Passage to growth; a stride to change….

Look at the sea, and you will see so many creatures. Some tiny, some large, but all sharing the same space, helping each other for fulfilling their needs. Coming back to land; and you will see man, known as the most intelligent creature on this earth who unlike those aquatic beings, does not believe in sharing any more. With the passage of time, man has arrived to establish as the most selfish creature on this planet. He differentiates between itself as Hindu, Christian or Muslim, as Punjabi or Gujarati, as an upper or lower caste, as a city dweller or as a villager. These create barriers in the course of development and bring nepotism over the top. As a result, each one does not get equal resources, leading to increasing income disparity.

Today, we see ourselves in a race to score more marks, so that ‘I’ will be happy, not us. Those from metropolitan cities, shine brightly because of extra money being invested in various forms of external help, tuitions and high quality schools. And for the rural children, it’s all about hard work and not money. Akal Academies have not only been helping these rural lads to achieve their dreams by providing a quality education to them, but also shaping their characters.

Akal Academy, Bhadaur situated in the Barnala district of Punjab with a population of 16,000. It is a historic town that was home to the legendary ‘Phoolkian dynasty’. This rural school has elucidated that these rustic folks can also give neck to neck competition to the city scholars. Jaspreet Kaur scored 86%, Sandeep Kaur 85.4% and Arshdeep Kaur 84.6% in Science stream. These students who worked with aplomb, are great assets to the country.

The Akal Academy, Bhadaur run under the aegis of the Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib has all the modern facilities to provide support to the young generation. It has well-equipped e-classrooms, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer & EVS Labs, along with spacious Library (8930 books, 21 magazines and 10 daily newspapers), Audio-Video Room, Sports Room, Activity Room, Music Room having sophisticated equipments are available for students. The language labs are well-equipped with cassettes, CDs, TV, Computer and head-phones. The school provides free boarding & lodging facilities to staff.

It’s said that a drop of water joins hands with another to form an ocean. Similarly, visions to bring change to people, who want to change; have the ability to make a pool of game changers.

Akal Academies work on the same tracks, as they work as change agents. The results shown by these students are the steps to change ahead. And the resultant equality is the desired change.

~ Harshana Kathpalia, Hindu College 

~ New Delhi, 10th July 2013

“Singing in the Sunshine, stepping in the sail”…..

We the humans, have a sheer tendency to play blame game for every other happening in our lives. Be it a shortfall of money, inability to get a job or an unsuccessful marriage. We just put the blame on somebody else’s shoulders. At times, when we don’t get anyone, we don’t even spare the God. All this just puts us in a vicious circle with no outcome on hand and tears in eyes. But, we still keep on blaming!

There are thousands to name, who follow the above idea and if you don’t believe me, look around yourself. It might be your relatives, friends, the unknowns or maybe you yourself. And then there is Kiran Kaur, a young courageous girl, having a total reverse idea about life than that mentioned above.

Kiran Kaur, 22 is not among those ninety presenters but is not less than a skyscraper. Kiran’s father is a small businessman in Haryana and mother is a homemaker. Born in a middle class family, Kiran had small aspirations for herself as she knew that her parents could do little for her in this world of squeezing resources with everyday increasing prices. Moreover, Kiran’s parents were required to raise four children, a son and a daughter elder and another daughter younger to Kiran.

Kiran was never a bright student but was an assiduous one. She did her schooling from Akal Academy, Baru Sahib. She scored 78% and 72% in 10th and 12th board examinations respectively. She then took admission in Bachelor of Arts (Divine Music) at Eternal University under the aegis of The Kalgidhar Trust, to continue with her passion for singing. To her, singing is the most gracious gift of God, in which she wishes to make her career. She aspires to become a Lecturer in Music itself. Apart from singing, she also likes to read books and dance.

Kiran is surely a subtle girl who has the ability to interpret nature. After her 12th she also pursued a two year course in Music. She also has mastery in playing string instruments. She finds relief in her music and offers the same to the almighty.

