Volume 14 JUNE 2001 number 2

The Central jersey sikh association, inc.

OUR FUTURE-THE YOUNGEST CJSA CLASS AND TEACHERS

CJSA Bulletin is published quarterly by Central Jersey Sikh Association. CJSA is a non-profit organization engaged in advancing Sikh religion and culture. The editor welcomes your suggestions and articles. Please mail your suggestions and articles to CJSA Bulletin, P.O Box # 347, Windsor, NJ 08561 or email to aloomba@nerc.com

By the Grace of God, the CJSA had the first diwan in our new Gurdwara on March 11, 2001. It was a proud moment for all of us to have our dream realized after several years of patient expectation.

In the past three months that the Gurdwara has been open, I have been very pleased to see a significant increase in youth participation in all aspects of Gurdwara activities. The youth represent the future, and their relationship with the Gurdwara will determine the destiny of the Gurdwara in the years to come. The CJSA management has worked tirelessly to reach out to the youth to make them an integral part of the CJSA sangat and the youth have responded with genuine enthusiasm.

Without a doubt, the most successful activity for the CJSA youth has been the Sunday school where more than 70 children, from 7 years to seventeen years learn Punjabi, Gurbani and Sikh Studies. This activity, which is organized by Education Secretary Sikander Singh Ranu, will be described in more detail elsewhere in this issue of the Bulletin. One aspect that I found most encouraging is that the majority of the teachers in the school program are CJSA youth. The teachers include Ranvir Singh Dhillon, Natasha Singh, Renu Singh, Simran Kaur Goomer, Monica Singh, Rajni Kaur Sandhu, and Rajmeet Kaur Mann. They are self motivated and dedicated. They take their duties and responsibilities very seriously. I attended a teachers’ meeting a couple of weeks ago, and I was impressed with the way in which the youth teachers conducted themselves. They observed all the usual rules of behavior in a meeting. They were polite. They waited for their turn to speak. They spoke only when given permission to do so by the meeting chair Sikander, and when they did speak, they made constructive suggestions. I was so impressed with the meeting that I had to remind myself that I was in a Gurdwara setting where adults usually consider meetings a free-for-all.

Kirtan classes were started three months ago and the youth now participate in the diwan every Sunday. During the fourth Friday of every month, the youth have an hour program during which they read the Rehras and recite several shabads, thanks to the efforts of Gurvinder Kaur Sawhney and the youth coordinators Natasha Singh and Dheerja Kaur Sawhney. The response from the youth has been very encouraging.

Ranvir Singh Dhillon has taken a leadership role in organizing the youth sports activity and is working with the Sports Coordinator Dr. Sukhbir Singh Chrai regarding CJSA’s participation in the Annual Sikh Games to be held in July.

The CJSA web site is read regularly by the youth, thanks to Gurcharan Singh Chahal, the designer of the Web site.

The youth now have their own Section in this Bulletin and I welcome this development.

If the involvement by the youth in the gurdwara activities in the past three months is an indication, I am very hopeful for the future of the CJSA.

Harcharan Singh Gill

With waheguru’s grace, sangat's enthusiasm, devotion and donations CJSA moved in to the new Gurudwara in March 2001. Since then we have celebrated two gurpurabs and weekly dewans in new Darbar Hall. The master plan for the site includes a Darbar Hall, a Langar Hall, Bhaiji’s and visitor’s quarters and possibly a community Center/Sikh School in future. The present Darbar Hall is actually Langar Hall in master plan. The conceptual plans have already been drawn up for future Darbar Hall and Living/Visitor quarters. The paragraphs below provide details about different phases for full development of the Gurudwara complex. Sangat is encouraged to send their views, suggestions for the complex. Please send your suggestions to aloomba@nerc.com. He will forward the same to the Building Committee Chairman Amar Singh Gill.

Phase-I: Phase –I is ready and in use. It includes present Darbar Hall, a modern kitchen, library and Sunday school rooms. There is ample parking for about 150 cars. The present Darbar Hall will be Langar Hall in future. We have spent about 1.5 million dollars on Phase-I to date. This includes cost of land etc.

Phase-II: Phase-II detailed plans and specifications are under preparation. We have started the permit process. This phase will include a two-story building with two apartments on each floor. Each apartment will have two bedrooms, living and dining room. Two apartments will be used as residential quarters for the Bhai’s. To keep the Sikh tradition of providing shelter to visitors, the other two apartments will be used as temporary stay for visitors. These apartments will be furnished. The building will have a basement for storage and utilities. With waheguru’s kirpa and sangats cooperation, we plan to complete Phase-II before the end of year 2002. A conceptual sketch for Phase-II is included in this issue. The estimate for Phase-II is $600,000.

