Kuljeet Singh could have gone down the pure academic route. Instead he is a star on the horizon sharing his talents with as many people as possible as well as continuing studies. Where there is a gloomy shortage of talented actors and writers, Kuljeet is one to watch. He is a lecturer, playwright and theatre festival finalist. Even more uniquely, Kuljeet is a Sikh actor who is a Gursikh. Baru Sahib and hundreds of teachers were privileged that Kuljeet and his colleague Ravi Shankar were teaching how drama can be used in teaching children.

Interview with Kuljeet Singh, Atelier Theatre Society, New Delhi

How did you get into theatre Kuljeet?
During my college years I studied a B.A. in Literature at Delhi University. There was a drama group in my university that I started attending. I had no inclinations towards acting. I just thought I’d do background work and get involved in production. When I started watching plays, I was drawn further and further into the process. I would watch plays, rehearse and participate in theatre festivals. This was a time when I started to see the theatre as a profession.

I studied further and went onto do a M.A. in English Literature and later an M.Phil. in Performance Studies: School of Arts and Aesthetics at JNU. I am currently teaching at Khalsa College.

Have you ever been interested in writing a novel with your background in English literature?
No, I never thought of that. My inclination was to write plays.

What have you written so far?
I have written two full length plays.

One is called 'Goodbye Blue Sky'. The other is 'Maarow, Baalo, Kaapo' (in Gujrati, kill, burn, hack) which was used to spread race hatred in the Gujrat riots.

I have written a short play, 'Ten minutes For Shakespeare” which has been selected by the Prithvi Theatre Festival, Mumbai. It is a look at Shakespeare appearing in today’s world and seeing what people have done with his world of plays.

The second play is called 'Bhagat, Sajjan, Jagdeesh'.

Did it take you long to write?
Goodbye Blue Sky took me 18 months and I am still evolving it. One ten minute play took me a week.

Our interview got cut short due to the schedule Kuljeet was in, but I would like to thank Kuljeet for his frank and interesting insight into a unique profession and we’ll talk again…Kuljeet is back in Baru Sahib in August for unique performances of drama with his theatre group…Many thanks to Kuljeet.

                    

• Mr. Kuljeet Singh Graduated in English Literature, P.G. in Comparative Indian Literature, Dept. M.I.L. & L.S., Learning course in Journalism & Mass Communication, UGC-NET qualified, Participated in a cinema course Understanding Cinema organized by Old World Culture at India Habitat Centre, Presently working on a dramatic work based on Urban Violence.

Rashmi Vij built a school from scratch. A school that is excelling further and further. She is a dynamic, soul searching and savvy presenter. A topper in Psychology and here she shares with us the secrets of her success.

Interview with Rashmi Vij (Speaker of the ‘Navigating Principalship’ Workshop)

How did you go into teaching?

My father was a professor of English Literature and he used to teach students at home. He was a remarkable teacher touching so many lives. I was really born to be a teacher as well as being groomed to be a teacher by an environment like this. I always thought a principal had to be strong, domineering and very sure of herself. I thought it was an aloof and lonely profession. So I never thought about principalship. I had leadership qualities, I had been a leader in guides, school head girl, but my mind never thought - I will one day become a principal.

What happened was that at first my mentor saw it in me. She encouraged the qualities to emerge from me. I was a people person, I had empathy and cared to understand people and this is what being a principal is all about. That’s why I did a psychology degree, to understand people. The subject was very dear to me even though my father would’ve wanted me to do English Literature.

Were you ever inspired to write considering your background in growing up amongst English Literature?

I’ve been writing poems since I was a small child…I still write poetry. I’ve been very spiritually inclined since I was young and my poems were about God. I was in a protestant church and the focus was beautiful, about God, chapels, worship…Our journey goes from meditating upon form to the formless. From a church to the world and beyond.

Who are you inspired by?

I am deeply inspired by Vivekanand’s writings, Yoganand’s writings…My mother and father naturally inspired me a great deal too.

Any subjects you are passionate about?

I am passionate about understanding human behaviour, understanding God. Inspiring and motivating people is my forte. I have been able to build up a very big school because I can motivate people to walk that extra mile for their internal satisfaction…

Is there anything in education right now that’s bothering you?

The area of education has narrowed up. We need to widen it up and focus on life long learning. Not just focus on one thing….not just academics. Our education should teach us to live life. Education has become very focused on reproducing results….before each child was considered on their individual inclinations. Now in the process of generalization of education we have forgotten about individualization…When will the time come so that we can admire a child who wants to become a poet? Everyone can’t become a doctor or an engineer.

