Its been a while since I posted to my blog. Part of the reason is that there is so much going on in the world and I tend to be Tweeting more (@DrSavi). A guess apathy is another reason. All these reasons are not really justified as I believe to blog is to share ones view point, suggest debate and seek verification of ideals. Tweeting is good but it could be supported by greater depth of discussion through an attached link.

As I said, there is so much happening in the world. My last posting was in February and at the time we all saw the pace of change sweeping North Africa. Since that post date Libya and Syria are centre stage in the demand for change and greater freedom.

I was recently fortunate to be a guest on Radio 2′s Aled Jones Good Morning Sunday. In my moment of reflection, I pointed out,

‘As we sit in our armchairs watching from a distance I wonder if we ever thought about why it takes so long to demand change.’

The full transcript is shown below, together with a link to the audio:

We’re all watching the news and almost hourly developments of people close to Europe & further afield struggling to free themselves from their current rulers and injustices. Everyday it seems that more lives are lost or put at risk in the hope for an outcome that will result in a new and fairer way forward for a country.
As we sit in our armchairs watching from a distance I wonder if we ever thought about why it takes so long to demand change.

Maybe its because often people with power want to hang on to it. Or, could it be that the public have adopted an apathetic approach to life as their survival depends upon it. People can also be unknowingly conditioned to accept the status quo.

In mid April 1699 the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh established the Sikh identity called the Khalsa. Its establishment continues to assure defending the defenceless, honest living and equality. Guru Gobind Singh lost his father, mother and children in the struggle for freedom.

The Sikhs succeeded in creating fighting for freedom. In some countries and societies the challenge continues.

I should also point out that at the time Sikhs not only fought for the freedom, liberty and justice, they were defending the defenceless. India today enjoys an environment of religions living side-by-side, however, communal violence and manipulation by extreme groups such as the  RSS continues and in many cases on a covert basis.

The question posed in this article is really one of what drives change? Is it a case that oppression by a selective few can only last for so long until just before a camels back is broken. Or, does a sense of revolution come when all else has failed. Maybe achieving change is harder in the 21st century as there is a need for:

1. The correct environment – enough support
2. Infrastructure abandonment – i.e: supports of a regime know that the ‘writings on the wall’ and its ‘time to switch sides’!
3. Only with the latter taking place, weapons turned on the people asking for change can be turned off.
4. Media Vs Propaganda Vs the revelation of truth

As both Syria heats up and the Libyan situation is developing into a turf war (both sadly with the loss of lives), when will the desire for change be concluded. Will it be a positive outcome for all? Maybe it is up to the leaders to view that forced and violent suppression will further condem them (leaders) and they have an opportunity to demonstrate that they care for a positive outcome.

In terms of my statement about apathy, maybe I really meant to say that sometimes we are too accepting of regimes. A case in point being Libya and the appeasement by the West over the years, including the sale or weapons. The latter is clearly from a country management to country management perspective. However, inside a country acceptance is ‘safe’ as it secures milk to babies and infrastructure continuity. Maybe its only a revolution that really achieves change and there is no half-way house.

We continue to live in a world where there is inequality or as George Orwell implied in Animal House, ‘All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others’. We marvel (including media frenzy) at the spectacle of regal ceremony but on the next corner accept that poverty is inherent in our global reach.

True change comes from within with a passion to exercise and drive it through but the conditions must be right for it to be lasting and worth it.

In September 2010 we were happy to learn that we won 3rd place at this year’s Sikhnet Film Festival. The festival is in my view both innovative and inspiring. It is one of those initiatives that hopes to motivate people to get  their cameras out  and communicate who we are.

Back in 2008 I recorded a film that focused on the need for Sikhs to create their own media so that Bollywood would do not get away with distortion or dilution of the Sikh Identity and its principles. Although recently actors have ‘don a turban’ to take on roles and some of the storylines have improved – Rocket Singh was a nice film, they are still largely commercial and there is a dearth of documentaries, both audio and video based.

I suggested (btw so nice to be quoted recently!) that:

If Sikhs do not create their own media, then somebody else will do it for them.

At the end of another film I made entitled, ‘The Power of Media‘ I tried to take a positive perspective by suggesting that there is so much heritage and interconnection with the influence of Sikhs in areas such as technology, sport and service that unless we record these in a humble way we cannot get people to stop cases of mistaken identity and instead start  understanding the contribution that Sikhs have made globally.

The only way we can do this is by setting up funds for film foundations, competitions and using new and social media channels. Funding requires courage and commitment from those who have ‘our’ funds…

Earlier in the year I was astounded to learn how difficult it was for one film maker to get funding regarding a film exploring the Sikh contribution during last century’s world wars. It is not as if the money is not there, it is simply the need to trust that money spent will be beneficial in another way.

