Fortunately, in 2021, I got to interact with the respected board members in an interview to see where I stand as per their needs. A word about me, I was just a high school student about to graduate with basics of Python, a lot of creativity and the urge to learn as a Sikh. Surely, there were more proficient developers who got selected but it did not just end up there, I got a chance to contribute Voluntarily to the renowned non-profit in a Hackathon which happened just a week after I met them, what a wonderful blessing.

Out of the ideas presented at the Hackathon, I chose to contribute to Python wrapper for BaniDB, named BaniDB.py, basically a packaged software which can help developers make Gurbani Apps using Python. It was at this moment, I felt far more useful and innovative than ever before, for the first time in my life.

Basic idea was to expand the domain of Sikh Tech by including Python (easiest and most trendy programming language) to let new developers experience the simplicity of access to Gurbani through BaniDB API. I learnt about creating and building an actual software package which can help users get Gurbani data very easily was just another level of bonanza for a high schooler like me.

“Life has got all those twists and turns. You’ve got to hold on tight and off you go”, the twist that changed my life from a volunteer to a paid professional was when I was about to start my bachelor’s degree and needed a supporting part-time. With the blessings of Waheguru Ji and the blessed vision of the Khalis Foundation in assisting talented people to spread the message of Sikhi through Youth, I was entrusted as a Software Engineer at the reputed non-profit. It did not just boost my spirits, it even allowed me to maximize my skills and gain experience while also giving back to my Panth.

BaniDB.py has been quite an adventure for us. We continued to document, which was another way of reevaluating the whole project and making sure it could meet developer expectations.

Nevertheless, being equipped with bringing ideas to reality, I got the seva to start a phenomenal project to ease the access of Gurbani by creating a Google Assistant App for SikhiToTheMax. Being the first in the field has its own appeal. This project is the first virtual assistant to speak Gurmukhi, and the best part is that the feel of Gurbani is kept. It was ideated as a use-case of BaniDB.py which makes SikhiToTheMax handier and on-the-go for busy users.

Fun Fact: You can test it right now on your Google Assistant, by saying “Talk to SikhiToTheMax”

(If you are Apple user, don’t worry, you will have one of this kind available, soon 😉)

As you know how Khalis Foundation surprises us with various Awesome apps and their updates, we recently released v9 update for SikhiToTheMax to make your experience better.

At this exact moment of time, I realized how this journey went all the way from a normal SikhiToTheMax user to being a part of the dev team of it and other upcoming wonders. I am still unable to express my full gratitude and thankfulness to Waheguru ji for blessing me with such great achievement with Khalis Foundation.

I envision Khalis Foundation as a non-profit organization that profits from eternal bliss by spreading the message of Gurbani via technology and encouraging the youth, to prove that they are one-of-a-kind.

When worked on, the Gurbani treasure truly shows its impact, Khalis is a stellar example.

May Waheguru ji bless everyone with Chardikala.

Gurmehar Singh

Khalis Foundation, a Sikh non-profit organization in the United States, today announced the launch of a virtual homework assistance project. The project is being launched to assist students with homework who may not be able to seek tutors in-person due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Khalis is a pioneer in providing technology-based solutions to the Sikh community. Its project “Sundar Gutka” has over 10 million downloads and SikhiToTheMax is used by Gurdwaras, Sikh places of worship, across the world to display Gurbani, Sikh scripture translations.

Balwinder Kaur, Khalis Chief of Education was inspired by the Facebook post of Ashmeet K Sahni, a STEM high school teacher in the California bay area, to help any family in need during distance learning programs launched by schools to cope with COVID-19.  Kaur said, “The COVID-19 school shutdown impacts lower income group families and struggling students more than it does high achieving students and students from well-educated families.”

“Khalis volunteers are bootstrapping a Sikh Homework Help Program by bringing together Accredited K-12 School Teachers, Tutors, and Volunteers to offer FREE 30-minute virtual Homework Help in the subjects of English, Maths, and Science to any student or family who is in need of help,” she added.

