Thanks Manika

http://www.sikhnet.com/news/manika-kaurs-bandhana

"I wanted a Kirtan album which people could listen to by the seaside, something that had a modern contemporary feel."
I hear ya Sukhbir. The evolution of our people has begun! We realize the need for western influenced shabads. Listening to raag or full on kirtan maybe beautiful to some as they watch the waves hit the shore but some of us prefer abit of buddha bar and kirtan which gives you Bibi Manika Kaur's album.
I was lucky enough to attend sadh sangat(congregation) on that Wednesday that she sang. Singing with her was so beautiful that it brought tears of love to my eyes. At that time, I had been very stressed out. It was one very full on yet beautiful half year in my personal life, masters and work aspects mainly. Though these things were sent to create for me to create a new limit of patience, tolerance, strength, courage, endurance, I was still tired. Nvm the tired part. I had been sick for a whole month. Swine flu had taken its toll on my body and I had to complete everything on the agenda list at a slower than usual pace. All I kept telling myself was, the man who brought you here will carry you through this. And he never failed. God didn't fail at all. Whether it was through people, or things, or meditation and in this case, a beautiful kirtan session in gurdwara on a Wednesday evening, he recharged me bit by bit. Always enough to get me through the next point.
Another time, the day before my flight back to Singapore, I had gone to gurdwara to do my lil act of sewa. By this point, I was worn out and quite ill with no appetite and hardly any energy but somehow I knew I had to do it. When I got to gurdwara and it was time to sit down, I did. Manika Kaur was playing in the background. Her music reached into the depths of my soul (because I allowed it to by removing my barriers) and I found my body leaning against the wall of a sudden. I had allowed myself to say, Alright , we have never been this sick, we are worn out, great 6 months, lets go home now. Recharge shall we. Best feeling of satisfaction ever. All with the help of Manika Kaur.
Now that I chanced upon this article, I will purchase her cd when I get back. Afterall my non-sikh, non-punjabi housemates are looking forward to it too. Why not?