Why I do not celebrate Christmas???

In about two and half years of my life in United States, I have faced many questions about my religious identity and my faith. But one particular question I have always tried to answer in length but never got a chance is “Why I do not celebrate Christmas?”
The teachings of Sikhism and also the traditions of my family have always taught me to respect other religions and the beliefs of others, but never give up those of your own. The answer to the question put forth earlier is that in the history of Sikhism, there is a chapter which has been talked about the most by historians and social scientists alike from throughout the world.
The tenth prophet of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh ji had four sons. Sahibzada (Prince) Ajit Singh ji, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh ji, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji; aged 17, 15, 9 and 7 respectively. The revolutionary ways and views of Sikhs under Guru Gobind Singh ji and their military success against local rulers and the Mughals in direct combat prompted the Mughal government and local Hindu kings to adopt a policy which caused minimal loss to them. They were looking for a prolonged war. Together they besieged the town of Anandpur Sahib which was the headquarters of Sikhism under Guru Gobind Singh ji in summer of 1704. The siege continued till December 1704 when after being pressed by aides and advisors, Guru Gobind Singh ji decided to leave the town with his family and army of about 1500 (this number is debatable, could be less) after being assured by Mughals and local kings that he will be allowed a safe passage.
On freezing night of December 20, 1704, when they left Anandpur Sahib, they were attacked by Mughals and local kings breaking all their promises and vows of a safe passage. There was a battle which raged for the whole night on the banks of a flooded river. Amidst all the chaos, the family of Guru Gobind Singh ji got separated. He along with His two older sons and 40 Sikh soldiers reached Chamkaur Sahib where these 43 hungry, thirsty and cold men were involved in a battle with One million strong Mughals. On December 21, the two sons of Guru Gobind Singh ji and other prominent Sikhs achieved martyrdom in front of their father after fighting valiantly but Guru ji did not give up. The two younger sons along with their grandmother (Guru ji’s mother) were arrested by the local Muslim ruler. Futile attempts were made to lure the little ones into Islam but they stood firm on their faith and faced the executioner’s sword on December 27, 1704 at Fatehgarh Sahib. Guru ji’s mother breathed her last when she heard this news.
So, this was a pretty hard time on Sikhs back then. Guru ji’s whole family including Himself and His father died for the cause of religion and righteousness while fighting against injustice and oppression. When I think about them, I just don’t feel like being part of any celebrations. I am here today because of all those Sikhs who laid down their lives carrying on the legacy of supreme sacrifices for the sake of others. The legacy must continue, and I need to remember the history. “A nation, sect or society which forgets its past, soon gets mingled with the dust of times. “

“He alone is known as a warrior who fights in the defense of religion. He may be cut apart, piece by piece, but he never leaves the battlefield.”

I, You and Me

From beginning to end, I feel you.

From oceans to skies, I see you.

From dawn to dusk, I hear you.

I will rewrite myself in your words.

I will paint myself in your colors.

I will mould myself into your shape.

I will be your umbrella for heat and rain.

I will be your jacket for wind and cold.

I will be your shoes for stones and thorns.

I can never be without you.

There is no “me” alone.

For I need “you” to be “me.”

We need a way out of roads!!!

As I sit in my dorm, with nothing really to do (even though finals are next week), and listening to soul-soothing piano instrumentals by my closest friend on Youtube, I am wondering about the road system in US.
I have given the road system in US some thought over past fortnight or so because of some reasons. The first was the video I watched in my American Studies class about the highway system that was constructed using public money. Was it to fulfill the aspirations of the public, or the carmakers and the highway lobby? I must admit that US relies too much on cars and roads becasue of so called "American Way of Life." Not talking about that, I want to just list down some of my worries.
The movie '2012' and my friend Andy Nguyen's research paper on earthquakes in Bay Area has caused me to think about how our over-reliability on roads will hurt us in wake of a natural disaster or crisis. Say there is a powerful earthquake in Bay Area, and it will definitely damage the existing highway system. That will only delay emergency responses and rescue operations by authorities.
The Government as well as the public needs to change their attitudes. We depend too much on cars and automobiles. Some attitudes that have become a part of culture and life need to be get rid of.
P.S. This blog could have been better!!