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'''Dera Sacha Sauda''' ({{lang-pa|ਡੇਰਾ ਸੱਚਾ ਸੌਦਾ}}, {{lang-hi|डेरा सच्चा सौदा}}), colloquially the '''DSS''' is a non-profit ] organization based in ], ], ]. The Dera Sacha Sauda was established by Shah Mastana Ji from ] in 1948, as a center for spiritual learning. It has come under criticism '''Dera Sacha Sauda''' ({{lang-pa|ਡੇਰਾ ਸੱਚਾ ਸੌਦਾ}}, {{lang-hi|डेरा सच्चा सौदा}}) is a non-profit ] organization based in ], ], ]. The Dera Sacha Sauda was established by Shah Mastana Ji from ] in 1948, as a center for spiritual learning, based upon liberal theology that was in disagreement with established orthodox religions and philosophies. It espouses the ], ] or ] tradition in which Saints from all religions agree that a True Guru is required to teach the meditation for self realisation.


The emphasis is on humanitarianism and the Dera has members belonging to all religions. The organization does not accept any gifts, alms or donations. The people who come to Dera work in the agricultural fields and the income from the produce is utilized for social welfare activities like Bihar flood in 2008 and 2004, Rajasthan drought from 2000 to 2003, Punjab cyclone in 2003, Tribal Welfare 2001 - 2003, Gujrat Earthquake in Jan 2001, Orissa cyclone in November 1999 and many more. The emphasis is on humanitarianism and the Dera has members belonging to all religions. The organization does not accept any gifts, alms or donations. The people who come to Dera work in the agricultural fields and the income from the produce is utilized for social welfare activities like Bihar flood in 2008 and 2004, Rajasthan drought from 2000 to 2003, Punjab cyclone in 2003, Tribal Welfare 2001 - 2003, Gujrat Earthquake in Jan 2001, Orissa cyclone in November 1999 and many more.


==Etymology== ==Etymology==
The name ''Sacha Sauda'' (true business) refers to an incident in the life of ]. Some historical sources tell of how, when Guru Nanak Dev was 12 years old, his father gave him twenty rupees (a substantial sum of money in those days) and instructed him to conduct a business operation in order that he make a profit and learn business skills. Guru Nanak used the money to buy food to feed the poor, and explained to his father that in doing so he had done a "true business".<ref></ref> The name ''Sacha Sauda'' (true business) refers to an incident in the life of ]. Some historical sources tell of how, when Guru Nanak Dev was 12 years old, his father gave him twenty rupees (a substantial sum of money in those days) and instructed him to conduct a business operation in order that he make a profit and learn business skills. Guru Nanak used the money to buy food to feed the poor, and explained to his father that in doing so he had done a "true business". Sacha Sauda is believed to be the place where this took place.<ref></ref>
==History==
Dera Sacha Sauda was established in 1948 by Shah Mastana from Baluchistan who focused on attracting followers from different backgrounds.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fline/fl1926/stories/20030103003404000.htm|title=Godman under a cloud|last=RAJALAKSHMI|first=T.K.|date=December 21, 2002 - January 03, 2003|work=]|accessdate=7 March 2011}}</ref> His successor, Shah Satnam, opened branches in several different states and continued his work. Under the current head, ], it began acquiring large amounts of agricultural land ''much of it allegedly by coercion''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fline/fl1926/stories/20030103003404000.htm|title=Godman under a cloud|last=RAJALAKSHMI|first=T.K.|date=December 21, 2002 - January 03, 2003|work=]|accessdate=7 March 2011}}</ref> The Dera has officially stated it's income comes from agricultural work done by its followers but ] newspaper found gas stations, supermarkets, a "revolving restaurant", a biscuit factory, and an ice factory under the ownership of the Dera.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fline/fl1926/stories/20030103003404000.htm|title=Godman under a cloud|last=RAJALAKSHMI|first=T.K.|date=December 21, 2002 - January 03, 2003|work=]|accessdate=7 March 2011}}</ref>


==Principles and positions== ==Principles and positions==
The official principles of the sect laid down by Shah Mastana are ], ], no acceptance of materialistic wealth, and truth and faith over everything else, meditation to road of truth, no politics, strict individual discipline, strict social discipline, hard work, true faith and meditation to escape from re-births (]).<ref></ref> The official principles of the sect laid down by Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan are ], ], no acceptance of materialistic wealth, and truth and faith over everything else, meditation to road of truth, no politics, strict individual discipline, strict social discipline, hard work, true faith and meditation to escape from re-births (]).<ref></ref>
A of Dera Sacha Sauda can be found on its website.


