RISHI SAW BRIGHT FUTURE FOR ‘ROMA MUSEUM’ CHANDIGARH

Saturday, 20 April 2013

RISHI SAW BRIGHT FUTURE FOR  ‘ROMA MUSEUM’ CHANDIGARH

Prime Ministers All!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Roma the so-called gypsies of Europe, Russia, America etc. are mainly the descendants of the Rajputs and Jatts of northern India who migrated to foreign lands during Muslim invasions of the India in 11th to 13th centuries A.D. In foreign lands they were victimised not only by Government but also by industrial and artisan guilds and the Church. They were forced to live a non- sedentary (Gypsy-like) life. Their language, Romani, has a Sanskrit base and is so much akin to the Punjabi language that it can be called dialect of Punjabi language developed outside India. They worship St. Sarah, the Europeanised form of Indian Goddess Durga. According to Durga Septashati, Sara is one of Durga's name "embodying everything in herself."

Rare and precious material in the Roma House & Museum

I came in contact with the Roma in 1971 at the First World Romani Congress held in a village near London for fear of police. Since then I have been collecting material on the life, language and culture of the Roma in English, French, German, Russian Finish, Dutch, Japanese language by internationally reputed authors. Since 1974 I have been editing the Journal ROMA, the official organ of the World Romani Congress. A complete set of all the issues of the Journal Roma and also copies of the Journal of Gypsy Lore Society in English, Etudies Tsigenes in French and other journals in Romani, Finnish, ltallian etc., special issues of  Illustrated weekly of India (English), Dharamyug (Hindi), containing my articles on Roma and framed photographs depicting the life and culture of the Roma, video cassettes and other visual material are also included. Last but not the least important is the mini idol of St. Sarah, the Goddess of the Fate of the Roma which is the Europeanised form of the Indian Goddess Durga. The material also includes gramophone records and compact disc of Romani music, slides on Roma, Tarot Cards, photo albums and official records of the four World Romani Congresses at London (1971) (secret session), Geneva in 1978, (Gottingen (Germany) in 1981 , Warsaw in 1990 and the International Roma Festivals held at Chandigarh in 1976 and 1983. 

Also included are my monumental works on the language and culture of Roma, viz., Multiple Romani Dictionary (with etymology from Sanskrit), Hindi, Russian and French and Romani-Punjabi-English Dictionary and Conversation Book published by the Punjab Language Department and "Roma - the Punjabi Emigrants in Europe, Russia and Americas etc." published by the Punjabi University, Patiala.

This rare and precious material placed in proper almirah, show cases cannot be counted in money whatsoever. This Roma House and Museum already known all over the world has become a pilgrimage and a research centre for the Roma people and Scholars. Many have already visited this  Museum-unique in the whole world having so much precious and rare material on the life, language and culture of the Roma in almost all important languages of the world.

The idea to establish Roma House and Museum originated as early as 1980. On the initiative taken by Shri K.S. Narang, the then Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab, proposed to establish a village of Culture of Punjab in Chhat Bir in Punjab near Chandigarh. The Roma House was to be a part of this village. Unfortunately, after the retirement of Mr. Narang, the plan to build the Village of Culture of Punjab was scuttled and along with it the plan to build the Roma House also disappeared.

In 1985 with the kind courtesy of Shri Arjan Singh, the then Government of Punjab, a 2-acre piece of land in Sector 24, Chandigarh was allotted for the construction of a Roma House and Museunr. As we were not able to make payment to the Chandigarh Administration, the plot was resumed by the Chandigarh Administration and with this the planned Roma House also disappeared.

In the year 1990 requests were made to Shri V.P. Singh, the then Prime Minister and Choudhary Devi Lal, the Deputy Prime Minister of India to help us for the establishment of the Roma House. They did't bother even to acknowledge our letter making the request.