Phase-III: Conceptual sketch for the complete Gurudwara was published in March issue of the Bulletin. The Phase-III includes addition to present building for new Darbar Hall and beautiful front finish to the building. The front will follow the traditional Sikh Gurudwara architectural tradition. We plan to complete plans, specifications and obtain all permits for this phase, before the completion of Phase-II. The estimated cost for this phase is $1,500,000.

Sikander Singh Ranu

CJSA school is housed in new Gurudwara building on second floor. New Gurudwara building has been the catalyst for the remarkable progress achieved by the Sunday school. From no classes last year, we have progressed regular classes in Punjabi, Sikh History and Kirtan. With our own home, we are able to schedule classes at times most convenient to students and teachers. At present Punjabi AND Sikh History classes are held from 10.30 AM to 11.15 PM. Kirtan classes are held from 2 PM to 4 PM. At present all classes are held on Sunday. Due to importance of teaching Punjabi and large enrolment in it, we are planning to start extra session on Friday evenings. We have approximately 70 kids enrolled in Sunday school. We try to limit each class size 15-20 kids. This way each child gets individual attention. Further we try to form classes of same age group kids.

This year we have a very bright batch of students. They all are working very hard to learn Punjabi, Sikh History and Kirtan. The sangat has seen these kids perform shabad kirtan many times in last few months.

The credit for all this goes to time and efforts put in by our devoted volunteer teachers. They have been sparing time from their busy schedules to make sure that the next generation is well prepared to maintain Sikh Gurudwaras, Sikh Religion and Punjabi Culture. On behalf of CJSA sangat I thank all the volunteer teachers. The parents of the kids deserve credit and thanks too. They too spare time from their busy schedule and bring the kids to classes every Sunday. I thank all the parents who are sending their kids to CJSA school. CJSA appeals to all other parents to encourage their kids to come to CJSA school. With our hectic and busy life styles in this country, it is very hard to teach the kids our language, religion, history and culture at home. The CJSA school is the best medium to keep our kids in touch with our religion, language and culture.

CJSA plans to add more books and supplies to school and the library. Our aim is to supply kids all the books for CJSA school. The parents are responsible for stationary supplies. CJSA is in process of completing next phases for the building. For a few years CJSA needs a lot of financial help from the sangat. To help meet the cost of books, CJSA has decided to to charge a nominal fee of $20 per child per semester. Each year will have two semesters of 16 weeks each, a summer break and couple of holiday’s breaks.

Punjabi Language Class: This is the most important and most popular class. Minimum age for admission to this class is same as for admission in kindergarten in public schools. The complete course for the language class is three years. First year covers the alphabet and simple words. Second year will cover more complex words and sentences. Third year will cover grammar and advanced writing.

Sikh History Class: Minimum age for this class is 7 years. We try to keep kids of similar age group in each class.

Kirtan Class: The minimum age for this class is 7 years. Kirtan is a very vast and difficult subject. It is hard to find a group of kids with same level of knowledge and learning capability. Parents are advised to discuss with Harcharan Singh Gill for this course and decide the path for learning various facets of kirtan.

Finally I am always open to suggestions for improvement of school. Please feel free to talk to me or anyone in management committee. We always need volunteer teachers/substitute teachers. Please give me your name/phone number so that I can contact you. What you need is sewa bhav and capability of teaching Punjabi, Sikh History or Kirtan.

Ramanjit K. Braich Punjabi

Natasha Singh Punjabi

Harbans Singh Puri Punjabi

Dalip Singh Gill Punjabi

Gurvinder Sawnhey Sikh History

Simran Kaur Goomer Sikh History

Karamjit Singh Mangat Sikh History

Daljit Kaur Gill Sikh History

Renu Singh Punjabi

             Ranvir Singh Dhillon Sikh History

             Surjit Singh Dhillon Sikh History

            Harcharan Singh Gill Kirtan

        Sikander Singh Ranu Coordinator  Sikh Studies

Please contact Sikander S. Ranu to enroll your kids in Sunday School or for any other information. He can be reached at Gurudwara or via email at Ranu@msn.com or call him at 609-259-1925

Beant Kaur, Our Dedicated Auntiji

 

Note: There are many more volunteers in sangat who work behind the scenes like auntijii. In every issue of the Bulletin I want to feature a CJSA volunteer. The volunteer should be someone not serving on the management committee. The person should be very active in sewa. Please nominate the volunteers via email to aloomba@nerc.com.