The tales of Tansen (one of the 9 jewels of Akbar, the great emperor), shows that when he used to sing even the animals used to enjoy and were governed by his music. Music is commonality between all civilizations. It actually binds us together, so much so that we tend to forget our distinguishing attributes. Kiran feels that she can contribute her part to this world in the form of music. She even inspires her younger sister to the tunes that she plays.

Kiran’s parents seem to be the happiest couple on this Earth. Today, their son is a lab technician and the other daughter is a teacher in Akal Academy. And as far as Kiran is concerned, they feel proud in calling themselves parents of a ‘Music Maestro’.

Born in the Incredible India, Kiran is an incredulous ingenious blessed child with God’s benign gift of music in the soul. Kiran is now on the tracks of that “Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife” Khalil Gibran.

~ Harshana Kathpalia, Hindu College

~ New Delhi, 10th July 2013

Mastering life, on the journey to be a manager…

How many of us do want to become an MBA? Ask this question to the Indian youth and you will see that there will be thousands of voices saying “I”.  The year 2012 CAT (Common Aptitude Test) examination, conducted for entrance to the most prestigious Indian Institute of Management was given by more than 2,14,000 students. These figures are increasing sharply every year. Parents want to provide their kids with the best available guidance. As a result a large number of private institutes have come up who ensure you to get through Top B schools of the country. The catch is as easy as this - Throw the money, learn the insights and get the best.

But wait, we are talking about India- the seventh largest country with second largest population of the world, most of it residing in rural areas, marked by high levels of poverty and low levels of health care. This picture of India is what most of us are aware of, thanks to the popular and growing media these days. But as it is said, Incredible India, where one can see a change of language and soil every 7 kilometers, there are ample stories about courageous children who by their will and wit have been able to create a monument of success aided by rural transformation epics like the Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib.

Putting a brick on brick, Manjot Kaur has been making her monument. Manjot, who is well aware of the modern era, its atrocities and pleasures, is moving in the direction of success, without the luxuries that a city girl student pitted against her would have. She has been a bright student till class 12th. She scored 80% and 85% in class 10th and 12th board examinations respectively, showing the signs of betterment and hard work.  She pulled forcefully this thread of hard work and aimed at better results. With this, she joined Eternal University, Baru Sahib to do Economics Honors.  As said from ages now, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Manjot had a vibrant will to do something. Her choice to take up Economics as a subject was well justified when her 1st semester results came out. She not only astonished her peers but everyone else too. She got an “A” grade or in other words scored above 90% in college exams. Her achievement proved that hard work pays. Her diligent attitude made her move from an average student scoring 80% to an outstanding one.

Manjot defines her journey as a saga of drawing differences. Born in a middle class family of Haryana, brought up with restrictions is it monetary or non monetary, Manjot is definitely an achiever today. Her father who runs a transport company feels her daughter as an engine to rectify everything in their life. He feels that a daughter is the best gift by almighty that always stands up for her parents. He feels she has cherished his life to the best. He wants her to do what she wants to and tells her that he is always there for her.

Manjot wants to become an MBA one day and work in the corporate sector. Her vision is well supported by her family. She has full faith in herself and her abilities. She wants to work on her own rather taking external help same as she had been doing till now.

21st century India faces high difficulties in getting its sex ratio in place. In such a scenario, Manjot‘s story is a blessing in disguise, to help us move out of the thinking that daughters are a burden.

The need of hour is to understand that Attitude is the first quality that marks the successful man and that only leads to a world of prosperity.

Change your attitude, Ignite your life

Change your life, Ignite the country

Be the change! IGNITE!!!!!

~Harshana Kathpalia, Hindu College

~New Delhi, 10th July 2013

ONE MORE STEP ALONG THE WORLD I GO!!!!!

They greatly dare who greatly trust…

Encouragement costs you nothing to give, but it is priceless to receive. There would be nothing to frighten you if you refuse to be afraid. Gurpreet Kaur, 21 instills the knowledge in us by proving that let bygones be bygones and begin every day with a fresh start and a killing spirit. She is the one whose strength lies in her tenacity.