The 2nd International Roma Festival held at Chandigarh in 1983 was inaugurated by Shrimati Indira Gandhi. Shri Rajiv Gandhi who was then a member of Parliament, was the Chief Guest and was accompanied by Shrimati Sonia Gandhi and his son Rahul. I requested Shrimati Indira Gandhi to help us in the establishment of the Roma House & Museum. She called Shri Rajiv Gandhi and asked him to see that all possible help is given for the establishment of the Roma House. Shri Rajiv Gandhi gave his word. I met Shri Rajiv Gandhi after the Festival and reminded him of the word given to Indira ji. I  requested him to help us in getting the financial grant of Rs.S lacs from the Govt. of Punjab to enable us to make payment for the cost of land to Chandigarh Administration and implement our project after we secure the land. Shri Rajiv Gandhi promised to honour his word and deputed Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar, the then Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister's office to pursue the matter with the Punjab Government. Mr. Aiyar wrote to Mr'. S.S. Ray, the then Government of Punjab. Nothing came out and Shri Ray wriggled out from the scene saying in his speech at the inauguration of the nucleaus of Roma House in Shivalik School complex on lst July, 1989. He said that "Ony Rs.5 lacs have been asked for from the Punjab Govt. We have done nothing whatsoever up till now. Obviously, something has to be done. Money is short, won't it be a lovely idea if we could build a Roma village' a permanent Roma like and stay for a holiday and go back. After all they are the first non- resident Indians." He got a great applause from the audience and with the dying of the din the idea of doing anything also died. This was a great fest of the renowned politician and advocate to get out of an awkward positions.

I met Shrimati Sonia Gandhi on 27th September, 1994 and requested her if she could give us financial help from Rajiv Gandhi Foundation to honour Rajiv's word given to Indirajit to help us in the establishment of the Roma House. I was informed that the Foundation was unable to extend any resistance and added "please understand that this is in no way a reflection on the merit of Your request."

 Later I approached Shri P.V. Narsimha Rao, the then Prime Minister, in August 1995 and requested him to help us establish Nehru Roma House & Museums'

 I had half an hour meeting with Shri Rao and presented to him a set of all my publications on Roma (very costly). Photographs were taken and he promised to t" do the needful. But nothing came out - not even a letter of regret.

 I have a very long association with Shri LK. Gujral-from the times when he was our Ambassador in the erstwhile Soviet Union. Shri Gujral is a person having an aptitude to help all and fulfill and the promises made' He has been very kind to us and has been lending his supporting hand to the Romani cause. In 1990 when he was the Minister of External Affairs, he granted three air passages to us to attend the 4th World Romani Congress in Poland. He contributed a historic message for our journal ROMA.

This was Shri l.K Gujral as a person. So far so good. He became the Prime Minister of India on 2lst April, 1997. Judging from his previous record, we had high hopes from him. As Prime Minister of India he was bound in the chains of high security which rnade him quite helpless and inaccessible' In spite of my repeated requests he did not' rather could not, give a appointment to me' I also requested him to sanction a grant by the Ministry of Human Resource  Development under their scheme for the Development of Museums in India under which they had alread;'' sanctioned a grant of Rs.75,000/- and released only Rs.18,750/- for the construction of a building in  the accommodation provided by the Shivalik Public School. Further amount was not released because we had not building of our own. I got only acknowledgements to my letters to him and that too from officials working under him' No action was taken on our request for the grant asked for. Due to high security I was not able to meet him when he came to Chandigarh to open the City Museum. Even our request to him to pay a visit to the Nehru Roma House and Museum was also not acceded to "due to Pressure of time."

Well, Shri l.K. Gujral was not now the previous Gujral and chapter of any help from him when he is no longer the Prime Ministry of India stands closed. As Prime Minister of India he could have helped us in providing necessary funds for the Nehru Roma House and Museum That was not to be High grade security as Prime Minster diluted Shri Gujral's original personal traits.

