Twelve churches came together to walk the length of the famous Soho Road, to celebrate and share a historic moment. The Good Friday walk saw communities walking side by side and then culminating in an uplifting faith inspired service held near the Soho Road Gurudwara. The event was a national observance and celebration of the Good Friday message across all denominations.

The drivers and campaign team at the launch

The challenge was to drive 2,500 miles, taking 12 days to complete and to engage as many people as possible. The main beneficiaries were the Anthony Nolan, the Stroke Association and the Rik Basra Campaign. The purpose was to raise funds and more importantly to raise awareness of some life-changing and life-saving facts.   

The Nishkam Centre was honoured to be selected as the start point for the prestigious Driving for Charity event. The challenge was to travel from Land’s End to the UK’s most northern point, John O’Groats. Prior to the start of the tour there was a visit to the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) Gurudwara on Soho Road for an Ardaas – a prayer for a safe and successful undertaking. 

The two drivers Maninder Sanghera and John Allen were elated about the success of the event. They were able to raise precious funds for the charities and raise awareness amongst some very diverse and sometimes remote communities about the desperate need for help. 

The charities to benefit are the Anthony Nolan – saving the lives of people with blood cancer and the Stroke Association – providing support to stroke victims and their families. The drive was also providing support and raising awareness for the Rik Basra – Save A Life Campaign for leukemia sufferers. The cross-country trek passed through many cities and tourist attractions on the route to raise awareness. The focus was to connect with people from the Asian / Afro-Caribbean and other ethnic communities as there is currently an acute shortage of donors from these communities for the Anthony Nolan.
Many people have participated in this good cause by donating and assisting to raise awareness amongst diverse communities. We encourage everyone to visit the following websites where you will find more information about the crucial work these charities undertake.

Stroke Association www.stroke.org.uk

Anthony Nolan www.anthonynolan.org

Rik Basra www.rikbasra.com
Some key statistics to ponder over, every 23 minutes a child or an adult is diagnosed with a blood cancer and every 5 minutes, someone suffers a stroke, even babies. By supporting and partnering with the Anthony Nolan, the Stroke Association and the Rik Basra Campaign, we can all promote and assist a cause that is in immense need of attention within our communities.

Ajit Singh, Operations Manager at the Nishkam Centre, said, “We have partnered with the Rik Basra team and Anthony Nolan before in 2011 and we were thrilled to get nearly 300 people turn out to an event at Nishkam where many donors were recruited to join the Anthony Nolan Register. We would encourage all communities to get involved and support where they can.”  

He went on, “it is crucial that we raise the awareness of why Asian and Afro-Caribbean communities need to register with Anthony Nolan for this reason we supported this initiative. We are pleased that the trek took the team to shopping malls, theme parks and more importantly Temples, Mosques, Gurudwaras, Churches and other places of worships”.     

For more information on the event please visit www.sites.google.com/site/drivingforcharity and to support / donate please visit the charity links above.

END

For further information please contact:                                                                

Nishkam Civic Association,

The Nishkam Centre,     

6 Soho Road, Handsworth,

Birmingham, B21 9BH.

Tel: 0121 525 4229

email: info@ncauk.org

www.ncauk.org

Two weeks ago we saw a tragic chapter unfold in the USA when, in Oak Creek Gurdwara, Wisconsin, an armed assailant opened fire on Sikh worshippers. This marked a low in community relations and cohesion; something many of us never want to see again. As Sikhs, like many faith-inspired people, we turn to our spirituality. We turn to God and we pray; we seek wisdom and strength to deal with unfolding events. No matter how devastating a situation – especially for those who we there and those who lost loved ones – Sikhs and people of faith deal with disaster with inner strength provided through spirituality.

 Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) and Nishkam Civic Association (NCA) are touched and honoured by the messages of condolence and wishes received from around the globe over the weeks. GNNSJ serves one of the largest gurdwaras in Europe, on one of the busiest roads in the city of Birmingham. It welcomes daily streams of Sikh devotees and non-Sikh visitors and serves an estimated 20,000 meals per week, free of charge from the langar or Guru’s kitchen, an institution integral to every gurdwara, founded on the principles of equality, generosity, humility and service to humanity.

