That’s not a knife – That’s a Sikh dagger

By Gurdeep Hundal

Just a quick one on the remarks by Barnet council who yesterday stated that Sikh students should not be allowed to carry their Kirpans – ceremonial daggers – in public places.

Unsurprisingly, the story has led to lots of chatter on the World Wide Web. However, what comes first, child protection or religious freedom?

Those schools which have banned Sikh children from wearing the Kirpan, a five inch knife regarded as one of Sikhism’s five articles of faith, must be worn at all times – are guilty of discrimination.

The obvious objection is that children are less able to control their anger, and in an environment where violence is prevalent amongst school kids and young adults – it is better to not carrying sharp blades.

So I should say, I am Sikh and I live in the United Kingdom where 600,000 resident are Punjabi, and I’m delighted to be apart of this community – but the issue of Sikh Kirpans is becoming a common trait.

I believe in religious freedom, but I don’t agree with banning burqas, Crosses, Kirpans or turbans. They are symbols of strength and courage which pose no physical danger to anyone.

I agree that banning weapons from schools is sensible, but these ornamental daggers are more religious ornaments than anything, and they are never used for offensive purposes.

What I don’t understand is why Compton School in Barnet decided to make an issue of something which rarely troubles pupils in the United Kingdom. Only one per cent of Sikhs carry the Kirpan in this country.

In the latter, the 14-year-old boy was asked to wear a two-inch version of the dagger but his parents rejected the proposal, as the miniature Kirpan was a replica and not a genuine. Mocking their religious beliefs.

So how can we meet halfway, and Sikhs be allowed to maintain religious identity? Easy, stop making a fuss about their Kirpans and get on with running this country. We’re in a recession. Lets sort that out first!

Britain: The return of Victorian diseases

Victorian Diseases are back

 

By Gurdeep Hundal

Illnesses such as tuberculosis, typhoid and rickets may beckon visions of soiled street rogues and macabre plagues, but doctors are warning that Victorian diseases may be returning to London.

Rare infectious diseases including whooping cough, scarlet fever and typhoid have soared by 166 per cent in the past two years, with the number of cases of mumps, rising from 125 in 2007 to 393 last year.

Worried? I think we should be, as these infectious rates in the capital are soaring by the minute, even though they are easily prevented with vaccines and clean hygiene.

So, I have decided to explain why we are breaking into our ancestors’ habits, and how we can be ridden of these futile illnesses – despite our medical breakthroughs.

The primary causes have not changed much since Charles Dickens era, but new factors have emerged, such as immigration, rising obesity rates, and the decision of some parent refusing the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the highest among immigrants from Africa where the disease is common, through low standards of living – which causes fever, weight loss, chronic coughing, fatigue and sweating.

Rickets is common within British children who suffer from a lack of vitamin D, which causes aches and pains in the bones and joints and leaves sufferers with bow legs.

While, gout is most commonly associated with obesity and is caused by uric acid on the joints and tissue, causing them to swell or become painful – this is noticeable in the big toe and lower limbs.

Measles and Mumps are the most contagious and lethal children’s diseases – which are rising rapidly by some parents choosing not to give their children the MMR jab.

And finally, Syphilis is transmitted sexually or from mother to child and the condition can lead to flu-like symptoms, followed eventually by insanity, heart problems and possibly death.

As a nation of dirty buggers, we are need of sprucing our act,  by remaining clean and safe!

Do we send our children to school too early?

By Gurdeep Hundal

Strains of starting too early

The Leading Research Bodies are at it again!

This time they are telling us that children in England are starting school too early.

The general consensus seems to be that five is too young for children to be sharpening their pencils and learning the alphabet.

While, the six-year-old is apparently much better equipped to cope with the pressures of playing with Lego and racing on tricycles.

You’ll forgive me if I do not treat this as serious news. Surely the gain is a social one.

When I was six months I was interacting with other babies at St James’s Hospital nursery, while my mother ran around the Kidney Renal Unit treating patients. And this did not harm me.

So where is the damage in children developing their social skills at an earlier age?

I believe kids need to interact with other children at a younger age, to feel happy and ecstatic about ‘mooing’ and ‘quacking’ around the school playground.

When I was five, I played hide and seek with the boys. I painted, I counted and I sang. It was fun!

Perhaps a lot has changed in the last 18 years? Perhaps the education system has toughened up, since I was last hanging off monkey bars and dancing through skipping ropes.

All in all, Cambridge’s research is pointless!

Nick Griffin on Question Time

Anti-BNP sign

By Gurdeep Hundal

Before we start, let’s just get one thing straight. Watching the news over the last few days, or reading the newspapers, you could be forgiven for thinking that the BNP are a major in UK politics. They’re not.

