I have been going to the Sikh Student camp since it first began 4 years ago.
It has taught me to be a better person. I believe I would not have got to
where I am if it was not for the people I met at this camp.
Satbir Singh, Age 23, Precision Engineer.
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
Seeta Kaur - Testimonial 13
It was the first time for me going to the Sikh Student Camp for that matter
any camp at all, the Sikh Student Camp changed my life and all for the good.
From the very first day that I went to camp I realised that this was the
place where all our brothers / sisters should want to go at my age for the
simple reason being everybody should get this chance to learn more about
Sikhi.
Not only was the discussions the whole experience of being at the Sikh
Student Camp was great just to be around such caring people (Sangath) was
amazing.
The day that really inspired was the day we done kirtan outside on the grass
that day felt like this was a whole new start for me and I felt like I had
been blessed by Guru Ji, I felt so amazed I don't even think words could
describe how I felt.
It will nearly be a year since Sikh Student Camp 2005 but that experience I
will never forget and for that matter I can't wait for this years Sikh
Student. I think the Seva everyone does to put this camp together is amazing
and should keep up the great work because this really does make the
difference to the Gursikhs out there today.
Seeta Kaur, Age 18, Sales Ledger Associate, Birmingham
any camp at all, the Sikh Student Camp changed my life and all for the good.
From the very first day that I went to camp I realised that this was the
place where all our brothers / sisters should want to go at my age for the
simple reason being everybody should get this chance to learn more about
Sikhi.
Not only was the discussions the whole experience of being at the Sikh
Student Camp was great just to be around such caring people (Sangath) was
amazing.
The day that really inspired was the day we done kirtan outside on the grass
that day felt like this was a whole new start for me and I felt like I had
been blessed by Guru Ji, I felt so amazed I don't even think words could
describe how I felt.
It will nearly be a year since Sikh Student Camp 2005 but that experience I
will never forget and for that matter I can't wait for this years Sikh
Student. I think the Seva everyone does to put this camp together is amazing
and should keep up the great work because this really does make the
difference to the Gursikhs out there today.
Seeta Kaur, Age 18, Sales Ledger Associate, Birmingham
Satpal Singh - Testimonial 13 - Sikh Student Camp 2005
Sikh Student camp was the first camp for adults that I attended when it started 5 years ago. At first it was just an excuse for me to chill out with my mates, but it soon became a major stepping stone in my spiritual progression. The simran, the sangat, the lectures, the seva and the chance to really experience sikhi, rather than just talk about it, have all kept me going back ever since. I have met the most amazing, open minded, challenging, inspiring and friendly sangat there many of whom have become very close friends of mine. Anyone who has been to the camp will tell you that the love you feel is out-standing. If you want a truly spiritual uplifting time and want to experience the great and profound revelations of our Gurus, then come to Sikh Student Camp, it WILL change your life.
Satpal Singh, 25, IT Graduate, West London
Satpal Singh, 25, IT Graduate, West London
Amrit Kaur - Testimonial 12 - Sikh Student Camp 2006
Sikhicamp 2006 will be my third camp. Camp has totally changed me and my
life for the better. Having come from a Gursikh family I was used to having
religion around me. It was not until I came to camp that I realised how
important Sikhi was to the younger generation. Finally after years of being
around non-Sikhs, I had found people who understood the importance of faith,
religion, discipline, honesty and respect. I had always done paath in the
morning and evening, kirtan and go to the Gurdwara every Sunday, but it was
not until I went to camp that I truly understood the reasons behind
everything. It made me appreciate Sikhi in a new light that I had never
experienced before. I look forward to camp every year. It’s guaranteed to
take away any worries and fears that I might have, so much so that I've
referred to camp as my therapy as it helps keep me sane in this crazy world
that we all live in!
Amrit Kaur Bharj, 22 years, College of Law Student, London
life for the better. Having come from a Gursikh family I was used to having
religion around me. It was not until I came to camp that I realised how
important Sikhi was to the younger generation. Finally after years of being
around non-Sikhs, I had found people who understood the importance of faith,
religion, discipline, honesty and respect. I had always done paath in the
morning and evening, kirtan and go to the Gurdwara every Sunday, but it was
not until I went to camp that I truly understood the reasons behind
everything. It made me appreciate Sikhi in a new light that I had never
experienced before. I look forward to camp every year. It’s guaranteed to
take away any worries and fears that I might have, so much so that I've
referred to camp as my therapy as it helps keep me sane in this crazy world
that we all live in!
Amrit Kaur Bharj, 22 years, College of Law Student, London
Inderjit Kaur - Testimonial 11
Waheguru Jee Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Jee kee Fateh
My name is Inderjit Kaur Gahunia, and both my son and daughter (Amandeep Singh and Pardeep Kaur) have been enjoying the blessings of Sikh Student Camp for the last few years. My son has been both a camper and a sevadar at the camp for the last four years, and I believe it has helped in both his spiritual and personal development. He has learnt so many things from this particular camp and has spread the love and knowledge of Sikhism he has experienced at this camp with myself, our family and family friends; all of whom have told me personally that they have fully appreciated and benefited from interacting with a participant of this camp.
My daughter was a part of Sikh Student Camp last year. I allowed her to go due to all the positive responses I heard from my son and his friends who had helped organise this camp. My daughter arrived back home full of love for Sikhi and a new knowledge and perspective of our beautiful religion that she had not experienced previously. In the year since, she has begun doing her daily prayers and seva at the local Gurdwara on a more regular basis, whilst also assisting as a sevadar in smaller Sikhi camps for children around the country.
