| Entry: 18 February 2026; Updated: 24 February 2026 | 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
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
This article is a direct appeal to the worldwide Sikh Panth, especially to those of us who rightly take pride in a tradition that stands for social justice, moral courage and resistance to oppression in all its forms. We are often quick, and rightly so, to condemn sexual abuse when it is exposed among powerful individuals such as Jeffrey Epstein, or when it is framed through the lens of so-called “Pakistani Muslim grooming gangs”. Yet there is a deeply troubling silence when abuse is rooted within our own familial, religious and institutional spaces.
Most notably, this silence is evident when It concerns the systemic abuse that takes place in many deras or religious residential schools in Panjab India more generally. Though difficult to gather, survivor testimony, often years after the abuse, indicates that widespread sexual abuse of boys and girls. Most importantly, this is not isolated or accidental, but often organised, concealed and reproduced on a large scale. The consequences are devastating. Many survivors carry lifelong psychological, physical and emotional trauma, with their sense of self, trust and dignity profoundly damaged.
These individuals, if they survive at all, sometimes end up as Granthis in Gurdwaras across the world and according to research up to 30% can end up perpetuating the very same abuse they experienced. Too often, unresolved trauma feeds further cycles of abuse, creating a self-perpetuating system of harm. These individuals’ victim can become future perpetrators and the cycle of abuse continues.
The Cover of Spirituality
What makes crimes against the most vulnerable members of the community especially painful is these are rationalised under the cover of spirituality in Sikh spaces. Survivors often report that the perpetrators deploy all kinds of perverted religious logic, which is a betrayal of Sikh principles themselves.
We are rightly disgusted by the behaviour of Epstein yet Sikhi demands that we apply the same moral outrage and determination to see justice for the victims when it involves our own community. If we exercise the right to speak against exploitation elsewhere, we also have the moral duty to examine evidence of abuse within our own religious and educational institutions, particularly where spiritual authority and community trust are involved, and to act. Failure to do so in an age where such abuse is increasingly difficult to cover-up is, as we have seen in the Roman Catholic Church is likely to lead to profoundly damaging moral authority, credibility and institutional stability.
Beginning with widespread revelations in countries such as the United States, Ireland, Australia and Germany, investigations uncovered not only extensive child sexual abuse by clergy but also systematic cover-ups by senior church officials. Financially, the Church had to pay billions in settlements and compensation; socially, it faced declining attendance and trust in many regions.
Documented Cases in Dera and Faith-Linked Settings
Sexual abuse linked to dera institutions and religious authority claiming allegiance with Sikhi in Punjab and India is not mere speculation or manufactured moral panic by enemies of Sikhi. Though the actual number of reported cases is tiny, all indications are that these represent the tip of a large iceberg.
Nonetheless, courts and media reporting have documented serious cases involving women and children. However, because such offences are difficult to prove, often, just as was the case in the Epstein scandal, they either are not even reported, the victims are intimated and/or their silence is bought off, often with the complicity of politicians, wealthy individuals and even law enforcement and child welfare services whose have a legal duty to protect!
The broader Indian context reinforces the risks associated with charismatic religious leadership. For example, the conviction of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, head of Dera Sacha Sauda, for raping female followers demonstrated how spiritual authority can be abused over extended periods. Former associates also alleged abuse connected to dera-run institutions, underscoring how hierarchical religious environments can suppress disclosure.
Evidence from Community Research
Beyond individual cases, community-specific research further underscores the scale of concern. A study conducted by Sikh Women’s Aid in 2021 found that over 30% of Sikh women surveyed reported experiencing sexual abuse, with nearly 70% of incidents occurring during childhood. The same study found that 8% of respondents reported abuse linked to religious or faith-based authority.
The research emphasised that shame, fear of reputational damage and cultural stigma significantly inhibit disclosure. Such barriers align with findings from the UK Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) in 2022, which concluded that religious organisations across faith traditions often failed to implement adequate safeguarding policies and sometimes prioritised institutional reputation over victim protection.
Taken together, these data suggest that abuse within Sikh and Punjabi contexts must be understood not merely as isolated incidents but as part of broader structural vulnerabilities involving authority, silence and inadequate safeguarding.
What is to be done?
