We’re all watching the news and the unfolding almost hourly developments. Everyday it seems that more lives are lost or put at risk in the hope for an outcome that will result in a new way forward for the country.

As we sit in our armchairs watching from a distance I wonder if we ever thought about why it has taken so long for the demand for change.
Maybe it is because often people with power will want to hang on to it. Or, the public have adopted an apathetic approach to life because their survival depends upon it. People can also be unknowingly conditioned to accept the status quo.
I watched the following video and saw the emotion in the mans voice and expressions.

Click here to view the embedded video.

It is hard for us to know the true facts of today and the political alliances of the past. With regard to the latter, why have Countries not said anything in the past. Such countries could consider voicing opinions as intefering with internal affairs. It is interesting that some countries are left to their own devices?

I only hope for a peaceful outcome. The current leaders in Egypt will show true progress if they can meet, respect each others views and not resort to killing.

Here is a copy of the letter I sent to both BA and BAA, regarding the treatment of my father. Clearly, you will note that has been no adherence to protocol. If a person has become sick on-board, then common-sense suggests that it is the duty of cabin crew and ground staff to do everything in their power to help and save a life.

At the time of going to print on my blog, he is still in an Intensive Care Unit in hospital and we hope he will recover.
I still await a reply from the organisations involved in this apparent shambles.

Ref: Passenger Mr P S Arora Medical Alert
21st January 2011

Dear Sir/Madam,

It is now 4 weeks since my father arrived back from holidaying in India. His e-Ticket number was: xxxxxxxxxx and reservation number was: xxxxxxxxxxxxx (BA0256)

Since his arrival on Christmas Eve 24th December 2010 he has been in ITU – The Intensive Treatment Unit. The reason for writing to you is to outline what happened on the flight and subsequent disembarking. This is what happened:

• The flight arrived at 5pm and at 5:10pm a member of the BA Cabin Crew, a Mr Singh called my home and spoke to me about collecting my father from the arrival gate at terminal 5.As we live close to Terminal 5 we arrived at approx 5:40pm
• My daughter and I ran between the ground and 3rd floor to find the BAA passenger assistance desk and I left my son standing at arrivals to wait for my father there.
• By coincidence we met 3 of the BA cabin crew near one of the lifts and one of them spoke to us as noticed we were asking people the location of the BAA passenger assistance desk.
• The BA crew member said he had called me and that my father had been on Oxygen for the past 6 hours. He further said that he was behind arrivals.
• When we did eventually find a BAA person, after 50 minutes they placed a Public address call out to the wheelchair attendant to find my father.
• All in all it took an hour to locate my father.
• His condition worsened when we managed to get him brought out by BAA from the baggage area behind arrivals. He had apparently been left there and ignored?!
• Mr Depak, the BAA duty manager assembled some of his staff and organised some portable curtains as my father was in deep medical distress, slumped forward in the wheelchair, with his eyes rolled up and hands and feet frozen.
• We stressed to BAA that they call an ambulance immediately. NB this should have happened far earlier – BAA claim no request was made by the cabin crew. Surprising as my father was on Oxygen for 6 hours.
• Within 10minutes, the time now being past 6pm an ambulance arrived and my father was rushed to hospital.
• Upon arrival to hospital we were told by 2 Doctors that my father could die and that one lung had stopped functioning. He has
  been on a ventilator ever since suffering from severe Pneumonia.

We are hoping he will recover.

Why did the BA cabin crew not contact the medics on the ground? Why was the BAA wheelchair attendant contractor not proactive- My father was best described as in a comatose position. BAA claim (the main person that organises the medics to be called out) that no call was received from the plane/cabin crew for medical assistance. Is this not against the protocol of both organisations and BA training, especially as a passenger was on Oxygen for 6 hours and clearly in medical distress?

What will you be doing to investigate this matter, fully audit responsibilities and ensure that this never happens again? Will you please find out about the facts as a persons life has been compromised by what appears as a collective lack of communication or responsibility.

