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Sirhali — a village steeped in history
Superstitions give death blow to electric
crematorium
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ORS Day organised, paediatricians say most
diarrhoea-related deaths preventable
New hip replacement techniques bring hope
to patients
Bhai Harjinder Singh Ragi Srinagar Wale
Rare manuscripts from Sikh
Reference
Library still ‘unreturned’
Club offers to take care of
neglected model of Jallianwala Bagh
Island of filth:
Garbage strewn about is a common sight at the Improvement Trust Colony in the city.
Divine Kirtan Darbar organised
Market Buzz
Weekly Round-up
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Sirhali — a village steeped in history
Unchallenged hero This gentle giant from
Sirhali was the unchallenged king of hammer and discus throws for several
years. When he was around, no one could ever think of challenging him,
forget about beating him. He was the discus throw gold medallist in the
1966 and 1970 Asian Games and also held the games record of 56.76 metre.
He bagged a silver medal in the 1974 Asian Games at Teheran, and was a
silver medallist in the Commonwealth Games at Kingston in 1966.
Sirhali and its offshoots of 21
villages situated on old Patti-Kasur Road present an exceptional history
of a big family tree, having common ancestry and genetic connections.
The nine-century-old Sirhali is much older than the historical cities of
Amritsar and Tarn Taran. Unlike the infamous Nazi Plan to create a super
race, it is the “natural flow” of “pure blood” belonging to a
common ancestor that runs into the veins of about 60,000 Sandhu Jats of
the 22 villages, including Sirhali. The cluster of villages is called
“Bahia”, meaning 22 villages. As per genealogy, the study of family
structural history, drawn on demographic data sources (such as birth and
death certificates, immigration, and other administrative records), the
Sandhu Jats of these 22 villages are descendants of one ancestor.
The study says that all Sandhu Jats, living in these villages, are linked
with an element of a broader kinship network that links ancestors and
descendants of a person, Jago, who founded Sirhali. Rooted in
past: These villagers from Sirhali trace their family history to a common ancestor. A Nath jogi sits near the dhuni that has been smouldering for the past nine centuries.
— Photos by Rajiv Sharma The literal meaning
of Sirhali is converting of a barren land into a fertile land by a tiller.
The name of the founder who made this land cultivable was Jago — the
forefather of the Sandhu Jats. Change of heart Bhai Bidhi Chand was
born to Bhai Wasan, who lived at Sur Singh village. His mother belonged to
Sirhali, a famous village in Amritsar district. During his early days,
Bhai Bidhi Chand got into wrong company and became a dacoit. Bhai Adli,
a Sikh since the days of Guru Ram Das, met him. Bhai Bidhi Chand
accompanied Bhai Adli on his visit to Amritsar. Later, Bhai Bidhi Chand
went to Guru Arjan Dev and confessed that he was a dacoit. The Guru
advised him to earn his living honestly. Bhai Bidhi Chand’s mind was
changed then and there, and his whole life was transformed. According to renowned Sikh Scholar, Prof
Mehal Singh, it was Bhim Nath, a disciple of famous Nath Jogi, Jalandhar
Nath, who chose the secluded place of Sirhali (it was jungle at that time)
for meditation in 1170 AD, much before the advent of Sikhism. The Nath
tradition is a lineage of spiritual masters, connected with Infinite
Consciousness through the greatest Yogi of all ages, Gorakhnath. These
ancient yogis discovered that the secret of cosmic consciousness is
intimately linked with breath mastery. The life force, which is ordinarily
used for bodily functions, can be channelled for higher activities by a
method of calming and stilling the ceaseless demands of the breath. The
Yoga system of philosophy, as established by Patanjali, taught the means
whereby the human soul might attain complete union with the Supreme Being.
However, with the advent of Sikhism, Nath tradition suffered a big jolt in
Punjab. Unenviable sobriquet Some
misconceptions have been associated with the historical town of Sirhali.
The village, which has produced great freedom fighters like Baba Gurdit
Singh Kamagatamaru, world famous sportspersons like Praveen Kumar and
religious persons like Baba Ram Singh, was lately called “Sirhali
Choranwali” (Sirhali of thieves). In his book, Prof Mehal Singh gives a
number of reasons, based on some folktales, for this unenviable sobriquet. A farmer called Jago, who used to rear cattle of his relatives,
reached the Dera of Bhim Nath in search of green pasture in 12th century.
