Sunday 1^stAugust - in Toronto! So far so good. The tour is going very well. On a daily basis, it is surprising what one learns about oneself and progressively develop self assurance that Waheguru Ji has a hand in all this. I have had my brushes with haumai/ego. One is supposed to be aware of it, but self-assurance is important especially when one also gets criticism and condemnation by some. Through all that, emails from grateful supporters especially the youth and grateful parents is tremendous comfort that one is doing good. (I ignore the Sikh cybersangat chat lines like 'learning-zone' etc. where some detractors - 'cyber pandits' I call them - like to poke pins in me! I thank them though. The more 'nindiya' they throw at me, the more my sins get washed away!

The day started with a 6am 'simran/kirtan' at the Guru Ram Das Ashram followed by a 1pm. program at the Marlton Gurdwara - one of the most fundamentalist gurdwaras in Toronto. Our hosts, the Kohli's felt that we should do at least one gurdwara program after last years episode of getting 'thrown out' from the Dixie Gurdwara because of the non-Sikh mix of our group.

First time I have had to go for an 'interview' for a gurdwara program! I was quizzed on all the criticisms and condemnations against us and after a half hour interview, I 'passed'! The current President is a young gentleman - a great role model for our youth who like the open beard, kirpan, round Taliban-type turban, bana type of look. Because with all that paraphernalia, one needs a humble yet firm outlook, not a pompous, I-am-better-than-thou manner. He was humble, loving, yet looked me straight in the eye as he quizzed me on 'reports' and rumours about us. I think he liked the fact that I was able to 'eyeball' him as well. He assured me that once the backing is given, it stays until I prove him, beyond doubt, otherwise! I believe him, but remembering that he will not be President, either, forever...

I remember Keith asking me after the interview, how fundamentalist the gurdwara was and my answer turned him a further shade of white! I told him that, "you know when we walk into a fundamentalist type gurdwara, like the Dashmesh Darbar in Vancouver, one sees a small armory of knives (kirpans), swords, chakras and arrows, displayed in front of the alter? Well, this gurdwara, besides the armory, also spots two stuffed leopards and two rifles!!!" The boys turned pale!!

The general comment from my colleagues was - what next? A 'Guru-ka-parkash' on top of a battle tank within the gurdwara with the gun barrel pointing at the sangat?? For an abode of 'peace' it does not appear very welcoming when one sees two guns in front of the 'Sri Guru Granth Sahib'.

The program itself went very well - so well that almost all the granthi/ragi fraternity bought our cd's and the committee wanted a week of programs and also discuss the possibility of a youth camp next year! So looks like we have 'arrived' in Toronto! We will have our usual problems though. This gurdwara insists that every child 'must' do five banis' for Nitnam in the morning, not the three prescribed by the Rehat Maryadha. So, sometimes 'youth camp organisers' range from wanting the barest minimum, say first five paudis of the JapJi preferably starting at 9am. (children have difficulty in getting up early in the morning!) to this situation where the committee insist that five banis are recited every morning preferably at 3am!! God save Sikhi from the Sikhs!

The evening was very eventful. Through the efforts of Puneet Kohli, son of my good friend and host in Toronto, Kawal Kohli, we were invited to an annual gathering of COSS - Canadian Organisation of Sikh Students. An august body, if I ever saw one with Sikh university students, the cream of Canadian Sikh students including new MP, Navdeep Singh. Young men spotting 'Guru Gobind Singh' beards, dressed in smart turbans and suits or bana, some spotting kirpans; one gentleman in full 'nihang' paraphernalia; in kudta pajamas, young ladies in beautiful Punjabi suits and chunian or small dastaars; and some clean shaven men too. This was held at the Nirvana restaurant. Host Sukhi Ghuman is a gem. He was personally supervising the proceedings and serving. Though a restaurant serving alcohol, NO ONE was spotting a permanent glass attached in one hand -in other words, no one was drinking alcohol.

Some great speeches and award-giving's and the usual 'back-slapping' took place and then we were given the stage with some words like, 'one of the most controversial Sikh gurbani groups - most suited to the occasion as it is a group you cannot ignore or accept unconditionally. A group which tests ones prejudices and makes one think of ones Sikhi instead of just taking it for granted.' I LIKED IT!!