It is likely that my fathers condition was also comprised further by lack of Oxygen for a further 1 hour causing a complete white-out of his right lung. I would appreciate a call to discuss this ASAP.

I hope that my father recovers.

Dr Savi S Arora

Lets hope somebody writes back to me soon. Or, do I have a legal case here?

I wrote these notes as I watched tonights episode of BBC1′s Remembrance: The Sikh Story.

Firstly, as per normal it’s ridiculous that programmes of such calibre and importance are shown at such a late hour. I’m also not sure how much it was advertised. It’s a credit to some of the people who I know who sent text messages to get people to watch it.

At the beginning of the programme there was a categoric mistake. NB The 5 K’s of the Sikhs are not all military based! Maybe time was an issue but there is no excuse to not delve deeper into the spiritual and scientific importance of Sikh symbols.

It was good to see where Sikhs had fought, for example, France, Burma and Italy… Actually, the book and film, ‘The English Patient’ also documents the contribution of Sikhs.
I suggest that the French need to see this documentary so that they can realise that Sikhs helped to free them. Maybe it could help them stop their stance on discriminatory action on religion.

It was good to see such fascinating pictures and the audio was truly amazing.

Midway through the programme revealed the shooting of innocent lives in Amirtsar in 1919. That was an event ironically conducted by General Dyer. Incidentally, the Programme forgot to mention that Sikhs were also the largest community who gave their lives for the freedom of India as part of the Quit India campaign.

As previously suggested with such rich content the BBC really needed to show this at peak viewing hours so that today’s generation can understand the rich heritage that we all share. Just as the Programme mentioned, maybe its political to keep the contribution hidden to aid a alternative view of patriotism for the general population.

On the whole, the programme was well put together. There is also a hidden message for SIkhs. We need to take advice given at the end by one of the interviewees, I.e As we sadly see the passing away of Sikh Soldiers, we urgently need to document their brave efforts for everyone to see and remember their sacrifices.

I’ve been brewing this article in my head for the last 3 months in an effort to really understand where ethnic based media is heading. Is there a place for such media, who is controlling the editorial and does it really reach out to our youth? These are some of the areas I will explore, specifically for the three UK based Sikh Channels from a personal view-point but also based on having interfaced with them.

Like many other communities in the UK we should feel fortunate that we have media outlets. On Friday 1st October we witnessed the launch of the third Sikh based TV channel called SikhTV. All three now reside on the Sky broadcasting platform and internationally available from independent streams courtesy of the Internet.  I question why Sky categorises each of these channels as International and not religious.

In one sense it is a great achievement that there are now so many ‘ethnic media’ outlets, a repercussion of deregulation and if I was cynical,  it has resulted in fueling the development of new media moguls! I feel before we can understand the value of such media we need a quick revisit regarding its development.

Asian programming on BBC-television began at 9am on Sunday 10 October 1965 on BBC-1 with “In Logon Se Miliye” meaning “Can I Help You?”. In January 1966 this was replaced with “Apna Hi Ghar Samajhiye” meaning “Make Yourself At Home”, which also ran on Sunday Mornings on BBC Radio 4. By 1968 this programme was replaced on television with “Nai Zindagi Naya Jeevan” meaning “New Life, New Home”. The latter was the first major programming for Hindi and Urdu-speaking viewers and represented the beginnings of regular broadcasting in the UK for non-native English speakers. Until that point, all BBC programmes had assumed an English-speaking (and largely caucasian) audience. Also included were cultural and current affairs interviews, and performances of music. It was presented by (amongst others) Mahendra Kaul and Saleem Shahed. Finally, this was replaced around 1982 with “Gharbar” running midweek on BBC-2.

I note also that in Washington DC, a weekly Sikh programme was broadcast on Sunday’s. I couldn’t find formal references but from some personal contacts my understanding is that is was run by Dr Sethi’s family and has run for almost 20 years.

In the 1990s in the UK we saw the development of other programmes, for example Network East and selective specials, say during religious festivals. Sometimes programmes such as Michael Wood’s History of India and 1984 – A Sikh Story are issued but sadly they often skim past important events, including in the case of Michael Wood’s programme, simply lazy research!