We are pleased to announce that CJSA Gurudwara has now permanent staff of four priests. The sangat already knows Giani Amarjit Singh. He has been doing katha for the last few years. The ragi jatha of Bhai Surjit Singh has been hired as permanent Bhais for the Gurudwara. They have combined experience of almost 75 years. They were part of Ragi pool at Harimandir Sahib Amritsar. We have been very lucky that such a talented ragi jatha has agreed to be part of our proud organization. A brief biography of each Bhaiji is provided below for sangat’s information.

(Head Granthi)

We are proud to have Bhai Surjit Singh as Head Granthi and Head of ragi jatha for our Gurudwara. Bhaiji brings with him more than 26 years of experience. He served at Harimandirsahib at Amritsar and has been serving the US sangats at Richmond Hill, Glen Rock, Flushing. He was born in year 1952 at a village near Sangrur, Punjab. He grew up in Patiala. He joined with Bhai Bakhshish Singh of Taran Taran and was part of their jatha for 8 years. From 1975 to 1996, Bhaiji was at Harmandirsahib reciting shabad kirtan everyday. In 1996 he moved to USA . We are very lucky to have him as our Head Granthi.

(Harmonium)

Bhai Joginder Singh was born in year 1955 at Amritsar, India. He grew up in Amritsar. He learned shabad kirtan from Bhai Vir Singh at Khalsa Parcharak Vidyalay at Taran Taran. He spent there six years, before he joined Bhai Surjit Singh at Amritsar and and has been part of his ragi jatha ever since. He was at Harimandirsahib, Amritsar from 1975 to 1996. In 1996 he moved to USA and has served the sangats at Richmond Hill, Glen Rock, Long Island, Flushing and Connecticut Gurudwaras.

 

BHAI KASHMIRA SINGH

(Tabla Player)

Bhai Kashmira Singh is an expert tabla player from village Dakoha Distt Gurdaspur. He learned tabla from his father Bhai Sohan Singh. He was with Bhai Surjit Singh jatha at Harimandir Sahib Amritsar from 1975 to 1996. In 1996 he moved with the jatha to USA . In this country he has been part of the jatha and served the sangats at Richmond Hill, Glen Rock, Flushing, Long Island and Connecticut gurudwaras.

CJSA sangat knows Giani Amarjit Singh very well. He has been doing katha for last few years. He is very knowledgeable and explains the meanings of bani very well. He was born in year 1954 at Rohatak. His parents were actively associated with Bhai Kanhaya Sewa Panthi Adanshai Sabha of Amritsar. He did his high school in Rohtak . He moved to Haridwar and studied with some learned saints there. Then he joined Sikh Missionary College and completed degree there in 1976. He finished his Giani degree in 1979. He married in 1979, moved to Lucknow and became Sikh Dharam Parcharak in various Gurudwaras in UP. He was in Kualalumpur in 1982 as Sikh Parcharak. In 1987 he moved to USA and served the sangat in Glen Rock Gurudwara. Since 1998 he has been doing katha, explaining Sikh banis at CJSA.

I know all the readers have been anxiously waiting for the Part-II of "Historical Perspective of Central Jersey Sikh Association" by Suriender S. Seerah. Due to his preplanned travel to Hemkunt , India Mr. Seerah was unable to finish the article for this issue. He as promised to submit the Part-II for next issue and as bonus will provide us an article detailing his visit to Hemkunt Gurudwara.

Across:

1. This takes care of the K in number 5. (5)
2. 2% of India’s population is -------(5)
3. CJSA’s new home. (9)
4. Birth place of Guru Nanak Devji (7)
5. One of the five K’s for Sikhs.(3)
6. Guru Teg Bahadurji’s martyrdom place. (7)
7. The Moslem rabab player with Guru Nanak Devji (7)
8. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is in this city. (5)
9. The Bahadur who took revenge for tenth guru’s sons. (5)
10. You will find imprint of Guru Nanak Devji’s hand here. (10)

1. This city is to the Sikhs, what Vatican is to the Catholics. (8)

2. Fifth Guru of Sikhs. (8)

3. Baptism for Sikhs. (5)

4. Birthplace of Sikhs. (13)

5. All Sikh men, women wear it. (4)

6. On each Gurpurab CJSA sangat does it. (10)

7. Land of five rivers. (6)

 

 

Answers on page 34

 

1. Punjab has highest per capita income in India.

2. Punjab has highest per acre grains output in India.

3. 100% of villages are electrified in Punjab.

4. !00% of villages are linked by asphalt roads in Punjab.