In recent weeks I too have been frustrated over the extent of a small investment in some software that I have developed for media channels. I’m questioning myself over charging for its development. Surely Satellite transponder owners and people like SkyTV are not compromised or subject to a period of long contemplation over their service payments or investment.

I’m beginning to wonder if my technology insight is too early? I suggested to the media channels in question that they should take the opportunity to engage with youth using new media and mobile Apps as after all that is mode that they (the youth) are native to.
Sadly, I still wait but am hopeful that someone will wake-up and smell the roses. Interestingly, collectively and internationally we can build wonderful buildings but we also need to establish good libraries of content.

In summary, unless we keep ‘pushing’ for change, it is not going to happen. We need  to demand relevant content rather than be simply fed it.

Here is the film that we put together. Thanks again, Sikhnet:

Click here to view the embedded video.

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?

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”.

The final of this week’s pause for thought on BBC Radio 2 covers the recent world religion’s parliament the Parliament brings together the world’s religious and spiritual communities, their leaders and their followers to a gathering where peace, diversity and sustainability are discussed and explored in the context of interreligious respect and understanding.

Today’s broadcast can be heard by clicking on the play button below:

Transcript from today’s PfT (agreed with  the producer):

Make a World of Difference
I suppose it’s understandable, when you catch the news headlines, how some people believe that the world’s troubles seem to be caused by the world’s religions and that the world would be a far better place without religion.

Of course, that would be to ignore the fact that so often these problems and conflicts arise as the result of a crude misrepresentation by minority groups of the message at the heart of the various world religions, and would ignore the vast amount of good work done to relieve poverty and suffering in our world by people of all faiths.

And what better way of acknowledging and displaying that cooperation is there than at the recent conference in Melbourne, Australia held by the Parliament of the World’s Religions?

First held in Chicago in 1893, the Parliament brings together the world’s religious and spiritual communities, their leaders and their followers to a gathering where peace, diversity and sustainability are discussed and explored in the context of interreligious respect and understanding.  In December, over 5,000 people from more than 200 faiths and from 80 countries attended the event to explore the theme Make a World of Difference: Hearing Each Other, Healing the Earth.  It focussed on such global problems as poverty, ignorance, and environmental concerns.

There’s a Sikh saying: “In the whole wide world that I see around, Nothing can be gained without good actions.”  It’s a sentiment that does us well whether we’re members of a faith or of none.  Because only together, through our patient conversations, mutual understanding and trust can we strive to create a just and fairer world, sustainable for all.

The forth of this week’s pause for thought on BBC Radio 2 covers Communities working towards 2012 Olympics in London.
Today’s broadcast can be heard by clicking on the play button below:

Or, click here to download.

Transcript from today’s PfT (agreed with  the producer):

Communities working towards London 2012

In the middle of December, I attended an event at the Olympics organisation centre in Canary Wharf.  It was inspiring to see so many people from different communities getting involved in the various projects for 2012.  In fact, Lord Sebastian Coe, the chairman of the organising committee, spoke about how crucial London’s emphasis on communities had been to helping it win the bid to host the Games.

We were then treated to a video presentation outlining the progress made to date.  There were, of course, the now classic pictures of the bid team in Singapore with their hands covering their faces in heavy anticipation, awaiting the verdict of who would host the games in 2012, followed by the wonderful scenes of celebration as the team embraced one another.  I must admit, I felt a warm sense of pride that a country that my parents made home back in 1958 has this opportunity to shine globally.

The video went on to outline some of the long-term community projects which are coming out of the planning for the Games.  At the reception afterwards, I met one of the Games organisers who has developed a national campaign to help some of the most disadvantaged to improve their job prospects.  The scheme’s called Personal Best and uses the excitement of the 2012 Games to promote training for an accredited volunteering qualification, while also offering participants support into further volunteering, training or work.

So often, it’s not what you initially take out of something but about what you put in.  And that’s no truer said than when you’re talking about voluntary work.  There may not be a personal financial gain, but for many across the country, voluntary work – be it for a charity, a club, or a religious organisation – can be a wonderfully satisfying and worthwhile use of spare time.

And the Olympic’s Personal Best scheme is a great example of the Games giving people not just a fabulous fortnight of sporting and cultural entertainment, but the long-term opportunity of job prospects, helping communities to create a legacy which will live long – well beyond the time the last spectator has left the Olympic stadium.

