Map of Amritsar District from 1914, depicting an area of approximately 1,601 square miles with a population of 880,728 in1901. In contrast to the present day, Amritsar district has a reduced geographical area and a notable increase in population. – Text & photo: Panjab Digital Library
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Toronto Sikh students distributing warm cloths – Photo: City News videograb
By Asia Samachar | Canada |
For the past seven years students from the Sikh community have been providing care packages for people in need, reported Toronto-based City News. The TV network was with them at Yonge Dundas Square. Click here to view the video coverage.
Toronto Sikh students distributing warm cloths – Photo: City News videograb
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
The Calcutta High Court has halted attempts by a local gurdwara to use the excommunication order to resolve matrimonial-related disputes between two parties.
The court has overturned the excommunication order by the ‘Gurudwara Chhota Singh Sangat’ against a petitioner, who was excommunicated from the entire Agrahari Sikh community. The excommunication was a result of an alleged matrimonial dispute involving the petitioner’s son and his wife, reported the LawInsider.
In the case of Sardar Lalu Singh v The State of West Bengal and others (Case No: WPA 787 of 2024), the court also directed the respondent office-bearers to pay costs of Rs 1.5 lakhs.
In his judgment, Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharya, as reported by LiveLaw, said: “Excommunication from an entire community, not pertaining to religious persecution alone but also the social life and relations of the petitioner is such a stringent action, which touches the normal life of a person and the right to live with dignity. Petitioner [cannot] be held responsible for a dispute between his son and his daughter-in-law. Even if there is such a dispute, the same cannot castigate either of the parties to the said dispute, more so at the behest of a Gurudwara. For such innocuous reason, the extreme step of social, religious and economic excommunication unleashed on the petitioner is palpably violative of Article 21 of the Constitution.”
Excommunication is a contentious tool used by the Sikh religious authorities, especially the Amritsar-based Akal Takht, in responding to religious and Panthic matters. It usually involves an order that fellow Sikhs to stop associating with the one who is excommunicated.
The first Sikh to be excommunicated by a decree of the Akal Takhat is believed to be Professor Gurmukh Singh, founder of the Sikh Reform Movement or the Singh Sabha Leher. The 1887 excommunication in colonial Punjab was not accepted by the Sikh masses, with respected Sikhs of the time like Bhai Gurdit Singh, Gyani Ditt Singh and Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha defying the order and continued to deal and interact openly with Prof Gurmukh Singh.
In the present case, it was submitted by the petitioner that he was a member of the Agrahari Sikh Community as well as the Gurudwara Chhota Singh Sangat. Petitioner argued that due to certain matrimonial disputes between his son and daughter-in-law, the Gurudwara had passed an order excommunicating him from the entire Agrahari Sikh community, reported LiveLaw.
It was submitted that such actions had directly impinged on his right to life and right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.
It was held that the alleged matrimonial dispute was entirely within the domain of the civil court before which it may be brought, and no role in it in it could be attributed to the father of one of the spouses.
“The respondent nos. 8 and 10 would do well not to arrogate to themselves the control of the entire Agrahari Sikh Community upon themselves in every respect, thereby usurping the powers and authority of a competent civil court. Also, the Gurudwara may provide religious guidance and leadership to its members, but the reason cited for the excommunication has nothing to do with religion,” it concluded.
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
| Entry: 25 Jan 2024; Added: 25 Jan 2025 | Source: Family
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
| Entry: 24 Jan 2024; Updated: 25 Jan 2024 | Source: Family
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
Kirenjeet Kaur joined AEON Bank as Chief Risk and Compliance Officer in February 2023 – Photo: Personal LinkedIn
By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |
It has been almost one year since Kirenjeet Kaur joined AEON Bank (M) Bhd, Malaysia’s first Islamic digital bank. She joined the new outfit as its Chief Risk and Compliance Officer in February 2023.
Previously, she was the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) at Canadian-based financial services group Manulife Malaysia, since July 2021. Prior to that, she was with AmBank Group and AIG.
AEON Bank, led by Raja Teh Maimunah Raja Abdul Aziz as its CEO, is a subsidiary of Japanese group Aeon Financial Service and an associate company of Aeon Credit Service (M) Bhd.
At AEON Bank, Kiren oversees the organisation’s risk profile (covering market, liquidity, capital, credit, operational risk and technology risk), compliance, financial crime, regulatory matters and directly manages all second-line activities, according to information at the bank’s website.