5. Punjab has highest percentage of irrigated land in India.

6. Punjabis enjoy highest standard of living in India.

7. Green revolution originated from Punjab, which made India self sufficient in food grains.

8. Majority of population in Punjab is Sikhs.

 

 

SIKH WOMEN IN HISTORY

This is a brief mention of the names of some of the great Sikh women who played an important part in Sikh history. Mention can be made of:

1. Bibi Nanaki - Guru Nanak's sister and Mata Tripta - Guru Nanak's Mother. They played very important roles in encouraging young Guru Nanak to pursue his life long mission. They were the first to recognize Guru Nanak's saintliness.

2. Mata Khivi, wife of Guru Angad Dev (the second Guru), was in charge of Langar (the common kitchen). She was an unlimited resource of bountiful food and helped to create a new social consciousness in Sikh women.

3. Bibi Bhani has a unique position in Sikh history. She was the daughter of the third Guru (Guru Amar Das), wife of the fourth Guru (Guru Ram Das), and mother of the fifth Guru (Guru Arjan Dev). Bibi Bhani was an inspiration during the formative period of Sikh history and symbolises responsibility, dedication, humility and fortitude.

4. Mata Gujari was an illuminating force behind her husband Guru Tegh Bahadur (the ninth Guru) and her son Guru Gobind Singh (the tenth Guru). After the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Mata Gujari guided and inspired her son Guru Gobind Singh. She was responsible for the training of the Sahibzadas (the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh) who gave up their lives for Sikhism while they were still very young. Mata Gujri was an inspiring force during one of the most difficult times in Sikh history.

5. Mata Sundri helped provide leadership for the Sikhs in a very difficult and tumultuous time following the passing away of Guru Gobind Singh. She helped maintain the sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib as the successor of Guru Gobind Singh and dealt strictly with pretenders and other aspirants of Guruship.

6. Mata Sahib Kaur - the spiritual mother of the Khalsa. During the first Amrit ceremony of the Khalsa on Baisakhi 1699, Mata Sahib Kaur added sugar cakes in the preparation of the amrit (Holy nectar) which was administered to the Khalsa on that day.

7. Sikh Missionaries - Guru Amar Das trained missionaries to spread Sikhism throughout the country. According to one account, of the 146 missionaries Guru Amar Das trained and sent out, 52 were women. At one time the religious seats in the country of Afghanistan and Kashmir were under the jurisdiction of women priests. These women had complete jurisdiction in decision making as well as preaching to congregations.

8. Mai Bhago was the brave woman who led a battalion of 40 men in the battle of Muktsar. All of them achieved martyrdom and were blessed by Guru Gobind Singh. Mai Bhago survived to remain a member of the Khalsa army.

I believe in one God whose message was passed down to us through ten gurus, or

"teachers." This does not mean that I reject the notion of other religions - all it means

is that for me, Sikhism is the right path for reaching God. In our lives, we go through a

cycle of life and death. Only when we have attained God can this cycle end. My goal

as a Sikh is to end this cycle through prayer and community service, which is called "seva".

I don't cut my hair because hair is one of the five symbols of faith in my religion. It is

part of a uniform given to us by our tenth guru. Keeping my hair is a sign of commitment and reminds me of my duty to act morally in accordance with Sikhism.

In olden times, it was considered a symbol of royalty for one to wear a turban. To show the equality of all people, it has become a Sikh tradition to wear a turban. Also, covering one's hair is considered a sign of respect. By wearing a turban, I show my respect for others and that I consider everyone royal.

Although I might be one of the only Sikhs you know, this is only because the bulk of

the Sikh population is concentrated in the state of Punjab in India. However, with

over 20 million Sikhs around the world, Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the

world.

In India, a person's last name is often an indicator of caste. Sikhism rejects the idea

of a caste system because people of certain castes are considered superior to

people of other castes. In order to solve this problem, our tenth guru gave all men the

last name of "Singh," meaning "lion," and all women the last name of "Kaur,"

meaning "princess." This way, no one can tell a Sikh’s caste from their name and all Sikhs can look upon one another as equals.