Any accredited teachers, high school students or tutors in North America are encouraged to sign up to provide free tutoring services online at this link. Students in need can sign up here.

In addition, Khalis Foundation also announced that it will elevate its Food Pantry project in Alameda county to ensure those impacted by COVID-19 can be provided assistance. “Last week, Khalis Foundation initiated the first Sikh Food Pantry in California and has helped various other Sikh food pantries get started across the state. There is a team of volunteers who are collecting data, vetting the applicants, and with the help of a team of drivers, delivering groceries to their homes for free. The Food Pantry is open to Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike, following the Sikh Langar tradition,” Tarun Singh, Khalis Chief Executive Officer said.

Those seeking assistance can fill in the form at this URL: tinyurl.com/SikhFoodPantry

“At Khalis, we are blessed that many of our apps and websites are used by a large portion of the Sikh community. Sundar Gutka alone has over 10 Million downloads and sees 150,000 daily active users. The SikhiToTheMax website and desktop application are used by thousands of users daily. We are using these apps and services to raise awareness of the on-going pandemic within the Sikh community,” Tarun Singh added.

An 8 part series to educate our elder Sikh community on Coronavirus and it’s effects on our community. They are in Panjabi with last one in English.

Topics of videos are:
1) What is Coronavirus and it’s impact to the elderly? https://youtu.be/7E48RFdObZ0
2) What is social distancing ? https://youtu.be/D0poatevhsg
3) Why are Gurdwaras cancelling events and why we need to support parbandaks? How can we do sangat while self isolating? https://youtu.be/K1Up7q-E8S0
4) A Chardi Kala response https://youtu.be/WJD3fe1Qz_c
5) Tips in how we can help our community with this crisis https://youtu.be/JQUc4Yzbb1c
6) Different approaches by different countries to the crisis https://youtu.be/gp-WXB92RnM
7) How to self isolate https://youtu.be/VcA8rZgPc88
8) Advise for Sikh Parents during Coronavirus crisis? (English) https://youtu.be/3d603Zr-55U

Also connect with us at
http://worldsikhsparliament.com
https://www.facebook.com/worldsikhparliamentofficial/
https://www.instagram.com/worldsikhparliamentofficial/

North American Sikh Medical and Dental Association

Official Gurdwara Recommendations

• English
• Punjabi

United Sikhs Information for Sikhs on Staying Safe

COVID-19: Keeping Our Communities Safe is Up To All of Us

Nanak Naam – Dealing with Coronavirus Anxiety

Coronavirus Anxiety – How to cope with being worried about COVID-19 disease health anxiety

ਜੇ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਬੁਖਾਰ, ਖੰਗ ਜਾਂ ਸਾਹ ਲੈਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਤਕਲੀਫ ਹੋਵੇ ਤਾਂ ਤੁਰੰਤ ਡਾਕਟਰ ਨੂੰ ਮਿਲੋ

ਜੇਕਰ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਬਿਮਾਰ ਮਹਿਸੂਸ ਕਰਦੇ ਹੋ ਤਾਂ  ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਘਰ ਰਹਿਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ। ਜੇ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਬੁਖਾਰ, ਖੰਗ ਜਾਂ ਸਾਹ ਲੈਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਤਕਲੀਫ ਹੋਵੇ ਤਾਂ ਤੁਰੰਤ ਡਾਕਟਰ ਨੂੰ  ਫੋਨ ਕਰੋ ਅਤੇ ਮੈਡੀਕਲ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਲਓ। ਆਪਣੇ ਸਥਾਨਕ / ਲੋਕਲ ਹੈਲਥ ਡਿਪਾਰਟਮੈਂਟ ਦੇ ਨਿਰਦੇਸ਼ ਦੀ ਪਾਲਨਾ ਕਰੋ।  