Nevertheless, we are able to preserve this rare and costly material for the prosperity. Thanks to the farsightedness and broadmindedness of one of the great educationist of our time, our old friend and patron of the Indian Institute of Romani Studies. Shri. D.S Bedi. Principal/Director of the Shivalik public School, Sector 4'1,  Chandigarh. Cutting short school's own needs he has given us four room  in the old building of the campus which we propose to make them look like a gypsy wagon and make it a model Romano Kher (Nehru Roma House and Museum). This work is going on a brisk pace and the Roma Hose of mY dreams will come up very soon.

In the meantime, a dance troupe from Hungary visited India and gave two lively concert-one in the auditorium of the Shivalik Public School. They expressed their happiness at coming to India, their Baro Than (land of ancestors) and praised the great work which has been done. They also expressed their hope that this Roma House and Museum will do good to all the Roma in coming times. Mr. Jagdish Sagar, the Advisor to the Administrator expressed his sentiments. "l am happy to have made a long overdue visit to the Roma House and Chandigarh can be proud to to be the home to people like Mr. Rishi."

Fortune Seems to be smiling on us. Shri AtaI Behari Vajpayee the present Prime Minister of India is already sympathetically conversant with Romani movement. We are sure to get the help we need for the Nehru Roma House and Museum, now that he has been chosen by the people of India to shape the future destiny of India. May God bless him, that is our prayer too…Z 

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KAILASH PURI : SEXOLOGIST WITH A HEALING TOUCH

KAILASH PURI : SEXOLOGIST WITH A HEALING TOUCH

Women  writers are in generally associated with the writings related to woman's issues or docile emotional stuff. Very few break the threshold and venture into arena in which even men may not dare. Sexology is one such subject. Not an easy task for a village belle. A widely published writer. Kailash Puri is known to Punjabi readers through 18 years long association with 'Qaumi Ekta' known for her candid, vivid and sensitive writings. She not only writes but also counsels both men and women. Not only this she has provided a new vocabulary to the subject ; Sexology, in Punjabi.

 Born ln Rawalpindi (Pak), she got her basic education from her village, Kaler and Lahore. She got married and left for England in 1946 along with her husband. She was called upon to take part in Asian programmes of BBC T.V. relating to Home and Family. Soon she came to be known as 'Agony Aunt'. Her husband Dr. Gopal Singh Puri was doing Ph.D in Ecology there.

The new environment and culture instigated her further to explore new vistas of knowledge. She also plunged into social work. Her endeavour with creative writings got a further fillip when the couple decided to settle permanently in Liverpool in 1968. She started editing a literary megazine 'Roopwati' and her writings came to be focused upon the subject of family in particular and home in general. Her papers, on the above-mentioned subject, were published in almost all the reputed newspapers and magazines of England & lndia, both, in English and Punjabi.

 Recently, She was in Amritsar and Dharmendra Rataul questioned her on wide - ranging topics, relating to an unusual area - sexology which she has undertaken.

Q:- First of all, why and how ‘Sexology" became a part of your writings ?

A:- Since home and family were my focus and l was interested in it. Sexology naturally entered into it. I began to find the cause of many traumatic relationship. And my aim was to find out harmonious & happy family life and sex played a pertinent part in it. Besides I write on woman's freedom and equality. I strongly advocated that, in sexual relationship too, She must be treated equally. lt is quite a mess.

Q:- You must have struck a hornets’ nest then ?

A:- More than often people misunderstand and took at sexology as pornography . My writings are about sex knowledge based on the great epic 'Kama Sutra'. I strongly denounce the pornography as it treats woman as nothing more but a commodity thus making her more vulnerable to the exploitation. My first book 'Sej Uljhana' faced intense resistance and there was lot of hue and cry in lndia and abroad l was denounced for my openness and frankness. Gradually the importance of my writings began to dawn on people around me and the number of my readers increased manifold.

