Games at Port Klang gurdwara in conjunction with Vaisakhi 2024
By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |
The Port Klang gurdwara recently held games in conjunction with the up-coming Vaisakhi 2024 celebrations.
“Your energy was contagious, your spirit was inspiring, and your participation was unforgettable! Each one of you brought your A-game, making the event a spectacular success!
“We laughed, we cheered, and together, we created some amazing memories. This wouldn’t have been possible without you joining us from your homes, showing the world that unity and sportsmanship know no boundaries,” according to an entry at the Gurdwara Sahib Port Klang social media. More photos at their Facebook account.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
LT Lim and his lovely wife Pansy. Fit, amiable and energetic LT Lim celebrated his 80th Birthday on 16 Dec 2023 with his wife Pansy by his side. Age has not deterred the loving couple from enjoying life to the fullest. They laugh a lot. Both are friendly, nice, respectful and gregarious. Not many can boast to live life up to this age without any compromise on their quality of life. This loving couple serves as a role model couple in terms of staying healthy and being happy; they strongly encourage Malaysians to focus on their health, be happy and to laugh more often
By Dr Pola Singh | Malaysia |
It’s time to acknowledge that many of us have forgotten the simple joy of laughter in our everyday routines. Our lives often revolve around seriousness, which only adds to the stress and tension we face. But amidst our responsibilities, isn’t it crucial to reintroduce laughter, to cherish moments of light-heartedness?
I recently found myself at the Royal Selangor Club, surrounded by a palpable sense of gloom. Despite it being a Friday night, typically filled with merriment and anticipation for the weekend, the atmosphere was heavy with serious discussions, particularly about the ‘socks’ issue. Caught up in the intensity of the moment, I too momentarily lost sight of the joy I usually find in Friday night gatherings.
Reflecting on this, I couldn’t help but wonder: would a bit of laughter and humour have diffused the tension that engulfed the club’s corridors? Instead of revelling in camaraderie and cheer, members were singularly focused on one issue, neglecting the opportunity for shared enjoyment.
Few realize the power of laughter to alleviate even the most burdensome of situations. It serves as a tangible expression of finding amusement, peculiarity, or outright absurdity in the world around us.
As the saying goes, ‘Laughter is the Best Medicine,’ and its health benefits are undeniable. Yet, many, particularly seniors, have allowed laughter to slip from their lives. When was the last time you truly laughed? For most, it’s a distant memory.
In our journey to adulthood, we’ve traded spontaneous laughter for a perpetual seriousness. But we mustn’t forget that laughter has the remarkable ability to lighten even the heaviest of burdens. Just observe how effortlessly a baby transitions from tears to giggles with the slightest provocation – such is the magic of laughter.
Even in the face of adversity, a laugh or a smile can work wonders for our well-being. Laughter is contagious; it primes our brains for joy and invites us to join in the merriment. Laughing and feeling stressed cannot coexist – one inevitably displaces the other.
Consider attending a comedy show featuring local talents like Allan Perera, Harith Iskander, or Dr Jason Leong. The transformation in your mood after just a couple of hours will be profound.
Moreover, laughter fosters genuine connections and strengthens relationships. I recall my experience lecturing on the mundane topic of “Research Methodology” at the Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College in the late 1980s. Injecting humour into my lessons not only made them enjoyable but also forged lasting bonds with my students.
Recently, I joined a “Happy & Healthy” group led by 80-year-old LT Lim and his wife Pansy. Since then, my outlook on life has shifted. I’m more conscious of embracing happiness – smiling more often and infusing my days with laughter and humour. It’s invigorating to belong to such a cheerful and ever-smiling group.
However, let’s remember that laughter should never come at the expense of others. Let’s exercise discretion and empathy, distinguishing between good-natured jests and hurtful remarks.
In essence, let’s reintegrate laughter and humour into our lives as essential components of our well-being. By embracing the lighter side of life, we can alleviate stress, strengthen bonds, and cultivate a more joyful existence.
So, to people on this Earth including Malaysians, let’s make laughter a way of life. It’s a priceless medicine that’s fun, free, and remarkably easy to administer. And the benefits are manifold!
Dr Pola Singh, who retired as Maritime Institute of Malaysia director-general in 2011, is also the author of ‘Uphill — The Journey of a Sikh-Chinese Kampung Boy’
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Jarnail Singh will always be remembered as someone full of life and a generous and caring individual. His grandchildren have and will always fondly remember his fun-filled jokes and anecdotes. As a family, we will always remember his childhood stories of him taking care of cows and his funny school years and the joy those stories have brought us.