At 5am on Friday 10th August 2012, an akhand paath was started here to honour the memory of the six victims of the Wisconsin attack and give thanks for the lives that were bestowed to them. An akhand paath is the continuous, non-stop recitation of the entire Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the volume of scripture which resides in the ‘guru-dwara’ or ‘Guru’s abode’. It is revered by Sikhs as their perpetual Guru, or spiritual enlightener, authority and guide, with verses including interfaith dialogue centred on humanity’s most noble, spiritual values which transcend all social divides. The 48-hour recitation concluded with a final service and supplication on Sunday 12th August at 5am – in the ambrosial hours of the morning.

A Sikh prays for the wellbeing of all humanity every day. It is inconceivable for a Sikh not to expect the welfare of all. As practitioners of a monotheistic faith that encourages those of other faiths to be reflective and robust in their own faith traditions, the Sikhs do not believe in exclusivity or hierarchy. The whole of humanity is one big family. As children of One Creator we have a moral duty to understand, support, help and be there for all our neighbours irrespective of religious, cultural or social background.

The world witnessed thousands of mourners gather on Friday 10th August 2012 in Wisconsin to pay their final respects to the six worshippers gunned down. A wake and visitation service at a school saw mourners from around the world, and also the US Attorney General, Eric Holder, in attendance. Gov. Scott Walker addressed the congregation, telling mourners how the Sikh community has shown others that the best way to respond to hate is with love. The service included commencement of an akhand paath, Sikh hymns and traditional hospitality.

As part of the global Sikh community, we thank Police Lt. Brian Murphy who risked his life in the line of duty to defend his fellow countrymen. We are pleased that he has been blessed with strength and is now in a satisfactory condition. He has demonstrated an important characteristic which we see as our moral duty; being prepared to sacrifice oneself to protect the rights and lives of others. We pray for those who have lost loved ones to be blessed with strength and solace in their bereavement, and offer our prayers in memory of those individuals below who departed this world:

• Satwant Singh Kaleka (65)
• Paramjit Kaur (41)
• Ranjit Singh (49) and his brother
• Sita Singh (41)
• Suveg Singh Khattra (84)
• Prakash Singh (39)

We learnt that President Barack Obama contacted the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, to express his condolences over the brutal shootings. The full statement released by the White House read: “President Obama spoke with Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh this morning to express condolences for victims of the senseless attack at the gurdwara in Wisconsin, which took the lives of Indian nationals as well as Americans, and to convey the solidarity of the American people. President Obama reiterated that the Sikh community is an essential and vibrant part of the American family.

The President also underscored that the incident is particularly tragic because it took place in a house of worship. Prime Minister Singh expressed his gratitude for the many messages and gestures of support from the United States, and for the prompt reaction and heroism of the local police department. The two leaders re-affirmed their nations’ commitment to the shared values of pluralism, religious freedom, and freedom of worship.

The Sikh faith is the fifth largest in the world, with more than 30 million followers. It includes belief in one God and that the goal of life is to lead an exemplary existence. Sikhs are identified by their unique appearance, complimented by the dastaar (or turban) and beard, as well as their commitment to a unique spiritual lifestyle. This distinct identity separates Sikhs from others, holding them accountable to their spiritual values and commitments for the common good of others. Unfortunately, it has in the past – and now in the Wisconsin tragedy – made them a target for discrimination. The media informs us that the tragedy was a case of mistaken identity; the assailant thought these were Muslim people. Such a statement begs the question of why an impulse to target Muslim brothers and sisters might be deemed acceptable – or, for that matter, Jews, Africans Eastern Europeans, or those of any other identifiable community?

‘Mistaken identity’ is a glib term with an insidious subtext, suggesting something wrong with being a Muslim in America. The Wisconsin attack was an attack on humanity which cannot be condoned or excused, nor involve the belittling of any community.