I believe both my son and daughter have benefited immensely from Sikh Student Camp, and I applaud and thank the organisers of the camp for playing a big part in the spiritual and moral/values development of my children.
Waheguru Jee Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Jee kee Fateh
Inderjit Kaur Gahunia, I am 46 years of age, a Financial Accountant and reside in Hounslow.
My name is Inderjit Kaur Gahunia, and both my son and daughter (Amandeep Singh and Pardeep Kaur) have been enjoying the blessings of Sikh Student Camp for the last few years. My son has been both a camper and a sevadar at the camp for the last four years, and I believe it has helped in both his spiritual and personal development. He has learnt so many things from this particular camp and has spread the love and knowledge of Sikhism he has experienced at this camp with myself, our family and family friends; all of whom have told me personally that they have fully appreciated and benefited from interacting with a participant of this camp.
My daughter was a part of Sikh Student Camp last year. I allowed her to go due to all the positive responses I heard from my son and his friends who had helped organise this camp. My daughter arrived back home full of love for Sikhi and a new knowledge and perspective of our beautiful religion that she had not experienced previously. In the year since, she has begun doing her daily prayers and seva at the local Gurdwara on a more regular basis, whilst also assisting as a sevadar in smaller Sikhi camps for children around the country.
I believe both my son and daughter have benefited immensely from Sikh Student Camp, and I applaud and thank the organisers of the camp for playing a big part in the spiritual and moral/values development of my children.
Waheguru Jee Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Jee kee Fateh
Inderjit Kaur Gahunia, I am 46 years of age, a Financial Accountant and reside in Hounslow.
Gurdiyal Singh - Testimonial 11
Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh. Sikh Student Camp has been one of the most important, inspiring and amazing experiences i have ever had! That may sound like an exageration but its not!.. The camp is excellent for those who know a little about there religion, or dont know very much at all, but want to know and find out more. I know people who have taken amrit as a result of attending this camp. The camp is inspirational, and emphasizes and expresses the love and beauty that Sikhi is about. The camp also emphasises the respect a sikh shud have for the Guru Granth Sahib Ji and for Sikhi in general. Never have i seen such emphasis made before in any Gurdwara!... Anyone who attends this camp is lucky and blessed!. I would recommend this camp to any young sikh person. The amount i learnt about Sikhi and what i have gained from it in regards to my personal sikhi is invaluable to me. Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
Gurdiyal Singh, 23 years old, Business Entrepeneur (And Sikh Youth Worker with Bristol Gurdwarey and community centers), Bristol
Gurdiyal Singh, 23 years old, Business Entrepeneur (And Sikh Youth Worker with Bristol Gurdwarey and community centers), Bristol
Sukhdeep Singh - Testimonial 10
Sikh Student Camp experience (2005)
Simran
Inspiration
Knowledge
Honesty
What does it mean to be a Sikh? This is just one of the questions I wanted to know the answer to when I went to Sikh Student Camp. I thought it would be quite hard to find the answer but I was mistaken.
Before anyone said anything, the glow in the campers said a lot. Everyone was so friendly and open to discuss anything I wanted to talk about. The atmosphere was perfect. Being based at Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College helped a lot, as all planned events were taking place at the same venue, including the sports events. To learn about Sikhi in such a friendly and happy way was an amazing point I learnt from the camp. Sometimes it seems that religion is only taught and understood in a strict manner, but I can confidently say that this I not the case. The camp made me realise that Waheguru always has His arms open for us, His children. Realising this, I saw how important a lesson camp had taught me. It was all through the hard work and dedication of the camp organisers.
I left camp with a big smile on my face but at the same time with a tear in my heart, as camp was over for the year.
I cannot wait for this year’s camp, as I’m sure it will be yet another great experience.
Chardi Kalla all the way!!!
Sukhdeep Singh Panesar, aged 23, Plumstead, Computer Programmer
Simran
Inspiration
Knowledge
Honesty
What does it mean to be a Sikh? This is just one of the questions I wanted to know the answer to when I went to Sikh Student Camp. I thought it would be quite hard to find the answer but I was mistaken.
Before anyone said anything, the glow in the campers said a lot. Everyone was so friendly and open to discuss anything I wanted to talk about. The atmosphere was perfect. Being based at Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College helped a lot, as all planned events were taking place at the same venue, including the sports events. To learn about Sikhi in such a friendly and happy way was an amazing point I learnt from the camp. Sometimes it seems that religion is only taught and understood in a strict manner, but I can confidently say that this I not the case. The camp made me realise that Waheguru always has His arms open for us, His children. Realising this, I saw how important a lesson camp had taught me. It was all through the hard work and dedication of the camp organisers.
I left camp with a big smile on my face but at the same time with a tear in my heart, as camp was over for the year.
I cannot wait for this year’s camp, as I’m sure it will be yet another great experience.
Chardi Kalla all the way!!!
Sukhdeep Singh Panesar, aged 23, Plumstead, Computer Programmer
Jaspreet Kaur - Testimonial 9
Camp for me is an event that I look forward to every single year. My only negative experience of camp is the lack of sleep, but even that adds to the experience of it. The Kirtan is always exceptionally moving and the talks are always inspiring. The greatest thing about Sikh Student Camp is that it is catered to suit all types of people, be that through lectures, events or kirtan.
Each sevadar has their forte and they utilise that to the best of their abilities. I, or anyone I know, have never experienced any form of harassment or abuse that has recently been suggested by some people. The attitude/mentality at camp has always been that every Singh there is your brother, and every Kaur is your sister.
Sikh Student Camp has inspired and changed the lives of many, and I have been a witness to that.
