."

He said his decision had already been made known to the school authorities who had agreed to Sarika returning at the start of the next term in September when she will begin preparing for her GCSEs. The judge also refused the school permission to appeal, although it can still seek permission from the Court of Appeal. Liberty which backed Sarika, argued the school had breached race relations, equality and human rights laws

They said it also contravened a 25-year-old Law Lords' decision which allows Sikh children to wear items representing their faith, including turbans, to school.

Anna Fairclough, the Singh family's solicitor said: "It's a shame that each generation has to fight the same battles. This battle was already fought 25 years ago and Sarika shouldn't have had to go through that again. "Our great British traditions of religious tolerance and race equality have been rightly upheld today."

A spokesperson from Rhondda Cynon Taf council said it had been informed of the High Court's judgement in the case and it would "be working with the school's governing body to ensure Sarika Singh's continued education."

To see Sarika's video click here. If you want to read more go to http://www.supportsarika.co.uk/

Sing is Kinng movie is coming soon!

Courtesy of Indian Films and Blockbuster Movie Entertainers

Everyone is eagerly awaiting for the new movie SINGH IS KINNG. Movie Singh Is Kinng revolves around a gang of crooks transformed by a good man and his selfless love for a pretty girl… Main role Akshay Kumar. I wonder is it going to be good or another flop?

Did you know you can buy a t-shirt with Singh is King at Desi Legend shop? This design is the one of the best sellers (by the way it has been created long time before the movie). Do you want one?