ਵਜਹ:  ਸਥਾਨਕ  ਹੈਲਥ ਡਿਪਾਰਟਮੈਂਟ ਨੂੰ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਇਲਾਕੇ ਦੀ ਆਧੁਨਿਕ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ। ਆਪਣੇ ਡਾਕਟਰ ਨੂੰ ਪਹਿਲਾ ਫੋਨ  ਕਰਕੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਬਿਮਾਰੀ ਬਾਰੇ ਦੱਸੋ ਤਾਂ ਜੋ ਡਾਕਟਰ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ  ਸਹੀ ਸਲਾਹ ਦੇ ਸਕਣ। ਇਸ ਤਰਾਂ ਕਰਨ ਨਾਲ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਆਪ ਨੂੰ ਅਤੇ  ਹੋਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਬਿਮਾਰ ਹੋਣ ਤੋਂ ਬਚਾ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ।  

ਆਪਣੇ ਹੱਥ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾ ਤੋਂ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾ ਧੋਵੋ

ਹੱਥ ਸਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨ ਵਕਤ ਸਾਬਣ ਅਤੇ ਪਾਣੀ 20 ਸਕਿੰਟ ਲਈ ਹੱਥ ਧੋਵੋ ਜਾਂ ਅਲਕੋਹੋਲ ਜੈੱਲ ਦਾ ਇਸਤੇਮਾਲ ਕਰੋ ਜਦੋਂ  ਤਕ ਜੈੱਲ ਸੁੱਕ ਨਹੀਂ ਜਾਂਦਾ।  

ਵਜਹ: ਸਾਬਣ ਅਤੇ ਪਾਣੀ ਜਾਂ ਅਲਕੋਹੋਲ ਜੈੱਲ ਨਾਲ ਹੱਥਾਂ ਉੱਤੇ ਲਗੇ ਵਾਇਰਸ/ਕੀਟਾਣੂ ਮਰ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ. 

ਦੂਸਰੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਦੂਰ ਰਹੋ  

ਜਨਤਾ ਵਿਚ  ਘੱਟੋ -ਘੱਟ 2 ਮੀਟਰ (6 ਫੁੱਟ) ਦੀ  ਦੂਰੀ ਰੱਖੋ। ਜੋ ਲੋਕ ਖੰਗ ਜਾਂ ਛਿੱਕਦੇ  ਹੋਣ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਦੂਰ ਰਹੋ। 

ਵਜਹ: ਖੰਗਣ ਜਾਂ ਛਿੱਕਣ ਵੇਲੇ ਵਾਇਰਸ ਵੇਲੇ ਥੁੱਕ ਨਾਲ ਬਿਮਾਰੀ ਫੈਲ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ।ਜੇਕਰ  ਤੁਸੀਂ ਬਿਮਾਰ ਵਿਅਕਤੀ ਦੇ ਨਜ਼ਦੀਕ ਹੋ ਤਾ ਇਹ ਵਾਇਰਸ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਅੰਦਰ ਜਾ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ ਜਿਸ ਨਾਲ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਬਿਮਾਰ ਹੋਣ ਦਾ ਖ਼ਤਰਾ ਹੈ। 

ਅੱਖਾਂ, ਨੱਕ ਅਤੇ ਮੂੰਹ ਨੂੰ ਨਾ ਛੇੜੋ 

ਵਜਹ: ਜਦੋਂ ਅਸੀਂ ਆਲੇ ਦੁਆਲੇ ਨੂੰ ਹੱਥ ਲਾਂਦੇ ਹਾਂ ਤਾਂ ਕੀਟਾਣੂ ਸਾਡੇ ਹੱਥਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਲੱਗ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ।  ਫੇਰ ਕੀਟਾਣੂ ਹੱਥਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਸਾਡੀਆਂ ਅੱਖਾਂ, ਨੱਕ ਅਤੇ ਮੂੰਹ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਾ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਨ। ਇਸ ਤਰਾਂ ਕੀਟਾਣੂ ਸਾਡੇ ਸਰੀਰ ਦੇ ਅੰਦਰ ਪੋਹੁੰਚ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ ਤੇ ਸਾਨੂ ਬਿਮਾਰ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਨ। ਆਪਣੇ ਹੱਥ ਪਾਣੀ ਅਤੇ ਸਾਬਣ ਨਾਲ ਧੋਵੋ ਅਤੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਚਿਹਰੇ ਨੂੰ ਨਾ ਛੇੜੋ। 