Jaspreet Kaur, Age 18, Music Student, West London
Each sevadar has their forte and they utilise that to the best of their abilities. I, or anyone I know, have never experienced any form of harassment or abuse that has recently been suggested by some people. The attitude/mentality at camp has always been that every Singh there is your brother, and every Kaur is your sister.
Sikh Student Camp has inspired and changed the lives of many, and I have been a witness to that.
Jaspreet Kaur, Age 18, Music Student, West London
Harminder - Testimonial 8
I went to Sikh Student camp last year and can say with complete confidence that it changed me in a positive way. It made me a spiritually stronger person which can be fully supported by my parents.
Everyone has noticed a great difference in the way I am after going to camp.
I am in full support of the camp. They are helping the young Sikh generation
to learn more about their own religion because nowadays us youngsters are
not being encouraged and helped enough to learn and adapt Sikhi in our
lives. Overall I would recommend Sikh student camp to everyone and anyone
because it is welcoming to any type of person.
Harminder Kallu, Gravesend. I am 19 years old and am studying Osteopathic Medicine in Surrey.
Everyone has noticed a great difference in the way I am after going to camp.
I am in full support of the camp. They are helping the young Sikh generation
to learn more about their own religion because nowadays us youngsters are
not being encouraged and helped enough to learn and adapt Sikhi in our
lives. Overall I would recommend Sikh student camp to everyone and anyone
because it is welcoming to any type of person.
Harminder Kallu, Gravesend. I am 19 years old and am studying Osteopathic Medicine in Surrey.
Himmat Singh Testimonial 7
VJKK VJKF
For the past few years since the Sikh Student Camp has been running, I have noticed that a few campers each year, leave the camp with alot more respect for Guru ji than they came with. There have been times at the darbar sahib, during the Kirtan when the whole sangat ( Campers & sevadars ) had tears of love. Such a spiritual atmosphere that one can remember it for a whole lifetime.
One of the key components of Sikhi is love, love for Guru ji, love for all and I believe that this has been demonstrated at the camp. One tukh that I will always remember that I heard being quoted in one of the talks at the camp is
"Sach kahoon sun leho sabeh, jin prem kiyo tin hi prab paiyo" ( forgive for the spelling mistakes)
I am a "moorakh" who knows nothing, but I just hope I have another chance to do darshan of some of the amazing Gursikhs that come to the camp.
Himmat Singh, East London
VJKK VJKF
For the past few years since the Sikh Student Camp has been running, I have noticed that a few campers each year, leave the camp with alot more respect for Guru ji than they came with. There have been times at the darbar sahib, during the Kirtan when the whole sangat ( Campers & sevadars ) had tears of love. Such a spiritual atmosphere that one can remember it for a whole lifetime.
One of the key components of Sikhi is love, love for Guru ji, love for all and I believe that this has been demonstrated at the camp. One tukh that I will always remember that I heard being quoted in one of the talks at the camp is
"Sach kahoon sun leho sabeh, jin prem kiyo tin hi prab paiyo" ( forgive for the spelling mistakes)
I am a "moorakh" who knows nothing, but I just hope I have another chance to do darshan of some of the amazing Gursikhs that come to the camp.
Himmat Singh, East London
VJKK VJKF
Manjit Kaur Testimonial 6 Sikh Student Camp 2003
I have been born And brought up in West London. My family are of punjabi background, and the punjabicultural influece was strong in my life growing up.
I first attended Sikh Student Camp in 2003, which was an amazing experience for me, to the point that the following year I offered to help out as a sevadar.
The strongest memory i have of camp was being approached by sevadars to do sehaj path seva. This was a very special experience for me because I had never got my head around the concept that I could do something like that. I thought only special people could do something like that, and plus I couldn't read gurbani anyway, i had never had the opportunity to learn and had never needed to learn so had never made any efforts towards that direction. 'why ask for directions for a road you have no plans to travel on?'
However, at camp I was approached by sevadars to take part in reading. 'I can't read'..
'its ok you can read in english'. All of a sudden the inaccessable was accessable. So I
read in English. It was nice to read. But something was missing. The missing part was that I should have been reading the Gurmukhi. The camp was the push i needed to learn the language. Next time I wanted to be able to read in Gurmukhi, because now I was 'allowed' to read, so I wanted to do it properly. A door was opened. I had been lifted by the non-judgemental approach. I too was someone special, and special people had seen that and through their sight had allowed me to see it. For that I shall always be grateful for the gift that was given to me at camp. It was ok for me to be me because I was special. That was the first step towards my relationship with Guru Ji. As with all special relationships, that relationship grew. I learnt to read in Gurmukhi and then had the opportunity to take daily hukamnamas which totally changed my life. To the point that I could no longer go on without amrit which I was blessed with a year later.
I want to be able to give back what was given to me. Being a sevadar of Sikh Student
Camp is just a small way of being able to do that. As a sevadar of sikh student camp i
have been blessed to hear the amazing stories and experiences of past campers. I wish
everyone could hear what i have heard and experienced from listening to the campers who have gone through the experience of camp.
My name is Manjit Kaur. I am 31 years old. I am a secondary school maths teacher in a West London school working with young people from the age of 11 to 16.
I first attended Sikh Student Camp in 2003, which was an amazing experience for me, to the point that the following year I offered to help out as a sevadar.
The strongest memory i have of camp was being approached by sevadars to do sehaj path seva. This was a very special experience for me because I had never got my head around the concept that I could do something like that. I thought only special people could do something like that, and plus I couldn't read gurbani anyway, i had never had the opportunity to learn and had never needed to learn so had never made any efforts towards that direction. 'why ask for directions for a road you have no plans to travel on?'
However, at camp I was approached by sevadars to take part in reading. 'I can't read'..
