Classical Raag Kirtan

Times are now 7:30 to 8:30pm

Location: Karamsar Gurdwara

400 High Road

Ilford, Essex

Happy New Year!

Nice bindi, eh?! :o)

Perfume - the story of a murderer

Good book.
Reading is far more exciting than watching the film.

How can onemake a film about smell??! Smellovision?!

Baljit Singh and Gurmeet Singh

These two masters were Dad's absolute favourite ragis!

They will be doing kirtan in Karamsar Gurdwara from Thursday 21st - Sunday 24th Dec. Then from Monday 1st to Sunday 7th Jan.

If dad were here, he'd go crazy and probably follow them round the country! hehe!

I remember when they came to Kenya, dad would get up early in the morning and load up all his equipment to record their Asa-di-war.
He recorded all their kirtan while they were in Kenya - I still listen to his tapes (yes tapes, no CD's back then!) nearly every morning.
Brings back some nice warm memories.
Dad has a massive collection of his recordings, must get Himmat to put them onto something more permanent.

Dad has always had a keen interest in raag kirtan. I wonder if I ask Gurmeet Singh Ji nicely if he'll do a shabad dedicated to my daddy?? hmmnn...

Christmas Party

The pic was taken at work before I got ready to go out for the Christmas party on friday. Everything was in a pile and thought it'd make a good photo (well, a good photographer would've made this look more appealing though!!!)

Im like those little school girls who leave the house with their hair in a neat bun, nice long sleeved cardigan with ankle length skirt and not a lick of paint on their innocent lil faces...but as soon as they get near the school the hair turns into something out of Mad Max, somehow the cardi turns into a skimpy dress and out comes the paint paraphernalia! hehe! :D

ah, the annual team bonding Christmas party, which is a great way to be paid to watch your diligent work mates get drunk and disorderly! And boy did they get disorderly! ;o)

Some interesting pics ive come across

"It is our choices, Harry, that show who we truly are, far more than our abilities"

Harry Potter and the chamber of secrets

Geisha!

Valentines Park

Some good shots by Gurcharan

Gurcharan & I like to go for long walks when the weather is nice. Jatinder's lil friends always come to say hellooo! :o)

Don't be fooled by the sun, this is London you know - brrrrr!

Laughter that is infectious!

These were taken at my wedding - his smile and laughter...


Hmnnn...looks like a big smiley podgy teddy bear here! ;o)
Dad with his look-a-like! Well atleat before Dad got his grey whiskers, these two always got mistaken for each other! Papu paaji is Dad's nephew and waaay younger than him - Dad always looked too young for his age!


Dad and his big bro!

Dad showing off his dancing skills!

This has gota be one of my ABSOLUTE FAV photos!!

Although this pic doesn't capture everything - the pange he was getting up to with the kids has ALL been caught on film!! hehe!

Orchids orchids everywhere!

Personally delivered from Thailand!
Such an unusual flower.

Dad's Birthday Party on Sunday 3rd Dec

What better way to celebrate Dad's birthday than with a round of golf, a slap up meal and a homemade very-chocolatey cake!

What started of as a typical nasty wet winter morning, turned out quite sunny and pleasant.
Dad was a master golfer in his day, having won a number of trophies, prizes and cash in competitions. Himmat and I would trotter along as his caddies, well not quite, his golf clubs were twice the size we were! But I remember it just being hours of fun in the sun, when we were allowed to tag along!

Gurch is the boss when it comes to ordering the meals at restaurants! Good food is a speciality of his, in fact, to some he is simply known as Mr Finely Tuned Tastebuds!

As far as Himmat goes, his speciality is EATING!!! (you can just make out his face, but most importantly, his large hands and nearly empty plate of food!)

The man of the match showing off his scores!




Himmat, concentrating rather hard on the ball. He is usually the champion golfer...uhum...not this time matey!!!

Kayaking Super Stud

row row row your boat...! :o)

Choo choo train! Part 2

Cont...

