| Parmeet Singh Sidhu | Penang, Malaysia | 7 March 2016 | Asia Samachar |
Twelve members of USM Sikh Society Students visited the Penang General Hospital on Sunday (6 March 2016).
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a Malaysian public university with a campus in Penang.
The aim was to spread Guru Nanak’s universal message of peace and service above self in conjunction with the gurpurabs of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh.
“The main concept of vand shakna was core principle and kick starter for this programme,” said one of its members who took part in the two-hour visit.
Organising chairman Gurvinderjit Singh Sidhu said the group distributed food and brought cakes for the participants at the male, female and children wards.
Society advisor Dr Darshan Singh, a lecturer at the university’s main campus, was present along with Matren Ranjit Kaur.
Hospital matron Zuria said this was the first time USM students had visited the patients at the hospital. “It’s very encouraging to see youths servicing the community.” she said.
The programme was made possible by donations from the Sikhs of Penang and Kulim.
The patients were grateful with the visits as it seems they do not get many visitors, according to the participants.
“Some of them have no family members. Some family members live too far away or are busy working. Hence, our presence help them feel better, provide companionship and they don’t feel alone or helpless,” said one participant.
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My congratulations to all for this initiative and those who took part in this programme.
All are Sikh students but only two Sikh boys and the Hospital’s Matron in the first photograph can be identified as Sikhs. It is humbly suggested that Sikhs should be proud of their Singh and Kaur status and reflect it in their dress especially when mixing with other communities. The Malays and S. Indians and even some Chinese girls have been seen to be in Punjabi dresses and they look very nice.
The Father of Khalsa the Tenth Guru Ji declared that He will create a race where even One Sikh in a crowd of One Lakh will be Recognized. Sadly this message appears, without realization, to have been forgotten by the Lions and Princiesses of the Guru Ji.
I have even seen in Gurdwaras where the dress of some Punjabis is not only not suitable in Gurdwaras especially during wedding/celebrations but also not suitable at all due to the extent of exposure.
Apologies if anyone feels offended by my comments.
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