Compiled by Kiran Kaur Gill

"Adapted from Gateway to Sikhis

How the vast Afghani Empire on Punjabi soil disappeared in Kasur, Multan, Kashmir and Peshawar is a subject closely associated with the campaigns of Sardar Hari Singh Nalua, the Marshal of the Khalsa and terror for the Afghans. Being the 'Murat of the Khalsa' as he was appropriately called by Sir Henry Griffin, the famous British dignitary and a prominent writer of significant treatise on the Sikhs, his name figures among those patriots who participated bravely rather passionately in almost all battles fought constantly against the Afghans during the Sikh rule under Maharaja Ranjit Singfor a period of three decades from A.D. 1807 to A.D. 1837. Sardar Hari Singh Nalua, the typical product of his age was born at Gujranwala now in the West Pakistan in A.D. 1791 in Uppal family in the house of Sardar Gurdial Singh to Dharam Kaur. He was the only son of his parents. The ancestors of Nalua Sardars were originally from Majitha town situated in the vicinity of Amritsar. His grandfather Sardar Hardas Singh engaged in the service of Sukarchakia Misl was killed in an expedition undertaken by the Misl in A.D. 1762. Gurdial Singh, the father of Sardar Hari Singh Nalua followed the profession of his father and took part in various campaigns of Sukarchakia Sardars - Charat Singh and Mahan Singh in the capacity of Deradar .

He expired in 1798 when Hari Singh was only seven years of age and was thus looked after with care and caution by his maternal uncle who took him to his house. In those days training in the feats of war was deemed necessary and physical education attracted much attention. Accordingly, Hari Singh who was physically quite stout and strong and impressive too in appearance when grew up, learnt the art of warfare. It is said that he was indefatigable and could sit on horse back for long hours. Hari Singh received his preliminary education in languages of Gurmukhi, Urdu, Persian. Baron Charles Hugel states that Hari Singh besides his general knowledge about the statistics of many of the European states, was well versed in Persian. He impressed him extremely with his overall achievements. Hari Singh was administered Pahul when grew up and assumed the responsibility of supervising the affairs of his father's jagir. Hari Singh presented himself before Maharaja Ranjit Singh in his open darbar which he used to hold for a week or so on the eve of Basant fair every year. The Maharaja was so impressed by the feats of chivalry shown by him that he was taken in the royal service as a personal khidmatgar or an attendant. Maharaja commissioned him in 1804 A.D. by granted him a command of 700 footmen and horses with the honour of Sardar. Why Hari Singh is called "Nalua" and not Uppal. The reason is that he came to be know by the said title by way of an incident which took place during the early days of his joining the service of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. During the course of hunting expedition he happened to be a victim of a sudden attack of a tiger. The attack was so suttle and unexpected that he did not gain time to pull out his sword. Sardar Hari Singh Nalua faced the crucial situation with such boldness that he managed to catch hold of the jaw of the beast forcefully with his hands and pushed it away with the prowess of arms arranging thus to kill it with his sword. Baron Charles Hugel says he was called Nalua for 'having cloven the head of a tiger who had already seized him as its pray'. The Sikhs often passing through a series of vicissitudes, first establish themselves as a political power in the Punjab in 1765 A.D. But their mode of fighting then was desultory and hardly suited to the requirements of a well-settled state, However Maharaja Ranjit Singh 'Built up a strong , centralized and effectively controlled military system by amalgamating the best elements in foreign with best elements found in the indigenous fighting mechanisms. Hari Singh Nalua's significant military campaign was that of Kasur, the so called 'mythological rival of Lahore', in 1807 A.D. Hari Singh Nalua along with Sardar Jodh Singh Ramgarhia, Sardar Nihal Singh Attari, Baba Akali Phula Singh, Fateh Singh Ahluwalia, Dhanna Singh Malwai, and Sardar Fateh Singh Kalianwala marched on to Kasur to subjugate its Afghani owner Kutab-ud-din Khan. Sikhs laid siege for three months after which Kutab-ud-din Khan surrendered. Hari Singh Nalua, of course, was the first to march inside the city gate of Kasur with his division called 'Sher-Dil-Rajman.' The troops under him caught Kutab-Ud-Din alive and presented him before Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Maharaja Ranjit Singh made him retire to a territory of Mamdot as a jagir, subject to his supplying horsemen for service when required.

Sardar Hari Singh Nalua's next significant military achievement was to reduce to submission Sardar Jiwan Singh, the ruler of Sialkot who was asked by the Maharaja to surrender his possessions. Jiwan Singh gave tough fight for two days after which he raised his hands in peace. The strategic significance of Sialkot lay in the fact that it was a very fertile tract extending its dimensions up to Jammu. Moreover, Maharaja Ranjit Singh after bringing to submission a major part of the Central Punjab made it a centre of his further political aggrandizement.

