From 13- 15 May, Armed Forces 5th 'Chardi Kala' Sikh Moral and Development Course was held at AFCC, Amport House. This was organized by Mandeep Kaur - Sikh Chaplain to the British Armed Forces.
Air Chief Marshall Sir Simon Bryant did the opening remarks and welcomed all in attendance by highlighting the importance of these events. It was a tri-service gathering where all Sikhs serving in the three forces come together and develop their personalities along with nurturing souls. Over the course of 3 days - various Sikh scholars presented to the delegates -bringing them closer to their beliefs and values. About 45 attended and there was a sense of mutual respect, thankfulness and belonging towards each other. It worked as a great source of networking as some of them only met another Sikh for the very first time - who is serving the same country.
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| Amport, Hampshire. Pictured: Mandeep Kaur (front centre) and assembled delegates on the steps of Amport House with Air Chief Marshal Sir Simon Bryant. |
Capt Singh said 'twenty years ago there was nothing like this available where we can all share our beliefs, values and even any existing issues- so very grateful for this'. Cfn Singh said 'Felt proud and inspired to do even better in my life and my job'.
With Gatka Team
Various speakers included Bibi Harvinder Kaur Khalsa, Bhai Avtar Singh, Dr Gurnam Singh and Prof Surinder Singh. Also operational experiences were shared by Capt Rai and 'Sikh Warriors' was presented by Plt Off Chandan. Mr Avtar Singh -ex-RAF Service personnel shared his experience of early 70th century service with the young soldiers. Sikh martial Arts ( Gatka ) was presented by Bhai Uptej Singh and team and there was a sense of warrior-ness in the air.
Kho-Kho
Mandeep Kaur expressed by showing immense feeling of satisfaction, contentment and happiness that she got by serving those who are serving the nation. She said these moments are of huge pride for me when I see the smile on the faces of those who have put their life for the country. I feel fulfilled by bringing them back in touch with their Sikh roots as I believe it will help them to become even better sailor, soldier and airmen and they can deliver the core values of military as their second nature. She expresses 'What more can I ask from Guru Sahib when people say to me that they are falling in love with Guru and Sikhi by coming to the Sangat'. She said that in the feedback session on the last day - some of the views were 'Felt the reality and warmth of Sikhi once again by coming here'; 'My routine for Japji Sahib is stronger'; 'feeling of an extended family'; first time in my life read Gurbani and felt proud to be a Sikh'; and many more ...
Amazing to see the need of Sangat , million thanks to Guru Ji for giving us this opportunity and not only that but to be with us and making this successful. Also we ask Sadh Sangat for their blessings so the Sewa could be done in Chardi Kala, selflessly, humbly and forever...