'its ok you can read in english'. All of a sudden the inaccessable was accessable. So I
read in English. It was nice to read. But something was missing. The missing part was that I should have been reading the Gurmukhi. The camp was the push i needed to learn the language. Next time I wanted to be able to read in Gurmukhi, because now I was 'allowed' to read, so I wanted to do it properly. A door was opened. I had been lifted by the non-judgemental approach. I too was someone special, and special people had seen that and through their sight had allowed me to see it. For that I shall always be grateful for the gift that was given to me at camp. It was ok for me to be me because I was special. That was the first step towards my relationship with Guru Ji. As with all special relationships, that relationship grew. I learnt to read in Gurmukhi and then had the opportunity to take daily hukamnamas which totally changed my life. To the point that I could no longer go on without amrit which I was blessed with a year later.
I want to be able to give back what was given to me. Being a sevadar of Sikh Student
Camp is just a small way of being able to do that. As a sevadar of sikh student camp i
have been blessed to hear the amazing stories and experiences of past campers. I wish
everyone could hear what i have heard and experienced from listening to the campers who have gone through the experience of camp.
My name is Manjit Kaur. I am 31 years old. I am a secondary school maths teacher in a West London school working with young people from the age of 11 to 16.
Amanjot Kaur - Testimonial 5 Sikh Student Camp
I graduated this summer and hopefully will embark on an MA in Modern Literature in the Autumn. In my early years as an undergraduate, I had at best a tenuous link with the Sikh Society at university. Despite this, at the few meetings and gatherings that I did attend in those days, I made some acquaintances who gradually became friends.
I found that this one particular penji would often mention a Sikh camp that she’d been to in the summer. She was so enthusiastic about it, and it was clear from the way that she smiled whenever she spoke about it that it meant a lot to her. When she asked me if I’d consider joining her at Sikh Student Camp, I found myself telling her that yes, I’d like to experience the camp myself. In all honesty, if it hadn’t been for her steadfast reminders and sheer enthusiasm for camp throughout the year, I would have forgotten that conversation and my words would have remained unfulfilled.
I was blessed enough to have her at hand to remind me gently once term ended and after we broke up for the summer. We bounced emails in July and she kindly answered all of my questions. So August arrived and with it, those eventful seven days. What I experienced at Sikh Student Camp 2005 truly defies description, or what my language can express here, anyway. When asked why my time at Sikh Student Camp was so important, there’s only one simple answer I can possibly give: it gave me my first taste of Sikhi. I was 20 years old. This will sound bizarre at first, given that I was born into a Sikh background, to Punjabi parents. But investigate a little more and you will find that this is a common situation, a problem of epidemic proportions in our community. There are gaping holes in the knowledge and practice of many second generation sons and daughters.
For me, Sikh Student Camp was the bridge, the stepping stone that allowed me to start to access the Sikhi that I had so often witnessed, but never experienced for myself before. I felt a change in me on the very first day when we sang the camp Shabad together. From that point on, I felt open to anything and so the week that followed was transcendent. Participating in the Kirtan felt like acceptance. The talks during the week affirmed what I had for so long believed to be just my own lofty and utopian ideals. Together with the other girls in my dorm, we would wake up earlier than required and rush to Darbar Sahib early in the morning to meditate on the name of the Lord. Unable to stop smiling, many of us felt unprecedented peace and simultaneous exuberance (I believe that it’s called it Chardi Kalla!)
Finding a Sangat or a support system is undoubtedly one of the most important things to have come out of Sikh Student Camp. I was overwhelmed by the number of warm, articulate and devoted young people I met at camp. With such support, I have been presented with many opportunities for Seva. This ranges from being elected president of the Sikh Society at university in my final year; compiling the handbook for this year’s camp and being a group leader at a kid’s camp, to attending the odd soup run!
Had I not gone to camp last year, had I not made such friends and had I not been given such opportunities for Seva, I do not know where I would be now. Together we strive to build our individual relationships with the Guru and our God. Our efforts are strengthened by our unity. Rumi’s words spring to mind:
With friends you grow wings. Alone you are a single feather in disgrace.
With them you master the wind, but alone, you are blown in all directions.
Going to Sikh Student Camp opened my eyes, my mind and most importantly, my heart. It has impacted my perspective, my family and my future in ways that cannot be measured. I cannot say what life would be like had I not been there a year ago. It is something I don’t care to think about either; that’s someone else’s story now. All I know is that I’m ever grateful for the opportunities Sikh Student Camp has opened up for me. For the way it introduced my to my Guru and my God, who will help me master the wind.
Amanjot Kaur, West London,
I found that this one particular penji would often mention a Sikh camp that she’d been to in the summer. She was so enthusiastic about it, and it was clear from the way that she smiled whenever she spoke about it that it meant a lot to her. When she asked me if I’d consider joining her at Sikh Student Camp, I found myself telling her that yes, I’d like to experience the camp myself. In all honesty, if it hadn’t been for her steadfast reminders and sheer enthusiasm for camp throughout the year, I would have forgotten that conversation and my words would have remained unfulfilled.
I was blessed enough to have her at hand to remind me gently once term ended and after we broke up for the summer. We bounced emails in July and she kindly answered all of my questions. So August arrived and with it, those eventful seven days. What I experienced at Sikh Student Camp 2005 truly defies description, or what my language can express here, anyway. When asked why my time at Sikh Student Camp was so important, there’s only one simple answer I can possibly give: it gave me my first taste of Sikhi. I was 20 years old. This will sound bizarre at first, given that I was born into a Sikh background, to Punjabi parents. But investigate a little more and you will find that this is a common situation, a problem of epidemic proportions in our community. There are gaping holes in the knowledge and practice of many second generation sons and daughters.
