The interesting phenomena of Sikh 'camps' or 'samelans' appears to have reached a critical stage in this parts of the world - arbitrarily called Australasia - Australia and surrounding countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, New Zealand and Australia. Initially called 'Sikh youth camp' ('naujawan samelan'), they are now mostly called and are, 'Sikh family camp' ('pervarak samelan').
I have been involved with such 'camps' for fifty years now. I can say that with some certainty as we just celebrated the 50th. anniversary of the 'Annual Samelan' in Malaysia in December, followed by a 'youth camp' in Singapore. After that, in early January there was one in Sydney Australia, and now one coming up this weekend in Melbourne, Australia my home town/city.
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Over the years it was discovered that 'parents' knew even less about Sikhi than the youth!!! So, over the last five odd years, these camps have now evolved into 'family' camps where special classes and interaction sessions are held for parents too.
This 'camp' culture in these parts has to be credited to Malaysian Sikhs as they have been doing them for at least 50 years that I know of. (I was a participant in the first one in Port Dickson in Malaysia, in 1963). And 'they' have been instrumental in introducing these camps to Australasia per se. Due to their initiatives such 'camps' now take place in Indonesia, Phillipines, Sabah/Sarawak, Thailand and also Perth in Australia besides Sydney and Melbourne, regularly.
Sydney has got this down to a fine art celebrating 17 years this year - again run mainly by Malaysian Sikhs. The similar camp in Auckland, New Zealand has been sporadic without much interest perhaps due to the fact that there are only very few Malaysian Sikhs there. The ones which do take place are organised by a Yadhvinder Singh - from ... you guessed it - MALAYSIA!
Melbourne has had a sporadic run too but more consistent than New Zealand. Here, strangely enough there are plenty of Malaysian Sikhs, but only a handful who are interested. There is also, sadly, some infighting as to how these camps need to be run. Anyway, on a Chardhi Kala note - that infighting has led to a number of different camps - from rather rigid 'gurmatt' camps with very early morning 'wake ups' and days full of gurmatt instruction and little play time for the participants to camps which frown upon any kind of gurmatt coaching, but all fun and games and families just spending time together - with family and friends!
Nevertheless, one sewadhar, Sarjit Singh, has almost singlehandedly, and doggedly, continued through all kinds of adversity, to continue doing his sterling sewa. Another one, also Malaysian, is Swaran Singh who runs his own camp. They run camps along the 'Malaysian model' - instruction on gurmatt, kirtan and inspirational sessions in darbar, afternoons filled with play-time and extra classes for adults, and nightly sublime darbars!
Sarjit Singh and his team have now forged ahead. A strong team is now in place. Again mostly Malaysians, they are Jusbir Singh, Nalvinder Kaur, Dharminder Kaur and hubby Amardeep; Dr. Areena and round-the-clock sewadhar hubby Malvin Singh Malli; Kaldeep- logistics; Rajkeerat, Balvinder Singh - kirtan; Justin Bal - sports; lawyer Jagdeep Shergill - posters, etc.; Baljit Singh, Mata Jaswant Kaur and son-in-law Jasvinder - langgar sewa; Gurmail Singh from Tarniet and Nursing sister Paramjit Kaur manning the medical services.
Master Darshan Singh Ji - our grand old master is always there giving full moral support. Bless him. His mere presence is so uplifting!
Facilitators, again mainly Malaysian are S. Hari Singh Ji from New Zealand; the ever-geen 'Raja' Harcharanjit Singh from Malaysia and kirtania-extraordinaire Gurmukh Singh. Also attending and facilitatiing are husband/wife team of Kesh and Sukhdarshan Singh from Malaysia. I will also lend a hand. Singaporean, now residing in Melbourne, Jasbir Singh Suropada is a valuable addition to our team here.
We are looking forward to an exciting long-weekend from Friday to Monday 7-10 March. If you are close by - drop in, and be uplifted.
Once in a while, periodically, we need an injection of concentrated 'sangat'. These camps are the ideal answer and we are very grateful for that opportunity.
Besides instructing our youth and parents on Sikhi, these camps are also opportunities for Sikhs to get together socially. Some travel far distances to attend these camps with their children. Some have made them the main activities to attend during their holidays for obvious reasons. Youth increase their network of Sikh friends by attending such camps.
I have also noticed numerous 'grahast' (marriage) alliances which came about at these camps! I must make mention of the latest - one which gives me great pleasure! Harmandhar Jot Singh of the Chardhi Kala Kirteni Jatha of USA is getting married to a lovely young lady from Malaysia - another alliance from such youth camps!
With Guru Jis grace such 'camps' will become even more prolific and further benefit our younger generations into the future.
Dya Singh
5 James Street
Noble Park, Victoria 3174
Australia Tel: +613 95478958
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Dya Singh with other respected GurSikhs from New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia are hosting a 'Sikh Family Camp' this weekend including a free 'Sikh Youth Day' on Sunday. To register: http://www.sikhnaujawanmelbourne.com.au/