When I entered into class 7 I knew I had to harness my energy from purely creative, philosophical thinking. I had to do well academically so that I would be accepted and acknowledged by everyone.

When I was given the challenge to start a school, qualities that were inherent in me surfaced even more. My school is a big canvas on which I can create different paintings.

Rashmi do you get any time for hobbies?

I love reading. My reading has crystallized my thought process and helped me shape my perspectives in life. My passion now is to share whatever I’ve acquired with those in my field. The day I write poetry it gives me a great euphoria and joy. Creativity gives you the joy and satisfaction of seeing something new.

Many thanks to Rashmi Vij for her very open thoughts from the heart.

• Dr. Rashmi Vij (Principal) M.Phil. (University Topper), M.A. in Psychology (Gold Medalist), B.A. with Psychology Honors.

Interview with Kamal Anand, a volunteers from Delhi.

You live in Noida, Delhi. What brought you to Baru Sahib?

We had been attending the Sant Samagams of The Kalgidhar Society at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, Delhi every February and we used to see the children which inspired us to visit the place where they were studying.

One fine evening in April 2005, a friend of ours asked us if we would like to visit Baru Sahib. Immediately the next morning we left for this place. The schedule was for ten days and on reaching here, we didn’t think it could be true. What we saw here.

There was serenity, love, compassion. So much good work was being done. The principals talked to us. I am a teacher by profession. When they realized we had been devoted to social service in Canada, they asked us if we’d like to work here.

What has brought you into volunteering generally?

At this stage, when most of our duties in life were almost done, they’re never really over. But I realized that I am healthy, outgoing, happy as a person, so there is a lot I could offer to helping others who are in need.

More so, when I was abroad with my husband, we had an opportunity to work with community centers which are using time fruitfully in helping the elderly and young kids.

What was your reply to the question the principals put to you - can you come and volunteer here?

My husband and myself, we said, yes - immediately, no hesitation. We went back to Noida, Delhi and packed up and moved to Baru Sahib and we’ve never looked back.

Apart from going home for visits we’ve been here for a year.

Has it been difficult?

Not really. People have been very kind, the principals - Dr. Devinder Veerji and Dr. Neelam are real stars, really dedicated. At such a young age they have given up their own personal earnings, comforts, life and are full time principals and doctors for this institution. That gives us lots of incentive and hope. We might have had to forgo some things because we are in a mountainous region and supplies are sometimes short. The institution is also growing fast and we never turn back people who need help in the hospital etc. So, sometimes we have to give up a few comforts for a while. However the rewards for what you experience in being part of such immense spirit - this is not something money can buy.

What inspires you spiritually generally?

The dedicated souls of Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, who has given up his life for welfare work, the dedicated souls of these young doctors and Kaka Veerji, Gurpreet Veerji and their team everywhere continuously inspires us.

What would you like to share with us regarding your spiritual journey?

I feel this life is given, it is so precious, but we become bogged down with mundane things. Guru Nanak’s philosophy of kindness and service to humanity, regardless of who people are - this is my light and inspiration. Guruji preached with the udassis . And here we found microcosm of this beautiful dedication. We’d like to share our precious life with others; and Kalgidhar Society, Baru Sahib gives us this unique opportunity. This gives us purpose for this life to be used fruitfully for the welfare of others.

At Baru Sahib, we see such precious young children. They are just little blossoms. Innocent souls, whose souls are like beautiful clay. The opportunity to give love and help people is here. I wish more people would come and utilize their time fruitfully serving the needy.

Interview with Tenpa Yung Drung

When did you come to Baru Sahib?

I came here at Akal Academy on 17th May 2006 joining Class XI-D. I was previously at the Centre School for Tibetans, Dholanji, Solan.

Where do you come from?

I come from the Himalayan region - on the border of Tibet and Nepal. I was staying at the Menri Monastery, Solan District for the past thirteen years.

What about your family Tenpa?

My father is alive but my mother passed away. I have one younger brother who is staying at home and tries to do farming. One younger brother and younger sister are also staying in Menri Monastery, Solan.

What are your hobbies Tenpa?

I like table tennis, listening to music.

What would you like to do later?

I would like to become a Chartered Accountant and then I want to go back and serve in Menri Monastery.

Where did the inspiration to come to Baru Sahib come from?

