The website now accepts online payment via major credit cards and from Paypal accounts.  Our immediate need is for funds to support the English medium boarding school which is slated to open in mid 2006.

Aapna Punjab is registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 in Punjab.

Update on the campaign against Poohla

As of August 2005, Poohla has managed to get bail on two of the three murder cases. The bail hearing for the third case is around October 2005. There is also a poppy growing case against Poohla that is expected to go to court soon.  Recently a fraud (420) case against Poohla was registered.  Overall the court systems are very slow and its a very frustrating experience trying to get justice.  There is a possibility that he may get bail soon.

The last Gurdwara that was illegally occupied by Poohla was finally liberated in July 2005 by the Sangat, under the leadership of Aapna Punjab. Details of this recent gurdwara liberation can be read in these newspaper article. There is never a dull moment at Aapna Punjab! 

Gurdwara freed of Poohla's men June 2005

Swords flash in Sec 39 Gurdwara, July 2005

Pictures of the Sangat that liberated the Sector 39 Gurudwara in July 2005. Our version of the 'Wild Wild West'.

Visit us online at www.AapnaPunjab.org for details on our projects and how you can help. To unsubscribe from our mailing list, click here

Col Sandhu (retd), Chairman of Aapna Punjab, will be visiting UK (London surroundings), Canada (Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver) and the US (California) in October 2005. If you are interested in meeting with him or inviting him to your local Gurdwara to speak about Aapna Punjab's initiatives, please call him on his mobile at +91 9876169922 or email him at chairman@aapnapunjab.org to coordinate.

The objective is simply to gather support for Aapna Punjab’s initiatives, get ideas on new projects or initiatives we could undertake, possibly get some select people directly involved in the management of Aapna Punjab's overseas operations and/or simply have a casual conversation with the supporters.

Human Rights/Social Justice Campaign

Col G.S. Sandhu (retd), Chairman of Aapna Punjab and Majha ex-Servicemen Human Rights Front, has been actively helping the common man fight against the corrupt and dangerous political, criminal and police nexus, which is especially so rampant in rural Punjab. 

People from all over Punjab, convene daily at the office of Aapna Punjab, in village Pahuwind (District Amritsar), to express their grievances (picture below). The phone number of the office is (+91) 1851 272599.

Browse the Newsroom Section on www.aapnapunjab.org to read all the cases taken up by Aapna Punjab (Col Sandhu) to help the common Punjabi against this nexus. Examples include; LandGrab Case,  Exposing MLA in UDBS scam, Poor Taxi Driver, Exposing Govt., SGPC accountability and more.

Sangat gathered at the offices of Aapna Punjab

Col Sandhu at a rally in Patti subdivision

Chairman's Letter 2

Sat Sri Akal,

Thank you for your support. Let me assure you that we have been working very hard towards fulfilling the goals of Aapna Punjab as laid out in our charter.

The school construction is proceeding along fine, though a bit behind schedule. We are actively seeking funds from our supporters to fund this large project.

The women Welfare Center project has been very successful. Within a span of three months we had over 500 women enroll in the Welfare Centers and had to limit the enrollment. We are now actively seeking marketing help from our supporters to help in the sale of handicrafts made in these centers.

On the Human-Rights/social injustice front, we continue to work hard for the people. People congregate daily in large numbers at our office in Pahuwind to discuss their grievances. The thing that surprises them most is that not only does most of their work get addressed, but they don’t have to pay for it. Things that we privileged take for granted, are unimaginable for the people that live in rural Punjab.

I can guarantee you all that once we start to operate the English medium boarding schools in these rural border areas, they will have the maximum long-term impact in truly ‘Making a Difference’ in the lives of these poor and needy villagers.

A lot of people have asked me to articulate my long-term vision for Aapna Punjab. My vision is simple - I envision Aapna Punjab as being a true grass-roots mass movement that will (someday soon) be recognized as the de facto NGO in Punjab, based on the quality of its work. I am a very results oriented person - results matter. And for getting results, you need the right people on your team, people that truly believe in making a difference and working hard to get there - and we have that team.

Now we have just started the journey, and have a long way to go, but will get there.  I need good health (by the grace of god - and luck, given the dynamics I have to operate under) and of course YOUR support, and then trust me, together we will all make a difference in this lifetime. 

And finally, I encourage you to call me if you every want to discuss any issue or simply say hello. I am always available via phone and will make the time to speak with our supporters. Remember, I work for the masses and that includes you.

Thank you again,

Col. G.S. Sandhu (retd)
Chairman, Aapna Punjab & Majha ex-Servicemen Human Rights Front

Email: chairman@aapnapunjab.org

Mobile: (+91) 9876169922