Jago and Bhim Nath became close to each other, and the latter asked the
former to make the place his permanent abode. There was nothing resembling
a village in the immediate vicinity at that time because much of the
surrounding land was a wet meadow, and the farms were large and scattered.
However, the first village Sirhali came into existence with the passage of
time. The nine-century-old Nath Dera at Sirhali is being given a
facelift these days. Unmindful of its heritage value, bathroom tiles are
being put on more than nine-century-old building belonging to Nath Jogis.
However, dhuni, lit by Baba Bhim Nath, founder of the sect still smoulders. The renovation of the dera has been going on war-footing with a view to
give a “modern look” to the whole complex. The beautiful dome, made of
Nanakshahi bricks, has already been covered with bathroom tiles. The rest
of the structure is being whitewashed. The front portion of the dera has
also been plastered, and the management is contemplating to put bathroom
tiles on this portion of the complex also. The idol of the founder of
the dera, Baba Bhim Nath, has also been covered with white
marble. However, the old tree, planted by the founder, and other rare
trees have been preserved with extra care. The present chief of the dera,
Baba Vichar Nath, and Baba Onkar Nath said that it was the need of the
hour to carry out immediate repair and renovation work. This was being
done to “preserve” the ancient structures, they added. Sirhali was
also blessed with the visit of three Sikh masters, including Guru Arjan
Dev, Guru Hargobind and Guru Teg Bahadur. There is a historical gurdwara,
known as Chabacha According to the Gazetteer of
India, Guru Arjan Dev wanted to make it a place of religious importance.
At Sirhali Kalan, the jogis, known as Naths, were very popular. At their
instigation, residents of Sirhali declined to give land to the Guru who
got annoyed. He broke a brick into four pieces and threw them in different
directions, symbolising the desertion of the place. Next day, the people
of the village came to Guru Arjan Dev and apologised to him. Baba Budha
collected water in a chubacha (water-pit) with which the Guru bathed. This
water-pit is known as Chubacha Sahib, which is said to have healing
properties. The Sirhali village has also produced great souls like Sant
Baba Tara Singh who carried out kar sewa of several historical gurdwaras.
He was also the moving spirit behind the establishment of Guru Gobind
Singh Khalsa College, Sirhali, the only National Accreditation Academic
Council in the countryside. Interestingly, the constitution of the
college says that it is mandatory to be a resident of any of the 22
villages of Sirhali to become an office-bearer of the college’s managing
committee.
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Superstitions give death blow to electric
crematorium
The Holy City’s first and only electric crematorium in Shiv
Puri cremation ground under the Durgiana Committee has been
non-operational since 1992.
It is learnt that city residents deemed it
inappropriate to hold last ceremonial rites in this crematorium. With the
passage of time, the crematorium, which was constructed after spending a
huge amount, became non-operational. In fact, very few persons are aware
of the existence of the electric crematorium in the city. The situation
was such that no one had approached the Durgiana Committee for performing
last rites in the electric crematorium since its inception, said Mr
Surinder Arjun, working president of the Durgiana Committee. Even those
associated with performing the last rite ceremonies have not made the
things easier. A host of superstitions are prevalent. There is insistence
on the use of wood during cremation. “Huge quantity of wood is
required for the cremation as per the customary method. Wood could be
saved if the electric crematorium became operational and people were
willing to cremate the dead in the electric crematorium,” says a city
resident, adding, “It would help in saving the environment from
deforestation and pollution caused by burning such huge quantity of
wood.” Mr Arjun said an average of three quintals of wood was required
to cremate a single body and an average of 10-12 bodies were cremated
daily. It would take joint efforts of people from all walks of life,
including sociologists and religious leaders, to spread awareness about
electric crematorium. Mr Arjun said if city residents expressed
willingness to use the electric crematorium, the Durgiana Committee could
think of repairing it.