Most people miss Opportunity because it is dressed in overalls and looks like hard work. But Gurpreet is one of those who has broken all the obstacles and clutched the opportunity in her hands to accomplish her ambition. Deprived of the material wealth and being a daughter of a blue collar worker, she achieved her goal and mission with full dedication and aspires to work hard in future too.

Her father Balbir Singh works in a factory in Amritsar and her mother Rajwant Kaur is a house wife. Being from such a disturbed background with abounding monetary problems, she matriculated with 75% in her CBSE from Guru Ram Das School in Amritsar and passed her 12th with 74% from a Government school in Amritsar. ‘Perseverance is a great element for success’ and hence, she proves it.

When you focus on being a blessing, God makes sure that you are blessed in abundance. Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. And her faith in Babaji actually turned her shattered world emerge into light again. She mended her goals and dreams and came to Akal Academy, Cheema Sahib in 2009 after her 12th exams. She enrolled herself into Religious studies and English speaking classes to polish her vocabulary and speaking skills. She went to AIRWE (Akal Institute of Rural Women Empowerment), Baru Sahib being run by The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib, for 6 months and brushed herself in Akal Academy, Chunni Kalan for two and a half years. Presently she is associated with I.B.O. School being setup at Baru Sahib and teaches lads of 5th grade.

Sometimes, the quietest moments bring you the greatest pleasure. There is nothing in this life that is worth contending and we should except to spread the word of God and this is what Gurpreet is doing. Kalgidhar Trust not only fostered her ambitions but also endowed her soul with spiritual values and deeds. Her future vision is to complete her Bachelors and pursue B.Ed further from Eternal University, Baru Sahib. Her compassionate nature and her zeal to learn more has brought her here to work for the people and be a guide to many young ladies like her.

Female education can ripple effects within family and across generations. It not only burnishes their life but also gives them strength and knowledge to eradicate the oppression they are suppressed with since many years. Diverse shades of women can be seen in every field with a weapon called ‘Education’ in their hand which will lead them to glory and consummation of success. Therefore, Gurpreet fades away the conventional and subjugated image of a woman and forms a new type of stereotype in which a woman has the power to run the world and set an example for the society.

The world is as full of untold novelties but our confidence is the inner voice which gives us strength and a backbone to survive. Hats off to Gurpreet’s incomparable self confidence and her astounding effort to be the creator of circumstances and not the creature of circumstances. Therefore, have the will and faith to fulfill your aspirations, as ‘Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible.’

~ Gurleen Vedi, B.A. Hons (English), Mata Sundri College For Women 

~ New Delhi, 10th july 2013

SERVICE TO HUMAN SOUL IS SERVING THE ALMIGHTY!!!!!

Bequeathing new hopes in people

And acknowledging their existence!

Service is a smile. It is an acknowledging wave, a reaching handshake, a friendly wink, and a warm hug. It is these simple acts that matter most, as the greatest service to a human soul, is the kindness of recognition.

It is beyond a reasonable scope of comprehension that at a place where the official population is a paltry 1860, The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib has managed such a colossus, so efficiently with Almighty’s grace and blessings. We are astounded to see serene, picturesque and pristine environment amidst the mighty Himalayas and the dazzling spirit of the people linked with the valley of Divine Peace.

‘OPERATION RAINBOW CANADA’ is a mission of the doctors of Canada to serve and comfort the impoverished and indigent people by curing their sores with proper medication, love and care. Kudos to the effort of Kalgidhar Trust, who with selfless devotion have associated themselves with this mission and offer charitable camps to the deprived in the divine valley of Himalayas, Baru Sahib. Operation Rainbow Canada is a private, all volunteer non-profit medical services organization, which functions without paid staff and provides free reconstructive surgery and related health care for cleft lip and cleft palate deformities to needy children and young adults in developing countries.