At a vigil in Wisconsin many were struck by the Sikh community’s willingness to forgive the man who committed murder in their gurdwara, and to emphasize peace over vengeance. The town’s Police Chief, John Edwards, was quoted in The Guardian as saying: “In 28 years of law enforcement, I have seen a lot of hate. I have seen a lot of revenge. I’ve seen a lot of anger. What I saw, particularly from the Sikh community this week, was compassion, concern, support,” he told the vigil. “What I didn’t see was hate. Idid not see revenge. I didn’t see any of that. And in law enforcement that’s unusual to not see that reaction to something like this. I want you all to understand how unique that is.”

Echoed here is verse from Guru Granth Sahib Ji regularly recalled by the Chair of GNNSJ and NCA, Bhai Sahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh. Attributed to the north Indian saint, Kabir Ji, it ends with the message: “Where there is forgiveness, there is God himself.”

The silver lining to the Wisconsin cloud is that we see people around the world wondering, ‘Who are the Sikhs? What are their beliefs and the values they stand for?’ It has stimulated a desire to know more about this lesser known, diaspora people who, from its origins in the Punjab, as a minority in India, have over a century-long history of settlement in Europe, North America, East Africa and the Far East. We are also seeing people from all walks of life coming to stand together in solidarity, and hearing messages promoting unity, community cohesion, working and living together as one. We must nurture this in everyday, practical ways and move to act differently going forward.

As Sikhs we are called to be our “brother’s keeper” and this includes the whole of humanity. We want to extend an invitation to others to join us and take collective responsibility by promoting the values of compassion, mercy, forgiveness, truthfulness, selflessness, humility and, most of all, love. Our faith requires us to give utmost respect to all places of worship, and indeed, to see the whole of ‘mother earth’ as a sacred space which we are to look after with responsibility and care, cherishing its diversity.

In the wake of the Wisconsin attack, as we come to terms with sadness and loss and face the challenges of human ignorance, confusion and conflict, the Sikh principle of chardi kala or incessant positivity compels us to light a beacon of hope and determination to do all we can to build a peaceful and flourishing shared world.

                                                                                                                                                                               Ends

 For further information please contact:

Amrick Singh Ubhi,

Nishkam Civic Association,

The Nishkam Centre,

6 Soho Road, Handsworth,

Birmingham, B21 9BH.

Tel: 0121 525 4229

email: info@ncauk.org

www.ncauk.org

Notes for Editors

1. Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) is a multi-faceted, faith based organisation practicing and propagating the Sikh Dharam (faith) in the name of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539). It has been involved in selfless intra-faith work in Kenya and India informally since 1950, and formally in the UK since 1978 as a registered Charity through five centres for excellence in the inner-city depressed area of Handsworth, Birmingham, where its Headquarters are based. GNNSJ also has sister organisations in Leeds and London (UK); as well as in Kericho (Kenya) and Delhi/ Amritsar (India). Significant achievements have been made by GNNSJ in the conservation and restoration of historical Sikh shrines.

Chaired by Bhai Sahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh, who holds two honorary degrees from the city’s universities, it aims to serve and uplift society through the practice of core values – nishkamta, or the spirit of selflessness, being one of them. Inspired by spirituality, GNNSJ has generated a flourishing culture of volunteering, which has contributed immensely to transform its visionary projects into a reality, including the Nishkam Civic Association (see below) which received a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2010. Bhai Sahib was recently created a knight by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI in recognition of his dedicated work for Roman Catholic / Sikh relations and for his enthusiastic commitment to working for peace among people of all faiths.

2. The Nishkam Civic Association (NCA) is the civic arm of GNNSJ. More details can be found at www.ncauk.org.

A tandem skydive is an incredible way to raise money for a good cause and the NCA is giving people that chance on Saturday 29 September 2012 at Hibaldstow to participate in the Skydive, experience and enjoy one whole adrenaline-fuelled minute of freefall reaching terminal velocity at 120mph.