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ORS Day organised, paediatricians say most
diarrhoea-related deaths preventable
Diarrhoea is the major killer disease among pre-school
children, especially in the developing countries. Every year about three
million children die due to this problem and its consequences. These
observations came during the ORS (Oral Rehydration Salt) Day celebrated here
recently by the Department of Paediatrics, Government Medical College, in
collaboration with the district branch of the IAP.
Dr Karnail Singh, Prof
and Head of Paediatrics Department and also the president of the Amritsar
branch of the IAP, said that about 80 per cent of the deaths occurred below
two years of age. The main cause of the deaths was dehydration, malnutrition,
other serious infections and complications associated with diarrhoea. He said
increased usage of the ORS in case children had diarrhoea and dehydration
could definitely prevent hundreds of deaths occurring due to diarrhoea. He
said all diarrhoea-related problems could be reduced in intensity with the
timely and proper use of the ORS, particularly Low Osmolarity ORS. He said
hundreds of children suffering from the disease in the area visited paediatric
department every month and about 12 per cent of such patients even needed
admission. On the occasion, various speakers discussed the different aspects
of the new ORS. They also interacted with general public regarding how and
when to use this ORS. They discussed about food items that could be given to
diarrhoea-afflicted patients. Dr N.K. Anand, former Prof and Head of
Paediatrics Department, was the guest of honour on the occasion. ORS packets
were also distributed freely. Among other faculty members present included Dr
M.S. Pannu, Associate Professor, Dr Palwinder Singh, Medical Officer, Dr
Narinder Singh and Dr Sandeep Agarwal, both senior residents.
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New hip replacement techniques bring hope
to patients
With the use of new surgical
techniques the miseries of patients who undergo hip and knee replacement
are likely to be reduced. The patients suffering from these ailments would
have reduced blood loss, less pain, faster return to full activity,
reduced surgical scar and shorter hospital stay if they opt for the new
surgical techniques. Dr Manuj Wadhwa, who has taken his Orthopaedics from
University of Dundee, Scotland, UK, stated this while talking to The
Tribune.
He said the minimal invasive hip surgery was done through 6-8
cm skin incision instead of 25-30 cm incision for the usual hip
replacement surgery. “The patient is up and walking in six hours after
surgery and is well enough to go home the very next day with only slight
pain and minimal bruising,” he said. If the latest techniques of hip
replacement were used by doctors, the patients could have a remarkable
flexibility — they could sit cross-legged and squat on floors, the
doctor said. These techniques gave extra range of movement to perform
almost all activities. For young patients requiring hip replacement, a
novel procedure called “Hip Resurfacing” had been introduced, he said.
This procedure preserved their bone mass, which was particularly helpful
keeping in view that these patients might need a revision later in their
lifetime. For a selected group of patients, a special design of knee
replacement implant could be used that allowed them to sit cross-legged
and squat, said Dr Wadhwa. “With the latest techniques available, the
surgery is done through small incisions and patients can be back home
within five days of surgery,” he added. In computer assisted surgery (CAS),
the assistance from computer helped doctors to make a better judgement and
perform a “cleaner” surgery. He said that CAS used infra-red camera
and special instruments to provide increased accuracy and improved
performance of hip or knee replacements which were less likely to
dislocate and would also last longer. He informed that shortly these
facilities would be available at Fortis Joint Replacement Unit. He added
that in order to provide extended range of improved functions, facilities
were now available for arthritic patients to undergo shoulder, elbow and
finger joint replacement to improve their quality of life.
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Ragi alleges humiliation
The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) has failed to
honour Bhai Harjinder Singh Ragi Srinagar Wale, who has been selected for the
Shiromani Ragi Award by the state government recently.