Q:- Sex is becoming an essential part of many magazines in lndia. How do you look at it ?

A:- Much is being written on pornography. There are very few magazines which are taking the subject seriously. These magazines are the real enemy of woman as they are making her more vulnerable to molestation and exploitation. lncreasing eases of rape & SeXUal abUSe are self evident .

Q:- What about woman,s issues in lndia? Are the western woman more free and liberal ?

A:-Women assertion in lndia is very strong but is confined to the upper- strata of the society only. Women's issues have become fashionable and seriousness concerning the problems being faced by women in general has been side - tracked. Moreover, the concept has made women arrogant and the rich women who beholds  the leadership takes advantage of the issue to further their own vested interest ignoring r their sisters in villages who are bearing the oppression of the male-dominated society.

Q:- Where does the Punjabi writing stands today ? What is the future of Punjabi language in view of emerging globalisation ? 

A:- Punjabi language and writings are indeed very creative. Unfortunaily their number is not increasing and I feel the future of the language is very bleak. ln general Punjabi's don't have love and passion for their mother tongue which we can find in many other communities. I have travelled abroad widely and found that people strongly love their mother tongue but  this is missing in case of Punjabis They adopted the language of the area they migrated to. ln lndia their first love is English. Somehow it has become a status symbol for them. The 'spirit ,to see the mother tongue at top is missing.

Q:-What should be done ?

A:-Punjabi newspapers, magazines and literature must be encouraged. Government should come forward to provide helping hand to those who are forcefully advocating the development of Punjabi language. More and more publication must be encouraged in Punjabi…Z

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MAHANT RANJIT SINGH BRINGS DISGRACE TO AKAL TAKHAT

MAHANT RANJIT SINGH BRINGS DISGRACE TO AKAL TAKHAT

 Only Mahants and Masands delivered Judgments without Gurmatas

ਭਾਈ ਰਣਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੀ ਪੰਥ ਵਿਚ ਢਾਹਡੀ ਇੱਜਤ ਸੀ, ਜਿਸ ਨੇ 12 ਸਿੰਘਾਂ ਦੇ ਕਾਤਲ ਗੁਰਬਚਨੇ ਨੂੰ ਸੋਧਿਆ ਸੀ। ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੀਆਂ ਖਿਲਾਫ ਹੁਕਮਨਾਮਾ ਮੌਜੂਦ ਸੀ ਜਿਸ ਵਿਚ ਓਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਬਾਈਕਾਟ ਦਾ ਹੁਕਮ ਸੀ । ਪਰ ਲਗਦੈ ਵਕਤ ਪਾ ਕੇ ਭਾਈ ਰਣਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਵਿੱਕ ਗਿਆ ਤੇ ਓਸੇ ਅਕਾਲ ਤਖਤ ਦੇ ਗੁਰਮੱਤੇ ਦੇ ਖਿਲਾਫ ਚਾਲਾਂ ਚਲੀਆਂ।ਇਸ ਸਾਰੀ ਖੇਡ ਦਾ ਖਲਨਾਇਕ ਗੁਰਚਰਨ ਸਿੰਘ ਟੌਹੜਾ ਸੀ ਜਿਸ ਦੀ ਕਿ ਡਿਊਟੀ ਬਣਦੀ ਸੀ ਕਿ ਵਕਤ ਪਾ ਕੇ ਹੁਕਮਨਾਮਾ ਵਾਪਸ ਲੈਣ ਲਈ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ ਕਰਦਾ। ਪਰ ਉਸ ਨੇ ਹੁਕਮਨਾਮੇ ਦੀ ਉਲੰਘਣਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਆਪ ਹੀ ਹੁਕਮਨਾਮਾ ਦਾ ਮਖੌਲ ਉਡਾਇਆ।ਫਿਰ ਭਾਈ ਰਣਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਕਾਂਗਰਸੀ ਹੁਕਮਰਾਨਾ ਦੀ ਵਫਾਦਾਰੀ ਦਿਖਾਉਦਿਆਂ ਟੌਹੜੇ ਨੂੰ ਇਸ ਕੇਸ ਵਿਚੋਂ ਸਾਫ ਬਰੀ ਕਰ ਦਿਤਾ। ਤੇ ਇਹ ਸਾਬਤ ਕਰ ਦਿਤਾ ਕਿ ਇਨਾਂ ਹੁਕਮਨਾਮਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਕੋਈ ਵੁਕਤ ਸ਼ੁਕਤ ਨਹੀ ਹੁੰਦੀ।  

