Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji ki Fateh!  

Each day I have the amazing blessing to come to work at the SikhNet office in our Gurdwara, and watch the Guru’s hand work through SikhNet. To me, SikhNet is like a well from which anyone is welcome to drink freely and deeply. The SikhNet well is deep and pure, the water is sweet and clean and the Guru always keeps the well overflowing. This year 1.3 million more people used SikhNet than did last year. Our small SikhNet team of five employees serve as the sevadars who maintain the well and make it available to all. Knowing and understanding how much SikhNet touches and transforms people’s lives across all continents, countries and age groups is extremely sweet to me. Everyone who takes the time to write, call or visit gives me a better lens through which to see the Guru’s hand at work through SikhNet in that person’s life.  

As a member of our growing SikhNet family, I want you to know two things: first, that no matter how often you use SikhNet, we are a part of you and you are a part of us. We serve each other as part of a growing global Sangat, and we both know that the Sangat is the Guru and the Guru is the Sangat. Secondly, that despite all the unrest, insanity and pain in the world, Sikhi, and the healing touch of the Guru’s teachings is steadily blossoming and spreading.  

Thank you for being with us on this journey. Let us stand together and stand for truth, compassion, kindness and tolerance. Let us serve together side by side.  

Please be generous as you donate to SikhNet this year. All gifts come from the Guru, and some of them flow through your heart and your hands.

Thank you.

Guru rakha.

Guruka Singh Khalsa

Chief Executive Officer, SikhNet, Inc.

 

Please take a few moments right now to support this mission of Light by giving a portion of your Dasvandh to SikhNet. We need to raise $350,000 by the end of the year in order to fund SikhNet’s growth, and to continue serving hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

On Nov. 17th 1995, Gurumustuk Singh posted the first web page, while still living with his parents in Brooklyn, New York. This web page was likely only seen by a small number of people in those early days of the “world wide web.” However it was the seed which later transformed into what we now know as “SikhNet” - which is a lighthouse for millions of people.

We’re excited to celebrate SikhNet’s 20th anniversary and grateful to you and Guruji for being a support along the way. We’re always inspired when we hear stories of how SikhNet has changed people’s lives in small and big ways. So many have grown up as kids with SikhNet, and now as adults, they share SikhNet with their own children.

SikhNet has become an integral part of the life of so many Sikh families. We look forward to seeing what the next 20 years will bring. Our service only happens because people like YOU give and support the work that Guru has blessed us to do. This year, please give generously. Sharing your Dasvandh with SikhNet will help us reach and serve even more people into the future.

 

The below screen capture is the web page "Spirituality And Life" that led to SikhNet. Learn More

 

 

In the Guru’s court we exist as one family, and the purpose of family is to support each other, listen to each other and take care of one another.

In 2015, we all saw a lot of urgent issues unfold in Punjab. In response to these issues, SikhNet helped galvanize the worldwide Sikh community through two initiatives.

#PrayforPunjab:

In the fall of 2015, tremendous unrest took hold of Punjab. SikhNet organized Global Sahaj Paaths to pray for resolution and healing. These global Sahaj Paaths brought together hundreds of Sikhs from all over the world. From India to the UK, from Canada to Australia, from the United Arab Emirates to Japan. Meditating on the words of the Guru, Sikhs across the globe had a practical way to demonstrate their solidarity with Punjab.

#1prayer:

On the anniversary of the martyrdom of the Akal Takhat, SikhNet organized 40 days of repeating Chaupai Sahib to help bring unity to the Sikh community, and healing to the earth. Over 1200 people from around the world participated in this inspiring spiritual event.

Sacredness of Gurbani

SikhNet launched a new section that highlights our favorite content about Gurbani. We find this to be a hub of interesting and inspiring articles and videos that help you understand and experience what the Shabad Guru is all about.

 

SikhNet On The Ground

Another request we received from you through our 2014 SikhNet user survey was to be more present on the ground in local communities. This year, SikhNet began to expand our local outreach. Here are some of the events that we participated in, or helped organize:

4th Annual Siri Guru Granth Sahib Conference

Working with the Chardi Kalaa Foundation and the Sikh Gurdwara in San Jose, California, SikhNet promoted and participated in the 4th Annual Siri Guru Granth Sahib Conference which took place on September 19, 2015. This conference focused on the Timeless, Universal Message of Siri Guru Granth Sahib. Over 300 people attended this educational conference with video available online for the worldwide Sikh community. Click here to view videos of the presentations.

Parliament of the World’s Religions

This extraordinary event brought together over 10,000 people from various faith traditions to dialogue about critical issues facing the world today. SikhNet participated in the Parliament, documenting the Sikh presence there with unique photos, interviews and stories.

Camp Miri Piri

In conjunction with Sikh Dharma International, SikhNet supported Camp Miri Piri coming to Espanola, NM, USA in June of 2015. This five day camp gave attendees the chance to go deep within themselves to experience the true spirit of the saint/soldier. With classes, martial arts training, simran and kirtan, Camp Miri Piri created a beautiful intensive experience for the participants.