My Guru - His Honorable 33 rd Bonism and Menni Trizin Rinpoche. He is now in the USA for two months to tell people about our teachings.
(Bonism existed before Buddhism. It was taken over by Buddhism but some of its beliefs and rituals have been taken up in regions like Tibet along with Buddhism)

What was his thinking in sending you to Baru Sahib?

He told me that here the education and discipline are very good. By living here, you will not go on the wrong track. As a result of the education which you will get from here, you will become a good human being all your life.

How do you find the school and the children?

I am very much fascinated by the methodology of the teachers and there is a lot of love from the students. They are all very much cooperative.

How do you feel in Darbar Sahib, because of the first time in visiting a Sikh holy place? Is that right?

I can read paath in Hindi but not in Punjabi. Eventually I will learn it properly. I feel very calm in Darbar Sahib.

Thanks to Tenpa for sharing his thoughts with us.

What is your favorite music and why?

Classical is my favorite music. Classical is our heritage and even though composers use varieties and modern music, their base is classical. We must preserve our heritage. When you have mastered classical music, you can master any music.

Your studies?

I did an M.A from M.D. University, Rohtak, Haryana. (Topper which means I was first in the university), Sangeet Praveen (equivalent of M.A), Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad (I secured second position in India). I also did a Ph.D on Goswami Tulsidas Krit (Vinay Patrika mein Raag or Ras Sambandhi Vivechar).

How did you come to Baru Sahib?

I was a music lecturer in Khalsa Collge, Barara, Ambala. I left work to raise my son and my husband went to work abroad. I was at one point alone at home. I had been selected for Birla School, Nainital. I was all packed to go and went to my father. My father had a gut instinct that Nainital wouldn’t be good for me. He worried that earthquakes took place there and it was risky. In those days, a friend of my father, Jaivinder Veerji, someone who has dedicated years of devotion to Baru Sahib, called and said, “we need a good music teacher who will train the women in our academy and start up formally a music academy.” Jaivinder Veerji knew nothing about me. My father said he’d look at who was under his study but that he knew one person who was very talented and who could teach women to Ph.D level. My father said, “However, there is one condition - She wouldn’t teach beyond six hours, so that the rest of her time was spent in composing music”.

Baba Ji encouraged me to join. I was worried that I didn’t know Punjabi or gurbani - how would I teach the students?

Then what happened?

I came to Baru Sahib with my mum but I explained that I simply couldn’t fulfill all expectations. Baba Ji just stayed silent and blessed me on my forehead and asked me to go and teach. My heart and mind stayed in Baru Sahib and I haven’t looked back since and have been teaching for five years.

Tell me about your students?

Most come from disadvantaged rural backgrounds and their families are struggling. They don’t tend to have studied but are devoted in gaining some learning and doing some sewa for the institution for a while.

Babaji wanted me to train them so well that once they leave, they are empowered as women. They don’t have to rely on anyone for the rest of their lives. Tabla and gurmat sangeet are compulsory for every girl. I focus on teacher training and allow my students to develop competency in teaching others. In India, becoming a teacher is an important job opportunity for women as in this country unemployment is very high. Most of my students who have left have found jobs in music teaching.

I started with 14 students and now I teach 100. My students practice their teacher training by training other students. They take theory classes and teach in junior classes. I keep an eye on classes and directly teach senior students. In the end, if they complete training they will get ‘Sangeet Pabhakar Diploma’ - the equivalent of a B.Ed. and be able to teach music in schools.

I am proud to have grown a tradition that has been in Baru Sahib for years - a Music Academy: Advancement of Women, ‘Akal Gurmat Sangeet Kala Kendar’.

Why teach Tabla to women?

So that women don’t end up dependent on men to play Tabla as is culturally the case. Also, so they are independent and versatile in all instruments. This is Baba Ji’s hopes for our students.

With all your qualifications, have you never been tempted to teach in university and earn more money as well as status?

I am qualified to teach music at university level (UGC Net). I am only here because I know my students are rising from their original, humble situations in rural disadvantage. Along with this, my students are spreading the message of peace and gurbani and sangeet to the world. All the jathas who go abroad are from here and trained by me. I feel this as a reward. In helping women from non-advantageous situations to rise above their situation is a reward that simple money and status cannot give. My husband, Rajiv, is inspired by my devotion in helping such a movement to empower women and with Baba Ji’s dedication in service for humanity. Even though, Rajiv works in Noida and I am here with my son studying here, we are both inspired by this spiritual mission.

Thanks so much Dr. Purvi for sharing your insights with us and your inspiring mission.