Sikh Camp Kenya

(Video by Arjun Singh)

Background
Kenyan Sikhs continue to flourish with Satguru Saahib's Kirpaa and contribute in their own way to the wider Sikh diasporas. From producing world class rally drivers like Joginder Singh, world recognised poets like Sohan Singh Josh, epic world class Hockey teams, Artists and architects like Hari Singh Bansal, Freedom fighters like Makhan Singh, numerous entrepreneurs and most importantly, Mahapurakhs who have changed the lives of countless souls, Siri Sant Baba Puran Singh Jee, Kericho Vale and Bibi Balwant Kaur Jee of Bebe Nanaki Jatha.
The Kalasinghas (as Kenyan Sikhs are affectionately referred to as by all Kenyans) have not forgotten their Sikh identity. True, our numbers are not comparable to Sikhs living in the UK or US, but be sure that you'll find Kalasinghas and our footprints everywhere.

The Samagam
The Sikh Youth Gurmat Week is an annual Samagam that began in 2003. Organised by iSikh, an established and dedicated Sikh youth non-profit organisation based in Kenya, it is now in its 12th year running.
The Samagam is organised by Sikh youth with the intention to engage participants in practical Sikh living.
The Gurmat week is not a "camp", rather it is a Samagam, a divine celebration, and it is observed as such.
The Samagam planning begins usually about 5 months prior. Everything begins from Satguru Saahib blessing sevadaars with a Hukamnama. From there, everything begins falling in place with His Grace.
This year's Samagam will be held at the historic Bhagti asthaan of Sant Baba Puran Singh Jee, Kericho vale (of GNNSJ) in Kericho, Kenya from 17th to 23rd august, 2015. This is the very place where Baba jee did Bhagti for almost 40 years while living a model Grist jeevan (House holder's life). Within those years, Baba jee spread the fragrance of Sikhi and touched the lives of a multitude of souls. Today Guru Nanak Nishkam Sevak Jatha has spread worldwide and represents Sikhs at an international level.
The Samagam is an encapsulation of diverse aspects of Sikh life, teachings, philosophy and traditions.
Sikh youth from all over East Africa, attend the Samagam. Sangat as far off as Botswana, Dubai, England and Finland also grace the samagam. It is a truly unique Kalasingha experience.

A typical day in the Sikh Youth Gurmat Week.
Participants wake up at 5:00am, do ishnaan and immerse themselves in Simran and Nitnem followed by Keertan. After breakfast, a series of talks, delivered as interactive lectures are given to the participants. This aims at providing facts and nourishing each person with knowledge that will enable them to open up and enlighten themselves to the Sikh path. At midday, all engage in Simran after which lunch is served. Throughout the day, participants engage themselves in Sevaa enabling them to feel first hand its Bliss. In the afternoon, participants may engage in a variety of activities from sports, gatkaa, archery, neurolinguistics, Gurbaani veechar, making maalaas, Keertan amongst a host of others. In the evening, everyone sits together for Rehraas followed by Keertan. At night, relaxed activities enable each one to unwind and reflect on the day's experience.

Each day is a unique experience blessed unto the Sangat by Satguru Sachay Paatshah.
The essence of the Samagam is to share experiences and inspiration and seek Satguru Naanak Dev jee's Kirpaa so that we may all follow Their Liberating path of GurSikhi.
Following last year's Samagam which was also celebrated at GNNSJ Kericho, about 10 souls were Blessed with Satguru Saahib's Amrit.

In the end
We are all spiritual travellers here to unite with our Husband Lord. Satguru Mahaaraaj advise us repeatedly in Gurbaani to begin walking this Path while still young and so, Satguru Mahaaraaj Bless us with such Samagams and opportunities that enable us to grow spiritually with Their Grace and immerse in the Bliss of the Society of Saints.

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