For me, Sikh Student Camp was the bridge, the stepping stone that allowed me to start to access the Sikhi that I had so often witnessed, but never experienced for myself before. I felt a change in me on the very first day when we sang the camp Shabad together. From that point on, I felt open to anything and so the week that followed was transcendent. Participating in the Kirtan felt like acceptance. The talks during the week affirmed what I had for so long believed to be just my own lofty and utopian ideals. Together with the other girls in my dorm, we would wake up earlier than required and rush to Darbar Sahib early in the morning to meditate on the name of the Lord. Unable to stop smiling, many of us felt unprecedented peace and simultaneous exuberance (I believe that it’s called it Chardi Kalla!)
Finding a Sangat or a support system is undoubtedly one of the most important things to have come out of Sikh Student Camp. I was overwhelmed by the number of warm, articulate and devoted young people I met at camp. With such support, I have been presented with many opportunities for Seva. This ranges from being elected president of the Sikh Society at university in my final year; compiling the handbook for this year’s camp and being a group leader at a kid’s camp, to attending the odd soup run!
Had I not gone to camp last year, had I not made such friends and had I not been given such opportunities for Seva, I do not know where I would be now. Together we strive to build our individual relationships with the Guru and our God. Our efforts are strengthened by our unity. Rumi’s words spring to mind:
With friends you grow wings. Alone you are a single feather in disgrace.
With them you master the wind, but alone, you are blown in all directions.
Going to Sikh Student Camp opened my eyes, my mind and most importantly, my heart. It has impacted my perspective, my family and my future in ways that cannot be measured. I cannot say what life would be like had I not been there a year ago. It is something I don’t care to think about either; that’s someone else’s story now. All I know is that I’m ever grateful for the opportunities Sikh Student Camp has opened up for me. For the way it introduced my to my Guru and my God, who will help me master the wind.
Amanjot Kaur, West London,
Simran Kaur Testimonial 4 - Sikh Student Camp 2004
I have been camp for two years consecutively (2004-2005). My first time
(like many campers) is an experience I never will forget.
2004: the gift of a lifetime from Maharaj
I had been told a little about Sikh Student camp but wasn’t entirely sure
what to expect. That’s the best way to go into camp. Expect nothing! One
of my university mates had attended and had strongly recommended it as we worked
together with our Sikh Society at university. Camp had this unexplainable ‘buzz’
where people were genuinely happy.
group was perfect as the majority were university students or students who had just
completed A Levels. Mature, open minded, loving people was our 2004 sangat.
I had this constant smile on my face throughout the week and it wasn’t just
me. The pyar was infectious. It was like being taken out of the real
world, away from the panj chor, away from bad sangat, away from everything
that bought people down and put into an environment full of positive light,
people helping one another; be it in the langar hall, in lectures
or on the field during activities. It was truly amazing. The
connection felt in the sangat was out of this world. Nothing in this world
compares. The evenings spent with Guru ji and the sangat are indescribable.
It was a place you wanted to be forever and ever. The night when I came
back home I cried. I cried my eyes out. I missed the sangat. I missed not
seeing Guru Ji. I missed camp so much.
2005: the recharge of the year
I went back to camp as during the year after 2004 camp I didn’t give much
time for simran, sangat or sewa as it was final year studies at university.
I went back to once again experience the connection that I missed so much.
I felt incomplete without it.
There were brilliant keertan moments whilst the sangat sang “Sajanrra mere
Sajanrra” which did really bring everyone together. That was truly amazing.
The togetherness felt whilst doing sewa for the nishaan sahib was amazing.
As I watched everyone stand for ardaas and saw the amazing beam light that
the nishaan sahib gave, I felt proud. Another amazing thing about camp was
how I realised the power of sangat and simran together.
People at camp did not judge me for who I am. People all over the place judge me for talking about Sikhi or having an interest when I don’t look like the model Sikh. But Sikh Student allowed me to realise and understand bani and made me realise that God is within and found with true love “Jin Prem kiyo tin he Prabh payo.” I learnt the importance of keeping kesh and although I am not quite there yet I hope to be in the future.
Why have I become a sewadaar?
I felt from inside I had to do this. The Hukamnama this morning (07 August 2006) from Darbar Sahib explained
"Gur kee tahal guroo kee sayvaa gur kee aagi-aa bhaanee."
"Tahal" means to work for, to serve upon. Doing the work of the Guru "Guroo
kee sayvaa" (the selfless service of the Guru) and living by the Guru’s
command, decree, word "aagi-aa". "Bhaanee" means I have fallen in love with
them, I love them. I love doing this. I don’t do "sayvaa" because I have
to but because I love to and I live to.
This is why I have become a sevadar in Sikh Student Camp. It has allowed me to experience what it means to do seva and no better place then to show this at camp. It gives me a chance to give back what I have taken out.
I thank you Guru Ji. I may not be part of the Khalsa but I am on this
beautiful path of Sikhi. Please bless your daughter by allowing me to
continually walk on this path and serve you by seva, simran and sangat.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
Simran Kaur, West London, 22 Years Old, Economics graduate from Royal Holloway (now working in the financial sector)
(like many campers) is an experience I never will forget.
2004: the gift of a lifetime from Maharaj
I had been told a little about Sikh Student camp but wasn’t entirely sure
what to expect. That’s the best way to go into camp. Expect nothing! One
of my university mates had attended and had strongly recommended it as we worked
together with our Sikh Society at university. Camp had this unexplainable ‘buzz’
where people were genuinely happy.
group was perfect as the majority were university students or students who had just
completed A Levels. Mature, open minded, loving people was our 2004 sangat.