The third of this week’s pause for thought on BBC Radio 2 covers just how one day’s wages can be all it takes!
Today’s broadcast can be heard by clicking on the play button below:

Transcript from today’s PfT (agreed with  the producer):

Just one day’s wages can be all it takes!
We get up, we go to work, we go home, we crash out and we go to bed again.  Somewhere in there we also eat!  It’s a daily grind which tends to distract us from so much as we concentrate on getting by, particularly in these dark days of winter.  Helping a neighbour de-ice their car’s windscreen can seem a big deal, let alone helping to tackle world issues such as poverty, violence and exploitation that too often face us in the news.

Think of it:

• 25,000 children under the age of 5 die each day due to poverty-related causes.
• Nearly 900 million people in the world do not have access to clean water.
• Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names.
• Many in our world spend hours walking many, many miles a day – often barefoot – to collect water, food or to get to their nearest school.

I remember once meeting a Peace Corp volunteer in the United States who told me about her visit to a remote village in Kenya and how the people there looked at her shoes in wonder.

The scale of these and many more issues can simply seem insurmountable to us.

Yet charity, as they say, begins at home.  Recently, I came across an international movement which encourages people to donate a day’s wage to help end global poverty.  That’s about nought point four percent of an annual salary.  It’s a simple idea.  Yet it could make such a difference to the lives of so many in this world.

There’s a Sikh saying: “The earth is a garden, The Lord its gardener, Cherishing all, none neglected.”

So next time you’re in the car heading to or from work with the weight of the world on your shoulders, listening to the news on the radio and feeling powerless to help, why not set that single day’s pay aside?  Strangely enough, it may be just the thing you need to lighten the load and give a fresh perspective on the daily grind.

My Original article is here:

Our daily grind tends to take us away from helping to free others. Freedom from poverty, slavery and exploitation tends to unfortunately drop in priority as we are so tied-up with surviving and investing in personal or associated family futures.

One of the wonders of humankind is the potential to be innovative. Recently, I came across One Day’s Wages. ODW is an international movement dedicated to ending extreme global poverty. The figures quoted on their website are shocking and staggering:

• 25,000 children under the age of 5 die each day due to poverty-related causes.
• Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause 80% of all sickness and disease, and kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war.
• Nearly 900 million people do not have access to clean water.
• Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names.

These are all challenges for us. When we sleep at night we hope for a good nights rest. However, we forget about those that have to walk miles to go to school, many in bare feet. I remember meeting a Peace Corp volunteer in the US who hold me about her visit to a remote village in Kenya. She spoke about how people looked at her shoes in wonder.

ODW suggest that a one day salary contribution is equivalent to about 0.4% of your annual salary.
They are also setting-up partnerships with other organisations, for example: Not for Sale.
The latter focus on deploying innovative solutions to re-abolish slavery in their own backyards and across the globe.

The Interview with David Batstone of Not For Sale below is inspiring and exposes the evil of slavery that is happening in the 21st Century!!!?
It is great that people are now starting these organisations. A start to harmonisation and fairness in terms of the distribution of wealth, respect for human rights and stopping abuse of people.

Together we can overcome.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The second of this week’s pause for thought on BBC Radio 2 covers Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s birthday.
Today’s broadcast can be heard by clicking on the play button below:

Transcript from today’s PfT (agreed with  the producer):

Guru Gobind Singh Birthday
When you got dressed today, how aware were you of what you were saying about yourself?
Though we may not think it, what we wear indicates so much about ourselves.  Our likes, our associations, our community, our attitudes, our beliefs.   Sometimes it’s explicit: remember the Parker coats of the Mods?  Or what about the skinny jeans, black lipstick, and wristbands of today’s Emo culture.
Hair is crucial too.  Punks often had mohawks as sharp as a blade and then there’s the ease of Rastafarian dreadlocks.  Skinheads went to the opposite extreme.
Even the pinstripe suit of a City gent says much about who they are.

Of course, many religious faiths can be identified by their clothes or how they wear their hair.  But this isn’t done just to be part of a crowd.  It is often very symbolic.

Today Sikhs celebrate the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.  Born in India in 1666, he was the tenth and last of the human-form Gurus of Sikhism.
He fought in a number of battles against the Mogul empire, losing his father, mother and four children in the fight for freedom.

Later, Guru Gobind Singh Ji created the Khalsa, dispelling the caste system that created artificial barriers between people and established the 5 Ks of the Sikh faith; 5 means of identifying and representing the ideals of Sikhism:

• Kesh: unshorn hair, representing the natural appearance of God-given sainthood.
• Kanga: a comb to clean the hair.
• Kachha: an undergarment to indicate virtuous character.
• Kara – an Iron bracelet on the wrist: a symbol of dedication to the Divine Bridegroom and that God is limitless.
• And Kirpan: a sword symbolising dignity, power and unconquerable spirit.