Please hurry because limited places apply!

Useful documents

Click here to view the ullstrated work streams of the Nishkam Civic Association

Click here for Information about the Skydive  

Click here for the Skydive Registration Form  

Click here to start fundraising online!

This is the easiest and best way to fundraise. All you need to do is follow the instructions online.

Alternatively if you would like to manually collect sponsors please click here to download a paper-based sponsorship form.

As a member of the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group, Bhai Sahib attended the open-air reception to honour the Queen. The Faith Leaders Group occupied a VIP area in Victoria Square, Birmingham along with other community members.  The other Faith Leaders present included Jonathan Gurling, Major Samuel Edgar, Rabbi Yossi Jacobs, Ravi Ladva, Andrew Smith and also Archbishop Bernard Longley and Bishop David Urquhart.

The Queen was visiting Birmingham as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour.  She arrived by train at Snow Hill Station and proceeded to Victoria Square for a walkabout to meet the waiting crowds. Hundreds of well-wishers turned out at Victoria Square to greet and cheer the Queen.  The crowds were entertained by an American Babershop Quartet with Chinese Dancers from Leeds.

Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, Her Majesty was welcomed by city dignitaries after which she met the waiting crowd. During her walk about she met various people including the many school children excited to be at the event.

Reflecting on the event, Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh said, “The atmosphere was great, everyone was happy and really positive, above all the Lord blessed us with beautiful sunshine too. The Queen is a remarkable lady, she does us all proud by the sheer determination she demonstrates to meet and greet people.”

He went on to commend the people that had turned out to show their appreciation for the Queen. He also said, “By coming today the Faith Leaders have shown how closely we work together as different faith traditions. Birmingham is a diverse and beautiful collection of many different traditions and just as the Queen leads the Church of England, it was only befitting that the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group be part of the welcome”.

Amrick Singh, Director of the Nishkam Centre, was also present and reflected on the proceedings of the morning by saying, “Today was very touching, to see the Queen talk to the young children and spend time talking to the people as she walked past was, for many, a life-times dream come true. We saw young and old wanting to speak to the Queen; she is a source of inspiration, a role model, a faith person with an aura about her that uplifts people – it was a pleasure to have been present with the other distinguished VIPs”. 

To view media coverage please click here.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               ENDS

Released by: Nishkam Centre

Telephone: 0121 515 4229

Email: info@ncauk.org

Notes for Editors

1. Birmingham Faith Leaders’ Group

Area served: Birmingham and surrounding area

Main aims: To discuss issues of common concern

Year founded: 2001   

Faiths and beliefs currently involved: Buddhist; Christian; Hindu; Jewish; Muslim; Sikh

Activities: Discussion meetings on religious topics; discussion meetings on social issues; promoting good community relations; making statements on current issues; joint fundraising for charity; providing advice to public bodies; acting as a consultative forum on local issues for local government.

Membership Policy: Membership comprises leaders from the principal faiths of Birmingham. Meetings are held at the request of the faiths involved and attendance is by invitation.

Contact details:

Mr Jonathan Gurling Secretary

Tel: 0121 608 1328

More information on the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group can be found at http://www.wmfaithsforum.org.uk/home4/index.php/interfaith/18-interfaith/21-birmingham-faith-leaders-group

The Nishkam Centre welcomed Communities Minister, Baroness Hanham to see first-hand a project that benefited from European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) money to support small and medium enterprises, regenerate the local community and create jobs.

On a tour of the Nishkam Centre, Baroness Hanham met residents, entrepreneurs and businesses who have benefited from the multi-purpose community hub which offers support in the areas of training and education, health and wellbeing, youth and community activities, economic development, civic and interfaith engagement alongside inspiration through its widely recognised Anglo-Sikh heritage exhibitions.

The £6m+ construction cost of the Nishkam Centre project was funded 33% by ERDF (£2.54m) and 67% from the parent organisation Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) and the congregation. During construction a staggering £4m+ came from community donations and support from GNNSJ.