In terms of UK radio media, from the beginnings of the Pirate station Sina Radio in the 1990s through to post deregulation to the multitude of DAB, FM and AM channels, we now have more choice than ever. Let us also not forget that some of the early pioneers have become very rich media moguls that also own international outlets. Market segmentation for all these channels is probably best described as either entertainment and or both religious. For example, Desi Radio in the early hours to 10am and then in the early evening to 7.30pm plays religious content, the rest of the time listeners are greeted with Punjabi folk music…

Taking Stock
Maybe it is time to take stock of where we are and where we’re heading, from a TV perspective. Today, there are many Muslim based channels, again defined by SkyTV as International? There is one Hindu channel and as previously mentioned, three Sikh Channels. Let us examine the developing demographic for each of the latter three:

Sikh Channel (SC).
The channel was first on the scene, pardon the pun and although initially developed from a commercial organisation or entities, i.e: a claim based solictor and BritAsia TV. SC is now a Community Interest Company/Charity, clearly great for transparency. It is also good that they have managed to secure a large set of direct debits to help with stability. i.e: Many channels in the past, such as Channel Punjab failed. Even TV Asia, originally owned by a leading Bollywood actor ran a loss but was later resurrecting as the successful Zee empire.

It is good to see the development of programmes that focus on an outreach via Gurdwaras. It is also impressive that this channel also follows the development of Sikh issues and attempts to rally opinion.

In the early days I was involved in 4 of their programmes as both a presenter and guest, the latter during a one-to-one session. The programmes were called, ‘Let’s talk about it’ – discussion programme and German Sikhs Answers. During the recording of the discussion programme I remember turning up to the studio with 2 suits, 2 ties and a set of items that I prepared, for example: a list of questions, possible pathways for arising points, a script, a studio layout, briefing notes for the guests and a timed schedule. There was a very small green room in a corridor between the control room and recording studio. Sure, the layout was well put together but we experienced the assembly of a studio audience from random visitors and I also noticed that many of the staff were interins.

Maybe things have got better but my understanding is there is reliance on pre-recorded content from abroad and for UK based content a team is sent out to capture key events and gurdwara recordings.

What kind of audience are watching the Sikh Channel and where are they. Is it people at home during the day, random visitors, other communities or media observers at the BBC?  NB The channel is Birmingham based. Therefore, can we assume that many of the viewers are from Central England. Selective Gurdwara broadcasts locations  include Derby and London.

To summarise, there is some development with outreach programmes, but not as much as the early days. Editorial control appears exercised through the information roll-bar at the bottom of the screen. It is always up-to-date appearing authoritative and informational. Does the channel show leadership in terms of commentators, spokespersons and a round-up of perspectives? At this point the answer is no. They do however, have a newsround-up.

Does it have the potential to reach a youth audience? In my view, yes but only if programmes are developed with passion for addressing today’s agenda for example community-based issues, the recession and social integration issues.

Sangat TV
This channel was launched on 1st September and is supported by a UK Charity called the Sangat Trust. We read from their website press release that:

Sangat Television, a new Sikh lifestyle channel…The focus of the new lifestyle channel is based on promoting the values of the Sikh Guru’s and Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Ranbir Singh Attwal, Trustee commented, “media must be used positively to project values through educational programmes that Sikh children and young people enjoy. Our channel aims to also reach out to the wider people of Britain so they understand our Dharam better”.

This all sounds great and I have to say that the quality of some of the films they have commissioned is good.

Although it maybe early days, it appears that they are playing pre-recorded content from India. Maybe there are plans to recruit UK based film-makers and if the education target demographic is youth aged from 3-30, will we see new talent from this pool emerging?

With a large number of trustees we have to hope that discipline and focus will be maintained to ensure a consistent development of programming. Back in July I met with one of the Trustees. I showed my cv and desire to assist. The offer is still there as I hope that some of my humble media skills can help.

