Interview with Manvir Singh

Congratulations on being selected the youth of the month. Please tell us something about yourself, your schooling, your interests and your hobbies.

Waheguru Jee Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Jee Kee Fateh.

I am 21 years old and last year I graduated in BA Religious Studies at King’s College London. At the moment I’m studying for a postgraduate research degree in Sikh Studies at University of Birmingham.

My interests are anything to do with Sikhi. With Guru Sahib’s Kirpaa I’ve had opportunities to do seva with schools, university Sikh societies, hospitals (as Chaplain), local inter-faith group, Gurmat camps in UK and Europe, and Sweet Sikhi show on radio. I also enjoy posting my experiences and thoughts on my blog (www.manvirsingh.blogspot.com).

Were you brought up in a Gursikh family? How do you feel your family, friends, and sangat have impacted you now?

I was not born in a Keshdhari family but has very strong faith in Sikhi. Thanks to my parents, I feel I have been brought up with Sikh values and beliefs. As a child I remember feeling upset and praying to Waheguru why I wasn’t born in a Gursikh family who would have kept my Kesh and brought me up as a Gursikh. However, I realised that everything is in Waheguru’s Hukam (Will) and there is a reason why we are born with certain relationships and connections. Although my family are not Gursikhs and I have not been brought up in a strong Panjabi or Sikh community, I feel that my experiences and background have made me a stronger person and pushed me further towards Sikhi.

Our town has a very small Sikh community. There are a few Keshdhari men and there were no youngsters in Sikhi Saroop. We celebrated Gurpurbs in our Gurdwara with Akhand Paaths and I would get excited with darshan of Gursikhs invited to our Gurdwara for Keertan and Katha. I didn’t understand Keertan and Katha but I enjoyed sitting at the front with my father and afterwards he would tell me in summary in English what the Giani jee had said.

Going to university was great. With Waheguru’s Kirpaa I found Sangat which provided me with new experiences and kept me going. I learnt that Sangat of Gurmukhs who inspire and encourage Naam, Baani and Rehit is the true Sangat.

In today’s world we are lucky that we can have Sangat through radio, Internet, Keertan and Katha tapes, which really helped me to understand, inspire and take positive steps in the right direction.

How did you first come into Sikhi? What influenced you? What interested you? What was your starting point, if you had one?

As a child my parents encouraged me to read stories and sing Shabads at the Gurdwara. My brother, cousins and I were introduced to seva and were made to distribute langar and give out Parshaad. My father and I would always sit in the front and participate in Saadh Sangat and listen to Keertan (as well as sing along aloud) and Katha. Going back home from the Gurdwara, my parents or family members would ask, “What did you learn today?” We would discuss what Giani ji talked about and the meaning of the Shabad sung.

We used to go to Gurdwaras in nearby cities to attend Nagar Keertans and Gurpurbs. I was fascinated and inspired by looking at Singhs and Singhnees wearing Baanaa (Khalsa attire) and beautiful dastaars (turbans). They looked like Guru Gobind Singh jee & Mata Sahib Kaur jee, and reminded me of the Singhs and Singhnees of the past, in the stories I was told about. They looked like true princes and princesses who were crowned with their royal turbans. I would ask myself why I don’t look like them? Why don’t I look like what the Guru wants me to be?

The thirst for Sikhi increases when one experiences seva, Keertan, Sikh history and the pyaar of Guru Sahib. I never liked having my hair cut. I wanted to keep Kesh but I never had the confidence or strength to make such a step. I felt guilty and ashamed of myself when I thought of great Sikhs like Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh jee. At school people would ask, “What religion are you?” Knowing of the sacrifices of the four Sahibzaaday, I felt I was a disgrace to my religion because I had my haircut and still had the nerve to call myself a Sikh.

When I was 15 years old, after finishing year 10 at secondary school, I planned to go to Panjab in the summer holidays. I wanted to keep my Kesh, so I didn’t cut my hair for a long time. Before I went on holiday my father told me, “have a hair cut, you look scruffy!’ But I didn’t want to, because I wanted to fulfil my dream of accepting my true identity given by Guru Sahib. In Panjab, my cousins asked me: “Do you want to get a haircut from the village Barber?” “No!” I answered. I didn’t want to cut my Kesh on the land where the Sikh Gurus and great Sikhs sacrificed themselves and lived Sikhi with their Kesh intact till their last breath.