Sikh Naujawan Academy

SikhNet’s Gurujot Singh attended three SNA camps, run by the ever-inspiring Giani Sukha Singh in Birmingham, UK. This year marked SNA's 20th year of tireless seva. Those who attended the camp had a chance to study yoga, meditation and spiritual concepts with Gurujot Singh. Gurujot Singh said, “It was a great trip, and I had many experiences I won't forget.”

Teaching in Amritsar, India

In April of this year Guruka Singh travelled to India to teach and be with Sangats there. In addition to local Punjabis, students from Singapore, China and Europe attended his classes and lectures and everyone was blessed with amrit vela sadhana together and daily visits to Harimandir Sahib and other local Gurdwaras along with many opportunities to perform seva.

Yuba City Guru Gaddi Divas Celebrations

 

Gurumustuk Singh joined in the the annual Guru Gaddi Divas Nagar Kirtan Celebrations in Yuba City, California where an estimated 80,000 people came to participate in one of the largest gatherings of Sikhs in the USA. Gurumustuk Singh was invited to participate in the Sikh Conference as part of the weekend events. He shared a message of Universal Sikh Values and how Sikhi is spreading to all corners of the world along with suggestions on how to support the youth.

Sikh Camps in Canada and the UK

SikhNet’s Harijot Singh was invited to a camp near Brampton, Canada hosted by the local Sikh Youth Federation. Thanks to Jasdeep Singh along with SYF organizers like Gurjiwan Singh, Harijot Singh presented and served this blessed camp of young adults. Later in the summer, thanks to Sangeet Kaur and camp organizers like Bhupinder Singh, he also attended a Sikhi camp in Bradford UK, followed by another camp with over 200 children at the Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Newcastle Upon Tyne. Harijot Singh said, “What I remember from these camps is the spirit of the young kids and the understanding that they are only young now. They will be important people in the future. God bless the children.”

One of the most important projects that SikhNet produced this year was the original short film KAUR. kaur.sikhnet.com.

In honor of International Women’s Day, SikhNet released this all-original animation, retelling the story of Mai Bhago through the eyes of a modern Sikh girl, Saibhang Kaur, who struggles with bullies at school. Over a hundred thousand people downloaded the video or watched it online. KAUR also aired on Sikh Channel and Sangat TV.

 

Volunteers translated the animation, so KAUR launched with subtitles in multiple languages, including Punjabi, Hindi, Chinese and Spanish.

 

The feedback we received about the animation was phenomenal. Young children wanted to watch it over and over again. Girls told their parents that they wanted to become Mai Bhago when they grow up. Teachers of Khalsa schools wrote and told us they showed the animation to their classes and used it to teach about gender equality and Sikh history. KAUR had an overwhelmingly positive impact on the minds and imagination of those who saw it. Even people who are not Sikhs watched the animation with their families and felt inspired.

 

It took years of work to produce KAUR, and this project could not have happened without YOUR support. We would like to especially honor the anonymous donor who provided the seed funding to begin this animation project some years ago.

 

What Impact Did the KAUR Film Have?

 

The Inspiration Behind KAUR

 

Katha App

Another new smartphone app was released by SikhNet this year: The SikhNet Sri Guru Granth Sahib Katha App. This app allows people to learn and understand the meaning of Gurbani. It currently features over 600 hours of Gurbani Katha in Punjabi by Giani Thakur Singh and Giani Harbhajan Singh, USA. In later releases we plan to add additional Katha audio to the app. This app serves the Punjabi-speaking Sikh community by giving a very simple, easy to use tool for understanding the Guru’s message. Special thanks to Avtar Singh Dhamija, of Akal Engineers and Consultants, Ltd, Canada, whose generous support helped develop the app. Click here to learn more.

 

 

 

Gurbani Media Center and SikhNet Radio

The Gurbani Media Center on SikhNet is without a doubt the most popular service we offer. This year, more people than ever accessed this incredible online library of Gurbani kirtan and katha. Our free Gurbani Media Center smartphone apps have made this resource available to Sikhs around the world. Over 56,000 people downloaded the GMC App so far in 2015. These apps allow tens of thousands of people to stream the Guru’s kirtan, right at their fingertips.

Comparing past 12 months to previous 12 months. You can see the growth in page views per folder/section for each period.

SikhNet Radio also remains a powerfully important service. SikhNet Radio offers a range of pre-programmed and live channels from Gurdwaras worldwide including Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, India. This year, SikhNet Radio added live radio broadcasts from Takhat Keshgar Sahib from Anandpur Sahib, India; as well as from Gurdwaras in Australia, and California, USA.

Any person is welcome to submit their musical tracks to the Gurbani Media Center and so add to this online treasure trove. Similarly, any Gurdwara is welcome to contact SikhNet to have their broadcasts included in the Sikhnet Radio Channels.

These amazing services bring peace and hope to countless hearts around the world, and only exist because people like you continue to support this seva.