==Business and Welfare activities== ==Welfare activities==
According to the Dera Sacha Sauda, the organization's main income is through agriculture, however according to ] newspaper it also runs gas stations, supermarkets, a "revolving restaurant", a biscuit factory, and an ice factory.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fline/fl1926/stories/20030103003404000.htm|title=Godman under a cloud|last=RAJALAKSHMI|first=T.K.|date=December 21, 2002 - January 03, 2003|work=]|accessdate=7 March 2011}}</ref> It also runs a 175 bed hospital in ], ], which is the birth place of it's leader, Ram Rahim, along with a hostel for girls, a boys school and a degree college in Haryana. According to the Dera Sacha Sauda, the organization's main income is through agriculture. It also runs a 175 bed hospital in ], ], which is the birth place of Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, along with a hostel for girls, a boys school and a degree college in Haryana. Organization is also involved in several other entrepreneurial activities like a petrol pump, biscuit factory, ice factory, restaurant and a supermarket.


===Green S Welfare Force=== ===Green S Welfare Force===
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In 2004 the Parampita Shah Satnam ji Educational and Welfare Society, which is affiliated with Dera Sacha Sauda, built the Shah Satnam ji Cricket Stadium in Sirsa, Haryana. Using a workforce of 10,000, the stadium was said to have been built in 45 days and have a capacity of 30,000.<ref name = "Hindu06Sep">{{cite news|title= A medal for this stadium |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/09/06/stories/2004090600550201.htm |publisher=] |date=2004-09-06|accessdate=2007-05-17}}</ref> It is spread over 100 ]s, which would make the second largest in Asia.<ref name = "Tribune07Sep">{{cite news|title=Cricket stadium |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040907/sports.htm|publisher= ] |date= 2004-09-07|accessdate=2007-05-17}}</ref> In 2004 the Parampita Shah Satnam ji Educational and Welfare Society, which is affiliated with Dera Sacha Sauda, built the Shah Satnam ji Cricket Stadium in Sirsa, Haryana. Using a workforce of 10,000, the stadium was said to have been built in 45 days and have a capacity of 30,000.<ref name = "Hindu06Sep">{{cite news|title= A medal for this stadium |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/09/06/stories/2004090600550201.htm |publisher=] |date=2004-09-06|accessdate=2007-05-17}}</ref> It is spread over 100 ]s, which would make the second largest in Asia.<ref name = "Tribune07Sep">{{cite news|title=Cricket stadium |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040907/sports.htm|publisher= ] |date= 2004-09-07|accessdate=2007-05-17}}</ref>


==Attacks by terrorist's==
==Controversies==
===Plume Controversy===
In May 2007 Ram Rahim Singh and his organisation, ] were the target of widespread protests, following an incident in which Ram Rahim Singh appeared in an advert dressed in a way which Sikhs said was similar to the last Sikh Guru, ].<ref name = "BBC17May">{{cite news |first=Sunil |last=Raman |title= India tensions over Sikh protests |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6667219.stm|publisher= ]|date=2007-05-17 |accessdate=2007-05-17}}</ref> One person was killed in the violence and over 100 injured.<ref name = "Hindu19May">{{cite news |title= Punjab limping back to normalcy, isolated protests |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200705191801.htm|publisher= ]|date=2007-05-19 |accessdate=2007-05-25}}</ref>
On 20 May 2007, a press release by the organization expressed regret and offered an apology addressed to the tenth Sikh Guru<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ibnlive.com/news/dera-sauda-regrets-hurting-sikhs/40927-3.html | title = Dera Sauda regrets hurting Sikhs | publisher = CNN-IBN Live | accessdate=2007-05-20}}</ref> A second apology was published on 27 May 2007.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070013432 | title = Dera Sauda again apologize | publisher = NDTV |accessdate=2007-05-27}}</ref> However, both apologies were rejected by the ], the supreme spiritual and temporal seat of the Sikhs.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.ibnlive.com/news/dera-apology-akal-takht-unsatisfied/top/41601-3.html?xml | title = Dera Sauda again apology Rejected By Akal Takht publisher = CNN-IBN |accessdate=2007-05-29}}</ref> On June 20, 2007 an arrest warrant against Ram Rahim Singh was issued on the matter.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070621/ |title=Arrest warrant against dera chief |work=tribuneindia.com |accessdate=1 August 2010 |date = June 20, 2007}}</ref> This was followed by a third apology, this time to the entire Sikh community, signed personally by Ram Rahum Singh.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070621/main5.htm#2 |title=Fresh apology, this time to Sikhs |work=tribuneindia.com |accessdate=1 August 2010|date = June 20, 2007}}</ref>