Kirenjeet holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Financial Analysis from Anglia Polytechnic University, UK, and has earned various certifications, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence.
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 Gurbani, listening and observing are seen as more important than speaking. As Guru Arjan says, “Pure are those who speak but accepted are those who listen” (Guru Granth Sahib, Page 193). Elsewhere Guru Nanak in Jap Bani identifies listening as the starting point of one’s spiritual journey. “Listening and believing with love and humility in your mind is the virtuous path” (GGS, 4).
In the vast range of human interactions, there exists an important role; that of a silent observer, or if you like, a ‘fly on the wall’. It’s not a literal insect buzzing around but rather a metaphoric perspective that allows an individual to be present in various situations, absorbing their surroundings without actively participating. This is a practice I find myself doing without even thinking, but my motivation goes beyond mere curiosity; it’s a deliberate act of understanding the complexities of human behaviour.
Whether I find myself at home, at events (e.g. weddings, conferences), or in any public space (e.g. train, café, supermarket), I often find myself almost becoming like an invisible observer. It’s not about being a nosy parker, but rather about being present, and the opportunity to witness the world around me. For sure I engage in conversations, but part of me always remains a detached observer, or if you like, a fly on the wall.
As I stand in the crowd, my senses become attuned to the environment, and I absorb what I can hear and see around me; the buildings, the people and the dynamics of the situation. There’s a certain beauty in being a silent observer of the ebb and flow of human interactions, witnessing both the words spoken and the body language of the participants. It’s almost like being a member of the audience watching a play on the stage.
After the event or situation, I start to process my thoughts. This can sometimes be immediate, but on other occasions, it takes days to process what I observed. The kinds of questions I think of are: What unfolded in those spaces? What was the pulse of the event? What did I see? What did I hear? And, when I am reflecting on a situation that I was part of, I will also think about what my feelings and emotions were and how I behaved.
In reflecting, I focus on the different dimensions of human behaviour. How do people behave in groups? How do they find comfort and support in shared dialogues? What triggers changes in people’s moods? and how do their thoughts influence their actions?
Being a ‘fly on the wall’ in a situation which includes observing your actions, it’s like you are both in the audience and on the stage. It allows you to engage in what psychologist Donald Schön called ‘reflection in action’. This idea emphasises an ability that some people have to think and adapt in an ongoing situation. It involves being aware of one’s actions, thoughts, and feelings in real-time and allowing for adjustments.
Learning in action is different to learning after an event, which he called ‘reflection on action’. Reflecting on action, which occurs after an event or situation, has its advantages as it allows for a more in-depth analysis. It promotes deeper understanding, learning from mistakes, and identifying patterns over time.
The role of the fly on the wall is not merely about collecting data; it’s about immersing yourself in the world around you and human experiences. It’s about appreciating the interconnectedness of individuals in different spaces and situations. As I continue this journey of silent observation, I realize that being a fly on the wall is not just a technique; it’s a mindset, an openness to understanding the world without judgment, interference, or prejudice.
Manjit Kaur, a UK-based therapist and counsellor, is a presenter at the 1 Show Live at Panjab Broadcasting Channel, UK. She can be contacted via email at manjitkaur1show@gmail.com
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
The word ‘Ram’ mentioned in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the omnipresent divine and absolutely not, the Ram the son of Dasrath in the Hindu myth.
The Sikhs have no axe to grind with the followers of Ram or the Temple in his name, anywhere! We are concerned though about the politicization and co-opting, impacting the Sikh Religion.
The Ram Mandir/Temple in Ayodhya, is being built on the blood of thousands of innocent Muslims and other minorities. Historical evidence has been thrown to the wind, but the ‘permanent caste majority’ (PCM) has used every tool, including the judiciary to rule in their favor, on absolutely flimsy grounds.
The ruling regime in the ‘Republic of India’ (ROI) seems to continually use the age-old Brahminical Chanakya-niti of ‘divide and rule’ politics since 2014, which has now taken it to a new level.
Centuries old historic gurdwaras have been demolished by the RSS/BJP followers, and Hindu temples or Buddhist temples have been built over them in the recent past. The following is only a short list of Gurdwaras: Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh; Guru Dogmar in Sikkim; Gyan Godri in Hardwar; Nanakbari in Hardwar; Gurdwara Nanak Bari near Reetha Sahib in Uttarakhand; Gurdwara Nanak Padao near Reetha Sahib; Gurdwara Almora in Uttarakhand; Gurdwara Paua Sahib, Gwalior related to Guru Hargobind Sahib; Gurdwara Manji Sahib Kalsi Uttarakhand, related to Guru Gobind Singhji; and Gurdwara Smadh Rani Jind Kaur at Ram Kund Nasik, Maharashtra.
