SHRI GURU RAVIDASS SABHA OF NEW YORK, SHRI GURU RAVI DASS PITTSBURG, SHRI GURU RAVIDASS SABHA VANCOUVER, SHRI GURU RAVIDASS SABHA SELMA, SHRI GURU RAVIDASS SABHA SEATLE & SHRI GURU RAVIDASS SOCIETY OF CALGARY WILL CELEBRATE GURU RAVIDASS GURPURB ON FEBRUARY 18 - 20, 20 Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (C.V) Fresno, invites all devotees of Shri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj, on his 634th Birthday Celebrations on Sunday February 27, 2011

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL ON SHRI GURU RAVIDASS JI'S 634TH GURPURB Dear Editor, We, along with the community at large , are celebrating today the Gurupurab of the great Guru, Satguru Ravidas Ji, a messiha of the down trodden and oppressed. Gurus Ravidass's mission and philosophy of equality, brotherhood and fraternity is as relevant today as it was before and will so in the years to come. I congratulate you, the readers of the esteemed Ambedkartimes and the entire community on the Gurupurab of Guru Ravidass Ji. I wish all the very best for the society and wish further progress and prosperity. With regards, (Ramesh Chander) IFS (Retd.) Former Ambassador of India to Belarus. (Posted on February 17, 2011)

SHRI GURU RAVIDASS SABHA (BAY AREA) CALIFORNIA Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (Bay Area) California will celebrate Shri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj’s 634th Gurpurb on March 6th 2011 at Newark Pavilion 6430, Thornton Avenue, Newark (California). Sangat de Sewadars : Ram M. Saroay, Chairman, Balvir Singh Sheemar, President, Dharam Paul Jhamat General Secretary , Surinder Sony, Treasurer Posted on Feb. 11, 2011

Respected Community Members, It’s my pleasure to inform you that Dr. Santokh Lal Virdi Jee is here with us from India. As we all know that he is great personality himself with in depth knowledge about per Community, has written so many books on Dalit, always in touch with the Community on all aspects. He is on special trip from India to share his knowledge with us. We need Scholar like him who can take us to the right direction. Please join me to welcome him. I am also thinking that we should arrange private meeting with Dr Virdi so that we can ask him any questions. Please let me know what you think? Thanks Santokh Singh (559-779-3333) Posted on Feb. 18, 2011

Dr. S.L. Virdi

SHRI GURU RAVIDASS SABHA VANCOUVER CELEBRATING 634TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF SATGURU RAVIDASS JI MAHARAJ We would like to invite you to join for the following program on the occasion of 634th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Ravidass Ji : PROGRAM DETAILS: Arambh Sri Akhand Path Sahib February 18, 2011 Friday 9:30am, Nishan Sahib Sewa February 19, 2011 Friday 11:00am, Bhog Sri Akhand Path Sahib February 20, 2011 Sunday 9:30am. The Guest speakers will shed light on life and teachings of Shri Guru Ravidass Ji and langar will be served on all three days. For more Information: 604.435.9997 Posted on February 4, 2011

SHRI GURU RAVIDASS SABHA VANCOUVER (CANADA) CELEBRATING 125TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF BABU MANGU RAM MUGGOWALIA On February 13, 2011 Sunday 10:30am On this day, Guru Ka Langar and Deg will be served to mark 125th birth anniversary of Great Adi-Dharmi leader and Frontline Gadhrite, Babu Mangu Ram Muggowalia. After the religious ceremonies the guest speakers will shed light on Babu Mangu Ram Muggowalia Ji’s great contributions to the Great society. For more Information: 604.435.9997 Posted on February 7, 2011

Dear Editor, I would like to congratulate all the worthy readers of www.ambedkartimes.com on the occasion of 125th birth anniversary of Babu Mangu Ram Muggowalia, a great freedom fighter and founder of Ad-Dharm movement in Punjab. Our society will celebrate Baba Mugowalia’s 125th birth anniversary on Sunday, February 6th, 2011. I would request all of you to join us on this occasion. Shingara Singh Ralh (President) SHRI GURU RAVIDASS SABHA YUBA CITY (CALIFORNIA) Posted on February 4, 2011

