Doordarshan will telecast a seven part series Guru Maneyo Granth on the ocassion of 300th anniversary of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Doordarshan has produced an elaborative research based and devotional series or Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Various gurudwaras relating to gurus and bhagats have been covered in this series. The program will be telecast daily from 24th to 30th October, 2008 at 8.30 PM to 9.00 P.M on the DD National (DD-1). The series has also covered the entire history and philosophy of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the following seven parts:

1. Compilation of Guru Granth Sahib
2. Accession of Gur Gaddi to Guru Granth Sahib
3. Raag arrangement of Gurbani
4. Depiction of Nature in Guru Granth Sahib
5. Bhagat Bani
6. Universal Message
7. Gavo Sachi Bani-Live musical concert in which eminent Ragi jathas participated held at Takht Sri Kesh Garh Sahib, Anandpur.

An estimated 50,000 people from all over the UK gathered in Prestwold Hall, Loughborough yesterday, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji - Sikh holy scriptures. Organized by the East Midlands Council of Gurdwara’s, the day will now be known as having the largest gathering of Sikhs in one place outside of India. Guru Ka Langar was served throughout the day which represents important tenants in the Sikh faith, these include, serving others, equality and sharing.

Amongst the highlights of the event were a 19th Century Sikh Cannon from the Army of Mahraja Ranjit Singh, as well as the world’s smallest Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji which is the size of a wrist watch. Crowds could also see Sikh martial arts demonstrations throughout the day.

Mr Sarbjeet Singh Landa a member of the East Midlands Council of Gurdwaras said, "I am overwhelmed at the response for this great event from all around the country which has exceeded all expectations. We even have attendees from Canada, Spain and India".

Manroop Singh from Madrid who came especially to be at the event commented, "this is a once in a lifetime event,’ he went on to say "the crowds were just so vast and colourful. Even though I had to wait over 30 minutes in a queue several hundred meters long to pay homage to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, it didn’t matter. It was worth it and I enjoyed soaking in the atmosphere. I will never forget this day!’"

The event was also formally acknowledged by Her Majesty the Queen who sent her "warm, good wishes to all concerned for a most memorable and successful day"

More details and photos can be seen here: http://www.emcg.co.uk

According to S. Avtar Singh Makkar, President, SGPC, "By now, aatishbazi has become an inalienable part of the Golden Temple’s festivities. Being a long-time observer of the damage pollution has done to the temple, I strongly advocate making positive changes in keeping with our tradition. So a light and sound show is the most plausible option. We will begin our feasibility study in a few days".

Earlier this year, a team from the Central Pollution Control Board visited the Golden Temple to compare its case with Agra’s Taj Mahal. The team suggested that vehicles be restricted in a radius of 500 metres from the Golden Temple though it found levels of Suspended Particulate Matter(SPM) lot lesser than Taj Mahal.

"The gold isn’t solid, but electroplated, and thus, delicate. The frescoes inside the sanctum sanctorum are done with vegetable dyes, thereby making them extremely vulnerable to fading away with corrosive gases. The white marble is getting yellowed. These features add to the beauty of the shrine but also make it prone to irreparable wear and tear," says Dr P.S. Mahoora, head of department of architecture at the university.

He said that he had been the Jathedar for nearly eight years and was upset by the way in which he was removed.

When Asked whether he was removed for praising the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, he said that Dr. Singh had made the nation proud. He is also keen to have a proper process for appointment and removal of the Jathedar and Head Granthi of Takhts.

He also produced a letter that he had written to SGPC on March 29, 2000 suggesting to the SGPC that it should constitute a committee of scholars for the appointment and removal of Jathedars of Takhts.

However, he said he wished to "present Sikh history in its true form. I’m disappointed no Sikh religious organization had even attempted to change the available distorted Sikh history and present in its true form." He stressed ‘Jathedars’ and ‘Granthis’ appointed by the SGPC or any other Sikh organization should undergo extensive training in ‘Gurmat’. "I am of the view that those who are presently on the job should also undergo such training", adding he wished to set up a ‘religious college’ for the purpose.

ZEE Punjabi a channel of ZEE network has started the telecast the live Keertan from historic Gurdwara Sis Ganj sahib situated in Chandani Chowk, Delhi on Sunday. Talking to media persons, Romila Sharma, Business head of ZEE Network said acting on the demand of Sikhs ZEE has decided to take rights for telecast from Delhi Sikh Gurdwara management Committee.

She said that telecast from Gurdwara Sis Ganj will be done daily from 3.00 AM to 7.00 AM (IST) and 4.30 PM to 6.30 PM(IST).

She said that after telecast of Live Gurbani Keertan on ETC Punjabi, a channel of ZEE network, daily from Golden temple by over 6 hours ZEE network now will fulfill the demand of Sikhs all over the world.

The president of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) Paramjit Singh Sarna has said that DSGMC is committed to the broadcast of Gurbani Keertan live from the various historic Gurdwaras of Delhi. Another TV channel Time TV is already broadcasting Live Keertan from Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.

S. Avtar Singh Makkar, president, SGPC said "We are happy that Bindra has set an example for the youth of India and his golden achievement would certainly boost the enthusiasm of the other Indian players who are taking part in the Beijing Olympics".

Earlier, on Monday this week Abhinav Bindra became the first Indian to win an individual Gold Medal in any Olympic Event ever. He won Gold medal in 10 M Air Rifle competition.

The Guru Manyo Granth Jagriti Yatra which was started earlier this year from Nanded lovingly showcasing shastars of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and other Shaheed Singh Singhnian has finally reached Nanded yesterday. Huge number of Devotees were present on the last day of Jagriti Yatra which was started to spread the message of Sikh Gurus to masses.

A Keertan Samagam was held to commemorate the completion of Jagriti Yatra in which Ragi jathas from various parts of India recited Gurbani Keetan. the Sadh Sangat was then addressed by Jathedars of All five Takhats, important Sikh personalities and all those who made this Jagriti Yatra possible and successful.

You can view the pictures of Jagriti Yatra reaching Nanded here.

This program is being telecasted everyday on PTC News at 8.30 AM IST and repeat telecast at 5.30 PM IST. In this program, ech day 4-5 pages of Sri Guru Granth Sahib are recited by Akal Academy, Baru Sahib students.

This humble endeavor of Akal Academy, Baru Sahib, will let the message of Sikh gurus reach the masses. While the gurbani is being recited, the subtitles move on along with, so that the persons watching the broadcast can recite the Gurbani.

For those of you who would like to view this program online can easily watch through Kalgidhar Trust website. Click here to watch the program online.

This is really a commendable effort of PTC News and Kalgidhar Trust, Akal Academy, Baru Sahib, India.