Hari Singh Nalua's next significant military achievement was the conquest of Multan. before annexing Multan in 1818 A.D., six expeditions were sent by the suzerain of Lahore. Resultantly tribute was collected every time, annexation was never visualized and attempted. Hari Singh contributed in all of these six campaigns as well as conquest of Multan. Multan had a great commercial and strategic importance having been the gateway of Afghanistan. It is stated that working boats from the Jhelum, Ravi and Chenab were forced to work for invariable supply of provisions. Illahi Bux of the artillery forces of Ranjit Singh made conspicuous arrangements for battering the forts of Multan. During Mughal rule it was an important headquarter and fell into Afghan custody after the fall of empire. After Multan, Sardar Hari Singh also subjugated the territories of Mitha Tiwana, Rajauri, Naushera, etc. from which strip tribute was realized for the kingdom of Lahore. Then Maharaja turned towards Kashmir. Hari Singh Nalua's regiment was in forefront in campaign to get back Shah Shuja from the Governor of Kashmir, Shah Shuja's wife Wafa Begum had promised Kohinoor Diamond for Maharaja if her husband was to be freed from prison of Kashmir. In 1814 A.D., Hari Singh forces routed Kashmiris forces. Shah Shuja gave Ranjit Singh Kohinoor Diamond, from that day on till his death Maharaja Ranjit Singh wore that Diamond on his right shoulder, it was his pride. Hari Singh Nalua was appointed Governor of Kashmir. Immediately, he ordered to ban cow slaughter, such was an effect that to this day, Kashmiri Muslims don't eat beef. Jaziya, etc , the taxes which Hindu and Sikh population had to pay to their Muslim rulers for "not being a Muslim" were eradicated. For these obvious reasons, several Muslim historian had labelled Hari Singh Nalua as a tyrant. His rule they called "Sikha Shahi" or the "Rule of Sikhs." But no matter what, Hari Singh Nalua and his forces never destroyed any Mosques or abducted Muslim Women, etc. all those atrocities which Mughals and Pathans had committed on the local non-Muslims population. (It was around 1700's A.D that majority of Punjabi population became Muslim owing to the atrocities by Aurangzeb the sixth Mughal emperor) .

The Afghanis of North West region across river Indus around Peshawar were divided into several tribes (They still are). They were sort of savage people which would not obey any rule. From time to time the Punjabi forces from Lahore were sent there to put them down. Each time they would offer some tribute and then again revolt. To totally take control of these areas Maharaja Ranjit Singh give command to Hari Singh Nalua. Also to stop the attacks of Afghanis on Punjabi soil, Maharaja Ranjit Singh and others decided to put a series of forts to built up the defenses of the Punjabi frontier. From Attock to the Khyber Pass series of small forts were built under Hari Singh Nalua to keep Afghanis in check. The most important part of this fortification was to put a complete halt at invaders who had attacked India entering from Khyber pass in West, starting with Greeks in 500 B.C.. So after 2300 Years of constant defeat and humiliation of Punjabi and Indian people Maharaja Ranjit Singh was able to totally shut down this historic route of invasion into India. It had been used by Greeks, Turks, Arabs, Mughals, Mongols, Tatars, Afghanis, etc. And on top of that there is no denying fact that Maharaja Ranjit Singh was quite conscious of the significance of North West frontier province for the defense of his territorial acquisitions.

A significant battle was fought here by Hari Singh Nalua when he defeated and caught the self styled Rajput chief Ghulam ali and send him over to Lahore. Maharaja was so happy that he allowed Hari Singh to strike a coin in his name in Kashmir. Then in the tract of Pakhli and Dhamtur Nalua with his usual sagacity and vision, was able to pacify a revolt against the Lahore court arising in the region. This is also acknowledged by Syed Mohd. Latif, a biased famous

Punjabi Muslim historian. Henry Lepel Griffin in connection with Sardar Nalua in Pakhli states "obedience was not an easy to Hari Singh for wild mountaineers to the number of 20,000 opposed to his passage, on this way to mankera and at Pakli he was compelled to halt with his force of 7,000 men. Pakli has long been a spot dreaded by merchants, for the hillmen of that place were accustomed to demand a toll on shawl, wood and other merchandise. Hari Singh after vain efforts to induce the enemy to yield him a passage, attacked them with vigor, and storming their blockades defeated them with great slaughter. After this he imposed a fine of Rs 5 on each house in the district. Since virtually peace in Punjab was only possible by sealing the border of Kabul, and Peshawar being geographically situated in its close proximity was an indispensable asset for Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Thus, ultimately the strip of Peshawar became the bone of contention between Maharaja and Afghanis. After the conquest of Attock, Maharaja's solid and concrete target of conquest was Peshawar as the exigency of time so demanded.

