People
275 km Walk For Gurpuri Foundation Seeks Your Support:
Dya Singh & Vikram Singh
DYA SINGH
Vikram Singh, formerly Vic Briggs of the 60's pop music group, 'Animals', is a Sikh-Briton who was inspired into Sikhi by Harbhajan Singh ji Yogi.
Most of my age will remember the group's No.1 Hit - 'House of the Rising Sun', a melody which has always been in my 'being' from my younger days, more for its aggressive nature than anything else!
Vikram Singh was the first ‘western' Sikh to do kirtan at Darbar Sahib in 1979/80, having studied the rudiments of the 'raag' system from the legendary Bhai Sahib Bhai Autar Singh ji of Bangla Sahib.
Vikram Singh’s rendition of Jaap Sahib in music is still one of the best I have heard.
I have known Vikram Singh for about a decade now, having first met him in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. We performed Asa di Vaar together.
In 2011 we met again in Malaysia and 'walked' 230 km from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca performing kirtan at gurdwaras on the way. The 'walk' took us one week, stopping to do kirtan at the gurdwaras along the way.
Though no longer associated with the 3HO group, Vikram Singh remains more committed than ever to seva within the community.
He and I are going to do the 'walk' again for charity.
This time from Singapore (Silat Road Gurdwara) to Malacca Gurdwara Sahib.
A distance of about 275 km.
The 'walk' is, firstly, to promote physical fitness amongst Sikhs as physical fitness is never talked about in gurdwaras and Sikh spiritual or religious circles except by those who do gatka.
Vikram is also a yoga exponent and at almost 70 years, he is a picture of good health and fitness. I have not done too badly for a 65 year old and can keep up with him on these marathon walks.
The 'walk' is to coincide with the Barsi of Sant Baba Sohan Singh ji of Malaysia.
And joining us this time is Malaysia's flamboyant Sikh radio dj - Rishi, the Flying Sikh. There’ll be my others you’ll know, as the days gets nearer.
This walk is a 'charity walk' for The Gurpuri Foundation.
The 'walk' begins after an ardaas from Silat Road Gurdwara Sahib, Singapore at 5 am on Saturday, May 17, 2014.
The organisers have come up with a system of sponsoring us for a certain sum for each kilometre walked, and so on.
But I want to make it simple for friends on my network. JUST DIRECT DEBIT A DONATION TO THE BANK BELOW ... Please!
A couple of my good friends have already pledged generous sums and I now request all of you, also my dear friends, to make your donations.
Gurpuri is run by a long time-friend - Sukhdaiv (he is younger than me). He is now normally referred to as Giani Sukhdaiv and even Baba Sukhdaiv Singh ji.
All titles, serious or in jest, are well deserved.
He turned his back on a promising career as a highways engineer to be of service to the Guru. He chose seva towards Sikh orphans and children from very poor Sikh families or families affected by drug problems. He has now reached out to poor Sikh widows and underprivileged housewives.
The only way I can help is by requesting your financial assistance. Vikram and I will 'walk' for Giani Sukhdaiv Singh ji to highlight and support the great seva he is doing.
Sukhdaiv’s latest venture is based on 17 acres in hinterland Malaysia, about 40 km east of Kuala Lumpur, where he is building accommodation, a gurdwara, a school and other facilities for orphans, widows, single mums, handicapped children and the elderly.
This project depends on the sangat’s generosity.
Sukhdaiv has been at it for over 15 years and has proved that he is dedicated, sincere and well-intentioned. I can personally vouch for that.
Sukhdaiv Singh's Gurpuri Foundation is a worthy cause for your dasvandh.
Please CLICK here for more info on Gurpuri Foundation, and to pledge your support.
May 5, 2014
Conversation about this article
1: Guru Shabad Singh Khalsa (La Jolla, California, USA), May 09, 2014, 12:01 PM.
When Dya Singh showed up at my house in Espanola, New Mexico, we did the traditional WaheGuru Ji ka Khalsa, WaheGuru Ji ki Fateh introduction. But, as soon as that was over, he smiled and said, "So wonderful to meet you, mate', and gave me a big bear hug. I knew from that point forward, he would become one of my best friends and spiritual brothers. We hosted several kirtan classes at our house, which impacted the community in ways that still resonate to this day. Dya is simply one of the best 'vocalists' I have had the pleasure to hear and each time he sings, I'm reminded of just how good is is. Amazing singer, story teller and just all-around great musician. The world is a better place with Dya Singh, no doubt about that. Dya Singh my brother, keep up the great seva, and have an awesome walk as you inspire those who are blessed to see and hear you perform.