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Dera Sacha Sauda

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Dera Sacha Sauda (Template:Lang-pa, Template:Lang-hi), colloquially the DSS 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. It has come under criticism

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".

History

Dera Sacha Sauda was established in 1948 by Shah Mastana from Baluchistan who focused on attracting followers from different backgrounds. His successor, Shah Satnam, opened branches in several different states and continued his work. Under the current head, Ram Rahim, it began acquiring large amounts of agricultural land much of it allegedly by coercion. The Dera has officially stated it's income comes from agricultural work done by its followers but The Hindu newspaper found gas stations, supermarkets, a "revolving restaurant", a biscuit factory, and an ice factory under the ownership of the Dera.

Principles and positions

The official principles of the sect laid down by Shah Mastana 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).

Business and Welfare activities

According to the Dera Sacha Sauda, the organization's main income is through agriculture, however according to The Hindu newspaper it also runs gas stations, supermarkets, a "revolving restaurant", a biscuit factory, and an ice factory. It also runs a 175 bed hospital in Ganganagar, Rajasthan, 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.

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.

Controversies

Plume Controversy

In May 2007 Ram Rahim Singh and his organisation, Dera Sacha Sauda 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, Guru Gobind Singh. One person was killed in the violence and over 100 injured. On 20 May 2007, a press release by the organization expressed regret and offered an apology addressed to the tenth Sikh Guru A second apology was published on 27 May 2007. However, both apologies were rejected by the Akal Takht, the supreme spiritual and temporal seat of the Sikhs. On June 20, 2007 an arrest warrant against Ram Rahim Singh was issued on the matter. This was followed by a third apology, this time to the entire Sikh community, signed personally by Ram Rahum Singh.

On July 16, 2007 Ram Rahim Singh was attacked by a mob, but escaped unhurt.

On June 21, 2008 there were renewed protests after three members of Ram Rahim's bodyguard opened fire on protesters. Several organiations demanded Ram Rahim Singh's arrest again.

Sexual harassment and murder cases

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. 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.

On August 1, 2007 was accused with the Chatrapati murder, the murder of Dera manager Ranjit Singh and sexual harassment. He appeared before court on October 4, 2007.

References

  1. sikh-history.com
  2. RAJALAKSHMI, T.K. (December 21, 2002 - January 03, 2003). "Godman under a cloud". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 March 2011. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. RAJALAKSHMI, T.K. (December 21, 2002 - January 03, 2003). "Godman under a cloud". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 March 2011. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. RAJALAKSHMI, T.K. (December 21, 2002 - January 03, 2003). "Godman under a cloud". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 March 2011. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. derasachasauda.org
  6. RAJALAKSHMI, T.K. (December 21, 2002 - January 03, 2003). "Godman under a cloud". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 March 2011. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. "Disaster Relief Organization". Shah Satnam Ji Green S Welfare Force Society. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  8. Green S Welfare Force
  9. Largest Blood Donation, Guinness World Records. Accessed: May 17, 2007.
  10. Ahuja, Abhishek. "A Day at Dera Sacha Sauda". {{cite web}}: Text "Accessed: June 10, 2007" ignored (help)
  11. "Principles". Dera Sacha Sauda. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  12. Sethi, Swati (14 November 2009). "Dera followers offer to wed sex workers". The Times of India. Retrieved 16 December 2009.
  13. "Indian sect members vow to marry sex workers - Manchester News". Manchesterwired.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  14. "A medal for this stadium". The Hindu. 2004-09-06. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  15. "Cricket stadium". The Tribune. 2004-09-07. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  16. Raman, Sunil (2007-05-17). "India tensions over Sikh protests". BBC News. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  17. "Punjab limping back to normalcy, isolated protests". The Hindu. 2007-05-19. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  18. "Dera Sauda regrets hurting Sikhs". CNN-IBN Live. Retrieved 2007-05-20.
  19. "Dera Sauda again apologize". NDTV. Retrieved 2007-05-27.
  20. "Dera Sauda again apology Rejected By Akal Takht publisher = CNN-IBN". Retrieved 2007-05-29. {{cite web}}: Missing pipe in: |title= (help)
  21. "Arrest warrant against dera chief". tribuneindia.com. June 20, 2007. Retrieved 1 August 2010.
  22. "Fresh apology, this time to Sikhs". tribuneindia.com. June 20, 2007. Retrieved 1 August 2010.
  23. "Dera chief attacked by mob near Sirsa, escapes unhurt - India News - IBNLive". ibnlive.in.com. July 16, 2007. Retrieved 1 August 2010.
  24. "Sikh protestors call off agitation". rediff.com. June 21, 2008. Retrieved 1 August 2010.
  25. ^ "Godman under a cloud". hinduonnet.com. frontline. January 3, 2003. Retrieved 1 August 2010.
  26. "CBI Charges Dera Head For Murder, Rape - India Daily". indiadaily.org. August 1, 2007. Retrieved August 1, 2010.
  27. "Dera Chief Appears Before Ambala Court In 1 Rape, 2 Murder Cases - India Daily". indiadaily.org. October 4, 2007. Retrieved 1 August 2010.

External links

Organization's website:

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