Again, we have to ask the question: ‘Where is this channel heading and who’s watching’ ? Will it be commercial free? Will it allow commercials to help supplement investment?

If the assumption is that it is going to be a source of high quality educational content, then I would suggest some element of interfaith dialogue. In my view and experience, getting people together and facilitating dialogue about the differences and commonality between each faith, makes each believer stronger in their values and work towards a common purpose.

It would also be great to profile the great charity work that many people in the Sikh community perform.
Therefore, their mission of communicating ‘to the wider people of Britain so they understand our Dharam better’ could be maintained.

SikhTV
It is very early days for this channel. On first viewing I notice that like the other 2 channels it is showing pre-recorded content from India.

My experience with them to date has been interesting as I have suggested some programming content and the need for greater community engagement, especially for today’s non-represented youth.

What about the BBC – Don’t we already pay for national media and coverage of all people?

The BBC are appreciated all over the world. I too have to say that they are probably leaders in best practice but sometimes I feel that they act like they are a replacement of their colonial past.  Typecasting continues with accented voiceovers and many of the documentaries produced by the BBC skim very important history. Just look at their coverage of the Commonwealth Games – there is little mention of the progress of other countries!  In addition, both the BBC and ITV National newscasts are still heavily edited, ranked and released.

With our own media we have tried to move away from the patronising programme output from the BBC but sadly ethnic TV channels have not taken the opportunity to commission quality programmes that can communicate truth and the contribution of the Sikhs to the world.

I hope that it is just early days for all Sikh Channels. I want them to survive but also be viewed by the general public with seriousness.
Today we urgently need part (with commercial organisations) or seperate funding initiatives become established to support. These funds can support the development of films, programmes and episodes in the areas of for example:

1. Films about our youth and their challenges
2. Historical perspectives about Sikhs during the world wars
3. How Sikhs were the largest community that sacrificing their lives during the Quit India movement
4. The heritage of some of our Gurdwaras
5. One-to-one sessions with role models
6. Educational films on health and nutrition
7. Charity initiative ‘fly-on-the-wall’ documentaries

8….

I created the following phrase, ‘If we do not create our media, somebody else will do it for us’.
This means that we need to fuel associated production costs.
Just look at the quality of output from Sikhnet.com and look at how they engage with youth, for example, the Sikhnet Film Festival. They are to be admired.

Creating quality and engaging content requires dedicated teams, experience, no political agendas and money. Only then can we create and broadcast quality that can influence the mainstream.

The alternative, is that engagement with the people who need content the most will be lost.
Do we really want to gamble and lose that risk?

Wow! Its been a while since I blogged and so much has happened.
Is it because I haven’t had enough time or simply an attack of writers block?
Its probably a combination of the latter.

OK, here’s a quick catch-up
July heralded the 21st Bike Ride from Birmingham to London, this year raising funds for Wellchild. It was great to see the ‘sea of yellow’ again. NB I created this phrase to represent the teams of riders all in Hi-res yellow vests, getting together to cycle 130miles for a children’s charity. See more at: http://www.charitybikeride.com

August was fun with a trip to sunny Cyprus and meeting a couple of people in our hotel who simply smiled everyday. The two receptionist would greet us for breakfast and dinner and always smile so geniunely.  They got me thinking about why we don’t smile enough in our daily lives and if we do, is it viewed as suspicious? My conclusion is that there is lots to smile about, the fact that we breath, experience people and marvel at creation. However, our survialist stance makes it hard to find time to contemplate. The latter word has to be the strongest argument for taking time out.

By the end of August we managed to put together an entry for this year’s Sikhnet Film Festival – in my view one of the best festivals to encourage knowledge through creativity. The film produced explores the issue of need to contemplate through a poem written by both Jasdeep Hari Bhajan Singh Khalsa and Onkardeep Singh Khalsa, from their book Spirtual Poetry, A Disciples Journey, published by LuLu.com.
I’m also currently working on their audio book with proceeds of the sale going to a charity in Africa.