It’s true that they obtained almost 1m votes in the European election in June. But they only got 6.2% of the national vote. In the 2005 they got 0.7% of the national vote. In the English local elections held on the same day, they won just three of them.

No wonder Question Time is a big night for them. The BNP website has had a clock on its home page counting down the seconds until tonight’s programme begins. As I write – it’s hard to predict how this will turn out.

Most people already have strong views about the BNP and it’s unimaginable that tomorrows programme will change what anyone thinks politically. Yet it will focus on Griffins policies in a way it hasn’t been focused before.

And it’s a big night for at least several other members of the panel too. Sayeeda Warsi, the Tory community cohesion spokesman, Jack Straw, the justice Secretary and Chris Hughne, the Lib Dem home affairs spokesman.

And let’s not forgot Griffin has been accused of “pedaling hatred and fear against a minority” by Chris Hughne. So I expect an eruption of tantrums and fist fights against Griffin.

In many respects the BNP has already “won” a degree of publicity, which is priceless due to the invitation to appear on Question Time. Even thought they are widely viewed as loathsome.

Tune into Question Time at 10.35pm.

The Festival of Lights: Diwali

This weekend saw two of the largest Diwali celebrations in the UK mark the festival of lights with huge crowds of worshipers, traditional singers, stunning lights and decorative attire. 

Divas lit on Diwali

Both Brent Diwali and Diwali on the square took place on Saturday 30^th and Sunday 31^st October, attracting more than 100,000 people, despite the weather.

While, British Asian singer and songwriter Jay Sean was due to make a special appearance, however the organisers decided to cancel his performance for his own safety.

The fans were of course disappointed that Jay Sean could not join the Diwali Celebration in Trafalgar Square – but are they forgetting the main reason of celebrating Diwali? Yes.

I should let you know I am Sikh and Bandi Choor Divas is particularly important to me, as it celebrates the release of the sixth guru, Guru Harogobind, in 1619.

For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

And for Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of Nirvana, which discarded the body and the bondage of all Karmas, by Mahavira in 527 BC.

While it appears that many young Sikhs, Hindus and Jains are forgetting the meaning of Diwali. It seems someone needs to remind them of their traditional roots.

Limousine loving Politicians

By Gurdeep Hundal

The Politicians are at it again!

Limbo Politicians

This time they are fighting over the abolishment of limousines and chauffeurs for senior MP officers.

The general argument seems to be that ministerial cars are costing public taxpayers £200,000 a year: money that could be spent towards rebuilding our economy.

Consider the total cost to the public purse for minister cars, their drivers, their bodyguards, and compare it with the small charge that would have been made for one swipe of the Oyster card.

Perhaps, this is why Dee Doocey, the Lib Dem London Assembly spokesman, was adamant in addressing this issue at Mayors Question Time yesterday.

As one expected, Boris refused to comment on Doocey’s proposal by slamming his brakes with “I’m looking into this,” while slowly brushing the dusty file under the carpet.

Yet Doocey was on fire and demanded a reason for the lack of progression. And Boris being Boris spat his dummy out and remanded: “I cannot snap my fingers and get rid of these cars.” Oh dear – hit a raw nerve Boris?

So what does this mean for the British taxpayer? Let’s face it we’ll still be paying for these ministerial “buffoon” chauffeurs until we are in our graves.

I am talking about the entire clerisy of officials and quangocrats – ten of thousands of them in London alone – who still believe they are entitled to be picked up in the morning.

All in all, Boris to stop fanning around and do something about this!

Sky News HD a step too far?

By Gurdeep Hundal

After months of planning, the build up is nearly over and Sky News will switch to HD this spring.

Future of News in HD

Over the next few months Sky will be upgrading their studios, production facilities and newsgathering operations in the UK and worldwide.

Yep, it’s a busy time for the Murdoch Empire and luckily, I managed to gain access to the Sky News HD studio.

Rob Kirk, the Editorial Development Manager for Sky and Five News, describes the new software as ‘clear’ and ‘exciting.’

“It reduces the amount of lines and enhances studio presentation.”

Judging by Kirk’s words, he was correct. As I walked around the new set, I could not help but notice the large screen dominating the room.

Perhaps, I was too excited. Perhaps I just wanted to touch the screen, like a fat kid wants cake.

Yet there is a problem with high definition. Sky News will have to limit in the number of stories they produce, each day.

However it seems we’re behind the United States, as big channels such as ABC News, CBS, NBC and Fox already offer news in HD.

So Britain’s move to HD may be a step too far, but it’s time we made the leap.

Don’t forget to watch out for Sky News HD in April 2010.