Jarnail was also a devoted friend and uncle. He will always avail himself for his family and friends. While he would go out of his way to help others, he, on the other hand, chose never to inconvenience others.
Outside of the family front, he was also a former TNB employee. During his time, he was an advocate for the needs of his TNB colleagues, fighting fiercely for others during his Union days. Due to his hard work, many of the retirees today are enjoying pension and fully paid healthcare. Everyone around him have a lot to thank him for and wonderful attributes to remember him by. He will be dearly missed.
As a family, we love you and miss you, Papa and Grandfather. You will live in our hearts forever.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
(Son of The Late Sardar Bhagwan Singh Ahluwalia & Late Sardarni Ikbal Kaur of Alor Setar & Penang, Malaysia & Son-in-Law of the Late Sardar Gurdial Singh Sidhu & Late Sardarni Jaspal Kaur, Ipoh, Malaysia)
Passed away peacefully in Melbourne, Australia on 17th March 2024
Forever loved and cherished by
Wife: Dr Sarjit Kaur (former Professor at USM, Penang)
Children: Justin J. Singh & Obdesh Kieran Singh
Brothers and sisters / Spouses Udham Singh (deceased) / Josephine Udham Singh Daljit Singh / Mdm Betty Ung Joginder Kaur (deceased) / Dr Harbans Singh (deceased) Datin Manmohan Kaur / Dato P S Gill Rajinder Kaur / Darshan Singh Khinda Jasbir Kaur Dato Dr Ranjit Singh / Datin Dr Saro Gopal Dr Balwant Singh / Dr Hawa Daljit Kaur / Harphajanjit Singh Walia Harcharan Singh (deceased) Parmjit Kaur / Raghbir Singh Bhart Jaspal Kaur Foo Ajit Singh / Valerie Arokiam and a host of relatives, nephews & nieces in Australia, UK and Malaysia
PATH DA BHOG Tuesday 9th April 2024 9:00am to 10:30am followed by Guru Ka Langgar Hoppers Crossing Gurdwara (417 Sayers Rd, Victoria 3029, Australia)
Contact Information: Dr Sarjit Singh at +61413 162 090
KINDLY TREAT THIS AS OUR PERSONAL INVITATION TO ALL OF YOU
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
In the realm of philosophical and theological discourse, the dichotomy between theory and practice has long been a subject of debate. While some foreground the importance of inner contemplation, critical reflection, and theoretical development, others advocate for tangible action and practical engagement in the world. However, within Sikh philosophy, this dichotomy is reconciled through the concept of Miri Piri, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between worldly action (Miri) and spiritual reflection (Piri).
The discourse surrounding the balance between theory and action is not a novel one. Contemporary scholars, such as Terry Eagleton, have critiqued the tendency of critical theorists to become ensnared in endless critique, neglecting its potential for tangible social change. Eagleton’s call to move beyond mere critique resonates with the essence of Sikh philosophy, which emphases the importance of both action and reflection in effecting meaningful change in the world.
It is this same concern for practically engaged spirituality that the Sikh Gurus stress the importance of social action. Accordingly, they were heavily critical of the Yogis and Sanyasis who chose renunciation over becoming overly concerned with worldly affairs. According to Guru Nanak, fleeing to the mountains, caves, and jungles was both an easy and cowardly path.Working to liberate humanity from oppressive tyrants and traditions was much more difficult. Yet, it was the chosen path of the Gurus, despite the resistance and violence they had to endure.
Karl Marx’s famous assertion that philosophers have interpreted the world in various ways, but the point is to change it, encapsulates the essence of this debate. Sikh philosophy echoes this sentiment, recognising the necessity of engaging with practical issues while also cultivating a reflective understanding of the world. As Confucius aptly put it, “practice without theory is dangerous, but theory without practice is useless.”
The concept of Miri Piri within Sikh philosophy exemplifies this balance between action and reflection. Miri represents worldly authority and the pursuit of justice and righteousness in the material realm, while Piri signifies spiritual authority and ethical living. In essence, Miri provides the framework for translating theoretical insights into tangible action guided by ethical principles.
Furthermore, the concepts of nirgun and sargun within Sikhi provide additional insight into this dialectic. Nirgun, representing the transcendent and divine aspects of existence, aligns with the reflective dimension of philosophy, delving into the metaphysical and abstract realms. On the other hand, sargun embodies the immanent and creative aspect of the divine, manifesting in tangible forms within the material world. Together, nirgun and sargun form two complementary aspects of ultimate reality, mirroring the unity between theory and practice.