September just rushed run by.
On a sporting front it was nice to meet the cyclist’s from July’s charity ride again as I helped to drive a reunion picnic. We met at the Annual Skyride in London. NB Last year there was a staggering 64,000 riders allowed to freewheel the streets of London. This year the numbers soared to an incredible 85,000 !!!

In business I was exposed to a disappointment from an individual who worked for me and failed to understand the importance of ‘duty of care’ when made redundant. He failed to view the the big impact on the people he left behind and the risk that he may have taken advantage of the good nature of others. I felt exploited and all that remains is a bad taste in my mouth especially as I feel that you should try and trust in others and help them if their calls for help appear geninue. This is not to imply that you expect trust in return but common decency would drive you conclude that people should recepriocate. For example, on a video assignment, a project that with editing time estimated by the individual to take three more weeks, after he left it was completed within 5 days!

October has now dawned and over the first weekend we saw the incredible opening of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games – a chance for India to shine. It glorified and communicated aspects of India yet missed an opportunity to communicate a greater heritage and deeper history. The way they showed the yoga experience was illuminating. Good Luck to all the organisers and participants.

I hope the next blog entry won’t be in 3 months time, i.e: That I will have time and energy to post more views and news!
BTW At the end of September, the Sikhwithin i-phone App was released and on 1st October the Smooth Groovers i-phone App:
was released – enjoy!

Today the UK is expecting one of the harshest Budget’s for 30 years. As per normal the UK press manage to capture leaks, hints and tips or are they leaks (!) of what we are to expect.

The current UK coalition government may claim that the deficit is a result of the past regime.
The past regime quite rightly suggest that it is a global issue.

Lets just take a look at the latter. From the outset it appears that freedom of banks to gamble has now lead to the public paying the price.

I look at the economy from a different perspective. Although capitalism can fuel opportunities it has a dark side, one of greed and as Wall Street the movie put it, ‘Greed is good’ and ‘Lunch is for wimps’!

The model to squeeze the worker to support the power of the multinational is based on personal survival.
i.e: The beast wants more and if you feed it, you too can eat some of the pie and live.

We seemed to have missed something. Economics based on helping each other.
We are bred to be immune to the suffering of others. We all know people are dying of malnutrition.
We and I am guilty if this this, will buy the latest gadget but simply express shock when we realise how little the component assembler is being paid or treated. We hope that the manufacturer will influence the factory but on many occasions they don’t or can’t get close enough to the internal abuse. By then it can be too late. In the same way people will rush to buy cheap cloths and will forget that child labour made in a backdrop of underground/Mafia, ungoverned operations and non-policed middle men. Corporate responsibility is played a simple lip service to as it is left to unaudited processes.

The following list shows some of the reasons for poverty. Why can’t our politicians and economists develop strategies that involve global sharing initiative initiatives to tackle each and more of them?

• State discrimination corruption and abuse of public power.
• Lack of social integration. Competition instead of cooperation.
• Crime.
• Substance abuse
• Procrastination
• Climate or environmental factors and abuse of the dumping of recycling waste.
  
• Historical factors, e.g: with origins from imperialism and colonialism.
• Population growth
  
• War, genocide and bullying
• Lack of education and skill development
• Excessive materialism

If we based an economy on developing other nations then collectively we will benefit. If we can see that they (for example, a developing nation) need the building of infrastructure, then together we can trade and harmonise the world. Economics driven on equality not on class, caste or race distinction. One way to expose and help on a community level is to twin schools, enterprises, medical support and food provision.

The obsession with squeezing people in richer countries could impact development projects as they could claim they have less of their own money to share with others. Instead, we should set-up global development funds for those living in richer countries to invest in.