We were advised by Puneet that, "Uncle, due to alcohol on the premises and everyone wearing shoes and some sitting on chairs (no meat was being served), please do not sing gurbani!" Normally, that is like 'waving a red flag in front of a bull' situation for me, but, I took it as a cew to discuss Sikh prejudices and 'hang-ups'. We had a very successful bonding and networking session with some bright future leaders of our faith in Canada. In fact, future Canadian leaders for that matter! We sang bhajans, old spiritual film songs, Punjabi songs and a qawali. ALL enjoyed the jokes of my being interviewed by the Malton Gurdwara and all appeared enthusiastic to come to all our public programs in Toronto for the rest of the week. Some deep meaningful discussions followed with a number of them and we expect to see more of these wonderful new breed of Sikhs into the future.
Long weekend Monday had two wonderful private, well attended programs of kirtan with high cd sales. We are experiencing a greater interest in Sikh young and old in gurbani and kirtan. We are encouraged.

Tuesday saw two Press interviews 5^thAugust - one for TV and one for the 'Voice', an English language Indian news weekly. First, we visited the site of the Harbor Front 'Mehndi Masala Masti Festival', met the hosts of the festival (Abhishek, I think is the main 'mover and shaker') and did a TV interview. With Puneet driving (he drives like his father!) we dashed across town for another paper interview with the 'Voice' weekly.

Wednesday 6^thAugust- 'Art of Living' Concert at the La Suhaag Functions Hall. About 450 people - Hindus, Sindhis, Sikhs and Moslems turned up for a two hour concert of shabads, bhajans, old Hindi songs, ghazals and qawalis. EVERYONE had a great time. Did not see any Sikh storming out because we were mixing shabads with other renditions. In fact award winning Sikh luminary and writer/philosopher, Dr. Saroop Singh Alag, who happened to be in town, awarded us with a set of his books and also gave a very complimentary speech of our work. Thank You so much, Dr. Sarup Singh Alag Ji. Your 'ashirvaadh' is very dear to us. Our grateful thank you to 'Art of Living' Organisation for hosting this wonderful event. They did so last year too. The good news was ... our cd's sold out!!!! Thankfully more on the way for the weekend.

Thursday 7^thAugust- day off. I have some correspondence catching-up to do and Kawal, Puneet, Indresh and I attended a regular lunch date of some of the top professional Sikhs of Toronto. About 35 turned up and it was great to see these Sikh professionals getting together to socialise and network - a great idea!
Reminds me of a similar group meeting in Kuala Lumpur. I must share this as it is a good idea. Young professionals, businessmen and entrepreneurs get together at 7am (yes 7am!) for a breakfast meeting Friday once a month. Breakfast is 7-7.30am. Meeting starts at sharp 7.30 (to allow stragglers who of course miss breakfast but pay for it!) Each 'member' speaks for 30 seconds for whatever he wants the rest of the members to know - a new product/service or anything of interest. Newly joined members have one minute to introduce themselves and speak of their profession/interests/business etc. Then calling cards are exchanged and more importantly, special cards are passed to appropriate members for whom others have generated business! A tremendous idea for networking effectively and working for each other and everyone winning! Everyone leaves for office by 9am!

Friday evening 8^thAugust we were invited by professional photographer Rajinder Dhiman to take some portrait pictures followed by kirtan - our second visit at 8pm, at the Marlton gurdwara. Surprisingly large sangat had turned up and it was a momentous one hour of kirtan. The sangat response was very warm. Met good friend Harinam Singh Khalsa who said, "well, looks like you almost got our Punjabi brothers and sisters in a gurdwara to smile ... almost! I saw some wanting very much to smile but, a lifetime of seriousness in gurdwaras is hard to change. No problems Bhai Sahib, you shall achieve that one day! To gently inform our Punjabi sangats that kirtan can be enjoyed and celebrated!" (American 'white' Sikhs treat our kirtan joyously and with enthusiasm! Punjabi sangats are not so readily prone to infectious enjoyment of kirtan.) Nevertheless, the accolades from granthis/kirtaniays/ committee and general sangat members was unanimous. Great evening.
Article in The Voice' newspaper came out - I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was - well done, The Voice! Sikhnet.com repeated it on its front page a week later.