The decision to keep Kesh was very tough. I thought what my family would think of my keeping Kesh. I was worried what my relatives, who have a negative image of Singhs, would think of me keeping Kesh. Thinking of school, I thought what would people at my school say or do if I kept Kesh, fearing racism and abuse.

I decided to stop cutting my hair and wearing a dastaar in the Christmas holidays (December 2000 – January 2001) during studying year 11 at secondary school. My father, feeling concerned that I wouldn’t able to cope with the responsibility and pressure of being a Singh, said that I would face numerous problems and asked whether or not I am willing to face those challenges.

“Singhs find it difficult to get married!”
“Singhs struggle to get good jobs because of racism!”
“In a town where there aren’t any turbaned Sikh children, you will face racism!”

I remembered reading Bhai Gurdaas jee saying:

“Take one step to the Guru, and the Guru will take millions of steps forward to welcome you.”

I replied to my father: “The Guru whose path I have chosen will look after me”. He felt at ease and proud, and gave me his blessings.

Was there any one thing that kept helped you keep your motivation and faith?

Waheguru is amazing. Guru Sahib has given his arm to us to hold. We have been blessed with such a beautiful religion, way of life, history and the greatest Guru – this is a great blessing. Guru Sahib is the one who gives us faith and hope. He is ocean of love beyond our comprehension. Our history and Gurbaani is the greatest motivation and inspiration. From this we get strength and without this we would be nowhere.

My parents have helped, supported and motivated me to do seva and go further with Sikhi. They themselves may not be fully practicing Sikhs however they have pushed me to go further. My mother has always believed and helped me with all the love in the world. May Waheguru bless them.

When did you get blessed with Amrit and what was the reason you wanted to give your head to Guroo Maharaaj? How did being blessed with Amrit change your lifestyle? How were your family with this?

After my A-Level exams, I went to India in the summer holidays with my mum with the intention of taking Amrit before my 18th birthday. On Wednesday 2nd July 2003, with Waheguru’s Kirpaa I gave my head to Guru Sahib and received Amrit from Sri Akaal Takht Sahib and spent some weeks by myself at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Bathinda.

During Sixth Form College I started to keep Rehit and made it a routine to read Gurbaani in the morning, evening and night time. Eventually with Waheguru’s Kirpaa I was able to read full 7 Banian, Nitnem and began to wear the 5 Ks. Keeping Rehit before taking Amrit helped me to prepare myself for Amrit so that I didn’t have any shock.

Life truly begins after taking Amrit. My family fully supported me taking Amrit. Initially it was difficult to deal with people drinking alcohol in the house, family weddings where there is alcohol and meat, and wearing Baanaa all the time. However, as time has passed I have been able to explain my feelings and reasons, which they now respect and support me with.

There seems to be an ever growing battle in the western world to tackle the vices which can seriously affect our Sikhi. What would you say can help get overcome these in our day to day life?

Only through Waheguru’s Kirpaa we can be saved. Holding on to Guru Sahib’s arm and taking support Naam, Baani and Rehit, even sinners are carried across the world-ocean.

Guru Sahib says:
“O mind! The Guru is the boat, the ship, the raft (to ferry across the world-ocean); (taking refuge in the Guru) meditate on Waheguru, (whoever meditates and chants Waheguru) shall be carried across to the other side. ||1||” (Ang 1040)

Through Baanaa (external appearance) and Baani (Guru’s Shabad) our honour is saved. It reminds me of the story of Bhai Joga Singh jee and how Guru Sahib saved his honoured through the blessings of Sikhi Saroop. Guru Sahib is always with us – remember this and life takes a new meaning.

Who is your role model? Who has been your main source of inspiration, past and present?

My inspiration and role model is our Guru. We are blessed as Sikhs that our Guru Sahibs are the Perfect examples of character, spirit and inspiration. All Gursikhs who follow the Path of the Guru and exemplify the Guru’s teachings are an inspiration for me. Sikh history is endless with inspirational Gursikhs.