We need economists with imagination not politicians claiming and repeating the policies of the past will work. We all know they don’t and we let them (the politicians) continue on a decade-on-decade of the cycle of boom and bust – yet for some people its doom and dust for all of their lives…

It is a bit like your social network, but based upon trust (or lack of) in peoples recommendations so you can discover cool stuff from thousands of people, not just friends or immediate trusted connections. Rummbling is really easy online or from your mobile phone.  Its the best to Rummble when you’re actually at a place you love or loath, then you can add a photo & if you want, share it straight away on Twitter, Facebook, Bebo or more…

It’ has been a while since I blogged. The reason? I guess its because I’ve been in deep thought about a number of issues.
Firstly, the economic climate is full of uncertainty and if like me you run a business, it yields a series subtle stress…! Secondly, as the summer kicks in, you get to experience change… derived from the climate, mood and the environment. Combine all this with flag-waving mania (just look at the state of some of the cars roaming around with countless England flags clipped onto their windows) induced by the World Cup soccer championships and my birthday – often a time to reminisce about your life and consider how things have changed.

When I grew up the national flag and St George’s flag were both synonymous with racism. They had both been hijacked by the racist party – the national front (note the lower case!).  Are things any different now?

On Saturday 12th June 2010 I was invited to join a group of friends to watch England’s first world-cup match against the USA. The event was televised on 4 screens, including a large projection wall display. We all decided to congregate at the Indian Gymkhana, first established in 1916. Click here for a full history of its inception.

Back to the match. The majority of those watching the match were of Indian decent – Representatives from all of Indian’s wide and varied community were present. Even my next door neighbour with his entire family attended.

Interestingly, there was one thing they all had in common. 80% wore an England football shirt and the atmosphere was electrified by the chants of ‘Come on England’!

I managed to catch some of the excitement, especially just after the first and only goal that was scored: See below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

I found this new loyalty to the English flag amazing on many levels.

• Was this a demonstration that Norman Tebbit’s rules had been broken?
• Did Enoch Powell’s  rivers of blood speech now mean nothing as people felt comfortable with accepting England as their true home?

My mind tells me that we have a further journey to travel – for the general community to accept people from different backgrounds, many who have fathers and mothers that struggled since the 1950s to be accepted as equals and who laid the foundations for today’s youth and generally more comfortable life style.

Why do I still feel some cynicism regarding the flag ? Firstly, there is no acceptance from the media at large to acknowledge that the UK is varied in its cultural make-up. TV, radio and the majority of featured celebrities is orientated towards a sub-culture and the pretence that the average viewer or listener is from a ‘white’ background. What also does not help are shows like Britain’s Got Talent displaying a weekly / seasonal undertone of inequality and class distinction. The BBC are quick to chop the BBC Asian Network (Why call it Asian!) yet commitment to Radio 3 continues. Remember too that ‘ethnic’ programming is still late into the night!

Maybe, I was shocked due to my personal experiences of being bullied on race grounds at school. Maybe, I consider that today’s loyalty to the flag displayed by others is based on convenience. NB We do have a lot to the Thank the UK for.
Or, maybe I should be more optimistic that ‘times are a changing’ ?

It is now over 24 hours since Gordon made that comment in Rochdale. Obviously, the transcript from both the outside broadcast and Radio 2′s face-to-face playback have been analysed by the majority of the media.

Interestingly, it amazes me about how quick the press were to jump, form a scrum and ‘go for the jugular’!

Looking up the term ‘bigot’ from Wikipedia, it is publicly defined as:

A person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices.
The correct use of the term requires the elements of obstinacy, irrationality, and animosity toward those of differing devotion. The origin of the word bigot and bigotry in English dates back to at least 1598, via Middle French, and started with the sense of “religious hypocrite”. Forms of bigotry may have a related ideology or world views.

That is enough of the history lesson, let us focus on the issue.

If Gordon used the word it at a point of frustration, then it can be considered as ‘throw-away’. It is hard to be a politician. Just imagine your every moment being recorded and played back in front of you.

Gordon is very highly educated and a few years ago he really revealed his depth of intellectual capacity when he spoke about some of his other interests.