The murder of Wazir Fateh Khan of Kabul in A.D. 1818 provided Maharaja the desired opportunity to attempt the conquest of Peshawar as consequent to his murder the two major factions of the Afghans-The Sadazui's and Barqzai's-came to be seen at dagger's drawn with each other. Moreover, the possession of Peshawar except as a step to further acquisitions, does not appear to have been advantageous to Ranjeet with additional evil of leading Sikhs into constant collision with the savage tribes of Afghanis.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh availed himself of anarchy in Kabul and made as invasion of Peshawar, the South-West-Eastern frontiers of Peshawar with Punjab having been neglected by Sultan Yar Mohammed Khan and Dost Mohammad Khan, the then Afghan governors of Peshawar who found themselves helpless and vacated the city. Punjabi forces with Mian Ghausa and Diwan Mohkam Chand leading the charge With Sardar Nalua as general of Cavalry didn't had to face any fight what so ever. Maharaja appointed Jahan Dad Khan, ex governor of Attock as new governor of Peshawar in November 1818.

Then in 1822, Dost Mohammad Khan and Yar Mohammad Khan were able to expel the Maharaja's nominee Jahan Dad Khan from Peshawar and thus another expedition was undertook by Punjabi forces. This time the forces were being led by cavalry by Sardar Hari Singh Nalua, Foot soldiers by Dhanna Singh Malwai, and Jagat Singh Attariwala, Artillery by Mian Ghausa. Dost Mohammad Khan managed to reconcile by paying a handsome nazrana to Maharja and by accepting the submission to Khalsa kingdom rather than to kingdom of Kabul. In Jan 1823, Muhammad Azim, the Kabul wazir occupied Peshawar with the assistance of large army. Ranjit Singh sent another expedition, the battles of Jahangira and Naushera were fought in March 1823 where Sardar Nalua, Akali Phula Singh, Gorkha Bal Bhadra, Mian Ghausa, Misr Diwan Chand, Sardar Attar Singh marched in the battle field at the head of their divisions and gave a defeat to the Afghans in the battle of Jahangira but a more serious and awe inspiring battle was fought at Naushera which is also known as the battle of Tibbi Tehri. General

Allard and Ventura's participation in this battle with their divisions and trained army of Lahore kingdom with Akali division of the army had absolutely no match for untrained militia who although surpassed in sheer numbers, Afghans after a great massacre submitted and Naushera was captured. Albeit, the Lahore troops lost an indispensable commander, Akali Phula Singh whose dashing feats of warfare had surprised one and all. Hari Singh Nalua played a conspicuous role first by inflicting a crushing defeat upon the enemy and secondly by pursuing the enemy after the defeat in order to be sure about the victory of the Lahore troops. The battle of Naushera made it evident to the frontier tribesmen that the Afghan militia was weaker than those of Lahore troops. This battle sealed the further prospects of Muhammad Azim of Kabul and established the Sikh supremacy over Peshawar.

In 1827, Sayed Ahmad Bareli who claimed himself to be the messenger of Prophet Mohammad inspired the tribesmen by fervent appeals to recover their territory from the "kafir" or "Infidel" kingdom of Lahore. Yar Mohammad Khan also joined these crusaders. These forces captured the Peshawar. Maharaja Ranjit Singh sent Hari Singh Nalua to recapture the Peshawar as well as major parts around khyber pass. Sardar Hari Singh Nalua gave blow to the rising power of Syed Ahmad Bareli Griffin states that when Sayed Ahmad roused all the fanatic power of Yusafzais for a holy war against Sikhs and was joined by the Barkazi chief of Peshawar, Sardar Hari Singh Nalua with his 25,000 men prevented Syed Ahmad from crossing Indus. Then Lahore troops crossed Indus and invaded Peshawar, Syed Ahmad and his crusaders were butchered. Hari Singh gave Sayed a great setback. Peshawar was pillaged, Palaces were destroyed, tribute of Peshawar was increased and the son of Yar Mohammad Khan was carried away by Hari Singh as hostage. Then again, in 1830, Maharaja had to sent Prince Sher Singh to Peshawar to get tribute from Sayed Ahmad which was paid. Hari Singh was put to call of duty in 1834 A.D for annexing Peshawar to the dominion of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. On 6th May 1834, Peshawar was made part of Punjab and Hari Singh Nalua was made his first non-Muslim governor. But most of Hari Singh time was spent at Lahore, his division was situated in Lahore. A year after annexation of Peshawar, Dost Mohammad, now the Afghan ruler of Kabul attempted to regain his supremacy over strip of Peshawar. Tribesmen from Yusafzai, Mohmmand and Khatak tribes of the vicinity were appealed in the name of religion to jump into holy war or jehad against Sikhs in order to oust them from their region. But due to unknown reasons these Afghan troops retreated long before confrontation. Dost Mohammad Khan did not rest contented and after mobilizing all his resources dispatched his son Akbar in A.D. 1837 to recover Peshawar which he did. Resultantly, Sardar Hari Singh Nalua was sent at the head of Lahore troops to face Afghans. He got his forces to Peshawar. Jamrud turned out to be the field of battle this time where a formidable battle was fought. Sardar Hari Singh Nalua had earlier build a fort on the entrance of Khyber pass called fort of Jamrud, this fort was being commanded by Sardar Mahan Singh Mirpura. For want of man and war material Nalua strove extraordinary hard, inspite of this he did not loose his heart. Urgent messages were sent to Lahore and Peshawar for materials. For want of timely help the Sardar was of course, killed but the Afghans could not dislodge the 500 Punjabi troops from the fort of Jamrud. General Hari Singh Nalua give his last command to his men to not to disclose his death and continue giving enemy a good fight.