  

Wonderful Online Resources Relating to Siri Guru Granth Sahib

SikhNet offers a wide range of wonderful services, connected to our beloved Siri Guru Granth Sahib. Tens of thousands of people receive the Daily Hukamnama from Harimandir Sahib in Amritsar, delivered via email, app, telephone, social media and the SikhNet website. Our site also includes links to the online Siri Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth; printed volumes of Siri Guru Granth Sahib with transliteration and translation; downloadable Nitnem Banis, the Shabad Printer; and much more. Many people have told us how they value having the touch of the Guru in their lives in this way. Maintaining these services year after year only happens with your support.

 

 

SikhNet Inspirations Videos

SikhNet continued to produce Inspiration Videos this year, and also did interviews with notable Sikhs while on the road. Besides the ever-popular videos with Guruka Singh, SikhNet recorded video interviews with Bhai Sukha Singh, Jagmeet Singh, who is an MPP in Ontario Canada, and artists Rupi Kaur and Kirn Rai Kaur. Future videos will feature Baljit Singh from Basics of Sikhi, Giani Sukha Singh (Sikh Helpline & SNA), Harbinder Singh Rana (Sikh historian) and Harjinder Singh Lallie (Kirtan professor.) Creating original, inspiring content created by Sikhs helps to protect the Sikh identity and document the good work that Sikhs continue to do in the world. This work is possible only possible because of you.

 

SikhNet Daily News

SikhNet continued to grow our daily news service in 2015 with more original articles and interviews than ever before. In our news section, we highlight the positive works that Sikhs do in the world and share information and views on Sikhi from a global perspective. Some of our most popular stories this year include:

 

Resisting the Razor originally published on KaurLife 

Mai Bhago - The Story You Know vs. The Story You’ll Hear

Sikh Taxi Driver Responds to Racism Like a Hero

Harman Singh Receives a Big Surprise 

Sir Ben Kingsley Praises Sikhs on Tonight Show 

Three Tips to Improve your Gurbani Pronunciation 

The REAL founder of the Indian National Army [INA] - Giani Pritam Singh Ji Dhillon 

Mixed Marriages in Our Gurdwaras 

Anita Rani Learns of Shocking Family History 

Sikhs Set Up Langar In ISIS Territory Syria 

Navneet Singh Bains: New Minister of innovation, Science and Economic Development

 

Would you like to become a contributor to the SikhNet News? Here are our editorial guidelines

 

SikhNet Youth Online Film Festival

 

In 2015 SikhNet celebrated its 10th year of hosting the Sikh Youth Online Film Festival. The theme for the festival was Sikhs - Agents of Change.

Over the years, we have received ever more submissions from the Sikh youth in India. They do a fantastic job creating original, inspiring Sikh films in Punjabi. If you have not yet had a chance to see this year’s movies, you can watch them here: SikhNet.com/FilmFestival

 

View the winning films.

 

Special thanks to the MBSK Foundation for sponsoring this year’s SikhNet Youth Online Film Festival.

 

SikhNet Children’s Audio Stories

Always a favorite, SikhNet maintained our library of unique Sikh-inspired audio stories for children. From stories about the history of the Gurus to spiritual stories that illustrate important moral lessons, these audio stories are especially popular with our young SikhNet audience.

 

 

Remember, your donation to SikhNet funds a powerful and effective global initiative for the world-wide Sikh community. Your money helps Sikhs in so many different countries maintain a spiritual connection to their faith, their history and their roots.

SikhNet Redesign

In last year’s Annual Report, we talked about SikhNet getting ready to make a quantum leap. Our 2014 SikhNet user survey gave us a lot of valuable data about what you, our end user, care about most. Even though it may not be visible on the surface of the SikhNet website this year, we have focused on creating the blueprints for SikhNet’s reinvention and updating our infrastructure to support our new design. Some projects simply take time to think through and research, and we definitely want to get this reinvention right! When SikhNet launches its new interface, we want you to feel excited about it.

 

Internal Fundraising and Accounting Systems

Here at SikhNet, we recognize that every single donation which comes to us, belongs to the Guru and is to be used for the Guru’s work. In 2015, we continued to implement a much more sophisticated accounting and donor management system. This back-end system gives us a more precise way to track expenses across various projects. It also allows us to serve you, our donor, even better. These types of projects remain pretty much invisible to the SikhNet audience, yet they do take time, expertise, and money to implement, providing a foundation for SikhNet’s growth into the future.

 

Only Because of You

Hundreds of thousands of Sikhs from so many different countries receive inspiration and hope from the services provided by SikhNet. In a world filled with so much pain and darkness, the Guru’s Light is shining online. But none of this is possible without YOU. Your generous support gives Sikhs around the world an open, tolerant forum to experience the beauty and grace of the Sikh tradition; and to find peace and the Divine within themselves. Help SikhNet grow into our next 20 years. Please give generously today.

 

 

Please take a few moments right now to support the work that SikhNet is blessed to do by giving a portion of your Dasvandh to SikhNet. We need to raise $350,000 by the end of the year to keep SikhNet 'on the air' and serving the cyber-sangat.

 

If you come to SikhNet regularly, consider becoming a monthly donor. Thank you.

 

SikhNet, Inc is a tax-exempt IRS registered 501c(3) non-profit charitable organization.