GURU RAVIDASS COMMUNITY 2ND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FEBRUARY 26TH, 2011 (11.00 A.M – 6.00 P.M), CONFERENCE HALL, GURU RAVIDASS BHAVAN, SECTOR-15,PANCHKULA (CHANDIGARH) Raghbir Singh Presi.(U.K), Manohar Lal Mahey Founder President VIGILANT BROTHERHOOD (INTERNATIONAL), H.O 399-G.T.B.NAGAR, JALANDHAR-144003 Ph.No 09876100275/09356092369 e-mail:-maheyvigil@hotmail.com, Co-Op:- Guru RAVIDASS SABHA, SECTOR-15, PANCHKULA PROGRAMME:- Registration 11.00 a.m, Inauguration 11.30 a.m, President address 12.00 Noon, VIP Speaker 12.30 p.m to 1.30 p.m. Thinker/Writers 1.30 p.m to 5.00 p.m, Lunch break 2.30 p.m t0 3.00 p.m, Tea 4.00 p.m, Vote of Thanks 5.30 p.m . Thinkers/ Social Activists/Writers will be honoured during the fuction, All speakers kindly bring written speech & submit a copy. Posted on February 5, 2011

SHRI GURU RAVIDASS SABHA (C.V) FRESNO INVITES Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (C.V) Fresno, invites all devotees of Shri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj, on his 634th Birthday Celebrations on Sunday February 27, 2011. Shri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj fought for this entire life against manmade discrimination based on caste, creed, color. He was the one who fought for peace, brotherhood, and justice for all. Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (C.V.) Fresno, California congratulates all on Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj Ji’s birth anniversary. Langer, renowned Kirtankars, religious Jathas, and prominent leaders of our community will shed the light on the teachings of Shri Guru Ravidass. Please make every effort to attend this great event. Santokh Singh (President) Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (C.V) Fresno Posted on January 18, 2011

SRI GURU RAVIDASS SABHA SACRAMENTO IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS TO BE OBSERVED IN FEBRUARY 2011 AT SHRI GURU RAVIDASS TEMPLE , RIO LINDA

Guru Piari Saadh Sangat Ji,
SACRAMENTO:- Sunday February 06, 2011: the Waheguru's blessed families of Mr. Parmjit Bhutta and Mr. Joginder Ujagar will host the weekly sewa on this weekend in the everlasting memory of their father-in-law Mr. Amar Nath Bangar and Mrs. Shanti Bhutta ji - mother of Mr. Parmjit Bhutta. In honor of those departed souls, Sehaj Path Sewa is already in progress at this Temple and the Bhog ceremony thereof will be performed on Sunday February 06, 2011. All sangat is cordially invited by the hosting Bhutta & Ujagar families to grace this ocassion with families and cherish Waheguru's blessings.

634th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji: this year the anniversary of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji actually falls on Friday February 18, 2011. And Mr. Gurdial C Mall and family has graciously assumed the responsibility to host this sewa at this Temple from February 18 to 20, 2011. In that honor, a Sri Akhand Path will begin on Friday February 18 and the Bhog Ceremony thereof will be performed on Sunday February 20, 2011. In addition, in the evening of Friday February 18, a Kirtan Darbar will be held from 06:30 PM to 9:00 PM. All sangat is requested by the Mall family to grace this occasion and cherish His Almighty's blessings.

However, the prime 634th Birth Anniversary of SGR Ji will be celebrated on the second Sunday of March, i.e. March 13, 2011 along with our 11th Nagar Kirtan on the same day. More information on this will follow in the following weeks. To commemorate this historic anniversary, following is the series of Sri Akhand Path Sahib to be observed at this Temple:

Sr. No. Sponsoring Families, Sri Ahkand Path Sahib and Begin Bhog Ceremony:

We still have many slots available to accommodate more Akhand Paths. Interested sewadars are encouraged to please contact the Temple or any committee members to list those family names in the series of Sri Akhand Paths. Hosting families are requested by the Sabha to please check your respective sponsoring dates and let us know to correct deficiencies, if any.

All sangat is cordially invited by the hosting families and the Sabha as well to graces these above listed occasions with families and cherish Waheguru's eternal blessings. In addition, the Sabha needs volunteers and dedicated sewadars to perform a variety of services on the auspicious occasion of 634th anniversary and our 11th annual Nagar Kirtan. Volunteers are requested to provide their names to properly organize and manage this event.

Service hours of all weekly programs are from 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM, unless otherwise notified. May Waheguru keep all Sangat in Chardi Kala and fulfill their cherished desires.

Sincerely,
The Management Committee
Sri Guru Ravidass Sabha Sacramento (California) Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com (Feb. 3, 2011)

Sunday October 10, 2010: as usual, the weekly Sukhmani Sahib and Japaji Sahib Path will be performed on this day. Sewa is open to the sangat. Please contact the Temple or any committee members to host this sewa, if interested.

Friday October 15, 2010: like last month, the Sangrand for the month of Katak (kqk) will be observed on the day of its occurrence, i.e. Friday October 15th 2010, in the evening from 07:00 to 08:00 PM. All sangat is requested by the Sabha to do participate and cherish Waheguru's eternal blessings. Sewa for this occasion is still open to the sangat. Willing members to host it are humbly requested to contact the Temple or any committee member.