The medical teams perform reconstructive surgery for children and young adults whose families could not otherwise afford them. The patients are drawn from the indigenous population of the host country, and often families travel days from their homes in order to have their children treated. In addition to cleft lip and palate surgery, the teams also perform reconstructive surgery for burn and post contractures. Without corrective surgery, children born with cleft lip and cleft palate deformities are shunned, ostracized, denied schooling and eventually succumb to a solitary life lived in the protection of their homes

Mother Teresa once said- ‘It is not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.’ Here, the Doctors serve all the sections of people without any parochial bias. Akal Charitable Hospital, setup by Kalgidhar Trust in Baru Sahib organizes these free medical camps four times a year, where in specialists from USA, Canada and several states of India volunteer their services, to aid and assist the poor ones, who are unable to get themselves treated and redressed, due to lack of monetary funds, their low income and unemployment. Close to 2000 patients attend each of these camps, where more than 100 operations are executed gratuitously. Surgeries like Hernia, hysterectomy, Myringoplasty, Cleft lip and cleft palate, skin grafting, contractures following burns and all kinds of general and orthopedic surgeries are performed free of cost in these life giving camping grounds. 

The Trust and these dedicated doctors not only heal their wounds but they bring back the smile on their faces and give wing to their dreams and aspirations. A person who is not able to walk or even stand on his feet is endowed with the endeavor to run like Milkha Singh and PT.Usha.

Difficult to perform surgeries are carried out with latest technology and gadgets. It is arduous to even imagine and perceive such successful and fruitful operations in a difficult to access farflung hilly area like Baru Sahib, implemented by the valiant and spectacular efforts by the Doctors of Canada and India. These procedures when performed in such a holistic environment have a multifaceted effect on the health of the patient which signifies the defeat of misery and a speedy recovery.

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. Every problematic situation contains the seeds of its own solution and the volunteers of the Trust affirm this by solving problems of thousands of people and filling their lives with joy and happiness.

A recovered patient after convalescing is a ‘Victory for Humanity’. Love, empathy and compassion are the necessities and not the luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. So love the people, live for them and have faith in the Almighty as faith unlocks the door to ultimate achievement and if our faith is greater, then our deeds would be larger.

~ Gurleen Vedi, B.A. HONS (English), Mata Sundri College For Women

~ New Delhi, 10th July 2013

Stepping Stones to a Musical Keyboard…

It is said that where words fail, music speaks. It expresses something which cannot be put into words but cannot remain silent.

Pooja Rani, a 20-year-old maiden from Behlol village, Karnal district of Haryana, is the one who lives under the benign shade of Goddess Saraswati. Pooja just like her name suggests, is a simple girl next door, with strongly rooted beliefs in the Almighty. Music is the outburst of the soul. It speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole. And this is the only way out in her life wich she feels will connect her to Babaji and give her the endeavor to be determined in life. 

Born to Dharam Pal and Raj Kali; Pooja has been working hard day and night, in order to make her dream of becoming a musician a reality. Due to limited availability of resources, she studied in Sukhjinder High School in her locality till 10th standard. She managed to score 60% marks in her secondary board examinations. A bit disheartened, yet keeping faith in herself she moved ahead. She did her 10+2 from Gangadhar Senior Secondary school and scored 71% marks. This small improvement boosted her to work hard and use her potential to the full.

She then decided to move on the tunes of her heart and pursue music as her career. She went to Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib in 2009 , did a abridged course for a year and then took admission in Bachelor of Arts (Divine Music) in Eternal University. This course brought out a transformation in her life. Music takes us out of the actual and whispers to us dim secrets that startle our wonder as to who we are, and for what, whence, and whereto.

She scored 73% in her first year examinations. This pushed her forward to be better and better. Today Pooja is a hard core worshipper of music. She feels music is her life and the seven “swars” are her seven powers to move in the journey of life. Stories like Pooja could be thousands in a country like India. But what is to be remembered is that God has made each one of us and has provided us with some strengths and weaknesses. We are either in the process of resisting God is truth or in the process of being shaped and molded by his truth. God who is eternally complete, who directs the stars, who is the master of fates, who elevates man from his lowliness to Himself, who speaks from the cosmos to every single human soul, is the most brilliant manifestation of the goal of perfection.