Members of all religions and castes are allowed to become members of Dera Sacha Sauda. But it appears that some communal minded political outfits plotted a conspiracy to create a rift amongst narrow minded sections. In May 2007 a few radical Clergy alleged that Dera Sacha Sauda chief,Saint Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan , had impersonated the last Sikh Guru ] as well as established a new faith in the same manner and procedure as done by ] ] on the day of ] to form the ] panth. "<ref name = "BBC17May">{{cite news |first=Sunil |last=Raman |title= India tensions over Sikh protests |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6667219.stm|publisher= BBC News|date=2007-05-17 |accessdate=2007-05-17}}</ref> Dera Sacha Sauda denied copying anyone's attire. This controversy developed into a serious law-and-order problem in various parts of Northern India, as various radical groups started sectarian violence, shutdown of market places and disrupted public rail and road transport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/sikhs-sponsored-shutdown-disrupts-rail-road-traffic-in-punjab_10074857.html |title=Sikhs-sponsored shutdown disrupts rail, road traffic in Punjab |publisher=Thaindian.com |date=2008-07-23 |accessdate=2011-01-29}}</ref> At least one person was killed, and over a hundred injured in the ensuing six days of sectarian violence."<ref name = "Hindu19May">{{cite news |title= Punjab limping back to normalcy, isolated protests |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200705191801.htm|publisher= ]|date=2007-05-19 |accessdate=2007-05-25}}</ref>
On July 16, 2007 Ram Rahim Singh was attacked by a mob, but escaped unhurt.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://ibnlive.in.com/news/dera-chief-attacked-by-mob-near-sirsa-escapes-unhurt/45040-3.html?from=prestory |title=Dera chief attacked by mob near Sirsa, escapes unhurt - India News - IBNLive |work=ibnlive.in.com |accessdate=1 August 2010 | date = July 16, 2007}}</ref>
There was no regret from the communal extremist's for vandalizing the public property and the stage managed rioting that followed the event of controversial dress.