Where is the next station? No joke – I REALLY CANNOT hold out any longer! The station finally arrived, doors finally opened and I managed to stumble out. A quick survey was not promising, not a bench in site to collapse on. Next best thing, a grubby pole which I clung on to for dear life! Ahh the cool fresh morning air (be it slightly…uhum…largely polluted) rushed through my ravenous lungs. ‘Arh you aall rhight?’ inquired the American. Aha, its my Good Samaritan, finally here. ‘Yes, fine, thank you’ I managed weakly with a forced smile. Funny how everyone else did nothing but stare. But I couldn’t care less, I had bigger problems. ‘It can get prrhetty hot in there. Do you need any help?’ Oh the kindness of strangers. Thank God nice people still exist. ‘No im fine,thanks’ and with that, my little friend left. He realised I just needed a moment. There were no benches, so I was simply sprawled on the platform, this was no time for etiquette. After what seemed an eternity, the breathing slowly got back to normality. The nausea ceased. The body was gaining its strength. There will be no black out today!

I gathered my strength, shuffled off to the nearest shop and bought a Kit Kat. A good an excuse as any to get a quick bout of energy. My hands were still trembling and the man behind the counter stared at me curiously. Im sure he must have thought I was just another junkie (the area I was in does not quite have a good reputation). Fully confident I could make the next couple of stops to the office, and the bus ride + walk that would follow, I jumped back on to the next train and luckily got a seat.

And here I am, still not 100%, but at least not passed out on a cold wet platform! Thank you kind American sir – at least there is one person who will not just walk past.
What a strange experience – never happened to me before. Hmmnn…wonder what it was – still cant figure it out. Am I getting old? It is a Monday thing? Did the evil train do this? Any ideas?

Now, if only I can make sure the journey home is not as eventful!

Choo choo train! Part 1

Choo choo train!

I left the car at home today and felt brave enough to risk the perils of public transport to commute to work. This is no mean feat, what with a (very irregular) train ride, a tube, a bus and finally a fair bit of walking to reach my destination, not to mention the signature dull grey skies and bitter winds that make London an oh so ‘delightful’ city (and you wonder why I opt for the car – im all for going green but this journey twice a day everyday is asking for trouble of the cardiac variety). Little did I know what adventure awaited me on my innocent little journey.

The voyage started harmlessly – just the usual tedious wait at all the stations, the elbows and bags threatening to create craters in squeegee body parts, the overpowering aftershave, perfume, body odour of fellow commuters and my favourite – the ‘freshie’ who just does not get the concept of ‘My Personal Space’!

Here I was, diligently reading my Harry Potter and quite impressively getting through the journey when a rather peculiar thing happened! Completely out of the blue, I broke out into a sweat and started hyperventilating. No, not because my dream car drove past! And certainly not because some cute guy jumped on next to me…im a MARRIED WOMAN (happily married, might I add)!! Good heavens, what should I do??! I can feel myself slowly loosing conscious – all I can see is blankets of black flashing before my eyes. Legs are about to fail me any minute now…what is happening to me???!! Oh Good Lord, is this the end? I promise I will never say another bad word about public transport, save me from the wrath of this evil train! The breathing is now getting more and more rapid and laboured. That didn’t work. What to do??! Do I ask for help? Do I press the ominous ‘red button’? The one that you always wanted to press – now is my chance, do it Preet, do it!! Alas, I have no energy left!

By now im in serious need of a Good Samaritan. What if I throw up on the smart lady standing beside me, ewww – nasty! I AM going to pass out if I don’t get out of this horrib……er…nice train! I NEED to get out of this train – sweat pouring down my back – muster up all your strength and move to the door, the next station is not too far (oh please let the next station not be too far) – entire body is now trembling uncontrollably – walk, slide, waddle to the door, I need support, where is the railing? Blast, a very unfriendly looking teenager is standing in front of it. I have no choice, I actually lunge for his arm. He is NOT very happy, but said nothing (thank God). Poor kid couldn’t understand why this funny little girl (er… think im supposed to qualify as a woman now, more like aunty – eek) kept tugging on his jacket! Quite funny actually – but not at the time! At the time I was cursing myself for not doing my Nitnem!

to be cont...

Dad's Birthday on Sunday!

Hey its Dad's Birthday this Sunday 3rd Dec.
He would have been 57.