The press are suggesting that the ‘I’ word (Immigration) is avoided as an issue due to political correctness. I believe that there is no need for the ‘I’ word any more. Even on BBC Breakfast this morning, a Conservative MP was using one of Maggie’s old term’s, ‘Swamped’.
The public appear to have forgotten that ‘immigrants’ have made the UK economically better off and stable. New arrivals yield new opportunities, have passion, drive and a sense to better their situations. This all ‘rubs off’ on the general community.

On BBC Radio4 the BNP leader said that, ‘the country is full-up’! Generating fear Griffin, never helped anyone!

If we consider for a few moments that the World Wars were fought with a multi-national force, many from Commonwealth countries and the British occupied India for 200 years, we should be able to see that the UK represents an example of multiculturalism where there is strength through diversity and mutual respect. Churchill encouraged migration, suggesting that the UK needed to be rebuilt after the war and needed help from the ex-Empire.

Coming back Mrs Duffy’s comments about immigration. She reportedly said:
“All these eastern Europeans that are coming in – where are they flocking from?”

Did she not realise that her expected answer was already within her question!

Gordon ended the conversation with her with a sense of care, asking about her family. He has to do the best he can given the time he can physically allocate.

In terms of his sense of genuineness, do his comments suggest a hypocritical stance?
I suggest that Gordon may have attempted to match his passion for Labour’s belief of fairness and equality verse someone who was specifically challenging him about her views on immigration – NB Gordon may have seen a conflict situation between someone who in theory should believe in the same values as the Labour party, especially as she proclaimed herself as a life-long and loyal member of Labour.

A balance of Immigration!
Maybe the lack of statistics is the issue. People from all walks of life in the UK have not fully understood the balance of immigration figures.
If there are 1M new people, people should realise that 1M have also left. We probably need more data published to settle the FUD factor – fear, uncertainly and doubt.

The motive of the Eastern Europeans coming to the UK is likely to be driven on their desire to improve their own countries and like many others seek a better life. By accepting them into a multicultural environment we will be collectively helping our own community and helping others too. For example, a Polish person sending money to their homeland helps to fuel / develop both economies.

In summary, if personal passion doesn’t match what you thought someone also believed in, then accidental frustration can result.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here is the transcript and the audio of my apperance on BBC Radio2′s Good Morning Sunday with Aled Jones. It was really nice to meet Aled again. He’s geniunely a warm person with an open attitude and passionate about inspirational words and music.

The BBC link is as follows:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rz1wr

Or, simply listen by pressing the play button below:

Transcript from the show:

ALED: What you’ve been up to since he last saw you?

Well I’m still plugging away with the Sikhwithin Podcast. Recently, I had a chance to interview the Director and Producer Dr Sarab Singh Neelam’s of the award winning Hollywood film: Ocean of Pearls – The first film featuring a Sikh who plays a Transplant Surgeon, emigrating from Toronto to Detroit. The story outlines an intelligent meditation on the importance of maintaining your beliefs at the very times when it matters most.

ALED: Perhaps you could give me some details of the trip to the trenches and the publication for the charity?

Actually, hot off the press. Onkar Singh and Jasdeep Singh have written a book called, Spiritual Poetry, a disciple’s journey. Its contains over 100 inspirational poems. I got together with them last Friday and produced their audio book, with all proceeds going to a Children’s charity in Zambia when it is released over the coming month. We also feature the amazing music of Indi Kaur.

On the 29th May I hope to go on the Anglo Sikh Heritage Trail tour to visit the preserved trenches at Bayernwald and learn how Sikh forces arrived in Europe. We’ll also be visiting the battlefields around Neuve Chapelle where Sikh Regiments were involved in heavy fighting

ALED: Then asking about the Sikh festival this weekend?

The official date for Vaisakhi is 13 April, but the 2010 Vaisakhi festival in Trafalgar Square will be held on 2 May.

Interestingly, Vaisakhi is an ancient harvest festival in the Punjab region, which also marks beginning of a new solar year, and new harvest season.

In Sikhism, it is one of the most significant holidays in the Sikh calendar, commemorating the establishment of the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in 1699, by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa in front of thousands at Anandpur Sahib. He established the 5 K’s of the Sikhs to unify us in terms of both uniform and spiritual symbols.