I had this constant smile on my face throughout the week and it wasn’t just
me. The pyar was infectious. It was like being taken out of the real
world, away from the panj chor, away from bad sangat, away from everything
that bought people down and put into an environment full of positive light,
people helping one another; be it in the langar hall, in lectures
or on the field during activities. It was truly amazing. The
connection felt in the sangat was out of this world. Nothing in this world
compares. The evenings spent with Guru ji and the sangat are indescribable.
It was a place you wanted to be forever and ever. The night when I came
back home I cried. I cried my eyes out. I missed the sangat. I missed not
seeing Guru Ji. I missed camp so much.
2005: the recharge of the year
I went back to camp as during the year after 2004 camp I didn’t give much
time for simran, sangat or sewa as it was final year studies at university.
I went back to once again experience the connection that I missed so much.
I felt incomplete without it.
There were brilliant keertan moments whilst the sangat sang “Sajanrra mere
Sajanrra” which did really bring everyone together. That was truly amazing.
The togetherness felt whilst doing sewa for the nishaan sahib was amazing.
As I watched everyone stand for ardaas and saw the amazing beam light that
the nishaan sahib gave, I felt proud. Another amazing thing about camp was
how I realised the power of sangat and simran together.
People at camp did not judge me for who I am. People all over the place judge me for talking about Sikhi or having an interest when I don’t look like the model Sikh. But Sikh Student allowed me to realise and understand bani and made me realise that God is within and found with true love “Jin Prem kiyo tin he Prabh payo.” I learnt the importance of keeping kesh and although I am not quite there yet I hope to be in the future.
Why have I become a sewadaar?
I felt from inside I had to do this. The Hukamnama this morning (07 August 2006) from Darbar Sahib explained
"Gur kee tahal guroo kee sayvaa gur kee aagi-aa bhaanee."
"Tahal" means to work for, to serve upon. Doing the work of the Guru "Guroo
kee sayvaa" (the selfless service of the Guru) and living by the Guru’s
command, decree, word "aagi-aa". "Bhaanee" means I have fallen in love with
them, I love them. I love doing this. I don’t do "sayvaa" because I have
to but because I love to and I live to.
This is why I have become a sevadar in Sikh Student Camp. It has allowed me to experience what it means to do seva and no better place then to show this at camp. It gives me a chance to give back what I have taken out.
I thank you Guru Ji. I may not be part of the Khalsa but I am on this
beautiful path of Sikhi. Please bless your daughter by allowing me to
continually walk on this path and serve you by seva, simran and sangat.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
Simran Kaur, West London, 22 Years Old, Economics graduate from Royal Holloway (now working in the financial sector)
Pravinder Singh Testimonial 3 for Sikh Student Camp 2005
I went to the Sikh Student Camp 2005 as I felt that I had some free time before a full time career or further study. I wanted to do something productive and learn more about Sikhism. I thought the student camp would offer some good lectures as I had been to a few Sikh Student events throughout the year. During my week at the camp I discovered that many people my age could read paath and Gurbani, sing kirtan and carry out a Sikh life. This inspired me to want to learn panjabi and gurmukhi and since camp i have been attending weekly adult classes in Sikhism and Punjabi.
At the camp I also fell in love with Kirtan which I didn’t quite understand before or feel the power of the word of god. But the kind, respectful and non-judgemental environment at the camp made me feel really good and comfortable and allowed me to learn a lot about Sikhism. I also enjoyed the activities throughout the week, which were provided by the metropolitan police, army, and royal airforce, this allowed me to see how I can live a good Sikh lifestyle with a career in one of these services. I also enjoyed the lectures by Navleen Kaur, Mr SikhNet, Mr Davinder Singh, and Peter Singh who taught me about Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his son Dulip Singh and the sikh history. It was great seeing real life newspaper articles from newspapers from the same date as Vaisakhi 1699 and of Udham Singh from 1940's.
All in all, during the week I learned a huge amount about Sikhism and why Sikhs practice their way of life, as sometimes my parents cannot explain these things to me and I was also able to do Guru Granth Sahib Ji seva which I cannot often do in the local Gurdwara. I learnt how I can incorporate Sikhism into my daily life style and I met a great sadh sangat, some of which are really close friends of mine now, one year later. I will defiantly be going to Sikh Student Camp 2006 and I will be taking my sister, cousins and friends with me and hope they can have a life changing experience, like I had.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh!
Sorat'h, Fifth Mehla:
God is the Lord and Master of millions of universes; He is the Giver of all beings.
He ever cherishes and cares for all beings, but the fool does not appreciate any of His virtues. ||1||
I do not know how to worship the Lord in adoration.
I can only repeat, ""Lord, Lord, Guru, Guru.""
O Dear Lord, I go by the name of the Lord's slave. ||Pause||
The Compassionate Lord is Merciful to the meek, the ocean of peace; He fills all hearts.
He sees, hears, and is always with me; but I am a fool, and I think that He is far away. ||2||
The Lord is limitless, but I can only describe Him within my limitations; what do I know, about what He is like?
I offer my prayer to my True Guru; I am so foolish - please, teach me! ||3||
I am just a fool, but millions of sinners just like me have been saved.
Those who have heard, and seen Guru Nanak, do not descend into the womb of reincarnation again. ||4||2||13||
Pravinder Singh, 22, London, Currently studying MSc, attended Sikh Student Camp 2005.