ਬਿਮਾਰੀ ਤੋਂ ਬਚਨ ਲਈ ਚੰਗੀਆਂ ਆਦਤਾਂ 

ਖੰਘਣ ਲੱਗਿਆਂ ਮੂੰਹ ਨੂੰ ਕੂਹਣੀ (ਨਾਂ  ਕਿ ਹੱਥ ) ਜਾਂ ਟਿਸ਼ੂ ਨਾਲ ਢੱਕ ਲਉ। ਟਿਸ਼ੂ ਵਰਤ ਕੇ ਕੂੜੇਦਾਨ ਵਿਚ ਸਿੱਟੋ ਅਤੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਹੱਥ ਧੋਵੋ। 

ਵਜਹ: ਵਾਇਰਸ ਥੁੱਕ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਫੈਲਦਾ  ਹੈ। ਖੰਗ ਤੇ ਛਿੱਕ ਨੂੰ ਢਕਣ ਨਾਲ  ਫਲੂ ਅਤੇ ਕੋਰੋਨਾਵਾਇਰਸ ਤੋਂ ਬਚਿਆ ਜਾ  ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ।   

ਹੋਰ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਲਈ ਵੇਖੋ  WHO https: http://bit.ly/punjabiprevention CDC: www.CDC.gov 

Flyer questions: VirsaCollaborative@gmail.com  Translated by: 

English

Stay aware of the latest information on the virus, via the WHO or the CDC website and through your national and local public health authority. Most people who become infected may experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately and call your medical provider’s office.  Follow the directions of your local health authority.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent the spread of viruses and other infections.

Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand rub and let it dry for it to be effective. 

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain social distancing

In public, maintain at least 2 meters  (6 feet) distance between you and others.  Avoid being around anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick. Wash your hands with soap and water and avoid touching your face. 

Practice respiratory hygiene

Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue (and not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Why? Droplets spread the virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

WHO https: http://bit.ly/punjabiprevention CDC: www.CDC.gov 

Flyer questions: VirsaCollaborative@gmail.com  Translated by: 

Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa! Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!

This week, Sikhs worldwide are marking the establishment of the Khalsa on Vaisakhi day. We hope sangat observes this special holiday with full enthusiasm and joy with their families and fellow gursikhs.

Over 16 years ago, SikhiToTheMax brought projector software to gurdwaras, enabling sangat members to recite Gurbani confidently while understanding its meaning. Today, a new version of that software is being released, to help more people access gurbani across multiple devices, in more locations, and with faster speeds.

Introducing the new SikhiToTheMax

Khalis Foundation is proud to release the first Release Candidate version.
Download here: https://khalisfoundation.org/portfolio/sikhitothemax/

Donate Today

Khalis Foundation expresses special thanks to Akal Purakh Waheguroo, Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and Sangat, without whom this project could never be possible. We would also like to thank SHARE Charity UK and their sevadars for their years of hard work on the project, the original Shabad OS app team who have joined with Khalis to deliver SikhiToTheMax and the Shabad Open Source Alliance who have joined together to strive for one true and correct source of gurbani available to all apps via APIs and shared databases. More information: http://www.shabados.org

Khalis Foundation received the opportunity to take over service of the SikhiToTheMax website and create an app that will help Sangat connect with Gurbani across the world. We decided to build an app that would use innovative technologies to bring it to the most Sangat. It would include the familiar features to which we’ve become accustomed and provide great value. It would be revolutionary in how it connects Sangat to Gurbani in a way never-before experienced. We call this new app SikhiToTheMax Everywhere.

Innovations made in the app from previous generations will help more Sangat in more environments get Gurbani presentations up and going with greater ease than ever before. Not only does the app work on Windows, but also macOS and distributions of desktop Linux. The app will no longer require third-party software such as Microsoft PowerPoint and modifying the slides to look just as desired with only the fields (e.g. Gurmukhi, Translation, Transliteration, etc) required will be easier than ever.

