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Save The Qila Campaign 2015 Continues – The Story of Anād & Anād U.S.A
23 Friday Oct 2015
Posted in ANAD Events, ANAD Foundation, ANAD Khand, Oral History Archives
Tag Archives: Bhai Baldeep Singh
Save The Qila Campaign 2015 – Punjab Police Assault on Music by Kanwar Sandhu (Punjabi)
22 Thursday Oct 2015
Posted in ANAD Foundation, ANAD Khand
Save The Qila Campaign 2015 – Grandparents Testimony
19 Monday Oct 2015
Posted in ANAD Khand, Oral History Archives
SHO Harpreet Singh, Former SSP of Kapurthala, Former DSP Devender Singh, Ashish Chodhary IPS, their assisting policemen, and Former Finance Minister of Punjab, Dr. Upinderjit Kaur, you are —squatting in Anad Foundation’s offices, classrooms, residences and lawns inside the Qila. I have waited for you to call me and apologise and invite me back in the Qila for which I along with some of the most fascinating contributors to Punjab have spent energy and blessed with their collective vision.
All of you combined together have shown yourselves as enemies of Punjab – its cultural heritage and now proven to only being good at butchering Punjab’s budding youth – their aspirations. You only know how to serve your petty interests. But sadly for you all, daddy has come home and daddy now asks the kids to behave! Sadly for you all, daddy is not a beggar —daddy is a tough teacher and I hope you all have secretly realized that you don’t mess up with this daddy-boy called Bhai Baldeep Singh.
Navtej Cheema, you have also been lying to people that you brought money —”crores of Rupees” you claimed – and that too for Anad Foundation —I will deal with that video of yours which I have only recently sourced. This Dr. Upinderjit Kaur was introduced to me as an academic and I had thought of adopting her as a mother when my own mother was slowly succumbing to cancer. But what a liar she proved out to be – going around in her election campaign claiming she had given 3 crores to Anad! Her PA even bragged to and taunted me once —that they had actually given 5 Crores.
Never-mind all of that —none of you will ever win an election unless a miracle happens – when you have shown extraordinary regret, some genuine remorse —this is not my curse, it is my blessing!
I never needed to fight an elections —you guys forced me for your kind of legislators have only eaten up Punjab, emptied its coffers and destroyed its prospects —all round prospects at that.
Even if I were to forgive you all —wherefrom will you give the chance back to the youngsters to study with some of the legends like Bhai’s Avtar Singh, Ustad Fahiumuddin Khan, Ustad Hafiz Khan, Ustad Asad Ali Khan, Pandit Panna Lal Upadhyay, Ustad Bhajan Lal, Bibi Jaswant Kaur and others who have all passed away?
Other like Bhai Gurcharan Singh, now at 100, and Ustad Vilayat Khan Ragi at 95 are unable to teach now!
These are just a few names!
Learn your lesson very quickly folks for I will prove to you that you are not the rulers but public servants and from now on you will keep your diktat in your pants only.
Adios for now – I will speak about this all and much more at the Parliament of Worlds Religions!
Listen to the video folks — share it all around — spread this anguish of a set of parents and the near death of their hope! Together, we shall not let the flame flicker away!
Do we want Punjab healthy and wealthy? If yes, come along with me and we will change this paradigm in Punjab and believe you me – things will never be the same!
yours sincerely,
bbs
Hindustan Times
18 Sunday Oct 2015
Posted in ANAD Foundation
Bhai Baldeep Singh – The Return of the Parman Patra Award
17 Saturday Oct 2015
Posted in ANAD Foundation
Dear Friends,
In wake of Akali Dal, perhaps the only minority community related political outfit still in alliance with NDA/BJP/RSS, remaining silent on an issue that threatens to destroy our nations’ delicate Phulkaric weave, I am returning the Parman Patra conferred by the Punjab Government upon me in 2011.
It is my two pence but hopefully a meaningful droplet as an expression of my solidarity with the families directly or indirectly affected by these crimes against humanity and the rights of people to practice their chosen faith with dignity and respect.
We the protagonists from the fields of music, arts, literature, sciences, and so on are the expressionists and I feel it is time to express our anguish at this horrible state of affairs that plagues our nation –this society.
Warm regards,
bbs
__________________
Open letter to Punjab Administration by Bhai Baldeep Singh
Shri Sarvesh Kaushal
Chief Secretary, Punjab
Punjab Secretariat
Chandigarh 110001
Monday, October 12, 2015
Subject: The Return of the Parman Patra Award
Sat Kartar!