At the camp I also fell in love with Kirtan which I didn’t quite understand before or feel the power of the word of god. But the kind, respectful and non-judgemental environment at the camp made me feel really good and comfortable and allowed me to learn a lot about Sikhism. I also enjoyed the activities throughout the week, which were provided by the metropolitan police, army, and royal airforce, this allowed me to see how I can live a good Sikh lifestyle with a career in one of these services. I also enjoyed the lectures by Navleen Kaur, Mr SikhNet, Mr Davinder Singh, and Peter Singh who taught me about Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his son Dulip Singh and the sikh history. It was great seeing real life newspaper articles from newspapers from the same date as Vaisakhi 1699 and of Udham Singh from 1940's.
All in all, during the week I learned a huge amount about Sikhism and why Sikhs practice their way of life, as sometimes my parents cannot explain these things to me and I was also able to do Guru Granth Sahib Ji seva which I cannot often do in the local Gurdwara. I learnt how I can incorporate Sikhism into my daily life style and I met a great sadh sangat, some of which are really close friends of mine now, one year later. I will defiantly be going to Sikh Student Camp 2006 and I will be taking my sister, cousins and friends with me and hope they can have a life changing experience, like I had.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh!
Sorat'h, Fifth Mehla:
God is the Lord and Master of millions of universes; He is the Giver of all beings.
He ever cherishes and cares for all beings, but the fool does not appreciate any of His virtues. ||1||
I do not know how to worship the Lord in adoration.
I can only repeat, ""Lord, Lord, Guru, Guru.""
O Dear Lord, I go by the name of the Lord's slave. ||Pause||
The Compassionate Lord is Merciful to the meek, the ocean of peace; He fills all hearts.
He sees, hears, and is always with me; but I am a fool, and I think that He is far away. ||2||
The Lord is limitless, but I can only describe Him within my limitations; what do I know, about what He is like?
I offer my prayer to my True Guru; I am so foolish - please, teach me! ||3||
I am just a fool, but millions of sinners just like me have been saved.
Those who have heard, and seen Guru Nanak, do not descend into the womb of reincarnation again. ||4||2||13||
Pravinder Singh, 22, London, Currently studying MSc, attended Sikh Student Camp 2005.
The Gift of Amrit Testimonial 2 for Sikh Student Camp 2006
Guru's Kirpaa - The Gift of Amrit
Today my friend Bhaji Gupreet Singh Khalsa rang me. He recently took Amrit
from Siri Anandpur Sahib while he was on a yatra trip visiting various
Gurdwaras in India with a jatha from the UK. Gurpreet Singh was telling me
about his visit to Sri Darbaar Sahib, Amritsar, Sri Hemkunt Sahib, Fatehgarh
Sahib and Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib. Listening to his voice explaining the
yatra and the anand (joy) of the experience overwhelmed me and me hairs on
body feel tingly. I felt as if I was having darshan of the Gurdwaras in
India which he had been to through listening to his experiences.
August last year Bhaji Gurpreet Singh was cut-haired, and he used to be like
the average Panjabi lad who drinks occasionally and goes out with his mates
clubbing etc. However within this year Bhaji has internally flourished and
the fragrance within has come and spread.
I first met Bhaji at Sikh Student Camp in August 2004. I was originally
sleeping alone in the balcony of the Diwaan Hall with one or two other
sewadaars. A few days into the camp someone asked me to move into a room and
sleep with the other campers, because the balcony floor was hard and
uncomfortable. With Guru's Kirpaa I met Bhaji Gurpreet Singh (Kent), Bhaji
Amritpal Singh (Hayes), Bhaji Arvinder Singh (Reading), Bhaji Pardeep Singh
and others who were sleeping in that room. We became friends and brothers
and enjoyed having Gurmat Vichaar.
I remember near the end of the camp Gupreet Singh told me that he had
decided to stop shaving and trimming his hair and that he had gone off the
thought of drinking alcohol and eating meat. The pyaar and shardaa that
Bhaji and the other campers had for Sikhi was inspirational.
Now look! A year later, Bhaji now asked Guru Ji for Amrit and became a
member of the Khalsa. He practices rehat and does his nitnem (daily paath
and simran). He is lucky that his father and mother are also Amritdhari. He
said to me, "I have been reborn... After taking Amrit you see a whole new
world... You cannot explain it in words".
(Quotes removed, please see full text to refer to them)
My ardaas for Bhaji is that may he remain in chardikala and keep hold of the
Guru's feet. May the Guru continue to keep him on his path and hold his
hand. :)
posted by Manvir Singh Khalsa on his blog:
http://manvirsingh.blogspot.com/2005_09_01_manvirsingh_archive.html
Today my friend Bhaji Gupreet Singh Khalsa rang me. He recently took Amrit
from Siri Anandpur Sahib while he was on a yatra trip visiting various
Gurdwaras in India with a jatha from the UK. Gurpreet Singh was telling me
about his visit to Sri Darbaar Sahib, Amritsar, Sri Hemkunt Sahib, Fatehgarh
Sahib and Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib. Listening to his voice explaining the
yatra and the anand (joy) of the experience overwhelmed me and me hairs on
body feel tingly. I felt as if I was having darshan of the Gurdwaras in
India which he had been to through listening to his experiences.
August last year Bhaji Gurpreet Singh was cut-haired, and he used to be like
the average Panjabi lad who drinks occasionally and goes out with his mates
clubbing etc. However within this year Bhaji has internally flourished and
the fragrance within has come and spread.
I first met Bhaji at Sikh Student Camp in August 2004. I was originally
sleeping alone in the balcony of the Diwaan Hall with one or two other
sewadaars. A few days into the camp someone asked me to move into a room and
sleep with the other campers, because the balcony floor was hard and
uncomfortable. With Guru's Kirpaa I met Bhaji Gurpreet Singh (Kent), Bhaji
Amritpal Singh (Hayes), Bhaji Arvinder Singh (Reading), Bhaji Pardeep Singh
and others who were sleeping in that room. We became friends and brothers
and enjoyed having Gurmat Vichaar.