Hence, music is the agreeable harmony for the honor of God and the permissible delights of the soul. So, store the faith in the Almighty and unite with the divine power of Music as some things, which are left unsaid are articulated by these surs and taals.

~ Harshana Kathpalia, Hindu College 

~ New Delhi, 10th July 2013

Baru Sahib through the eyes of a Novice!

Spiritual force is greater than material force and this is what makes a person an extraordinary personality. Sant Attar Singh had a vision to impart each and every child a value-based education. He wanted to push the opportunities out to present time. He wanted a termination of social decay. He planted a seed, which grew as a strong Banyan tree, which is generally the central point of our village communities. And under its shadow, thousands of students savor the fruit of success irrespective of caste, creed and religion. He wanted to bring those in mainstream, who were disappearing in the luminosity of the world. He also faced lots of criticism, but he trekked on his path intrepidly. Sant Teja Singh Ji, followed his footsteps and took his mission on to heights. That is why the Baru Sahib Akal Academy, which was established in 1986 with just 5 students, today has strength of 60,000 students studying in its 129 CBSE affiliated rural schools. Baru Sahib has potential to heal the mind and soul and to transform young impressionable minds to God oriented youth. Baru Sahib is a tree and Akal Academies its branches. Now 129 Akal academies spread over India work for the welfare of humanity. This stream will flow to every nook and corner of the country in times to come, to fulfill the dreams of deprived families. 

 In this fast competitive world our education system inculcates pressure and fear in our children. If they do not get high scores in board examination then they will be left behind in this bandwagon. Akal Academy brings stability in them. To encourage the learners and to help them to engage their minds in Naamsimran (Meditation) by chiseling them to become valued citizens for tomorrow. In 129 Akal academies 60,000 students are being prepared on the lines of Gurmat (spirituality) for making this world a better place. If scientific education is needed to open up your eyes to the material world; at the same time, with spiritual education, we tread in the path of righteousness. Akal Academy rural schools are trying to make a complete man out of rural children, through developing scientific attitude and evolving them into the category of being Saint-like. 

Mere pedantic education brings ego in a man. He starts thinking that whatever he gained is best for his material self, which would help him to earn a better means for livelihood. But by amalgamating spiritual values would help him to become a REAL HUMAN BEING. Every merit comes from him... He is behind everything. Nothing is beyond him. When we are able to build this bent of mind, we will be able to understand the needs of the futurist world, wherein we are losing our heritage and succumbing in degeneration of the values in this modern egoistic world. Then only we can incubate by trudging in the path of serving selflessly to the country and the community.

That is why a value based quality education is being provided in all Akal Academies. Baru Sahib emphasized the need of faith on the Divine and to lead a true and spiritual life while performing all the worldly duties. It is a land where nothing is become something. Baru Sahib precludes the subliminal thoughts and ignites the mind with education. Today alumni of Akal Academies are at the top of success and increasing the brightness of the world with their glitter.

Working for Women Empowerment: Discrimination against women in India is prevalent since long. It is considered that Men are the protectors and maintainers of women. They do not need Education, after all they are supposed to stay at home, to do household work and men are responsible for outside work and earnings. But it is just a witty conspiracy to keep the nose high of manhood. The number is not less, who represent chauvinistic mindset. Who thinks woman is just a pretty toy? Closing all the gender gaps and promoting gender equality, Baru Sahib strives to empower women and to allow them to overcome obstacles in life. At Akal Academies, underprivileged rural girls aged from 16 to 25 who were forced to stay at home and do household work, are being put to school/college and taught modern scientific education and spiritual training. After obtaining under-graduate and graduate degrees, they are enrolled in 3 years course at Akal Institute of Rural Women Empowerment (AIRWE). These girls are placed as teachers/assistants in any of the 129 rural schools as per their capability. Baru Sahib opens the doors for girls, which were closed by the societies and false cultural beliefs. Baru Sahib gives them wings to fly because the sky is for all.

