Akal International Youth Camp 2005

The Second Akal International Youth Camp was inaugurated on 4th July 2005. Ms. Y. Viki Limaye-Davis, Political Officer from the American Embassy, New Delhi, was the Chief Guest. Padam Bhushan Dr. Khem Singh, former Vice Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University and Vice President, The Kalgidhar Society, Dr. Gurbaksh Singh of Virginia, U.S.A., S. Amar Singh Gill of New Jersey, U.S.A. and S. Gurnam Singh Duggal of Georgia, U.S.A. were also present. The camp also celebrated the American Independence Day. After touring the Baru Sahib Complex and being treated to a cultural program presented by the students of Akal Academy, Baru Sahib, Ms. Davis was invited by one of the campers to the stage to join them to sing the American Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner,” along with the American campers. American, Canadian and Indian flags were displayed and carried by individual campers and American and Canadian students of Akal Academy. The camp was organized exclusively for the children of the U.S.A. and Canada and Dr. Balwant Singh of Virginia, U.S.A., S. Bhupinder Singh of Connecticut, U.S.A., S. Inderjit Singh of Georgia, U.S.A. and Mrs. Amarpreet Kaur of Georgia, U.S.A. played a vital role for the success of the camp.

Lasting four weeks from 3rd to 30th July, 2005, sixty campers from ages 6 to 22 attended the camps along with some of their parents to have a first-hand experience of Amrit Vela Nitnem (Sikh prayers recited by students of Akal Academy, Baru Sahib and campers an hour before sunrise). Baru Sahib, “The Valley of Divine Peace” has been the home of saints and sages for times immemorial. In this place of meditation visitors are blessed with feelings of peace and tranquility in the company of the Sadh Sangat. The newly constructed largest Gurdwara Sahib of the world is spacious and imposing with beautiful architectural details. The courses offered at the camp were designed to instil in each camper an experience in the Sikh way of life. In the beginning of the camp, each camper was evaluated in their knowledge of Punjabi and Gurbani in Gurmukhi script as well as knowledge of Shabad Gurbani (Sikh religious music) and musical instruments such as the Harmonium and Tabla. Many of the campers didn't know Gurmukhi script at all, but by the end of the camp they could read as well as perform morning Nitnem Banis (Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Tav Prasad Sawaye, Chaupai Sahib and Anand Sahib) in the Sadh Sangat. In the evening, Rehras Sahib and Kirtan Sohila were recited. Almost every camper learned at least five Shabads to play in Darbar Sahib. Campers were also taught to do Sewa of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. They enthusiastically performed Chaur Sahib Sewa, recited Ardas, and read the Hukamnama from Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Every evening after Rehras Sahib, Sukhaasan of Sri Guru Granth Sahib was accompanied by the beating of the Dhol and Chimta as Saadh Sangat sang and followed behind Sri Guru Granth Sahib in procession until it was placed on the Manji Sahib in the Sach Khand room. In this way the campers felt the same happiness as is felt by the devotees accompanying Sri Guru Granth Sahib from Sri Harmandir Sahib to Sri Akal Takhat Sahib in Amritsar.

Gurmat discussions and Sikh history were part of the daily routine to help the campers to imbibe the Sikh values and to feel pride in their heritage. Baba Iqbal Singh Ji had daily visits with the campers to answer their queries about the Sikh way of life. In the beginning of the camp many campers were found to be very indifferent about Gursikhi. But after one week they started taking keen interest in classes and discussions.

Due to the dedication and intense training received at the four-week camp many became motivated to overcome the five evils of lust, anger, greed, attachment and pride and three campers took Amrit to join the Khalsa. All the campers made the commitment to continue with the routine of Amrit Vela and Nitnem as taught at Gurdwara Baru sahib.

The campers learned Sikh Martial Arts and enjoyed hiking in the scenic hills around Baru Sahib. Horseback riding and sports activities such as Badminton, Table Tennis, Basketball and Carrom Board were offered everyday to the campers. Campers had friendly Basketball matches with the Akal Academy, Baru Sahib Boys and Girls teams.

Closing ceremony of the camp was held on July 30th at 10am at Darbar Sahib of Gurdwara Baru Sahib in the holy presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Campers presented Shabad Kirtan, poems and speeches relating to Sikh History. Their performance after only four weeks of training was amazing. Dr. Khem Singh, Chairman Akal Academies and Vice President, The Kalgidhar Society presented the Mission Vision of The Kalgidhar Society and Akal International Youth Camp.

Sardar Surjit Singh Kohli, an Industrialist of Amritsar and younger brother of Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India was the Chief Guest. He distributed awards and certificates to the campers for their participation in Nitnem, Sukhmani Sahib, Santhya of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Asa di Vaar. Outstanding awards were received by Raminder Kaur Khangura of Jupiter, Florida for completing the Santhya of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and also completing the Sehaj Path of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji during the camp and being the best overall camper (girl). Rohitinderpal Singh Sehgal of Sterling Heights, Michigan was the best overall camper (boy).

At the closing Baba Iqbal Singh Ji emphasized the importance of following the Sikh way of life and advised the campers to become role models and carry the message of Universal Spiritual Brotherhood of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to the world.

Campers visited the historical Gurdwaras around Paonta Sahib and in Punjab at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib and Sri Harmandir Sahib at the end of camp.

The new modern building housing the camp made their stay comfortable. Special chefs provided delicious and nutritious vegetarian Indian and American style food. Medical service in the camp was excellent. On site medical services of Dr. Baljit Singh of Delhi and Dr. Gurvinder Kaur of Baru Sahib were available. There was a ten bed sick-room on site as well as the hundred bed Akal Hospital, staffed by experienced doctors and nurses.

When time came to leave Baru Sahib each camper was feeling proud to be a Sikh. Many of them had developed a special bond and expressed their desire to visit Gurdwara Baru Sahib again. The campers had the feeling of spiritual bliss that will remain with them as they return to their homes and schools. Hopefully their experiences will make them strong examples and role models in their communities to inspire others to spread the message of Universal Brotherhood and Peace as enunciated by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

The tearful departure from Baru Sahib will long be remembered by the campers.