Saturday 9^thAugust three programs... Private program leading to a Noon sound check at the MMM Festival followed by a 4pm performance. We 'rocked' them! Finished to a standing ovation from about 1500 audience. Great sale of cd's. Spent almost two hours speaking to well wishes, having photographs taken and signing cd's.
Harinam Singh Khalsa's birthday celebration at his 'yoga center'. A divine laid back hour of kirtan followed by a fantastic spread of food. Uplifted but tired out we were asleep as soon as we hit the pillow. Bless you, Kawal and family. You certainly looked after us.

Sunday 10^thAugust - 10am program at the GRDass Ashram. Small but divine sangat. A lovely warm embrace of the divine spirit was felt by all - langgar followed and then a mad dash to Malton Gurdwara for our final program. A packed gurdwara this time and the group was mobbed within the gurdwara - we had difficulty getting out and we were disrupting the continuing service!

Question was asked - sincerely and with feeling. "Dya Singh Ji, you have three wonderful, divine, musicians - why don't you get them to convert to Sikhism?" My answer, which was happily accepted, "Nowhere does my Guru Ji tell me to go out of my way to convert someone from another religion to Sikhism. My Guru has said time and time again, 'If you are a Hindu, be a good Hindu. If you are a Muslim, be a good Muslim.' If I ever make my colleagues feel that I shall better accept them if they became Sikhs or Sikhs will better accept them if they became Sikhs, then I feel that I have gone against the fundamental teachings of my Gurus and my 'dharam'. Sikhism does not offer a happier life if one becomes a Sikh or greater comforts in the afterlife if one becomes a Sikh. It is a path on which someone must come willingly and voluntarily - not with promises or threats. If my colleagues ever decide to become Sikhs on their own accord, that is up to them. In my eyes they remain equally as good, as they are, because they are helping me do Guru Ji's bidding, just like Bala and Mardhana did with Baba Nanak."

I must mention three special Sikhs here. Kawal Singh Kohli, GuruFatha Singh Khalsa and Harinam Singh Khalsa. Three 'Rab-dhe-Pyaray' who are a yardstick of what being a 'Khalsa' means. All three different but all three 'Beloved of the Guru'. All three in Toronto. All three act as a yardstick for my own life as a Sikh. Thank you, all three of you.
It was a pleasure meeting all the lovely people who wanted to wish us well after the Malton program, but we were very tired. I was whisked away by lawyer T.Sher Singh of Gueff, Canada. I spent a wonderful afternoon discussing future projects. Thank you Sher Singh and Meitre for a lovely afternoon!
Newly found friend Sukhi Ghuman had invited a small group of friends and us for a private farewell party. I recommend the Nirvana Restaurant! Great food and a great host! So a memorable tour leg has come to an end. We shall cherish this visit to Toronto.

Monday 11^thAugust, rest day with an evening dinner with Harry (Harcharan) and family and some close friends. Harcharan and family sponsored 'Waheguru Bole Pyarea'. They said they loved it. The satisfaction is all mine! Thank you, Waheguru Ji. After a quiet last day with the Kohli's and a morning walk with Andrew where we sort of lost our way (in a cemetery!) we took the flight for London in the late afternoon. Saying our 'goodbyes' to the wonderful Kohli's was difficult, as we have become close friends ...
Bai Ji Gurmukh Singh was on hand to pick us up from Heathrow. I do not remember the rest of the day (Wednesday) suffering from jetlag ... it was good to see Bebe Ji (my dear mother). Sukhi Ghuman (Nirvana Restaurant in Toronto), I did pay your appropriate respects to my mother too!

Thursday 12^thAugust - two programs - 1.30pm:Singh Sabha Slough - youth camp for about 550 youngsters. We did a one hour, very lively session. Not easy for 550 youngsters to keep still but we managed in parts, with Naam Simran or when the boys were dazzling them with their artistry on their instruments. The didgeridoo and the tabla were the big hits! The second 'evening' program was at Swindon Gurdwara (first time). A small but enthusiastic sangat with the inclusion of some non-Sikhs who had been especially invited. By the amount of enquiries by sangat members on the day and by phone next day for further programs, I think everyone had a great evening! The brand new gurdwara is a credit to Sikhs worldwide. Some disputes exist due to the Sikh Center at the back - but then such disputes are common worldwide with disagreements as to the division between the social and 'religious' side of Sikhi, OR whether Sikhi includes Sikh culture at all!

Friday 13^thAugust - a private program in Dartford. Just a small private gathering of 'family' and friends for a housewarming and 24th. birthday. We certainly enjoy such intimate programs where all listeners want to do is listen and sometimes participate in kirtan.