Sunday October 17, 2010: Gurgaddi Divas of Guru Granth Sahib Ji will be celebrated on this Sunday. In this honor, a Sri Akhand Path will begin on Friday October 15, 2010 and the Bhog Ceremony thereof will be performed on Sunday October 17, 2010. Dedicated families or sangat members willing to host this specific sewa are requested to contact the Temple or any committee members. All sangat is humbly requested by the Sabha to grace this auspicious occasion with families and cherish Waheguru's blessings.

Sunday October 24, 2010: the Waheguru's blessed family of Mr. Tavinder Kazla and Tony Kazla will host a Sri Akhand Path Sewa from 10/22 to 10/24/10 in the everlasting memory of their beloved father, Late Mr. Puran Chand Kazla Ji. This Akhand Path will begin on Friday October 22 and the Bhog Ceremony thereof will be performed on Sunday October 24, 2010. All sangat is humbly requested by the Kazla family and the Sabha to grace this occasion with families and cherish Waheguru's eternal blessings. Guru Ka Atut Langar will also be served on these three consecutive days. May Waheguru keep the dedicated Kazla families always in Chardi Kala, rest the departed soul in peace and bless their home with love, peace and prosperity.

Sunday October 31, 2010: as usual, the weekly Sukhmani Sahib and Japaji Sahib Path will be performed and the Sewa is open to the sangat. Please contact the temple or any committee members to host this sewa, if interested. Furthermore, all sangat is requested to come an hour or two early on this Sunday to perform a variety of housekeeping activities to improve the aesthetic and upkeep the Temple premises.

Service hours of all weekly programs are from 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM, unless otherwise specified. May Waheguru keep all Sangat in Chardi Kala and fulfill their cherished desires.
Sincerely,
By Raj Badhan member of The Management Committee, Sri Guru Ravidass Sabha Sacramento 6221-16th Street Rio LInda, CA 95673 Posted on October 6, 2010

Paramjit Singh Kainth,
President The Chamar Mahan Sabha Posted on January 24, 2011

INDIA DAY PARADE

Dear All,

On behalf of Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha, New York we invite you to participate in the India Day Parade. Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha of New York has arranged the float in the name of Baba Saheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. We will be delighted to have you walk with us as part of our procession along with the float. The parade starts at 11:00 AM on 15th August, 2010 at Madison Avenue, 41st Manhattan. The parade will march to 26th St. Water/soft drinks will be arranged free.

This is the third consecutive time that we are having our float in the India Day parade.

Let us join hands together to show our strength to the Indian community in the US and also make the local population aware of the human rights of Dalits in India and across the world.

With best wishes,

Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha of New York,
61-01 Broadway, Woodside, NY 11377
Balvir Chouhan (Public Relation Secretary), Chuhar Singh (Chairman), Balvir Chand Chumber (President), Hardev Sahai (General Secretary)
Co-Sponsers:
Tirkaldarshi Bhagwan Valmik Temple Ozane Park New York
Surinder Singh Foji (Chairman), Gurmit Sahota (Vice Chairman), Makhan Singh lottia (President), Sukhdev Raj Mavi (General Secretary),

Begampura Culture Society of New York,
Chairman Madhan Badhan, Harnam Das Rattu (Vice Chairman),
Paramjeet Kamam (President), Ram Sarup Bangar (General Secretary), Prithi Paul Bangar (Cashier)

Dr. Ambedkar International Misson (Canda)
Raju Kamble (Convenor)
Posted on August 08, 2010

hir ky nwm ibnu JUTy sgl pwswry ]1] rhwau ]
“Without the Name of the Lord, all ostentatious displays are useless. ||1||Pause||”

It would be senseless to praise and thank someone who you never heard about and who never did anything worthy of acknowledgement. Likewise, it is ridiculous to have rituals or verbal thanksgiving before someone without truly meaning it or even understanding why you are even doing so. Why sponsor a lavish Akhanda Paath (No one listens or understands), or robotically read banees daily to show off or bribe God. People waste lots of money on one-day use of expensive ramaalas, and don’t help the poor. Many people bow in front of Guru Granth Sahib but never take any time at all to learn what Guru Ji teaches, yet they are too much concerned about scrupulous rituals of cleanliness before sitting near Guru Ji, touching gutkas, or reciting shabbads.

nwmu qyro Awsno nwmu qyro aursw nwmu qyrw kysro ly iCtkwry ]
“To Your Name is my meditation sitting posture on the mat, and Your Name is the stone to grind the sandalwood. Your Name is the saffron which I take and sprinkle in offering to You.”