Great excuse to rummage through the old pics and have a good laugh and reminisce about the good times.
And especially good excuse to bake that very chocolaty cake that I bake on special occasions! mmmm!
Dad would have hated the cake! But hey, cake's are not cakes unless they're chocolate cakes, right?!! ;o)

“ ‘But why couldn’t Quirrell touch me?’

‘Your mother died to save you. If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love. He didn’t realise that love as powerful as your mother’s for you leaves its own mark. Not a scar, no visible sign…to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us protection forever. It is in your very skin. Quirrell, full of hatred, greed and ambition, sharing his soul with Voldemort, could not touch you for this reason. It was agony to touch a person marked by something good.’ “

J K Rowling
Harry Potter
(!)

Cue droooooling and hyperventilating!!!!!!!!!!!

Breath Preet, breeeeeath!

Akhand Jaap 10

Boy am I getting old! My knees were ready to pop after sitting through the Akhand Jaap. But a fantastic experience and im so glad I was lucky enough to be there.

(and for those who were too far away to attend but were still viewing via live feed, you had the good seats! :o) There were so many people it was almost impossible to find a space to sit. But hopefully, next time you'll manage to be there in person)

Funky Posters

By http://lakhvir02.wordpress.com/ from Kenya

I wana fly like a bird!!

This is Gurch Singh Bond and his sexy apprentice Miss Bleachhead.
(Do not adjust your monitors, they are both really that black!) ;o)

Catch of the day is goochi fish! mmmm....tasty when bbq-ed! heehee!
Just look at the colour of the sea! Looks like a great big swimming pool!

Bombay Bad Boy! ;o)

WHATS THIS???!!!! ;o)

I can see the left hand safely tucked away in his pocket, BUT WHERE
IS THE RIGHT HAND??!! ;o)

Wat Pho is home to the largest reclining Buddha in the world, over 46m long and covered in gold! Yes aunties, 5 TONNES of pure gold!
The Buddha's feet are 3 metres long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations of the Buddha.
This reclining position depicts the time when Buddha left this world.

This photo doesn't do justice, he is much more impressive up front. Oh and the sleeping buddha aint too bad either! ;o)

Goochi Fan Club!

Even the monks couldn't resist gettin a photo taken with the Gorrrrgeous Goochi! ;o)

Akhand Jaap 10

WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA WAHEGURU JI KI FATEH.Prayer for Peace - 'Akhand Jaap' by British Sikh YouthThe world we live in today is full of conflict and suffering. In this context people can often feel helpless and anxious about what they can do. Sikh youth believe they have found some guidance in a 500 year old message from the founder of the Sikh faith Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The message is a simple one, to pray and have love and respect for humanity. In an effort to spread this message, British Sikh youth have been conducting events known as Akhand Jaap (continuous recitation) since September 11th 2001. These events have previously taken place on nine occasions around the UK, hosted by Gurudwaras in Essex, London, Middlesex and Yorkshire.At the Akhand Jaap the word Vaheguru (wonderful Lord) is sung continuously for 24 hours. The congregation is lead by various groups of 'Keertanias' from around the UK and abroad. In singing this 'Gur Mantar', even small children can join in and feel the power of congregational prayer. This youth initiative attempts to create an atmosphere in which every participating soul can benefit. Past programmes have had a tremendously uplifting effect on participants propelling them to tread the path of Sikhi.Since 2001, 'Jaap' events have grown larger and even attracted members of diverse communities. This programme has had world-wide effect, as other countries have begun emulating similar prayer events.The 10th 24 hour Youth Peace Prayer event takes place on Saturday 25th November 2006 at the Gurudwara on 18-20 Soho Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B21 9BH. This Gurudwara is served by members of the charitable organisation - Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha. It may be noted that at this place of Sikh worship 11 day prayers to promote individual and collective peace have been held for the past 29 years.The doors of any Gurudwara are open to all. Let's pray for peace together.

Gucci Fan Club!

He's back!!
Now comes with a gooorgeous golden chocy tan!! yum yum! ;o)

A beautiful story :o) Part 2

cont...

He was known always for his adventurous personality while growing up. He has managed to climb a number of mountains, including Mt. Kenya. In his youth he completed the Outward Bound Course, which was a particularly hard camping expedition in Kenya. He has also run a number of marathons for charity, completed intensive courses in scuba diving, travelled around Europe and Kenya by car, learned karate and judo, the list is endless.