Undertaking development of rural livelihoods: The major cause of poverty in rural areas is lack of access of education. Rural people often are exploited due to lack of awareness. In rural areas one has to face many problems in life including food, shelter and education of the children. In these circumstances, education of woman in rural areas seems rather redundant. Primary level education in rural areas is worse than in cities. Most government officials are not aware about the issues concerning local employment opportunities. Government policies and schemes are immersed in corruption and bad implmentation. Monitoring and special emphasis is needed for providing quality education in the rural areas and villages. For the last 25 years Baru Sahib has been working for poor, backward, and the upliftment of the locals, weaker sections and minorities. Baru Sahib invariably strives to impart quality education to the students of rural areas. The development of rural areas lies in providing Education. 

While attempting the challenge! Akal Academy, Baru Sahib has established a chain of schools being run in rural Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and backward hill areas of Himachal Pradesh, Crossing all hurdles and barriers Baru Sahib is educating rural youth more and more and stretched their hand and brought them to fore. Baru Sahib lights up their lives in the darkness. Even in the Akal Academies past history, every time it has been demonstrated that the best students have emerged from the poorest families.

Sports is a human activity that involves specific administration, organization and an historical background of rules which define the object and limit the pattern of human behaviour; it involves competition or challenge and a definite outcome primarily determined by physical skill. Theoretically, because of its insistence upon rules and equality (disregarding the prejudice that can exist within the framework of sport), sports provides an egalitarian utopia in which rich and poor, black and white, can subject themselves to a symbolic test unhampered by the accumulation of wealth or poverty, looks or skin colour (Ashworth, Readings in Sports Psychology, p. 278). It involves: set rules, area and time; set positions for team players; complex physical activity which are applied throughout the set time; serious training and preparation; and competition between individuals or teams.

In the same way Baru Sahib nurtures its students talent, and tries to bring it out and funnel skills and attitudes, needed for healthy bodies. Mere education will not suffice. We all were made with intellect and health. Extra- curriculur activities give agility and sprightliness and enables them to tolerate any difficult task. Baru Sahib believes Sports and game programs will help to reduce their stress and expand their capability. Baru Sahib strives to promote physical education in rural schools. Concentration on the sports with rigorous practice and dedication will help to win laurels to the institution. Students learn discipline and hard work. In Akal Academies there are indoor and outdoor games such like athletics, and track events, races, jumps and in field games Hockey, Football, Lawn Tennis, Cricket, Volleyball, Basketball, Handball, etc. and indoor-games such as Badminton, Table Tennis, Weight-lifting, Tennis, Chess, Carom, Squash. 

Music Matters: Our life is incomplete without music. The way of music has changed with time but has never mattered. Music is an integral part of life. If we listen carefully, river, air, animals, birds all are blessed by God to separate voices. We can feel music in every pore of nature. Music is not just a method to express our feeling but we can also feel it. Indian music is internationally distinguished. Music teaches us self-discipline and time management skills that you cannot get anywhere else. In spirituality, music has its own place. If a devotee chants devotional songs the mind will be focused towards God. So, we can say that music works on spiritual progression. Music has always kept us close to our culture. Music is universal, in that there are no boundaries to understand music. 

Sikh music tradition was Raag adharit and initiated and developed by the Sikh Gurus. The spiritual and devotional aspect of music was clearly recognized by Guru Nanak. All the Sikh Gurus have sung hymns in praise of the Almighty Lord. Various terms used to refer to this tradition include Shabad Keertan Parampara, Gurbani Sangeet Parampara and Gurmat Sangeet. Music education is a compulsory subject in the curriculum of Akal Academies. It is another step taken by Baru Sahib to empower women. Tabla and Gurmat Sangeet are compulsory for every girl. Students are given traditional music training by renowned teachers. In the end, if they complete training they will get "Sangeet Prabhakar Diploma" the equivalent of B.Ed and be able to get a job as a music teacher in schools.

Tenacious Environmentalist: Today, environmental destruction has become a worldwide problem. Deforestation, a glut of trades and industries, production of consumer goods, all these kind of things creating an environment, which have proved to be harmful for Nature, environment, and mankind. This problem is becoming so complex that the future appears to be doomed. In the name of development, human brought nature at the edge of destruction but man has only ability to retrieve back its condition. Today, environment education has become very important and necessary. Without environment education, environment protection cannot be imagined. The contribution of Baru Sahib in environment protection is vast. Students of Akal Academies assist the oppressed, marginalized and needy.