All the most-used features from previous releases will also be included in SikhiToTheMax Everywhere, from search options to display options. Previous releases brought forth a brand-new way to search for Gurbani from the previous alphabetical look-up in Pothis. Displaying translations in different languages was transformative in how the Sangat experiences Gurbani. Features such as these will be carried forward, with the addition of more translations and greater ease in going back to previous Shabads in history.

SikhiToTheMax Everywhere will revolutionize how Gurbani is experienced by bringing a hands-free mode to mobile devices. When the translation personally needed on the large screen is either too small or absent, or when it is difficult to see the screen, the solution has been to use a mobile device to individually look up the Shabad with the desired personal settings. With SikhiToTheMax Everywhere, joining an existing session will be built-in, with your own personal view settings applied, showing the translations you need at the sizes and colors you desire. When the Panktee on the large screen gets updated, your screen will update instantly, making your experience solely the taking in of Gurbani and excluding the look-ups and scrolling.

We are pleased to announce that the alpha for this app is now available, with the innovative cross-platform technology ready and many features planned for updates with an accelerated release cycle. Please keep in mind that this is an alpha with a working engine but is not ready to replace existing installations of SikhiToTheMax II. An Internet connection will be required to get the latest version of the app.

Navdeep Singh from British Columbia, Canada will work as a full time developer and provide valuable feedback in the position of Chief Technology Officer. Navdeep Singh’s background in technology and business will be a huge asset to Khalis Foundation to further its mission.

In his role, Navdeep Singh will take on development of our modern, next-generation version of SikhiToTheMax, work to release a number of new apps we have been working on, and complete major updates to Sundar Gutka and Keertan Network.

Navdeep Singh has been enthused by technology since he can remember, a developer for 12 years, and has published a number of mobile apps with Khalis Foundation. He finds himself often thinking in code and dreaming in stylesheets and enjoys helping others get up and going in their times of tech distress. He is also currently a small business owner.

Navdeep Singh said, “I thank Mahaaraaj Jee for showering blessings upon me. To be able to follow my passion in creating Sikhi apps full-time is a dream come true. I do Ardaas to Akaal Purakh to guide us at Khalis Foundation in bringing the next generation of Sikhi-based tech to as much Sangat as possible.”

Khalis Foundation is excited about this next leap in our organization’s life. Together, we will be able to make our apps and websites better serve the Panth and Sangat and help others.

You can find out more information at http://khalis.net/d.

UK Charitable Giving Link: http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/sikhitothemax

In the spirit of Chardikala,
Khalis Foundation Board of Directors

Khalis Foundation is excited to announce that we will be working to create the next generation of SikhiToTheMax apps and website. For nearly two decades, SikhiToTheMax has been the go-to app for individuals and Gurdwaras to read and translate Gurbani. Projector screens in Gurdwaras around the world use SikhiToTheMax to display Gurbani and help people to understand and connect with it.

Now, Khalis Foundation, the makers of the Sundar Gutka app, with over one million downloads, has the honor of helping create the next generation SikhiToTheMax app and we need your help. We’ve hired a full-time developer and are working to take Sikh technology into a new generation.

Your donation matters and it will help bring Gurbani to Sikhs all around the world. A monthly donation, even as low as $10 per month, will help us continue to bring new apps to you and support all our Gurdwaras.

You can find out more information at http://khalis.net/d.

UK Charitable Giving Link: http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/sikhitothemax

Always in Chardeekalaa,
Khalis Foundation Board of Directors

Navdeep Singh has been enthused by technology since he can remember, a developer for 11 years and recently compelled to foray into the world of mobile apps. He finds himself often thinking in code and dreaming in stylesheets and enjoys helping others get up and going in their times of tech distress. He is also currently a small business owner.

Khalis Foundation welcomes Navdeep Singh to the fold. He will be joining us as Director of Mobile App and Web Development. Together, we will be able to make our apps and websites better serve the panth and sangat and help others.

In the spirit of chardikala,
Khalis Foundation Board of Directors