In addition, volunteer input of 110,000 hours was valued at around £1.5m. This major collaboration between a faith-inspired organisation, public agencies and the local community has shown what is possible when the right partners come together. The landmark project has made a significant impact in a deprived inner city region.

Communities Minister Baroness Hanham CBE said: “For over a decade, European Regional Development funding has made a real difference to the economy and lives of people in the West Midlands. Regenerating communities, supporting local enterprise and local people through new jobs and opportunities, are key priorities for this vital funding Programme.

“It is great to be able to see how an ERDF investment made over 10 years ago is still thriving, providing a lasting legacy and continued support through the centre for local people.

“I am delighted to be able to visit the Nishkam Centre in Birminghamto meet and talk to people from the local community who have really benefited through the facilities and support on offer.”

In just five years of operation, the Nishkam Centre’s successful engagement with local social capital to deliver innovative education, training, health screening, wellbeing, art and heritage, interfaith and civic engagement has been acknowledged as a model of best practice for community regeneration and development.

The Nishkam Centre was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services 2010 and also nominated for two distinguished awards:

• WMCCE –West Midlands Centre for Constructing Excellence.
• Short-listed for the “Best Public/Community Project” section in the 2006 LABC National Built In Quality Awards. Judges believed the project to be an outstanding achievement and since the Nishkam team was predominately made up of active volunteers competing at the highest level with professional construction companies was even more rewarding.

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors featured the NCA project on its cover page (Issue 172, Sept 2006) and the project received a rapturous review. Carrying the title “Faith will be rewarded”, the article summarised the essence of spirituality and secularity coming together to create something unique, innovative, futuristic yet potent, focused and value driven to make a difference to the community.

The Baroness visited the Five Centres for Excellence – Gurudwara, Community Cooperative, Educational establishment, Health and Social Care and Nishkam Centre – and was overwhelmed by the visionary work undertaken coupled with the genuine desire to make a difference to the lives of ordinary people. She saw the Nishkam Nursery and the Primary School – the first Sikh-ethos multi-faith school in the West Midlands. The school which opened less than a year ago demonstrates public opinion by the fact that independent sources show it to be significantly oversubscribed and in demand.

Director of the Nishkam Centre, Amrick Singh Ubhi said: “We are pleased the Baroness was able to see the work undertaken here and appreciate her comments and encouragement. She is indeed an asset to the ERDF team and the Upper House; she clearly won the hearts of many of the beneficiaries that she spent so much time with today.

“I hope, just as Baroness Hanham saw today, others understand that faith, public agencies and community partnerships are multi-dimensional and bring immense benefit. Humans are born with tremendous capacity to do good – as sparks of the Divine. The Sikh Dharam (faith) teaches us how to overcome ego by ‘nurturing’ and ‘reconditioning’ the human to ‘resonate’ with the Divine. This is what inspires and drives the great endeavours here – values and the innate passion to serve all creation.”

For more information on how the Nishkam Centre may be of service to you, please visit www.ncauk.org.

To view photos of the visit please click here.

In association with Wolverhampton World Poverty Action

Invite you to a presentation on Jubilee Debt – a campaign for all faiths

Ø    More than 1.1 billion people survive on less than a dollar a day

Ø    Every day 13 per cent of the world’s population goes hungry.

Ø    Every year about 10 million children die of preventable illnesses – 30,000 a day

On Thursday May 17th at 7.30pm.

In the Austin Room, The Methodist Centre,

24 School Street, Wolverhampton WV1 4 LF

Speakers:

Ruth Tetlow

(Co-ordinator of the Faith Encounter Programme, Secretary Birmingham Jubilee Debt Campaign)
Amrick Singh Ubhi,

Director of the Nishkam Centre, Handsworth, Birmingham

Everyone welcome

The event hosted at the Nishkam Centre 25^th March 2012, Handsworth Birmingham was a collaborative approach between the Nishkam Centre, Anthony Nolan Trust, Council of Sikh Gurudwara’ s (Birmingham) and the Rik Basra Campaign to help increase membership on the Anthony Nolan Trust register.