Guru Nanak was put behind the bars by Emperor Babur. ll Nanak was once attacked by Hamayun. There were complaints against lll Nanak and emperor Akbar visited Goindwal the then abode of Guru Amardas himself investigated and V Nanak was martyred on the orders of emperor Jahangir. Thus those believing in the ideology of Guru Nanak will remain in constant conflict with the evil forces. ਹਊਮੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਨਾਲ ਵਿਰੋਧ ਹੈ। ਦੁਇ ਨ ਵਸੈ ਇਕ ਥਾਇ॥

On the advent of Vl Nanak, the conflict became open. He openly raised army and founded Akal Bunga now called Akal Takhat just in front of Golden Temple. Akal Bunga symbolizes temporal i.e. non- spiritual powers of the Guru, while for the spiritual powers lay Golden Temple.

Bhai Gurdas contemporary of lV, V and Vl Nanak, himself a devout Sikh writes about Guru Hargobind in his Gian Ratnawali (Warran):- 

ਧਰਮਸਾਲ ਕਰਿ ਬਹੀਦਾ ਇਕਤ ਥਾਉਂ ਨ ਟਿਕੈ ਟਿਕਾਇਆ॥  ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹ ਘਰਿ ਆਵਦੇ ਗੜਿ ਚੜਿਆ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹ ਚੜਾਇਆ॥  ਉਮਤਿ ਮਹਲੁ ਨ ਪਾਵਦੀ ਨਠਾ ਫਿਰੈ ਨ ਡਰੈ ਡਰਾਇਆ॥     (The earlier gurus sat in the gurudwaras but the present does not stay at a place, Earlier the kings came to pay homage, now our forts are being attacked by them. lt is difficult for his followers to find his place as he is always on move and is not afraid of anybody)

Akal Takhat thus the symbol of temporal power of the Khalsa has been  historically very influential as 'hukamnama' or the edicts issued from this seat are binding on the Sikhs.

 So much so it is said that once - Maharaja Ranjit Singh was also summoned to Akal Takhat and punished. There have been several instances of Takhat's supremacy over the Sikhs. Only a few years back photos appeared in the press where the ex-minister. Buta Singh was shown raising his hands as a symbol , of his surrender before the Takhat. We also saw photos of Surjit Singh Barnala the ex- chief Minister of Punjab and the present Union minister with placards around his  neck.'l am guilty'.

This Takhat issued a 'Hukamnama'  against Nirankaris in the year 1978 asking  the Sikhs for the social boycott of ; Nirankaris.

The post of the Takhat chief has thus remained in the centre of  controversies and every powerful Sikh politician has wished his own man at the Takhat, which is presently in the control of Tohra through SGPC.

 When the 'Hukamnama' against the Nirankaris was issued, one Bhai Ranjit Singh rose to the occasion and killed Baba Gurbachan, the Nirankari chief. Ranjit Singh underwent a long tenure of jail. ln year 1996 there was hectic activity in Delhi for the release of Bhai. We found that some Sikh leaders who always towed the line of Congress were on the run to seek his release. Ultimately the Bhai was released from jail.