Sir Lepel Griffin, gives a detailed and comprehensive account of Sardar Nalua's campaign of Jamrud. He points out that Sardar was directed to build a fort at Jamrud situated at the entrance of Khber pass from the walls of which Maharaja might glance Jalalabad in Afghanistan. Sardar got built a small port which was quite impregnable to the artillery fire and could hold on for several weeks of pounding. The Dost Mohammad Khan, with 7,000 horse, 2000 matchlock men and 18 guns. His three sons with their forces and a force of 12,000 to 15,000 of Khaibiris joined the main force and started pounding the fort. Mahan Singh Mirpura requested help from Peshwar where Hari Singh Nalua was ailing with fever. While giving an account of the march of Sardar Hari Singh Nalua at the head of Lahore troops to give fight to the Afghans at battle of Jamrud. Hari immediately sent some horsemen to Lahore for more reinforcement and he along with his soldiers went to Jamrud. Reinforcement under Hari Singh Nalua give a new life to the garrison and attack of Afghanis was repulsed with vigor. Griffin further states that when Hari Singh Nalua along with about five of his companion went outside of the fort to inspect a breach in a wall, he was struck by two balls, one in the side and the other in stomach. Inspite of them understanding that he was mortally injured, the Nalua Sardar managed to ride as far as his camp lest the troops be discouraged. Then laying on floor he gives his last order to his few trusted men, that was to not to disclose the secret of his death. Hari Singh further imparted instructions to his soldiers to cover his dead body after lifting it from the ground and placing it on a cot. Thus the great Sardar Hari Singh Nalua, with the terror of whose name Afghan mothers used to quite their fretful children attained his martyrdom.

Famous Sikhs in Different Fields:

Sikhs have been successful in every field in India. Some of the famous Indians (Sikhs) are:

Freedom fighters: Bhagat Singh, Udham Singh (Gave up their lives for the freedom all Indians enjoy today.)

Athletes: Milkha Singh, (Only Indian man ever to reach Olympic athletics finals) Bishen Singh Bedi, (Ace Indian bowler and ex captain of Indian Cricket Team))

Writers: Khushwant Singh, (Most famous Indian English writer) Rajinder Singh Bedi (Famous Indian Urdu/Punjabi writer)

Defence: Air Marshal Arjan Singh, (Air Chief Marshal during late sixties)

Government: Mohan Singh, (Finance Minister responsible for shaping modern Indian Economy)

Art: Gulzar, (Famous film producer in Mumbai)

 

(Only on first Sunday of every month)

Friday Langar Schedule

Trenton Soup Kitchen

CJSA wants to keep alive Sikh religion tradition of helping the poor and destitute and offering langar to anyone visiting the Gurudwara or in need of food, irrespective of the person’s religion or race. We have been participating in Trenton Soup kitchen for past few years. Once a month CJSA sponsors for the soup kitchen. Sponsorship fee for the same is $201.00. The fee is tax deductible. We have sponsorships for a few months already. We need sponsors for the remaining months. Please contact Sukhbir Singh Chrai for details at 609-655-2056 or email him at schrai@worldnet.att.net.

 

CJSA Sponsored Trenton Area Soup Kitchen

List for year 2001

Date Sponsor Meal Plan

2-11-01 Sukhbir S. Chrai A

3-11-01 Surinder S. Sandhu B

4-22-01 Surinder Pal Sharma C

5-13-01 Amar S. Gill A

6-17-01 Karamjit S. Mangat B

7-15-01 Wazir S. Grewal C

8-19-01 Need Sponsor A

9-23-01 Need Sponor B

10-21-01 Need Sponsor C

11-18-01 Need Sponsor A

12-16-01 Need Sponsor B

 

 

 

Financial Statement First Quarter 2001