The initiative was organised due to the substantial shortage of Asian donors on the national and international donor register.

It was reported that not only are there far lower chance of finding a matching Asian donor for a potentially life-saving transplant than a Caucasian patient, we also have the highest number of people waiting for a match among all minorities.Birmingham’s communities and Nishkam staff and volunteers came out united in overwhelming numbers to change these odds.

Building on the momentum of a similar event in Leicester by the Rik Basara Campaign, this day was aimed at raising awareness of Leukaemia, addressing the lack of participation from the Asian community and encouraging members of the Asian community aged 18-40 year old to register with the Anthony Nolan Trust.

Speaking on the success of the event, Rik Basara commented: “I want to thank everyone that supported the day and most of all the individuals that took time out of their day to register.  I have absolutely no doubt the collective efforts of all those involved will save a life. It really is a great example of community self help in action.”

Ann O’Leary, Register & Be a Lifesaver Manager at Anthony Nolan, said: “Since October 2011, the recruitment of Asian donors to the Anthony Nolan register has increased by over 300% compared to the previous six months.  The Rik Basra Campaign has contributed significantly to this, adding over 1000 new donors through targeted recruitment events and many more through online applications via our website.

“It is important to Anthony Nolan to attract donors from different ethnic backgrounds to increase diversity within our register.  We have worked on a programme of recruitment events over the past year and are so pleased to have had the support of the Rik Basra Campaign.  We are very grateful to all the volunteers who helped to run this weekend’sBirminghamevent and to everyone who turned up to register on the day.”

 ENDS

Released by: Nishkam Centre

Telephone: 0121 515 4229

Email: info@ncauk.org

Aston Villa football club celebrated being awarded the Advanced Level of the Equality Standard by Kick It Out at Birmingham’s Nishkam Centre as part of their proactive, conscientious effort to engage with all groups and communities across the city of Birmingham and spread the message that Aston Villa is a place for everyone.

The tremendous achievement made the team the second club in all football with the Advanced Level. It also served as a great occasion to visit their friends at the Nishkam Centre and celebrate their achievement with an equal multicultural and interfaith ambassador that works with organisations and faiths groups towards uniting individuals and communities across the country.

The visit to the Nishkam Centre included a tour of various areas of both the faith and civic arm of the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha and a visit to theNishkamPrimaryFreeSchoolwith a kick about with the children, all keen to see the stars.

The team expressed their thoughts on the desire to learn about the diverse cultures that make upBirminghamand spreading the message about the Sikh community too.

The Equality Standard for Professional Football Clubs has been developed by Kick It Out to replace the Racial Equality Standard introduced in2004.

The aim of the Racial Equality Standard was to provide a framework for clubs to help formalise their commitment to race equality and to help create an environment where spectators, players, managers and administrative staff

could participate without fear of discrimination.

                                                                                                                        ENDS

Released by: Nishkam Centre

Telephone: 0121 515 4229

Email: amrick.ubhi@ncauk.org

For now, here is some food for though as we interviewed some of the attendees of the community wellbeing day in Handsworth park about their views on the intergenerational divide. Here is the response of Andy & Dave from Great Barr.

Our Next Lost Links Video will be posted Tomorrow.

The event aims to nourish the body, mind and soul – offering a range of activites from sports, massages and alternative therapies, art and much more.

The Lost Links will be using this opportunity to document the history of some of the participants to the event. As the event is supported by Sporting Equals and Age UK there is a great push for the elder generation to take part in either the 5k walk or the 10k run (which will be run by Fauja Singh, the 100 year old Marathon Runner!!!).

This footage that we collect will be edited and transformed into short films, teaching the children of Birmingham about the heritage of this city and about the various cultures and communities which inhabit here.

The Lost Links recognises that we now live in a “global village” and understanding different cultures is now more important than ever before. This opportunity promises to be an excellent one in promoting these ideas.