Our clothes or hair may not say as much about us as the 5 Ks of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.  But none of us fail to send out a signal, each time we dress, about who we believe we are.

Of course, that’s nothing unless we are honest with ourselves and with those around us.  What’s most important is where our heart is.  As Guru Gobind Singh himself once said: “Peace and happiness shall fill your mind deep within, if you act according to truth and self discipline.”

This week I’m on Pause for Thought, a BBC Radio 2 show that selects guests presenters for short inspirational messages. Each day I’ll post up the transcript for the show together with the audio for both listen again opportunities and as a personal archive.
Today’s broadcast can be heard by clicking on the play button below:

Transcript from today’s PfT: ( Agreed with the Producer).

What inspires you?  It was a question I posed for a bit of fun to my friends on Facebook the other day.

I was expecting them to reply with answers such as a beautiful landscape, a wonderful piece of music, children, or the do-or-die commitment of a sporting hero.

But the first response I received back was much deeper.  It simply said: ‘Compassion’.  In other words, a simple human act or emotion towards another in pain or trouble.

It sounds so simple doesn’t it?  But then again, in our heart-of-hearts, we know that we too often fail to show self-less compassion when we find colleagues, neighbours, or strangers in need?  Too often we walk-on by.  No wonder my friend found true acts of compassion an inspiration.

Of course the cynic might argue that there is no such thing as selfless compassion.

“Hold on”, I hear you cry!  “I give to charity when I see or hear about a worthy cause.”  But our donation, the cynic would say, gives us a feel good factor.  We shouldn’t kid ourselves that there isn’t a positive benefit to our giving.

“But what about my children?  I bring them up and don’t think twice about caring for them or protecting them.  I give selflessly.”  But our reward for the care and concern we show our children comes, the cynic would argue, with the love that our children show to us in return.

Even a birthday present isn’t apparently such an innocent gift because we give expecting one in return.

All the great faiths refer to the importance of showing compassion to others.  Christians have the story of the Good Samaritan and the Dalai Lama once encouraged his followers with the words: “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.  If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”  So maybe, while true acts of compassion are rarer than we think, that’s not what’s important.

In the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak Patshah is quoted as saying: “Make compassion the cotton, contentment the thread, modesty the knot and truth the twist.  This is the sacred thread of the soul.”

Good  to hear that the World Parliament of Religions started back in 1893!
This year it comes to Melbourne, Australia.

I personally attended the Interfaith Week launch for England on 12th November, the Scottish one is run separately.

It was inspiring to see so many children or should I say ‘young people’ talking about the importance of working, learning and respecting each other. I’ve often said that coming together for a common cause can produce unity as a positive side-effect.

Ironically, on the same day as the launch, on route I took a short cut to the conference venue, the Queen Elizabeth II centre. I walked through the gardens of  Westminster Abbey. A large part of the lawns were decked in crosses and poppy’s for those who had fallen in past and present wars. We only have to hope that the work being done between faiths can help build a foundation to a better world.

Recently, I appeared on Good Morning Sunday (22nd November 2009), a wonderful inspirational show hosted by Aled Jones at BBC Radio 2.
I was asked to deliver a moment of reflection. I choose to talk about whether children were inspired by Interfaith activities.
Could Interfaith work reveal another approach? Here is an audio excerpt from the show if you missed it.

In addition, an earlier version of the transcript for the reflection segment at the end:

My moment of reflection this week is about considering whether Interfaith work can bring about greater understanding, especially for today’s youth.

Earlier this year I was appointed as chair for the Interfaith Youth Trust. The Inter Faith Youth Trust was formerly known as the Alma Royalton-Kisch Trust and is the only UK charitable trust solely set-up to fund inter faith projects for young people. Every quarter the trustees from many different religions and also humanists sit down together to review applications from youth groups. Events range from interfaith football tournaments to concerts and gathering together to explore differences in cuisine.

Interestingly, last year the trust organised a meeting at the House of Lords with different faith organisations to explore what works well for the youth. One of the conclusions was that interfaith work should be driven by the youth with a guiding hand from an organisation.

One example that stood out was organised by an Interfaith group in Scotland with an emphasis on eco-awareness. Kids camped out and explored environmental issues from their religion’s perspective. On return from the camp they produced a leaflet that described and drew common threads between religions about respecting our world.

The result was that they actually learnt more about their own religion and facilitated greater mutual understanding and personal friendship.

Click here to view the embedded video.