Saturday 14^thAugust- Singh Sabha Slough: OK! This turned out to be our 'coming back to UK' program. Great publicity and 'live' Radio Punjab. Almost 800 sangat and plenty of teenagers and kids. A great 'start' to the UK leg of the 'Smithsonian to Royal Albert Hall' tour.
The 'detractors' were there too - "If they love kirtan so much, why don't they convert to Sikhism?" Sad people. Hope they can all find something better and productive to do than just criticise and passing adverse remarks - 'Nanak phikai boliyai, tan man phika hoe'.

Sunday am 15^thAugust- Dastar Bandhi - private program in Southfield gurdwara. Prabhveer Singh came of age. A very touching 'Dastarbandhi' ceremony done with class and taste. We were given a great part and I think we produced the goods. Southfield gurdwara, as usual was very kind to us and a great Sunday morning! It was good to meet good friend Justic Mota Singh again.

Sunday PM -7.30pm - our favourite stop - Ramgharia Gurdwara, Oswald Road, Southall! One and a half hour of kirtan. We were all exhausted due to the long day but even a (from personal point of view) substandard performance was accepted as divine by all. Kirtan has a spirit of its own. It is not 'us' doing kirtan but the spirit of 'kirtan' allowing us to sing His praises. The energy is His. The words are His. We belong to Him.

Monday 16^thAugust enforced day off as we are all tired and have an early morning flight for Berlin on Tuesday and a program on the same day!

Tuesday 17^thAugust). A very trying day as there were firstly two 'terrorist' scares at Heathrow Airport - one suspect was seen being bundled away by police. Then 'I' missed my flight due to the absence of the appropriate slip within my ticket. A four hour wait ensued at the airport. We managed to get to the Indian Embassy in Berlin half hour before we were due on stage to do a one and a half hour concert! After a sumptuous meal at the Newmann Restaurant owned by fellow Sikhs (Sodhi family) I can barely remember getting into bed! We were hosted by Ranjit Kaur and Harbhajan Singh Ji. The Indian Embassy concert was a full house, thanks mainly to Garbrielle, our 'agent' in Germany. A number of Sikhs turned up too and there were many enquiries for future programs!

Wednesday 18^thAugust we did a 'history tour' (mainly for Parvyn's benefit) with my good friend and long time Berlin resident, Sardar Amarjit Singh. He was in Berlin in 1961 when the 'Wall' went up and he was on hand to 'help' the Wall come down in 1989. I have a small piece of the 'Wall' to prove that and a picture showing Amarjit Singh Ji with a chisel and hammer taking a piece of the wall down!! Parvyn enjoyed the guided tour very much. To be continued on Friday with a trip to the royal town of Potsdam...

Thursday 19^thAugust - stayed at home (Ranjit Kaur and Harbhajan Singh). Went out with my good friend Nanak Dev Singh Khalsa for the evening. If I have not mentioned, Nanak Dev is a very close friend from Tuscarrora Youth Camp (NY) days(1999/2000). He is a American Sikh 'Nihang' and an exponent of Shastr Vidya (Gatka) and we have aspirations of firstly producing a movie about gatka and also doing a video presentation of 'gatka-aerobics' to Jaap Sahib rhythms...

Friday 20^thAugust Amarjit Singh Ji duly took us to see the royal town of Potsdam with its magnificent palaces and scenic lakes and river ways. Palaces built 700 years ago and still displaying their splendour - a monument to what perhaps, materialistic living in heaven might be all about.
Alongside that were remnants of the East and West divide between the two Germanys and the pain and anguish which follows human conflict.

Saturday - 21^thAugust. A workshop organised by Garbrielle on Sikh music and meditation and our unique form of evolution of kirtan. Only about 15 turned up but, 15 interested students - no Indian Sikhs of course! One student from amongst the attendees told me when we joked about the fact that 'Sikhs' are not interested said that a writer on Sikhs and Sikhism had commented that 'Some of them are prepared to lay down their lives for their Guru but the same ones are not prepared to look underneath the 'cloth' to see what is written within the pages of the Guru let alone try to improve their lives through the Guru's teachings. They will go through the motions as ritualists do but not apply the Guru for their improvement or the improvement of their offsprings.'
Nevertheless all present including group members and I learned a great deal about gurbani sangeet meditation - I must write about this sometimes...