Baru Sahib has built their vision on the teaching by Guru Nanak. The founder of Sikhism who states, “Pavan Guru Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat” (Air is the Guru, Water the Father, and the Earth is the Great Mother). Hundreds of Rallies on environment protection have been taken out by the Akal Academy students in recent past, in villages to make the villagers aware about the environment protection.

The Flowers bloom in the premises of Baru Sahib and its fragrance spreads to all corners of the world persistently. Baru Sahib that sprouted from a little seed now has grown as a big Tree. Complimenting its mission, a 280-bed Charitable Hospital at Baru Sahib in Himachal Pradesh, where free of cost healthcare facilities is provided to underprivileged rural and hilly people, virtually at their doorsteps. And The Kalgidhar Society runs an orphanage by the name "Akal Child Welfare Foundation" at Baru Sahib, which looks after the needs of unfortunate orphaned children. Understanding the importance of education as well, even Akal Academies stay two steps ahead in faculties compared to other institutions. The Academic results speak for themselves. For both boarding and day-boarding schools, residence is provided to teachers, who come from far-off places. As a foray into Higher Education, the Society has started Eternal University, which today runs 24 programs. Such like, Akal College of Arts & Science, Akal College of Engineering & Technology, Akal College of Nursing and a number of professional courses are run under Eternal University. Baru Sahib is flowing in the sacred shadow of love to spread the sweetness.

May Almighty bless this unique institution: Citius, Altius, Fortius ~ Latin for "Faster, Higher, Stronger"

~ Ramneet Singh, Always Learning!

~ Rohini, New Delhi, 8th July 2013

CONNECTING AND EMPOWERING…..SETTING HIGH IDEALS!!!!!!

Spirituality is not a religion; it is a ‘Relationship’. You attain supremacy by not being a worldly man but a God’s man. We all know that a lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.

In a society where people are engaged in their scrupulous activities to attain material wealth and where children are not at all bothered to look and figure out the harsh realities of life, there a lad of class 3rd of Akal Academy - Aalampreet Singh, teaches us that ‘a single lie can spoil the reputation of integrity and richness of the soul comes with the name of God.’

Aalampreet Singh, an inhabitant of village Ratia, is a child blessed with high moral values and admirable etiquettes. His views and way of thinking and his responsible character towards the society is really astounding at such a tender age and as uncommon as his name. His small article which says that- ‘A person should never lie’ is a masterpiece in itself. Though this saying is commonly known to us and there is nothing much fascinating about it but do we really implement it in our lives?

His story compels us to look towards the issues in the society and especially issues in every house. A drunkard young boy who is recklessly spoiling his life and career and a house full with quarrels over petty issues is really common these days. Today’s youth is a face of the rot within Punjab, signified by an aggressive drug and liquor culture which is fast corroding the very fabric of the state. The state of Punjab is in the grip of drug culture which is being seen as a personal problem and a social epidemic. The statistical reports show that 74% of the youth is addicted to drugs and 69% of rural households do not have a matriculate. They dropout from their education and indulge themselves into these activities or some of them are forcefully pushed into drug abuse.

Where an immediate action is required to save our youth from this menace, our government shows no will to undertake any action against the social issues and manipulation prevailing in the society. There are quite a few organizations that have taken up the task upon themselves to stem this rot. The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib has setup the country’s largest value-chain of 129 schools all in villages across five north Indian states.

But the tiny mind of a 3rd class lad with such bigger thoughts and his aspiration to have a true and alcohol free world fills us with wonder. In the age of picnics and video games, he proposes to tell us that ‘A LIE CANNOT LIVE’!!

His innocent thought that an ‘ARDAAS’ to Babaji can show wonders and end up all the hindrances and evils, mesmerizes us. Focusing on the spiritual values and following the sayings of Babaji, we can move out of this vicious circle and terror of drug addiction, unemployment and alcoholism. We can awaken our youth by having a great focus on value based education so our youth can set an example for the forthcoming generations and act as a guide and strength to the society.