On the other hand in favor of peace and harmony, Dera Sacha Sauda released a press note expressing that it that it deeply regretted if any sentiments were inadvertently hurt. The sect admitted that the ad did create some misunderstandings, but it was never intended to hurt the sentiments of any religion.The so called apology also mentioned that the sect always respected people from every religion, caste and creed irrespective of color or race.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ibnlive.com/news/dera-sauda-regrets-hurting-sikhs/40927-3.html | title = Dera Sauda regrets hurting Sikhs | publisher = CNN-IBN Live | accessdate=2007-05-20}}</ref> The organization again apologized on 27 May 2007 saying, ''"We are pained by the developments of the last several days. We are sorry for the misunderstanding and would like to apologize to revered Shri ]."''<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070013432 | title = Dera Sauda again apologize | publisher = NDTV |accessdate=2007-05-27}}</ref> However ] rejected the apology, saying it was dissatisfied with the manner since the apology was directed to the Guru and not to them. The apology was addressed to ], and not Akal Takht, as the supreme Sikh body had been demanding.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.ibnlive.com/news/dera-apology-akal-takht-unsatisfied/top/41601-3.html?xml | title = Dera Sauda again apology Rejected By Akal Takth | publisher = CNN-IBN |accessdate=2007-05-29}}</ref> Again another apology note was sent which was addressed to Akal Takht along with ] as was being demanded earlier , but it was also rejected. On 20 June 2007, additional chief judicial magistrate A.L. Kitchi issued an arrest warrant against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in connection with a dress worn by him under Section 295-A of the IPC on May 20 in Bathinda.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070621/main5.htm | title = Arrest warrant against dera chief
On June 21, 2008 there were renewed protests after three members of ]'s bodyguard opened fire on protesters. Several organiations demanded Ram Rahim Singh's arrest again.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/jun/21dera.htm |title=Sikh protestors call off agitation |work=rediff.com |accessdate=1 August 2010| date=June 21, 2008}}</ref>
| publisher = ]|accessdate=2007-06-21}}</ref> The arrest warrant was stayed by Chandigarh High Court as a perinicious attack upon personal liberty of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
===Sexual harassment and murder cases===
==Other issues==
In 2002 Ram Rahim Singh and Dera were under investigation in connection with the murder of a journalist Ram Chander Chatrapati and charges of sexual exploitation of women followers of the sect.<ref name=frontline>{{Cite web |url= http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1926/stories/20030103003404000.htm |title=Godman under a cloud |work=hinduonnet.com |accessdate=1 August 2010 |publisher=frontline |date=January 3, 2003}}</ref> Allegations started in May 2002 after an anonymous letter alleging sexual exploitation was addressed to the Prime Minister and its copies had been marked to the Union Home Minister, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Haryana Chief Minister, the Sirsa Superintendent of Police, the National Human Rights Commission, newspapers and women's and social organisations. Chatrapati wrote about the Dera's activities since then. Chatrapati was shot on October 24 and died on November 21.<ref name=frontline/>
In 2007 Majority of Dera followers voted for the Congress party, which forms the opposition in Punjab. The huge losses in votes infuriated ruling Akali Dal Party. Following the elections several factions of ruling Akali Dal and other AfPak based terror groups threatened to kill Dera chief. After he received some death threats from punjab militant groups like Khalistan Commando Force and other radical sikh groups, Indian government decided to provide him with Z+ security.<ref>{{cite web|author=Agencies |url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=87779 |title=Z plus security cover for Dera chief |publisher=Express India |date=2007-06-06 |accessdate=2011-01-29}}</ref>

A false case was implicated on Dera Sacha Sauda Chief for the murder of a journalist, Ram Chandra Chatrapati.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oceanofweb.com/news/conspiracy-30-lakhs-inr-deface-baba-ram-rahim-ji.html |title=Conspiracy of 30 lakhs INR taken to deface Baba Ram Rahim Ji |publisher=Oceanofweb.com |date=2010-12-18 |accessdate=2011-01-29}}</ref> In February 2010 CBI filed a charge sheet against dera chief in Special CBI court, Ambala. The judgment of Special CBI court came in December 2010 in which the Dera chief was given clean chit in all the charges in the murder case. No witness in his statements gave any evidence against the Dera chief.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/dera-sacha-sauda-chief-gets-clean-chit-in-murder-case/719000/ |title=Dera Sacha Sauda chief gets clean chit in murder case |publisher=Indianexpress.com |date=2010-12-02 |accessdate=2011-01-29}}</ref> CBI also observed that Rs. 30 Lakh was given by unknown persons from Haryana and Punjab to khatta singh, former dera follower and dera chief's former driver and two electronic media channels(] and ] ) for spreading blasphemy against Dera chief by involving him in the false murder cases. <ref>http://www.amarujala.com/city/ambala/Ambala-6441-53.html</ref> ,<ref> http://www2.amarujala.com/national/Dearamukie%2520clean%2520chit%2520by%2520the%2520CBI%2520court-7111.html</ref> Earlier Khatta Singh had falsely alleged murder charges against dera chief before a magistrate in a court.
On August 1, 2007 was accused with the Chatrapati murder, the murder of Dera manager Ranjit Singh and sexual harassment.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.indiadaily.org/entry/cbi-charges-dera-head-in-2-murder-cases-one-rape-case/ |title=CBI Charges Dera Head For Murder, Rape - India Daily |work=indiadaily.org |accessdate=August 1, 2010 | date=August 1, 2007}}</ref> He appeared before court on October 4, 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.indiadaily.org/entry/dera-chief-appears-before-ambala-court-in-1-rape-2-murder-cases/ |title=Dera Chief Appears Before Ambala Court In 1 Rape, 2 Murder Cases - India Daily |work=indiadaily.org |accessdate=1 August 2010|date=October 4, 2007}}</ref>