Sunday 22^thAugust The workshop attendees turned up in force with families and friends to join in and listen to one and a half hour of kirtan. A good program with good sales of cd's.
We must admit that we were disappointed with Berlin this year as we expected to have some improvement in terms of programs and interest - but we shall keep trying. It promises to be better next year. We have made some dear dear friends in the 'Sodhi's' of the Neumann restaurant fame; Ranjit and her husband Harbhajan; and re-affirmed our deep friendship with S. Amarjit Singh Ji, S.Jernail Singh, Nanak Dev Singh Khalsa, Garbrielle and others. Berlin will always be special in our hearts.

Monday back to UK to continue our tour till 26th.September for the big 400 Sala programme! Early days and we have four days 'off' for R&R -programs start on Friday. Good to relax in Southall and the Olympics are on!
Big issue here (there are always big issues in Uk amongst the Sikhs or about the Sikhs!), is the display of an old 'bir' by the main museum in London. 'Some' over-zealous sections have mounted an agitation against the open display of these old 'gurbani' documents as they feel it is sacrilegous (bay-adabi). So, all the museum has done is to apologise and 'condemn' these old Sikh sacred books back to some cold dark vaults where they have been kept before. I wonder whether that is the answer? Would it not have been better if the authorities had been applauded for displaying such rare manuscripts for all to see and then politely requested if they could help in ensuring that the display was done appropriately by ensuring that the rooms in which they were being displayed were made 'footwear-free' and also scarfes provided for all to cover their heads when entering those premises as a mark of respect as 'Sikh protocol' requires. Perhaps that was too easy.

Friday 27^thAugust Ramgharia Gurdwara, Milton Keynes. Great location for a gurdwara - an old farmhouse with fields all round. If I lived in UK I think I would pick Milton Keynes. Well planned, plenty of walkways and cycleways; lakes for recreation and plenty of greenery. Also, just an hour away from 'old London town'. Gurdwara is still being constructed and the good thing is due to 'heritage' listing of the old buildings, the gurdwara has to be built to 'blend in' with the rest of the surrounding environment. So no white elephant here like Singh Sabha Southall... and many other 'new' gurdwaras around the world! A very loving and appreciative sangat. The pekoray, cha, gulab jamuns and langgar was out of this world.

Saturday 28^thAugust. Quick dash back from Fridays program as we had to be up early to leave for Nottingham for a private program. S. Tejpal Singh Basson and family and also one of our loving 'sponsors' S. Patwant Singh Suri and family formerly of Nakuru, Kenya and now Nottingham, were there. One of those programs which can be called sublime. A great day in Nottingham. I think Guru Ji was pleased.
29th. Sunday and 30th. Monday. Two wonderful programs in Ramgharia Southall, Oswald Road. One of my favourite gurdwaras and sangat and committee to match. 31st. Final program for the month at Ramgharia Reading - a small but enthusiastic sangat.
So the theme, this tour is 'Bani Guru, Guru hai bani...', in line with 400 Sala of First Parkash of the Adh Granth.

COMMENT. Sikhi appears to be heading back into 'ritualism' rather than self-improvement' and spiritual upliftment by ones own effort. I am told that these days one can 'book' an 'akhand path', on internet, or by phone from a number of our spiritual 'shrines' or 'sant deras' in Punjab, pay for it by credit card and get an ardasa done. The price varies of course depending on the degree of importance of the shrine. The 'pathi' fraternity is getting stronger as doing sehaj path or carrying out private 'akhand paths 'becomes a 'livelihood' for many. So spiritual functions are now being contracted out and we Sikhs feel that we are carrying out our obligations towards 'God' instead of realising that a spiritual path is a personal one and one, we have to earn by our own efforts. The ritualism that our Guru Ji's tried to get us out of, is alive and well amongst us, sadly. Guru Rakha.

Finally, it will appear that the excitement for the 400 Sala is mounting. Reports of grand celebrations in Amritsar with attendance by Indian President, Abdul Kalam and also today the attendance by Indian prime Minister Manmohan Singh Ji and other dignitaries, are coming in. In Southall too, banners are up and Sikhs are beginning to celebrate in earnest. Reports from Malaysia of processions and Akhand Paths and Kirtan Darbars etc. It is great to see optimistic signs of resurgence of the faith. CHERDHI KALA.

We celebrate in London. More at the end of September.