Bhai Harjinder Singh
Ragi said that he felt ignored and humiliated when he had gone to pay obeisance
at the Golden Temple and he was not given due respect by the SGPC employees and
authorities. First, his car was stopped by the SGPC employee outside the
Harmandar Sahib gate, he alleged. When the employees were asked the reason for
this, they said the higher SGPC authorities had ordered them to do so. Later,
he was not allowed to interact with media persons inside the information
office, he added. Bhai Harjinder Singh alleged that such attitude of the SGPC
men was on expected lines, as he had been named for the Shiromani Ragi Award by
the state government, and the SGPC was against the state government. Prof
Avtar Singh, under whom Bhai Harjinder Singh took training, said that they had
come to thank “waheguru” and Akal Takht. But such attitude of the SGPC had
hurt their sentiments. Bhai Harjinder Singh has undertaken training at Sikh
Shaheed Missionary College, under SGPC in Putlighar area. Bhai Harjinder Singh
Ragi alleged that the Dharam Prachar Committee had failed to guide the Sikh
youth. He said there was an urgent need to tell the youth the true meaning of
Gurbani. He said that the Shiromani Committee, which is one of the prime
institutions of Sikhs, should come forward to guide youngsters.
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Rare manuscripts from Sikh
Reference
Library still ‘unreturned’
Despite tall promises made by the
then Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes, the SGPC, even after a lapse
of two decades, has not received the invaluable manuscripts and books
“taken” from the Sikh Reference Library by the army. These books and
manuscripts were “taken” in gunny bags and big trunks by the army to
an unknown place after Operation Blue Star, it has been learnt.
Though
the SGPC had raised the issue with President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam during his
visit to the Golden Temple, the issue still remains unresolved, much to
the chagrin of Panthic organisations. The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak
Committee (SGPC) has been passing the resolution every year and writing to
the Central Government for the return of the invaluable material. But it
has not elicited proper response from the Central Government so far. Noted
scholar, Dr Santokh Singh Shaharyar, associated with the management of the
library, told this to Amritsar Plus. He sought the personal intervention
of Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, in this regard. Earlier the SGPC
had sent a number of communications to the then prime ministers, including
Chandra Shekhar, V.P. Singh, I.K. Gujral and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In
spite of the repeated requests, the SGPC either got the reply that the
“library was burnt to ashes” or that “it was returned to the SGPC in
compliance with the court’s order”. He said it was surprising that
various Sikh organisations that were demanding that Bhindranwale be
declared a martyr and a memorial be built in the memory of martyrs had
never come on a common platform for demanding the return of the invaluable
manuscripts, books and other materials. Dr Shaharyar said the Sikh
Reference Library, Amritsar, was established in 1946. He further said that
though the credit for establishing the library went to the SGPC, the Sikh
Historical Society, established in 1930 at Lahore under the leadership of
Bawa Budh Singh, had played a significant role. He said that though the
society could not remain active after the death of its founder, it had
mooted the idea of establishing a central library, which could house
literature related to Sikh Gurus, Sikh religion, and related fields. Dr
Shaharyar said the SGPC should not remain silent and should demand from
the Central Government the return of the invaluable material. He was of
the view that more than 90 per cent of the material was still intact and
that it should be returned immediately, otherwise the invaluable material
could be lost due to lack of proper maintenance.
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Club offers to take care of
neglected model of Jallianwala Bagh
The members of the local Lions Club have come forward to help in the maintenance of the model of Jallianwala Bagh installed at the railway station here. They said that they were shocked to see the “shabby treatment” given to the model of Jallianwala Bagh. The club members have also volunteered to maintain the road divider on the road leading to the Golden Temple.
“Instead of blaming the authorities, we think it is wise to come forward and share the responsibility to keep the Holy City clean,” said Mr Parbodh Bali, president, Lions Club Greater. He said that he had seen clothes being dried out on the grills fixed around the model of Jallianwala Bagh at the railway station. He clicked the photographs of this and sent them, along with a letter, to the station superintendent here. In the letter, Mr Bali stated that memorials were a means to recall heroic deeds and sacrifices of our forefathers. He requested that the club be given the permission for maintaining the model for public benefit and national honour. He promised to hand over the site whenever they were asked to do so by the authorities. In another letter to Mr K.S. Kang, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Mr Bali said that the road from Mata Longawali Temple to Butt Malkan was important and busiest road of the city, and that this road led to the Golden Temple. Initially, the divider had fountains and plants. But due to poor maintenance, all of them were in a neglected condition. Enclosing a recent photograph of the divider, he said that the club was ready to take the responsibility for maintaining the divider.