When I attend camps in UK and Europe I see so many Chardikala young children, mothers, fathers, and sevadaars. It’s amazing just to think of the glory and kirpaa of Guru Nanak Sahib jee showered across the world. Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teri Sikhi.

There are many challenges facing Sikh youth nowadays. Which do you recognise as the most important ones we need to address?

There is need for us all to read, do vichaar and understand Gurbaani. Without Naam, Gurbaani and Rehit we are nothing. Through Naam, Baanee and Gurbaani and recognising that we are children of Guru Gobind Singh jee and Mata Sahib Kaur we will have peace and harmony in life, with our fellow Sikh brothers, sisters and in the Panth. I was inspired to read a Gursikh’s post on the Internet, who wrote:

One God: Waheguru
One Guru : Sahib Siri Guru Granth sahib Ji.
One Group : Guru Khalsa Panth!

This should be the Motto of Our Generation

Gurbaani says:
“Come and join together, my brethren; dispel your sense of duality and let yourselves be lovingly absorbed in the Lord. Associate yourselves with the God's Name; become Gurmukh, spread out your mat, and sit down. ||1||” (Ang 1185)

In your opinion, what is the best way for the youth to learn about Sikhi, and how can we all do our part to educate others as you do?

The power of Ardaas is immense. Guru Sahib says:
“The Ardaas (prayer) of the Lord's humble servant is never offered in vain. Nanak takes the strength of the Perfect Lord of the Universe, the treasure of excellence. ||2||13||77||” (Ang 819)

Asking Waheguru for guidance, knowledge and understanding – Waheguru will offer opportunities to learn. Nowadays through Gurmat classes, youth Keertan darbaars, camps, and workshops up and down the UK and other countries in the west. Take advantage of this opportunity.

Sangat with those that inspire and encourage Naam, Baani and Rehit is important. Through reading Gurbaani, listening to Katha and participating in Keertan we are able to do Sangat with Guru Sahib. Reading autobiographies of Gursikhs we are able to have Sangat with Chardikala Gursikhs of the past. Through radio, Internet, audios, and DVDs we are able to have Sangat with a large network of Sikh Sangat through which we learn from one another and are able to support one another.

We are nothing. We are mere vehicles for Guru Sahib to use do carry out his seva. There are opportunities to share the glory of Sikhi and share the message of Guru Nanak Sahib jee with others to help the world through offering to do talks at schools, volunteering to talk to patients at hospitals, offering to help out at a Gurdwara stall or participating in local inter-faith groups.

What do you think about Sikhi camps, and in what ways have they affected you on your path to Waheguru?

To sum up Sikhi camps in three words would be “sangat”, “bliss” and “inspiration.” I love going to camps and having darshan of Sangat from different places. You learn a lot not only from elder Gursikhs and speakers but also from young children. Everyone has something that you can learn from and be inspired by. In 2006 with Waheguru’s Kirpaa I was able to go to camps in France, Denmark, Germany, and in the UK - Sikh Missionary Society camp, Boss Sikhi camp and Khalsa camp. I will never forget my experiences in Gurmat camps which have giving me strength and hope in the path of Sikhi, and reminding me that Sikhi will never finish and will continue, shining brighter and brighter in the future.

Manvir Singh Khalsa, Thank you so much for reluctantly agreeing to give us this interview. Is there anything else you would like to add?

“Gauree, Fifth Mehl: To sing the Lord's Praises is my treasure. ||1||Pause|| You are my delight, You are my praise. You are my beauty, You are my love. O God, You are my hope and support. ||1|| You are my pride, You are my wealth. You are my honour, You are my breath of life. The Guru has repaired that which was broken. ||2|| You are in the household and You are in the forest. You are in the village, and You are in the wilderness. Nanak: You are near, so very near! ||3||3||156||” (Ang 214)

Bhul Chuk Maaf Karnee.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer the above questions,
and we hope you can continue to carry the torch of Sikhi and inspire others alike.
UnitedSikhs.com Team