Dad’s one trademark was that wherever you saw him, he would always have a book in his hand. He had an obsession of reading books, be it novels or general interest books, anything he could lay his hands on! He even read my French history books that I used at school for my lessons. He must have read enough books for the whole of Britain! His current favourite author was Terry Pratchett – simply because they had similar levels of humour.
And because of all his reading, he developed quite a talent for writing some very funny little stories. He has managed to win a prize on the BBC world radio show when he sent in one of his articles. My dad had an astounding ability to write little humorous anecdotes, which he would circulate to his group of friends. All his friends would eagerly await his articles. Reading any of his sketches would leave the reader rolling on the floor with laughter! This was one of his biggest gifts, he could make anyone laugh.

Ah, good memories.

A beautiful story :o) Part 1

Dad was born on 3rd December 1949 in Nairobi, Kenya to Amar Singh Sembi and Rattan Kaur Sembi. His father passed away when Dad was only 12. Incidentally, his father passed away on 18th July 1961, and my father departed on 18th July 2005.

Dad spent most of his life in Nairobi Kenya, where he grew up with his mother, brother and two sisters. He moved to Manchester, England in his younger days to do a degree in Civil Engineering, after which he moved back to Kenya to pursue a career in this field. He then moved to England permanently in 1997, leaving behind his own business just so he can secure a future for his children.
Isn't it amazing how much he sacrificed just so his kids could have a stable future?! It is ever so impossible to describe the amount of love and dedication he had for the two of us. There is still such a bountiful supply of his love emanating from every single object, thought and feeling associated with him.

From a very young age, he has had a keen interest in classical Indian music. He himself has played the violin and the clarinet. He learnt the violin from Sital Singh Sitara, a well known teacher in Kenya and UK. Amazingly Sitara Ji is blind, yet a master at many instruments and saw potential in my dad.
Dad has a huge record collection of all the maestros of Indian Raag. Had a particular interest in raag kirtan and made many visits to various gurdwaras around the country so as to listen to them live. He has encouraged and inspired me from a very young age to learn this classical form of Indian music. I am currently learning sitar.
Dad was a huge fan of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and was well known for it.

While in UK, dad developed an interest in Ayurvedic Medicine. He took the difficult decision of starting from the beginning and going back to university, where he spend three years completing a degree in Ayurvedic Medicine at Thames Valley University under the tutelage of Mr Gopi Warrier, from the Ayurvedic Company of Great Britain. He was a hard working student and made impressive progress in his studies. This was due to his genuine interest and passion in learning this ancient form of healing. He even spent a substantial amount of time in India to learn more about this form of medicine. I believe dad had a real talent in healing people and making them truly happy. He was willing to dedicate his life to healing people, and was always genuinely happy to see people walk away feeling better due to his healing talent. I often heard him say how happy he was seeing his patients improve in health. He would often change his personal agenda to accommodate those of his patients.

stay tuned for more exiting tales of the amazing journey of the DAD......!!

At least I know he is in a better place...

Too Handsome!

What a pose, eh?! :o)

Thanks!

Thanks to all of you who made this wonderful evening a memorable one.

Thanks to all those who put that extra bit of hard work to make it happen, for all those who took time out to attend, for all your love and warm wishes.

Thanks again!

Sembi and Durhailay Family

Clasical Indian Concert - In Memory of My Dad

Dear friends,

With Guruji's sweet blessings, a concert has been organized on 15th October at 7.30pm in honor of my Dad, to commemorate his achievements and to celebrate the joy that he spread while he was with us.

Matra have kindly organized this in dedication of my dad. Mr. Palwinder Bhamra, a good friend of my dad's will be hosting and will pay tribute to him on the day.

I know there is a cost involved, but please do make the effort to attend. It will mean so much to me if you do. This is a minimum fee that goes towards hiring the hall, organising the artists etc. None of it is profit.

You can book your tickets through myself, Himmat, Gurcharan, Ravinderpal(Rumta) or Jatinder. But please please do so as soon as possible. Just drop us an email, a comment on this blog or give us a buzz and we will either post or hand over the tickets.

Hope to see you at the concert. Please do make the effort.

Love and regards,
Sembi and Durhailay family