In the wake of the lack of appropriate response to warn off those who have been perpetrating crimes against humanity aimed at Christianity, Islam as well as the gory murder of several among India’s leading rationalists, I have decided to return my Parman Patra (2011) conferred upon me by the Honourable Chief Minister of Punjab, Sardar Parkash Singh Badal, for contribution to Classical music and Gurbani Sangeet.
On September 30, I had already issued the following videoed response urging the nation’s intelligentsia from all religious and social backgrounds or denominations to come forward and raise their voice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE18iDKdNkI
Along with, the following caption was posted:
—”On September 30, 2015, in broad daylight, Mohammad Akhlaq was brutally murdered and his son critically injured by a mob just because it was rumoured that cow-meat was to be cooked at his humble residence. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends!
—In 1947, we were ridiculous enough to senselessly partition our country but we forgot to be wise while celebrating our stupidity. It is time to make amends. Then, we had divided our armed forces, military paraphernalia, universities and books, cities and people, and attempted to monopolise religious and cultural beliefs. I think it is now time to proportionately split our cattle —pigs, cows, buffalos, chicken, hen, birds, cats, mosquitoes, flies, other domestic animals and even wild life. Let there be Hindoo cows that can be worshipped; let us have Sikh, Muslim, Jew, Tribal and Christian cows that can be slaughtered, cooked and eaten; let us have pigs that can be eaten as well as pigs that are ordained with a certain religious pardon!
—Sikhs have made supreme sacrifices generation after generation to save the Tilak, Janeo, Jhatka and so on. And now, if it comes to that Sikhs will raise their voice and even sacrifice, if it comes to that, to save the right offer Namaz; to practice the gift of Islam; even to eat beef; to go to Church; and so on. I know that elders from across communities will raise their voices of concern in urging caution to the current regime.
—We need to refrain from politicising religion, ecology and any of our natural resources!” (End quote).
As Shiromani Akali Dal claims to be the sole representative of Sikh political thought, aspirations and the bearer of Sikh voice – which constitutionally is counted as a minority one – I would have expected the SAD to raise its voice and concern in the wake of the current situation in the country. It is time we stand up to tell – loud and clear – that this nation is not any one community’s personal akhada or ring —that this nation is a consortium of almost all of world’s major religions and sects, from a religious perspective; the idea of this nation is nothing short of a joint venture and that we, the people of this country will not allow this idea or this nations core values, even identity, to be hijacked by anyone.
When will the Shiromani Akali Dal wake up? When the Sikhs will be targeted yet again? I want to tell the Chief Minister of Punjab as well the President of Shiromani Akali Dal, who happens to be the Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab as well, that we the Sikhs have made supreme sacrifices to save the religious and social rights of the majority community of this country – the Tilak, Janeoo, Jhatkaa, the right to offer Pooja, and so on. It is now time to help protect the religious and social rights of the minority communities of this country! This could actually mean SAD sacrificing its grip on power but then so be it. What is more valuable – to rule over a debt ridden state for a few terms and then be forgotten or rule over the hearts and minds of the people of this world and to be remembered for times to come?
As the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has not taken a clear stand against the crimes perpetrated against the minority communities that would have been worthy of the history of Punjab – but in particular that of the Sikh nation – that the SAD claims to represent, I am left with no other choice but to politely return the Parman Patra award it had conferred upon me a few years ago. The reason I have decided to return the Parman Patra – Certificate of Merit – is because the current Punjab Government is actually an Akali Dal – BJP regime, that is, both are NDA affiliates that also governs the central government. I am urging likeminded recipients of State and national awards where the NDA partners are in governance, to humbly return their awards in solidarity. States build the nation – the people who accept and celebrate diversity are the ones who sustain it. Right now we need to save our nation – this is a matter of internal security and we all need to show up and be counted!
Please note that in spite of the illegal, unlawful and forcible occupation of Anad Conservatory premises inside Qila Sarai at Sulranpur Lodhi, and such callous attitude from the government, I did not think of returning the state honours. That is an intra-Punjab and even perhaps personal a matter and I know how to deal with. I will not allow disgraceful people either from civil or police administration or from the political field to sabotage Punjab’s attempts to regain its lost socio-cultural, artistic and political glory. But the Akali Dal silence on a matter that threatens the very fabric of our nation is deafening and this is non-negotiable. I demand that Akali Dal severe its ties with BJP and RSS immediately or issue a strong statement censuring the anti-minority rights fanatics as well as the political fronts such as RSS, Shiv Sena and BJP for quietly endorsing such dastardly incidents.