When Sikh places of prayer are being forcibly demolished and taken over, how can Sikhs even dream of attending and/or participating in the inauguration of the Ram Mandir which has been built by razing a legitimate mosque to the ground. Furthermore, the Sikh ideology is radically different from Brahminical Hinduism. Sikh foundation beliefs stand on, complete equality and the welfare of all.
We are standing by the Guru’s immortal Order:
Na hum Hindu, Na Mussalman. Allah Ram ke pind praan.
Pandit Mullah chhadey Dou. Hamra Jhagra raha na kou.
Hindu poojey dehura. Mussalman maseet Namey soee seweyaa. Jeh dehura na maseet
Rovey Ram nikaala bhayaa. Sita lakhman vichhar gya
Pakhaan gad ke moorat keeni, chhatee dhar k paon Je eh moorat saachee hai tau gadhan haarey khao
The Hindus are inaugurating their Ram Mandir/Temple which is their internal issue and Sikhs should focus on getting our own house in order.
Sikhs around the world have strongly raised their voice against any kind of participation by Sikhs in this highly politicized and contentious grand opening. The American Sikh Council (ASC) is of the strong opinion that no Sikh should be attending this political stunt.
It is common knowledge that RSS/BJP teams are going around across many states forcibly coercing Sikhs at gurdwaras to celebrate the opening of the Ram Mandir/Temple. This hinduization must stop!
Because of the deafening silence of the Akal Takht and the SGPC, over a dozen Sikh activists and academics got together at the Kendri Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Chandigarh and did a fantastic job of being the voice of the Sikhs, to take a firm and clear stand on this issue.
Sikhs need to be really aware of RSS/BJP tainted politicians, parcharaks, granthis, etc., masquerading as Sikhs who are cajoling and coercing Sikh sangats to participate in this religious charade.
Any Sikh who attends this function on January 22, 2024 at Ayodhya must be termed as a, “Guru Da Dhokhy and must be termed as Thankhaiya”.
The American Sikh Council (ASC) stands with every right-thinking Sikh and Sikh organization everywhere and not be involved in the Ram Mandir/Temple affair.
The American Sikh Council is the umbrella organization representative of Sikhs in the United States. It is an elected body of Sikh Gurdwaras and institutions. Currently 74 Gurdwaras and other Sikh institutions across the nation are members of ASC. The major governing purpose of the organization is to represent the collective view of Sikhs in the United States. ASC works to promote Sikh interests at the national and international level focusing on issues of advocacy, education, and well-being of humankind.
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 local ophthalmologist has won the right to be able to perform retinal surgeries at Kelowna General Hospital in British Columbia following a judgment from the Hospital Appeal Board.
In a decision released last December, a three-person panel of the Hospital Appeal Board ruled in favour of Dr. Malvinder Hoonjan in his bid to get surgical privileges at KGH, reported CastaNews.
Kelowna is a city in the south of the Canadian province.
While vitreo-retinal surgeries were formerly only practiced at Kamloops’ Royal Inland Hospital within Interior Health, where Dr. Hoonjan had active medical staff privileges, these surgeries were transferred to KGH in 2019.
As part of this move, KGH undertook a search and selection process for the positions of two vitreo-retinal surgeons at KGH, but Dr. Hoonjan was not selected. As such, he was able to provide examinations at KGH, but he was unable to perform any procedures requiring an operating room.
Dr. Hoonjan filed an appeal of IH’s decision not to grant him active medical staff privileges at KGH in December 2020, and in July 2022, he filed a civil lawsuit against IH, claiming breach of contract and breach of duty of good faith.
Ultimately, the Hospital Appeal Board ruled IH engaged in “differential treatment” of Dr. Hoonjan, and noted the health authority’s conduct was “troublesome.”
“Dr. Hoonjan has experienced repeated differential adverse treatment by IH at almost every level, yet almost all of the evidence and witnesses who appeared before the panel stated that he is a very good doctor who was always available and willing to help out and had a calm and compassionate demeanour,” the panel wrote in its decision, according to the report.
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