Understanding the importance of the spiritual values and moral ethics is in itself a big thing. His desire of always speaking truth, his eternal being and his view of banishing alcoholism will lead him to a path of success and glory. Truth lies above falsehood as oil above water. Truth hurts but doesn’t kill and the lie pleases but it doesn’t heal. His zeal and valiant efforts which he has put in his masterpiece makes us aware that it is better to regulate your mind rather than regulating guns.

Therefore, let God guide you through the pathways of life as without belief there can be no successful outcome. Eyes are the window of the soul and if these small and innocent eyes can dream to shape the world then why not us. Life isn’t worth living unless you’re willing to take some big chances because for those who dream, there is no such word as impossible.

~ Gurleen Vedi, Mata Sundri College For Women, 

~ New Delhi, 6th July 2013

Fighting Back Alcohol …. A new direction!

Some in this world die for money and some die because of money.

Taking a drink is a classy way to celebrate for some, but soon it becomes cumbersome. In 21st century India, alcohol abuse poses a major challenge. Problems like Domestic violence, child abuse, and unnecessary wastage of money and so on; its counter effects are adverse. And sadly the state of Punjab is in grip of alcohol and drug abuse consuming 34.5 crore bottles of Liquor (the highest in the country).

To make a child, who grows seeing his father drinking, learn that alcohol is injurious to health is a task. He might object to it bluntly or accept it silently. Whatever may be the case, there are bright chances that he would also fall a victim to alcoholism.

Today, we are attracted towards the western society. Modern day India wants to walk on the footprints of the developed countries of the world. In this course, we are witnessing a decline in our moral values, cultural ethics, inward thinking, tolerance and religious attitude. For one youngster to visit a holy place is not a routine effort any more. There are families who would go on outings daily, but not visit the house of lord even once a month.

Amidst this background of depleting values, Gurjinder Singh, a boy of standard three, made his father shed drinking and re-establish the faith in the Almighty. This may appear hypothetical at a glance, but if one gives it a brief thought then one would realize that this kid only brought lessons into reality. Gurjinder Singh, a student of class 3B of Akal Academy, Ratia, wrote a small article on how he did this. This small wonder astounded his teachers with his write up. He proved that even the adults learn basic lessons from children.

As a student of Akal Academy, a chain of value-based Schools run by The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib; he was taught that intake of alcohol is bad. The young boy was impressionable and these good values were ingrained within him. He was explained what could be the after effects of the same, from which he was able to gather that he should not let his father drink. The spirit within him pushed him more and more to do the needful. One good day he decided to speak to his father about the same. As expected his father not only refused but rebuked him. But this child didn’t give up; he kept on insisting him for next few days despite being scolded. Then intentionally, he decided to stop talking to his father and he made it amply clear that he would not be speaking anymore. His consistent effort and optimistic approach started to reap fruits. His patience showed results since he persisted with his embargo. Pining for the embrace of his child, his father was convinced to leave his deadly habit. Not only this but both father and son duo took baptism “amrit chakna”, the formal initiation to Sikhism. This single deed helps one give up negative acts like alcohol intake, establish a routine of good life and offer prayers to the almighty. He while describing this incident also mentions that his father made him buy a holy book too. This shows that his father was a changed man then.

How would you describe this incident …as a miracle or as a dream world or as a wonder by small lad or as a coincidence??

Many of us are also the victims of alcohol abuse. But what have we done anything about the same? Have we made an effort to make our near-dear ones give up such habit?

Today Indian youth has fallen in the hands of alcohol and drugs badly. One can estimate the gravity of the same from the fact that every other day we get to read in the newspapers about road accidents due to drunk driving. In such cases most of the time, the driver is a youngster between 18 to 30 years of age. This does not only mean loss of health but also the loss of future India. Get up, it’s the time now, learn from Gurjinder, the art of making impossible possible.

~ Harshana Kathpalia, Hindu college,

~ New Delhi, 6th July 2013