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The following article is on Page 5 of today's ( 2/19) Indian Express, Chandigarh Edition (not on the Net)
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-news/15001-turbans-set-for-a-comeback.html
Turbans set for a comeback
By Harpreet Bajwa
The SGPC campaign of ‘Kesh rakho, Singh sajjo’ may have had little impact, but this Baisakhi could see a renewed attraction for the Turban.
The AISSF is organizing a turban-tying contest on the eve of Baisakhi at Anandpur Sahib, where an effort is being made to get Sikh youth, who have cut their hair, to revert to turbans. Some 50,000 turbans are expected to be tied on the day.
Talking to Indian Express Jarnail Singh Peer the organizations President said, “ We have decided to organize a turban tying competition at Anandpur Sahib , the birth place of the Khalsa, a day before Baisakhi. At least 50,000 Sikh youth who have cut their hair will be told to tie turbans. Our slogan is , ‘ Amrit chako, Singh sajjo, nashe chaddo, kur vato’.”
“We have invited the 5 Jathedars of all Sikh Takhts and in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji , the youth will be given turbans of Kesri color. They will also e given a Form in which they will promise that they will always tie a Turban. Besides, pamphlets will be printed and given to these youths at Anandpur Sahib , in which importance of tying a Turban will be explained,” he said.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=15001
He added that they have started a door-to-door campaign in the State in which volunteers are making lists of youth who have agreed to tie Turbans. These volunteers are also meeting the Parents of the youth in an effort to convince more youth to take to Turbans. They are also going to schools and colleges and meeting the youth.”
“We are also inviting Hindus and Christians to this contest. Members of the Las Angeles based Sikh Children Forum will also participate in the event. A Turban tying contest was held in USA in which some 30,000 youth participated and tied Turbans,” he told ENS.
“ We have requested the SGPC, Sant Samaj, Damdami Taksal , Akhan Kirtan Jatha and other Sikh organizations to help us financially as the total budget for this event is about Rs. 50 lakhs,” he added.
When contacted , Dalmegh Singh , Secretary , Dharam Prachar Committee , SGPC said, “ It’s a good concept. However, I have not received any letter in this regard. If we receive such a letter , we will forward it to the SGPC President.”
Professor Balwinder Pal Singh, an expert on Sikh issues and Head fo Economics Department of Guru Hargobindwal Khalsa College , Sudhar said, “ The youth of Punjab have a tendency to adopt the negative trends of the West. First they cut their hair, then started smoking and then graduated to drugs. One can be modern and secular, but without negativity. Turban is a symbol of Punjabi Youth. The Camp is a good attempt , but it should be a expanded programme in which workshops and seminars should be organized on this issue of value system and education with the involvement of youth. Otherwise there is not much impact of an isolated Camp.”
My Note: I've ntoiced that in Punjab there are many youngters who forsake their turbans because they fall prey to tobacco and/or drugs. And all such efforts like this one by AISSF , be it a stand alone one, are welcome.
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