My work as a custodian and bearer of Punjab’s cultural traditions continues unabated!
Regards,
Bhai Baldeep Singh
Chairman, Anad Foundation
Founder, Anad Khand: Conservatory of Arts, Aesthetics, Cultural Traditions and Developmental Studies
Copy to:
1) Sardar Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab
2) Sardar Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab, and President, Shiromani Akali Dal
Save The Qila Campaign 2015 – Interview with Bhai Baldeep Singh
16 Friday Oct 2015
Posted in ANAD Foundation, ANAD Khand
ORAL HISTORY ARCHIVES
16 Thursday Jul 2015
Posted in ANAD Foundation, Oral History Archives
Tags
Anad, Anecdotes, Archives, Bhai Baldeep Singh, Biography, Book, Captain M S Kohli, Conversation, Expedition, History, Indian, Legendary, Mountaineer, Nepal, Oral, Pakistan, Stories
Legendary Mountaineer Capt. M. S. Kohli in conversation with
Bhai Baldeep Singh
Not every day does one get an opportunity to walk into the living room of a national hero, and it is even more unlikely to have them recount and verbalise their life. In that lulling ambience, filled with nostalgic memoirs, Captain Mohan Singh Kohli sank into history and narrated details that bear testimony to the legends around the man who led the iconic Indian expedition to the Mount Everest in 1965.
The first-hand account is not only relevant in the national context but is explicit with touching tales of his energy, entity and belief. The conversation unravels numerous fascinating yet unknown aspects of his life, for example – as a seven year old child in Haripur (present day Pakistan), Capt. Kohli scaled hills to reach the crest where his ancestors were martyred and once the King of Nepal had sent his army to help him during one of his expeditions, when a local tribe ambushed his group. In an effort to chronicle those stories and anecdotes which got shadowed amidst the overpowering recount of his feats, Bhai Baldeep Singh has taken on the responsibility to write a biography that could do justice to the life and times of the man who became a great mountaineer.
Even after authoring 27 books himself, Capt. Kohli feels that certain subtleties could only be justifiably written by someone who knows him personally but can still offer a fresh and unbiased perspective and for this reason, he chose Bhai Baldeep Singh. The Anād Foundation looks forward to working with the legend and publish the biography that will not only shed light on the unknown riveting aspects of the history of Indian mountaineering but also provide a primary account of Capt. Kohli’s stimulating and inspiring sojourn.
Written by – Pallab Deb
Edited by – Preeti Kathuria
Photo by – TejInder Singh
Punyā Baithak XIX – Rāga Nat Narāyan: 31-Rāgas in Gurubani Series
30 Tuesday Jun 2015
Posted in ANAD Events, ANAD Foundation
Anād: Her Lips showed movement, the universe tried to comprehend her speech but failed miserably. He, the creator then granted a solicit power to the human race which could be felt, not heard, pummeled, not criticized, calling it the Soundless Sound.
Guru Granth Sahib is composed in and divided by 31 rāgas. Each rāga carries the same adaptation, softness, happiness, separation and sadness which a human mind is capable of. These variations depict a sound which the Tanpura, Sarangi, Jori, Dilruba and Sitar try and unfold in the conundrum of what is black and what is white.
On Tuesday, May 02.2015. The Anād Foundation with support from District Administration, Kapurthala, organized the Punyā Baithak at the Quilā.
Bhai Baldeep Singh sang Nat Narāyan, the 19th Rāga in Gurubani, as part of the 31 Rāgas of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Series – with Ustad Asif Ali Khan on Sarangi, Vikramjit Singh on the Tanpura, Parminder Singh Bhamra on the Jori–pakhwaj and Virendar Kumar on the Sitar.
The program began with the 
Turban Tying competition. People from all age groups participated showcasing the formation of puggaree in their hand, ready to tie their best turban. Judges paid strict attention to every wrap and crease, allowing no mistake escape their vigilant gaze.
The program continued with the Anād Kāv Tarang poetry reading festival. Mr. Bakhtawar Singh was the featured poet. When reciting his poetry, he solely referred to it as “his craft” of a soundless sound.