==References== ==References==

Revision as of 11:46, 9 March 2011

Dera Sacha Sauda (Template:Lang-pa, Template:Lang-hi) is a non-profit spiritual organization based in Sirsa, Haryana, India. The Dera Sacha Sauda was established by Shah Mastana Ji from Baluchistan in 1948, as a center for spiritual learning, based upon liberal theology that was in disagreement with established orthodox religions and philosophies. It espouses the Sufi, Bhakti or Ruhani tradition in which Saints from all religions agree that a True Guru is required to teach the meditation for self realisation.

The emphasis is on humanitarianism and the Dera has members belonging to all religions. The organization does not accept any gifts, alms or donations. The people who come to Dera work in the agricultural fields and the income from the produce is utilized for social welfare activities like Bihar flood in 2008 and 2004, Rajasthan drought from 2000 to 2003, Punjab cyclone in 2003, Tribal Welfare 2001 - 2003, Gujrat Earthquake in Jan 2001, Orissa cyclone in November 1999 and many more.

Etymology

The name Sacha Sauda (true business) refers to an incident in the life of Guru Nanak Dev. Some historical sources tell of how, when Guru Nanak Dev was 12 years old, his father gave him twenty rupees (a substantial sum of money in those days) and instructed him to conduct a business operation in order that he make a profit and learn business skills. Guru Nanak used the money to buy food to feed the poor, and explained to his father that in doing so he had done a "true business". Sacha Sauda is believed to be the place where this took place.

Principles and positions

The official principles of the sect laid down by Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan are secularism, equality, no acceptance of materialistic wealth, and truth and faith over everything else, meditation to road of truth, no politics, strict individual discipline, strict social discipline, hard work, true faith and meditation to escape from re-births (Moksha). A complete list of the principles of Dera Sacha Sauda can be found on its website.

Welfare activities

According to the Dera Sacha Sauda, the organization's main income is through agriculture. It also runs a 175 bed hospital in Ganganagar, Rajasthan, which is the birth place of Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, along with a hostel for girls, a boys school and a degree college in Haryana. Organization is also involved in several other entrepreneurial activities like a petrol pump, biscuit factory, ice factory, restaurant and a supermarket.

Green S Welfare Force

Shah Satnam Ji Green-S Welfare Force – With the aim of dedicated selfless service to humanity in distress, Guru Ji ( Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan ) has constituted a specialized disaster relief and welfare agency called Shah Satnam Ji Green-S Welfare Force Society. Numbering more than 35,000, this unique endeavor involves experienced Doctors, qualified Engineers, trained rescuers, paramedics, electricians, masons, reconstruction workers, and people of various trades required in humanitarian aid missions. This force has helped victims of various natural disasters that happened in India in last decade in every possible manner.

Annual Free Eye Camp

In the pious and everlasting memory of the worldly voyage of Param Pita Shah Satnam ji, II Spiritual Master of Dera Sacha Sauda, a Free Mega Eye Camp is organized on December 13–14-15 annually. In a gesture of magnanimity the present spiritual Master, embarked on an endeavor of social service. Presently, senior surgeons of national and international repute extend their services during the camp. Guru ji supervises this effort to the minutest detail.Eye Camp

Anti Female Feticide Campaign

Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh started campaign against Female Feticide. Organization has also built 'Shahi Betiyan Basera' for the orphan girls who were to be killed by their parents.Shahi Betiyan Basera

Blood donation drives

Dera Sacha Sauda has been recognized thrice by Guinness World Records for massive blood donation camps:

  1. A camp conducted by Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan in Sirsa, Haryana on 7 December 2003, in which 15,432 donors participated in merely 12 hours.Shah Satnam JI Blood Donation Camp
  2. A camp in a Bapu Ji village, Sri Ganganagar, India on 10 October 2004 in which 17,921 donors participated.
  3. A mega Blood donation Camp was organized at Dera Sacha Sauda Sirsa, Haryana on 8 August 2010, in which 43,732 donors participated. Largest Blood Donation Camp

Anti drug initiatives

Dera Sacha Sauda also runs a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre in Sirsa, where scores of people have been treated. Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh ji Insan started a Drug Prevention Campaign against the use of intoxicants and inspires people to give up their drug addiction in every spiritual congregation. People willing to give up their addiction stay in Dera Sacha Sauda for seven days and medical treatment is available for them free of cost. The institution sees chemical dependency (Drug Addiction) as a behavior disorder and encourages the addicts to bring about a positive change in their personality.

Unprecedented Steps Against Prostitution

In November 2009 Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh ji Insan called on his followers to counter the menace of prostitution, and to help sex-workers escape a "life of perpetual slavery".Appeal Over 1450 followers were reported to have responded to the call and offered to marry sex-workers to "help them escape their dreary existence". In 25th Jan 2010, on the occasion of the birthday congregation of the previous Saint Param Pita Shah Satnam Singh Ji; Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan has solemnized the marriages of five ex-sex workers with Dera members who have vowed to eradicate forced prostitution.Marriage Video The marriages were solemnized in front of millions of devotees from all over the world gathered at Dera Sacha Sauda to cheer and be witness of this history in making. Guru ji designated these women as ‘Shubh Devi’ means holy angel. Expressing happiness the family of ‘Bhagat Yodhas’ donated 3.33lakhs Rupees for Shah Satnam Ji Green ‘S’ Welfare Force fund and also vowed to donate eyes and body for medical research purpose.Interview of Bhakt Yodha Guru ji showered eternal blessings and Rs.25,000 to each newly wedded pair to start the fresh beginning in their life.Online Awareness Programme

Plantation Drive

Dera Sacha Sauda Celebrated Birth Day of Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan by Planting Trees and Setting Up Tree Plantation World Record.

After celebrating birth month of Huzur Pita Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan in form of a blood donation camp where 43,732 units of blood was collected, Dera Sacha Sauda celebrated birth day (15 August 2010) of Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan by planting more than 43 Lakhs trees worldwide.

His Holiness Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan inaugurated this in morning by planting a "Neem" tree with his pious hands. On this occasion, members of royal family, royal daughters, residents of Aasra Ashram and all Celibate Volunteers of Dera Sacha Sauda ( Sat Brahmchari Sevadar) participated in this noble work. Guinness Book World Record Tree Plantation

Encouraging education and sports

In 2004 the Parampita Shah Satnam ji Educational and Welfare Society, which is affiliated with Dera Sacha Sauda, built the Shah Satnam ji Cricket Stadium in Sirsa, Haryana. Using a workforce of 10,000, the stadium was said to have been built in 45 days and have a capacity of 30,000. It is spread over 100 acres, which would make the second largest in Asia.

Attacks by terrorist's

Members of all religions and castes are allowed to become members of Dera Sacha Sauda. But it appears that some communal minded political outfits plotted a conspiracy to create a rift amongst narrow minded sections. In May 2007 a few radical Clergy alleged that Dera Sacha Sauda chief,Saint Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan , had impersonated the last Sikh Guru Gobind Singh as well as established a new faith in the same manner and procedure as done by Guru Gobind Singh on the day of vaisakhi to form the Khalsa panth. " Dera Sacha Sauda denied copying anyone's attire. This controversy developed into a serious law-and-order problem in various parts of Northern India, as various radical groups started sectarian violence, shutdown of market places and disrupted public rail and road transport. At least one person was killed, and over a hundred injured in the ensuing six days of sectarian violence." There was no regret from the communal extremist's for vandalizing the public property and the stage managed rioting that followed the event of controversial dress. On the other hand in favor of peace and harmony, Dera Sacha Sauda released a press note expressing that it that it deeply regretted if any sentiments were inadvertently hurt. The sect admitted that the ad did create some misunderstandings, but it was never intended to hurt the sentiments of any religion.The so called apology also mentioned that the sect always respected people from every religion, caste and creed irrespective of color or race. The organization again apologized on 27 May 2007 saying, "We are pained by the developments of the last several days. We are sorry for the misunderstanding and would like to apologize to revered Shri Guru Gobind Singh." However Akal Takht rejected the apology, saying it was dissatisfied with the manner since the apology was directed to the Guru and not to them. The apology was addressed to Guru Gobind Singh, and not Akal Takht, as the supreme Sikh body had been demanding. Again another apology note was sent which was addressed to Akal Takht along with Guru Gobind Singh as was being demanded earlier , but it was also rejected. On 20 June 2007, additional chief judicial magistrate A.L. Kitchi issued an arrest warrant against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in connection with a dress worn by him under Section 295-A of the IPC on May 20 in Bathinda. The arrest warrant was stayed by Chandigarh High Court as a perinicious attack upon personal liberty of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