 Much before his release, however the Sikhs had announced his appointment as the chief of Akal Takhat. ln his appointment some militant bodies were also involved who had some more names in their mind for the coveted post but Mr. Tohra agreed on this very name as he apprehended little danger from a man who was in jail, secondly with his appointment Mr. Tohra had the benefit to appoint his own man as the acting chief who enjoyed all powers which a ful ltime chief can and Tohra appointed his sycophant Prof. Manjit Singh.

Some friends at the release of Bhai Ranjit Singh felt that there is going to be damage to the Takhat as there must have been a bargain before his release. We however then advocated that a true Sikh like Bhai Sahib the real hero cannot become a stooge. Moreover we felt that during the long tenure of jail Bhai Sahib must have fortified his mind from the evil forces of 'haumen' and must have remained imbibed in the 'naam' and thus become a true Sikh who believe this world is a drama where a Sikh has to participate treading the path of truth.

Now however we feel that our hopes 'have shattered. Bhai Ranjit Singh' is like any other Akali, miles away from the concept of a Gurmukh Sikh. Earlier he was behind the bars now his soul is bound in the chains of 'Haumen'.  Neglecting the God who created him he seems now more faithful to the agencies who liberated him from the jail. Agencies want to kill many birds with this one stone i.e bringing disgrace to Akal Takhat, ii) making fund of to the hukam nama issued by Takhat.

The convict now made judge and naturally one can expect what kind of justice he would deliver. Obviously now we feel that that Bhai Ranjit Singh is different from this Ranjit Singh who was found in 'dubidha' i.e. the double mindedness when he was faced  with the adjudication of the case against his 'own employer' i.e Gurcharan Singh Tohra.

The Bhai obviously got frightened and did not give a fair trial to the case. He did'nt carry out the proceedings before 'Sangat' and decided the case stealthily. Thus bringing disgrace to the august seat he is occupying.

When Amrinder Singh alleged that Jathedar Tohra had gone to Nirankari Bhawan, Patiala, Tohra issued press statement wherein he justified his visit and did not deny the allegation.

 Later he appeared before the 'five Singh Sahiban' along with an army of the SGPC employees. The Singh Sahiban including Bhai Ranjit Singh did not question Tohra about his alleged visit to the Bhawan. Tohra just handed over his written -' statement, held an in- camera meeting with his employees' and came out with head held high. Tohra's written statement has also not been made public so for by Ranjit Singh.

Though the Jathedar did not question Tohra , neither was he heard in public as has been the tradition including the latest cases. ln this way the Singh sahib has violated all traditions where the cases are decided in the Sangat and then only the decision can amount to 'gurmata'. Decision alone individual in Sikhism has no authority.

The following questions will thus keep on haunting the pious soul of old Ranjit Singh; the ex- hero;

1. Why he took so much time in adjudicating the case where he did not find a single example in the past ? Were not by elections of Taran Taran and Sham Churasi in the mind of the Takhat chief ?

2. Why did not he constitute a fact finding enquiry committee to fulfil the conditions of a gurmata as has been the tradition whenever the circumstances wanted, as in the case of Neel Panthis

3.Why did not he questioned Tohra when he appeared before him?

 4.Why no cognizance of, Tohra's press statement was taken where in he had justifieds his visit.? And why did he demanded additional evidences like the photographs and then  made an issue out of them?

4. Why Tohra was not asked to appear at Akal Takhat in the presence of sangat ,and instead close door meeting was held ?  Was it a hearing or a meeting?

 5. When the Takhat Chief had found that Amrihder had submitted a forged photo and thus tried to mislead Panth why no action against Amrinder was taken ?

6. Mr. Mahant Sahib, is Mr.Tohra more important than Panth ? The fact is for Ranjit Singh, Tohra is more important and Panth has a secondary place in his mind. Now Ranjit Singh is no longert he same man the hero who acted like Bhai Bidhi Chand or like Sukha Singh Mehtab Singh. Bhai Ranjit Singh is now a changed man: a politician like any other Akali of the day.-B.S.Goraya

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