If you would like to take part or wish to join us at the walk, just come along!

More information can be found at http://www.nishkam-aid.org / @nishkamaid / http://www.facebook.com/nishkamaid1 / http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHY9s4jD2r4

What a great afternoon at the exhibition opening. There were so many people that attended and it was really fascinating to learn about the history and importance of the Turban to the Sikh religion. A real eye opener.

Simon, who curated the exhibition, bought up some great points about making this into an art exhibition. Art has the power to educate and inform in a very different and interactive way, and I think much kudos needs to go to Jay for doing this.

I got some lovely comments yesterday after The Guardian published my images for the exhibition, including one from Aman (who features in the image below) who very kindly emailed me and said:

“I just had a look at your portfolio on your site and it is very impressive. Nice to see such talented individuals within our community.”

Here are some great articles online about the exhibition in case you missed them:

The Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/gallery/2011/jun/07/exhibition-reclaims-turban-relevance-in-pictures 

BBC Online:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-13728707

The official website: http://www.turbanology.info/

Official Tour dates for the exhibition are:

Friday 10 June 2011 - Official Launch:  Niskham Civic Association, Birmingham Exhibition on display 10 – 24 June.  Click here for directions to Niskam Civic Association

Friday 1 – 29 July - Sikh Heritage Centre, Leamington & Warwick

Friday 12 – 26 August - West Wing Arts Centre, Slough

Saturday 8 – 21 October - National Sikh Heritage Museum

Jay Singh Sohal has been working long and hard on this project over the last few years. Now with the support of the arts council he’s been able to put his vision into a successful exhibition which will tour the country. Starting off at soho road Gurdwara this week the exhibition showcases the history of the turban and its significance to Sikhs.

Jay very kindly asked me to be part of the exhibition by taking photographs of different turbans, and I’m very proud to be part of an educational and informative exhibition about my faith and religion.

So today I was even happier to see one of my photographs published in the guardian. Its long been an ambition to have my images printed in this illustrious newspaper, so I’m really happy about it (image below is from the paper).

Check out the Guardians online gallery of my photographs on Turbanology.

Turbanology opens at the Nishkam Civic Association, Birmingham on 10 June. Tour details at www.turbanology.info

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

Liam Kara is from a Hindu background

Unfortunately the world we live in is not equal. This may not be a revelation, but the fact that the standard of living and the opportunities available to an individual vary so severely depending upon their birthplace is an alarming truth that is one of the great global challenges facing humanity.
I believe the Jubilee Debt Campaign, as an ethical and widely respected organisation, plays a pivotal role in providing hope and opportunity to the millions that suffer in poverty, that one day their country and their future will be free to develop and prosper. Consequently, I am a huge admirer of the Jubilee Debt Campaign’s work, not just because of its ambitions but also because of its committed and progressive approach.
Having mainly worked in the ‘green energy’ sector and volunteered with several Non-Profit Organisations, I have witnessed the impact that an individual can have on a micro and macro scale. Given the opportunity, I believe that I can ensure the Jubilee Debt Campaign progresses with its aims and goals by encouraging greater participation in this essential fight against social injustice

In a world where such luxury items as mobile phones are taken for granted it seems impossible that countries are still struggling to satisfy their people’s basic need for food and clean drinking water. The first problem is the crippling debt these countries have looming over them; debts which have been taken on illegally, by corrupt regimes or with unfair, exploitative interest rates. To give these countries a chance to escape poverty their debts need to be cancelled.  I have joined the JDC team as a volunteer so I could help a great cause on the exciting front line of making poverty history.

Ian Stanley.

Chris Bloore  the Multifaith  co- ordinator is  seeking volunteers from other faith communities to help raise awareness of the  issue of Global Poverty and how JDC can seek justice on the issue of international debt. Contact him at the

Nishkam centre 18 – 20 Soho Road
Handsworth
Birmingham
B21 9H

Website: http://www.jdcmultifaith.org
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JDCMULTIFAITH

Here are a few pictures taken at the event.