Other issues

In 2007 Majority of Dera followers voted for the Congress party, which forms the opposition in Punjab. The huge losses in votes infuriated ruling Akali Dal Party. Following the elections several factions of ruling Akali Dal and other AfPak based terror groups threatened to kill Dera chief. After he received some death threats from punjab militant groups like Khalistan Commando Force and other radical sikh groups, Indian government decided to provide him with Z+ security. A false case was implicated on Dera Sacha Sauda Chief for the murder of a journalist, Ram Chandra Chatrapati. In February 2010 CBI filed a charge sheet against dera chief in Special CBI court, Ambala. The judgment of Special CBI court came in December 2010 in which the Dera chief was given clean chit in all the charges in the murder case. No witness in his statements gave any evidence against the Dera chief. CBI also observed that Rs. 30 Lakh was given by unknown persons from Haryana and Punjab to khatta singh, former dera follower and dera chief's former driver and two electronic media channels(India TV and Tehelka ) for spreading blasphemy against Dera chief by involving him in the false murder cases. , Earlier Khatta Singh had falsely alleged murder charges against dera chief before a magistrate in a court.

References

  1. sikh-history.com
  2. derasachasauda.org
  3. "Disaster Relief Organization". Shah Satnam Ji Green S Welfare Force Society. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  4. Green S Welfare Force
  5. Largest Blood Donation, Guinness World Records. Accessed: May 17, 2007.
  6. Ahuja, Abhishek. "A Day at Dera Sacha Sauda". {{cite web}}: Text "Accessed: June 10, 2007" ignored (help)
  7. "Principles". Dera Sacha Sauda. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  8. Sethi, Swati (14 November 2009). "Dera followers offer to wed sex workers". The Times of India. Retrieved 16 December 2009.
  9. "Indian sect members vow to marry sex workers - Manchester News". Manchesterwired.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  10. "A medal for this stadium". The Hindu. 2004-09-06. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  11. "Cricket stadium". The Tribune. 2004-09-07. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  12. Raman, Sunil (2007-05-17). "India tensions over Sikh protests". BBC News. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  13. "Sikhs-sponsored shutdown disrupts rail, road traffic in Punjab". Thaindian.com. 2008-07-23. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  14. "Punjab limping back to normalcy, isolated protests". The Hindu. 2007-05-19. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  15. "Dera Sauda regrets hurting Sikhs". CNN-IBN Live. Retrieved 2007-05-20.
  16. "Dera Sauda again apologize". NDTV. Retrieved 2007-05-27.
  17. "Dera Sauda again apology Rejected By Akal Takth". CNN-IBN. Retrieved 2007-05-29.
  18. "Arrest warrant against dera chief". Tribune Chandigarh. Retrieved 2007-06-21.
  19. Agencies (2007-06-06). "Z plus security cover for Dera chief". Express India. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  20. "Conspiracy of 30 lakhs INR taken to deface Baba Ram Rahim Ji". Oceanofweb.com. 2010-12-18. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  21. "Dera Sacha Sauda chief gets clean chit in murder case". Indianexpress.com. 2010-12-02. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  22. http://www.amarujala.com/city/ambala/Ambala-6441-53.html
  23. http://www2.amarujala.com/national/Dearamukie%2520clean%2520chit%2520by%2520the%2520CBI%2520court-7111.html

External links

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