Wrestler Pehalwan Padharth Singh was honored for his contribution to the field of wrestling.
Kanjli (Beeja) Akhada, Pehalwan Malkit Singh hosted three wrestling matches at the Quilā.
The Students of Anād 
Conservatory, Sultanpur Lodhi displayed a mesmerizing performance with Sehaj Deep on the Tabla, Vikramjit Singh, Gurwinder Singh, Manpreet kaur, Baljinder Kaur and Simranpreet Singh on the Sitar and Jasbeer Singh and Harwinder Singh on the Dilruba.
It was the dedication and diligence of the students under the guidance of Ustad Virendar kumar that an eighteen day hard work paid a fruitful result.
A Solo performance was made by Parminder Singh Bhamra on the Jori–Pakhawaj accompanied by Ustad Asif Ali Khan, on the Sarangi.
Visual Rendering Of Rāg: 31 Rāg in Guru Granth Sahib – Abstract paintings by Artist Hardev Singh were also on display.
Venue: Rāngli Sath, Darbār Hall Lawns, Quilā Sarāi, Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala, Punjab 144626
Photos by – TejInder Singh
2nd Free Dental Screening Camp at Gurdwara Village Sandharsi, Ghanaur, Held
18 Monday May 2015
Posted in ANAD Events, Anad Initiatives
Tags
Aam Aadmi Party, Akali Dal, Bhai Baldeep Singh, Congress, Dental Surgeons Association of India, Dental Surgery, Dharamvera Gandhi, Drug Rehabilitation, Drugs, Healthcare, Patiala, Punjab, Sultanpur Lodhi, The Anad Foundation
Press Note
The Anad Foundation with Dental Surgeons Association of India (Punjab)
May 10, 2015
Village Sandharsi, Tehsil Rajpura, Punjab
Punj-Care Initiatives, organized its 2nd Free Dental Screening Camp at Gurdwara Village Sandharsi, Ghanaur, Punjab. Dr. Saurabh Arora, State President, and Dr. Karandeep Singh, State Coordinator of DSAI (Punjab) led the delegation of dental surgeons and interns who screened over 87 patients from the region. Patients who underwent clinical checks for dental diseases included teachers, labourers, the village priests, children, local politicians and the young and elderly male and female folks of the region. In addition to the oral health checkup, visiting patients were demonstrated proper brushing techniques for maintaining oral hygiene and given free toothpastes and toothbrushes by the doctors.
Bhai Baldeep Singh founded Punj-Care Initiatives to tackle the health problems and its lack of awareness among people residing in rural India by taking quality healthcare and awareness to the poor and the underserved with nil or limited access to it. Punj-Care is proud to have Dental Surgeons Association of India (DSAI) as one of its first partners in this endeavour. Several senior dental surgeons from India and abroad including Dr. Chandresh Gupta, Member, Dental Council of India and President, DSAI, Dr. Rajiv Chugh, Dr. L. K. Gandhi and Dr. Boota Singh Ubhi advise and support Punj-Care. Punj-Care is desirous that the dental surgeons in the region use quality restorative materials and offer quality treatment for free or at a very discounted rate especially to the members of the under-served communities.
That oral-health care is an urban concern particularly in Punjab, came to the fore when residents of a sleepy hamlet called Sandharsi, Tehsil Rapjura, in the Patiala district woke up to the loudspeaker calls to visit the local Gurdwara premises for a dental check up. Many villagers somehow thought it was an eye-camp instead while some came with an intent to resolve even their gastric or stomachical issues. Children with rotting and discoloured teeth were also part of the docket while a sixty year old with his surviving pair (of teeth) also came if only to get his first-ever tooth-brushing lesson. This village elder has also been referred to the local DSAI member to get his dentures made. Then there was a case of a Jardaa addict who shocked the dental surgeons attending him with his pitch black gums for he, a 55 years old village elder, 
had never brushed in his life! A teary eyed middle-aged lady presented a painful sight and who, if not for the Punj-Care camp, would not have known where to go or what to do to find relief from her unbearable toothache. Witnessing the condition and life style of the poverty ridden and underserved, our resolve to take healthcare based on a non-profit model to people who otherwise will never have any access to it whatsoever, is only hardened.