The sitting lotus position of meditation on the floor is practiced in order to tune out distractions. The entire body is relaxed. The back and head are in an straight, up-right position to prevent sleep and back strain, and the legs are folded crosswise for comfortable balance. When we contemplate on God, experiencing Naam is overwhelming, and the body must be still in order to control one’s reaction to awe of God’s presence. The grinding represents labor of love, dedication. The burning, sweet smelling sandalwood and precious, sprinkled saffron stand for how we should always praise and thank God the best way we can throughout our daily conduct.

nwmu qyrw AMBulw nwmu qyro cMdno Gis jpy nwmu ly quJih kau cwry ]1]
“Your Name is the water, and Your Name is the sandalwood. The chanting of Your Name is the grinding of the sandalwood. I take it and offer all this to You. ||1||”

The sprinkling of water keeps the dust from flying around. This maintains cleanliness. We likewise should protect ourselves from contamination of our 5 vices.

nwmu qyrw dIvw nwmu qyro bwqI nwmu qyro qylu ly mwih pswry ]
“Your Name is the lamp, and Your Name is the wick. Your Name is the oil I pour into it.”

Without a container to hold the oil, the fire will not kindle. The purpose of the oil is to keep the flame burning for a long time. When we learn of truth, we must continually reinforce ourselves and continue to learn, in order to stay kindled with joy, always prepared to battle our ego. Our weapon is the sword of Gur Gian Shabad.

nwm qyry kI joiq lgweI BieE auijAwro Bvn sglwry ]2]
“Your Name is the light applied to this lamp, which enlightens and illuminates the entire world. ||2||”

Understanding and accepting Naam kindles the light. When we learn, understand, and live Gurbani, people learn from our examples and words about truth. The power in God’s name which sustains the whole world is also causing our lives to be transformed. We become enlightened from the darkness of our gumaan ego, as we are lead by Guru Ji.

nwmu qyro qwgw nwmu PUl mwlw Bwr ATwrh sgl jUTwry ]
“Your Name is the thread, and Your Name is the garland of flowers. The eighteen loads of vegetation are all too impure to offer to You.”

Oil without a wick would cause the oil to burn away too quickly or not burn at all. The wick regulates the flame to consume the oil little by little. If we try to digest too much knowledge at once, we will forget what we learn or learn nothing at all. The flowers symbolize productivity, life, gentleness, beauty, and purity. Nothing is completely pure in the universe. All molecules cannot be completed separated from those near it. There will always be a few that cling to the other. Only God is pure. A pure flower could have a tiny spec of dust, which would render it impure. God is complete, there is nothing that contaminates Him.

qyro kIAw quJih ikAw Arpau nwmu qyrw quhI cvr Folwry ]3]
“Why should I offer to You, that which You Yourself created? Your Name is the fan, which I wave over You. ||3||”
This fan “chaur,” was made of peacock feathers tied together and used to chase flies and mosquitoes away and to cool the air. Fanning is a traditional gesture of respect. When someone fans Guru Granth Saheb, he is imitating what God is constantly doing for us. God is waving the grace of His presence around us.

ds ATw ATsTy cwry KwxI iehY vrqix hY sgl sMswry ]
“The whole world is engrossed in the eighteen Puraanas, the sixty-eight sacred shrines of pilgrimage, and the four sources of creation.”

People get tied up in fundamentalism and miss the whole point of what sainthood is. People tend to pretend to love God by practicing rituals with no sincerity. Bathing or visiting a shrine does not improve one’s character; rather he should understand the meaning of truth and living truthfully.

khY rivdwsu nwmu qyro AwrqI siq nwmu hY hir Bog quhwry ]4]3]
“Says Ravi Daas, Your Name is my Aartee, my lamp-lit worship-service. The True Name, Sat Naam, is the food, which I offer to You. ||4||3||” Guru Granth Sahib gives Shri Ravidas the title “Bhagat Ravidaas” rwgu soriT bwxI Bgq rivdws jI kI (657) “Raag Sorat'h,

The Word of Devotee Ravi Daas Jee,” who is the first person to use the term Sat Naam, (stable basis of creation.) Since God is so holy and perfect, nothing can sufficiently praise Him. He Himself only is able to praise Himself. When we blend in with Shabad, then only with shabad can we worship God. It is not the words or pronunciation that matters. The meaning of the eternal Guru Giyan Shabad is deeper than concept, sound, and measure. Understanding Guru Shabad brings the relish of Amrit which causes us to improve our character, as this is all God’s doings. This is what Bhagat Ravidaas calls the true Artee.

Posted on August 25, 2010