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Improvement Trust Colony in bad shape
The health of the residents of C Block of the Improvement Trust Colony situated at a distance of just a few hundred yards from the office of the Improvement Trust in Ranjit Avenue is in danger due to unhygienic conditions. There is filth all around the area. The air is smelly due to stagnating filth and sewerage water.
The very foundations of some constructed houses, including house number 2582 and 2586, are in danger as the walls of the constructed houses remain submerged when sewerage water from the surrounding areas gets accumulated in the vacant plots adjacent to the constructed houses. Residents of the area allege that illegal colonies have come up near the locality and that the Improvement Trust has done nothing to protect their colony from sewerage water coming from these localities. Despite several reminders, the trust has not bothered to open the sewerage line. The residents further alleged that their area had become a repository of filth and garbage. “Many times, residents of illegal colonies can be seen defecating in the open. Pools of water have come up all around, as the water does not fall into gutters, which either do not work or are clogged to the brim,” said one of the residents. The residents said the park in the locality was without any plantation, lighting and footpaths. “We are worried about the safety of our wards, as anti-social elements can be seen moving around or playing cards in the park during evening,” said another resident.
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Divine Kirtan Darbar organised
Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD), one of the oldest socio- religious organisations, organised a “Divine Kirtan Darbar” on the occasion of 349th birth anniversary of the Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Harkrishan.
The programme started with a shabad “Deh Shiva Var Mohe Eh” by school students. Renowned Ragi jathas, including Bhai Harbans Singh Jagadhari Wale, Bhai Sadhu Singh Dehradun Wale, Bhai Anoop Singh Una Wale, Bibi Baljit Kaur Khalsa, Bhai Harnam Singh Srinagar Wale and Bhai Joginder Singh Riar Ludhiana Wale, recited the Gurbani. Mr Dharamvir Singh, spokesman of the Diwan, said that the function was presided over by Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, Jathedar, Akal Takht, Head Granthi, Golden Temple, Bhai Gurbachan Singh. Mr Jagjit Singh Kohli, Chief Executive Officer, ETC Channel Punjabi, was honoured for his valuable services rendered to the Sikh community.
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Market Buzz
In view of the “opening of the
borders” between India and Pakistan, the Metro Shoes has selected the
Holy City for the retail outlet where people of the city and those from
across the border could visit and take their pick.
Ms Farah Malik Bhanji,
Director (Marketing), Metro Shoes, while talking to media persons, said
they had selected Amritsar as it was an important fashion centre in the
north. She said the people here were well-aware of the leading fashion
trends across the globe and also, they were well-travelled. She said
their company was synonymous with high-fashion footwear. “Right from
gorgeous stilettos, classic pumps, strappy sandals, sling backs, closed
toe shoes, platforms, retro pumps, high boots, pointed pumps, roman
tie-ups, you will find a mind-boggling variety at our store,” she
claimed. “We also have the regular metro, Princess, Signatures, Genx and
the exclusive DaVinchi range. Also, tropical collection shoes, which have
a good deal of embroidery, diamond work, beadwork and coloured stones used
in various styles and designs, are available. Designer and chic bags to
match every style of footwear are also available,” she added. Ms Farah
said that the customers could take their pick from the wide range of shoes
that were available in prices ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 3000.
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Mr Anterpreet Singh, lecturer in Engineering Physics, Baba Kumar Singh Ji Engineering College, Amritsar, attended the 9th International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technology held at the National University of Singapore from July 3 to 8. He presented his research paper titled “AC Electrical Conductivity and Dielectric properties of substituted Hexaferrites” during the conference. Research Paper Dr S.S. Bhatti, Director-cum-Principal, Baba Kumar Singh Ji Engineering College, has been invited to present a research paper at the National Conference on “Advanced Nano-Materials” to be held at the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, from August 24 to 26. Dr Bhatti will chair one session at the conference on characterisation techniques for new and advanced nano-materials.
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Sirhali and its offshoots of 21
villages situated on old Patti-Kasur Road present an exceptional history
of a big family tree, having common ancestry and genetic connections.
Praveen Bhim Kumar
Sobti from Sirhali ruled the Indian athletics arena in the sixties and the
seventies. His six feet seven inches frame made him a “born champ”
even before he stepped on the athletics track. 