In spite of the fact that there were two deaths in the village and many people were busy with a couple of marriage ceremonies, there was a reasonable turnout at the Gurdwara. The village Gurdwara is situated to the Northwest side adjacent to an old Shiva Temple and a hermitage with spectacular banyan, peepul and neem trees. Dr. Gurmeet Singh, the local registered medical practitioner also helping out with the arrangements. The local priests, socio-political activists, party-workers affiliated to several political ideologies be it Akali Dal, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, BSP and others alike not only lent a helping hand voluntarily in organizing the camp but were seen engaging in eager conversations with the dental surgeons at the camp. Teary eyed, bewildered, confused, distasteful, enthusiastic, or eyes portraying hesitant looks and expressions – visiting patients from village Sandharsi and several adjacent hamlets for once had their jaws held quite wide open! Every single visitor was sensitized about the benefits of brushing their teeth at least twice a day; of gargling after every meal; and of getting a regular check-up that can help preserve natural teeth for the entirety of one’s lifetime.
Dr. Karanveer Singh who practices dental surgery at Rajpura and heads Sardar Mann Singh Memorial Educational and Research Welfare Society (Regd.) running a few social initiatives in the locale was DSAI’s local coordinator for Punj-Care Initiatives camp. Dental surgeons and social activists from across Punjab converged to dedicate the day caring for the people who clearly lacked awareness about oral healthcare. Dr. Prabhjot Kaur, who hails from Patiala said that although the “camp was good, but being a dentist” she would have liked to do more for the patients including some emergency treatments such as “extractions and oral prophylaxis”.
Dr. Sunny Sandhu, MBBS (AIIMS) MD (Alternative Medicine), a resident of Tarn Taran and who is one of the project leaders at Punj-Care Initiatives by The Anad Foundation said, “The experience was great as I could practice my holistic techniques with a rural population. It was my first experience of working alongside with dentists which provided me with an opportunity to learn more about the ups and downs of dentistry especially about how ignorant people are about oral health, hygiene and general wellbeing.” Manjot Singh, in his final semester of BDS at Gian Sagar Dental College and Hospital, Banur, was one of the four interns at the Punj-Care camp. His review note read, “I have had a really good experience – not only in delivering dental care but also educating the patients about oral health and meeting people who are not only just doctors but people with genuine concern for others and who are striving hard to bring changes for the betterment of the society. What a fabulous day!”
Punj-Care Initiatives offers its heartfelt gratitude to the Gurdwara management as well as Principal Jaspal Singh (Retd.), Gursev Singh Harpalpur, Tarlochan Singh Rao Majra, Parmjit Singh Sandharsi, Sarpanch Randhir Singh Sandharsi, Harvinder Singh Sandharsi for all the logistical support and invaluable assistance provided which made it possible to host the free camp. Punj-Care is also thankful for the compassion of the following dental surgeons, who donated one full day for public service: Dr. Saurabh Arora, Dr. Karanveer Singh, Dr. Prabhjot Kaur, Dr. Karandeep Singh; interns Manjot Singh, Nauras, Palak Gupta, Parminder; and to Dr. Kanwardeep Kaur, Dr. Amrit Kaur Sethi and Dr. Brahmleen Kaur for coordinating the event. The Anad Foundation team at the camp was lead by Geeta Sangha and Tejinder Singh and while graphic designer Kamleshwar Singh Batra extended backroom support.
Dr. Karandeep Singh Sandhu
Bhai Baldeep Singh meeting with Principal Jaspal Singh (Retd.).
The elders of Village Sandharsi who helped in hosting the Punj-Care camp welcoming Bhai Baldeep Singh.
Dr. Karanveer Singh with a patient.
Dr. Saurabh Arora examining a young patient.
This young fellow Kamaldeep is a fine singing talent.
Dr. Saurabh Arora, President, DSAI (Punjab), with Dr. Karanveer Singh.
Dr. Sunny Sandhu MBBS (AIMMS) MD (Alternative Medicine), advices the village youngsters about hygiene and healthcare.
Some students at Anad Khand
08 Friday May 2015
Posted in ANAD Khand, Mere Music
It was a wonderful time spent with some of the students at Anad Conservatory, Qila, Sultanpur Lodhi. Most of these youngsters had only dreamt of learning music and here they are into their second year learning pakhawaj, jori, sitar, vocal, calligraphy, photography and even laughter. It is a blessing to be able to share knowledge —to pass on the precious heritage and an honour to be associated with hearts that aspire to excel.
Photos by Parminder Singh Bhamra.
May 05, 2015.