ALED: And touching on the nurse who refused to take off her cross and chain – the wearing of religious signs etc – mandatory or optional?

I say, each to their own. Whatever can help you believe or channel your love for God.
In terms of Sikhs, our Turbans are mandatory, symbolic and scientific. They keep our heads clean and contain our energy and it’s a crown. When you wear a turban you have a commitment to be both spiritual and serve others. People see the trust you must keep.

ALED: In your view how does music can uplift the spirits and even heal.  What are your thoughts/suggestions?

I remember Candle in Wind – the adapted song originally meant for Marilyn Monroe but later played by Elton John at the funeral of Lady Diana. It moved so many people.

I recently heard that songs like Desiree’s ‘You gotta be strong’ is used in many rehab centres to inspire people to recover.
Even in my own show The Smooth Groovers Podcast, we will be issuing a new weekly Chill out session for late night relaxation music – Something to help you de-stress the day. So, yes – music can heal and help you look deep within yourself and search for answers or direction – Gospel and Spiritual music can also take you there, even music for mediation.

ALED: We’d touch on the death of Malcolm McLaren, pioneer of punk and how important it is for young people to attach themselves to music – helps them work out their problems? or lead them astray?

You know I’m a big music fan so I relate era of Punk back to when I was growing-up. Yes, it was an influence to me as I really enjoyed the Stranglers & Ramones – Malcolm helped to brand the need for greater variation. In terms of recent times, is Gangster Rap fun, dangerous or simply another form of art?

The important thing is to have variety and not take it too seriously. I love a bit of Linkin Park – Where music fuses or mashes-up. It can an outlet or expression for frustration – as long as it doesn’t motivate to kill anyone!

Moment of Reflection: Original Draft

The official date for Vaisakhi is the 13 April, but the 2010 Vaisakhi festival in Trafalgar Square will be held on the 2nd May – I suggest you get down there for some free music and food.

It is also the day we celebrate the time when Sikhs received their 5 K’s or spiritual symbols. Unlike most of other faiths where only the clergy are in uniform, all Sikhs are enjoined to always wear their uniform of faith at all times and to adhere to the ideals of the Saint-Soldier; to practice their belief always (rather than on just a particular day or time i.e: just Sunday or Friday), to maintain and protect the cosmic balance in the world; to guard against tyranny, discrimination, evil and injustice. These five articles of faith distinguish a Sikh and are essential for preserving the life of the community founded on nothing but truthful living

Locally, you will find Sikh Temples are decorated and visited.

The festival is marked with a nagar kirtan. Nagar means town and Kirtan is a term meaning the singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib.  This is more than a scripture for the Sikhs as the Sikhs treat it as a living Guru.
The procession through the streets forms an important part of Sikh religious celebrations. All communities are distributed with free food on-route.

One of the largest Sikh Temples in Europe is in West London. Incidentally, it was also opened by Prince Charles. It’s a beautiful building with a contemporary design. I asked a visiting Sikh Musician from the US about what he thought of the building. The fact that it had cost lots of money. He replied, doesn’t it show to you very simply, the love that people have for God.

Today over 100,000 people are expected to join in with the celebrations in West London – Again, doesn’t that show you the love that people have for God.

Moment of Reflection: The one that went out in the end (Amended):

At this time of the Vaisakhi festival, we think of the joy and happiness that this festival brings to Sikhs, but also how our extended communities can experience the spirit of celebration.  People of all religions and none are welcome to join in, to enjoy the processions, the music and the food but also soak up  the atmosphere and the extended hands of friendship.  Let us hope that the communities will also join together with each other to guard against discrimination, evil and injustice.

One of the largest Sikh Temples in Europe, which was opened by Prince Charles, is in West London.  It’s a beautiful building with a contemporary design. I asked a visiting Sikh Musician from the US what he thought of the building and how it had cost so much money. He replied, “Doesn’t it show to you very simply, the love that people have for God”.