I remember near the end of the camp Gupreet Singh told me that he had
decided to stop shaving and trimming his hair and that he had gone off the
thought of drinking alcohol and eating meat. The pyaar and shardaa that
Bhaji and the other campers had for Sikhi was inspirational.
Now look! A year later, Bhaji now asked Guru Ji for Amrit and became a
member of the Khalsa. He practices rehat and does his nitnem (daily paath
and simran). He is lucky that his father and mother are also Amritdhari. He
said to me, "I have been reborn... After taking Amrit you see a whole new
world... You cannot explain it in words".
(Quotes removed, please see full text to refer to them)
My ardaas for Bhaji is that may he remain in chardikala and keep hold of the
Guru's feet. May the Guru continue to keep him on his path and hold his
hand. :)
posted by Manvir Singh Khalsa on his blog:
http://manvirsingh.blogspot.com/2005_09_01_manvirsingh_archive.html
Gurmustukh Singh Testimonial 1 for Sikh Student Camp 2006
I have really had such a great experience being here in England, particularly at the Sikh Student Camp. This was DEFINITELY the high point of my visit. If I left after that week I would have been satisfied. I guess I kind of figured that the camp might just be "business as usual". But to my surprise I had an amazing experience. This camp is truly unique.
Much of my experience with other Sikhs has left the overall impression of Sikhs in general being very critical, judgmental, and close minded. So...even though I knew that this camp was focused on Sikhs who might not really know that much about Sikhi, and had a very open-minded approach, I didn't expect to have the experiences that I did.
There was such a mix of unique people that shared so much. The approach of the camp was really great. I watched as everyone around me transformed as they had different experiences at the camp. Everything that was taught was done so in such an open-minded way. Everyone was able to participate and do things that they might never have done. It allowed people to really experience sikhi in a way that many have never experienced. During the week it was like I was in a different world. It was like I was in a bubble at the camp and totally involved in the activities.
My heart really opened up at the camp. There was so much love and joy from everyone. It was contagious. There were some campers that outwardly did not look like Sikhs but were so spiritual and had some amazing things to say. It really surprised me. It really goes to show that given the right environment people can really open up and blossom.
The last few days of the camp I was so full of love and joy. Every time we got together and sang shabad kirtan in the Gurdwara tears would flow. I don't know why. I wasn't sad. This is the same experience that I normally have when I go to the Summer Solstice camp in Espanola. Guruji was definitely present with us at camp. You could feel it in the air.
I know I haven't really said many specifics about the camp, but there is soo much. I don't even know where to start. Every aspect of it was great. The sangat of people there really did make the experience. The sevadhars of the camp really have to be commended. They worked really hard to organize this week long camp. I wish there could be camps like this all over and much more frequently.
The Sikh youth of today are so confused and don't really have a chance to experience Sikhi. There is so much judgment and close-mindedness that it pushes our youth away. It is sad to see this. However, when I go to camps like this and meet beautiful singhs and singhnis like I did.... I feel that there is hope. Slowly I know things will change.
I highly recommend that you participate in the camp next summer. I will definitely try to come again next year. This will be a visit to remember. I look forward to travelling more and meeting sangat in other places around the world. It has been a blessing for me to be a part of this all. We all have so much to learn and share with each other.
Chardikala!
Gurmustukh Singh, Age Unknown ;-), USA (AKA, Mr Sikhnet)
Much of my experience with other Sikhs has left the overall impression of Sikhs in general being very critical, judgmental, and close minded. So...even though I knew that this camp was focused on Sikhs who might not really know that much about Sikhi, and had a very open-minded approach, I didn't expect to have the experiences that I did.
There was such a mix of unique people that shared so much. The approach of the camp was really great. I watched as everyone around me transformed as they had different experiences at the camp. Everything that was taught was done so in such an open-minded way. Everyone was able to participate and do things that they might never have done. It allowed people to really experience sikhi in a way that many have never experienced. During the week it was like I was in a different world. It was like I was in a bubble at the camp and totally involved in the activities.
My heart really opened up at the camp. There was so much love and joy from everyone. It was contagious. There were some campers that outwardly did not look like Sikhs but were so spiritual and had some amazing things to say. It really surprised me. It really goes to show that given the right environment people can really open up and blossom.
The last few days of the camp I was so full of love and joy. Every time we got together and sang shabad kirtan in the Gurdwara tears would flow. I don't know why. I wasn't sad. This is the same experience that I normally have when I go to the Summer Solstice camp in Espanola. Guruji was definitely present with us at camp. You could feel it in the air.
I know I haven't really said many specifics about the camp, but there is soo much. I don't even know where to start. Every aspect of it was great. The sangat of people there really did make the experience. The sevadhars of the camp really have to be commended. They worked really hard to organize this week long camp. I wish there could be camps like this all over and much more frequently.
The Sikh youth of today are so confused and don't really have a chance to experience Sikhi. There is so much judgment and close-mindedness that it pushes our youth away. It is sad to see this. However, when I go to camps like this and meet beautiful singhs and singhnis like I did.... I feel that there is hope. Slowly I know things will change.
I highly recommend that you participate in the camp next summer. I will definitely try to come again next year. This will be a visit to remember. I look forward to travelling more and meeting sangat in other places around the world. It has been a blessing for me to be a part of this all. We all have so much to learn and share with each other.
Chardikala!
Gurmustukh Singh, Age Unknown ;-), USA (AKA, Mr Sikhnet)
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