This desire to unify is perfectly captured in the writings of the preeminent Sikh philosopher and scribe Bhai Gurdas. In one of his vaar’s (compositions) he points out that Guru Nanak’s mission was to unite and preach ones, both of thought and action, but also of humanity. In the present age, Bhai Gurdas says that Nanak declared the divine to be manifest both in physical (saragun) and spirit (nirgun) form and that hitherto divided into 4 castes, humanity was deemed to be one. ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਪੂਰਨ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਕਲਿਜੁਗਿ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਇਕੁ ਦਿਖਾਇਆ। ਚਾਰੇ ਪੈਰ ਧਰੱਮ ਦੇ ਚਾਰਿ ਵਰਨਿ ਇਕੁ ਵਰਨੁ ਕਰਾਇਆ।
In essence, Sikh philosophy emphasises oneness and the inseparable nature of action and reflection. Accordingly, meaningful change requires both theoretical understanding and practical engagement. By embracing the concept of Miri Piri and the dialectic between nirgun and sargun, Sikhi guides us to navigate the complexities of the world with non-duality, wisdom, compassion, and ethical discernment. In doing so, it exemplifies the harmonious integration of theory and practice, serving as a timeless reminder of the importance of both action and reflection in the pursuit of a just and equitable society.
Gurnam Singh is an academic activist dedicated to human rights, liberty, equality, social and environmental justice. He is an Associate Professor of Sociology at University of Warwick, UK. He can be contacted at Gurnam.singh.1@warwick.ac.uk
* This is the opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Asia Samachar.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
A young Sikh lady leads the Ardaas at the Women’s Day celebration at GSPJ on May 6, 2024 – Photo: GSPJ
By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |
Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya (GSPJ) organised a Kirtan Darbar in celebration of International Women’s Day on March 6.
The event commenced with the Sangat reciting Rehrass Sahib, followed by soulful kirtan by the GSPJ Istri Satsang, a pillar of support of the gurdwara, and captivating kirtan by the SGGS Academy Naujawan Jatha, accompanied by tanti saaj (stringed instruments). It was concluded with a heartfelt kirtan by Bibi Amrit Kaur, Bibi Ajeet Kaur and Bibi Kavelnain Kaur.
The Ardas to conclude the Kirtan Darbar was performed by Bibi Delrina Kaur from Petaling Jaya Naujawan, while Bibi Amrit Kaur took the Hukumnama. An entire naujawan semagam led by the wonderful women!
Following the program, a cake-cutting ceremony was held by PJ Naujawans, dedicated to women from all walks of life who continue to inspire and empower future generations.
GSPJ, GSPJ Istri Satsang and PJ Naujawan extend warm wishes for a Happy International Women’s Day to all women.
Cake cutting to honour women from all walks of life at GSPJ in conjunction of International Women’s Day on May 6, 2024 – Photo: GSPJ
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Life can never stay the same The day you left us, everything changed Nothing will be the same But love remains, unchanging and unwavering Angels took you, doves encircled you They lit your golden stairway Up into a little rainbow Nani, we love you endlessly. ~ preyankka & kenisha ~
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Amrit Singh Mann with Apprentice of the Year organised by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ)
By Asia Samachar | Britain |
Junior journalist Amrit Singh Mann has bagged Apprentice of the Year at an industry awards ceremony organised by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).
Amrit, who joined Sky News as a trainee in 2021 straight after completing his A-levels, holds the distinction of being the first turbaned presenter at the broadcasting house.
“Very proud to see my hard work and commitment to become a trusted and well-rounded journalist recognised. But the success wouldn’t have been possible without the fabulous support I’ve received at Sky News and PA Media Academy – Thank You!” he said in a social media entry.
Hailing from Slough, he was also recognised at the British Sikh Awards 2023, where he won the Media, Arts and Cultural Awareness Award.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Sikhs are joining the Taiping 150 celebration with prayers, hi-tea, hockey tournament and a dinner night.
Gurdwara Sahib Taiping will run an Akhand Path – the non-stop complete reading of the Guru Granth Sahib – from July 5-7, 2024. On the next day, July 6, they hold a hi-tea at 3pm at the gurdwara and a hockey tournament.
On July 7, they will organise a Dinner Night at Dewan Ong Si Thye Guan Tong, at RM600 per-table.
For more details, contact Satwant Singh (019-5585502) or Balraaj Singh (019-5555564).
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