If the Sikh Panth is to maintain moral authority and not end-up in the same position as the Roman Catholic Church, as well as looking outwards and learning from what happens elsewhere, we need to look inwards. As is far too familiar, when cases do get reported and victims and their families gain the courage to speak out, we must respond not defensively but act constructively, through transparent safeguarding standards, independent oversight, survivor support and a shift in mindset that places dignity above reputation.
As a friend and long-time Sikh activist noted on my Facebook page, “too often, we see a burst of noise for a few days – anger, social media posts, outrage — and then everything settles back into silence. That pattern helps no one. It gives the illusion of action while the underlying system remains untouched. If we are serious about protecting our children … then our response must be sustained, not emotional; structured, not reactive; Panthic, not factional; focused on prevention and safeguarding, not just condemnation.”
If we are serious about honouring the legacy of the Sikh Gurus, then silence is not neutrality but complicity. A tradition that once challenged some of the most powerful empires the world has seen cannot shrink from challenging its own institutions. The measure of our integrity lies not in what we condemn elsewhere, but in what we are willing to confront at home!
Gurnam Singh is an academic activist dedicated to human rights, liberty, equality, social and environmental justice. He is a 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
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
Mahwash’s watchlist for Pakistani dramas. Right: Saba Qamar stars as Jahan Ara in Muamma
By Asia Samachar | Pakistan |
Pakistan has produced some compelling dramas that are easily accessible online. But are they all worth watching?
“A lot of people tell me that Pakistani dramas are bad. Okay, some of them are. But not all of them. Some are really, really good — and far better than many Bollywood productions and even some mainstream Hollywood films,” said Mahwash Ajaz, editor-in-chief and founder of The Expat Story.
According to the Dubai-based editor, dismissing the entire industry overlooks a body of work that consistently delivers strong storytelling, layered characters and social commentary.
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
Satwant Singh Calais and his wife Sushil Kaur Calais – Photo: Supplied
By Anandpreet Kaur | Australia |
Satwant Singh Calais did not set out to build an organisation that would span a continent. He set out to ensure that Sikh children growing up in Australia would not do so without structure, guidance and a confident understanding of their identity.
For that sustained and strategic investment in community-building, the co-founder of Sikh Youth Australia (SYA) has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), recognising more than two decades of service focused on youth leadership development, values-based education and national-level Sikh engagement in a multicultural society.
Drawing from his formative years attending the Sikhs camps organised by the Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM) in the late 1960s, Satwant recognised early the transformative impact of structured youth camps.
When he and fellow founders established SYA in 1999, organised platforms for Sikh youth development in Australia were limited. What began as a summer camp model adapted from Malaysia has since evolved into a national organisation delivering more than 80 programmes annually — including leadership development initiatives, women’s retreats, professional mentoring networks, mental health engagement, interfaith collaborations and curriculum-based education outreach.
Under his stewardship as president since 2008, SYA adopted a strategic planning framework grounded in stakeholder consultation, financial sustainability and eight core organisational values. The result has been steady growth, diversified programming and measurable national reach.
On receiving the OAM, Satwant was quick to deflect attention.
“The award, for all intents and purposes, is a recognition of the hard and consistent sewa that has been done by dozens of parents, facilitators, supporters and senior youth to uplift the image and leadership of Sikhs across many sectors,” he told Asia Samachar.
Beyond SYA, he serves as chief patron and benefactor of the Australian Sikh Association at Glenwood Gurdwara and co-founded the Young Sikh Professionals Network (YSPN) in 2012 to mentor emerging leaders.
Professionally, Satwant has built a career in property and consultancy, previously serving as principal of Calais Consultants and currently as managing director of Gregory Hills Development Company.
The OAM forms part of the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, presented by Governor-General Sam Mostyn, recognising Australians for distinguished service to the community.
Experts from the interview.
Question: You co-founded Sikh Youth Australia at a time when organised support for Sikh youth in Australia was limited. Looking back, what personal experience or moment made you realise something like SYA needed to exist?
Answer: Having been a product of the Sikh Naujawan Samelans in Malaysia, which I attended from 1965, when the initial camps were held at Port Dickson Gurdwara, I saw the value of such camps. My last camp was in 1969, after which I left to pursue my Higher School Certificate in Hobart, Tasmania.
Together with our fellow co-founders — the late Ajmer Singh Ji, Sukhvinder Singh, Jaswinder Singh Sidhu, Gurpreet Singh and Dya Singh, along with Giani Sukhdaiv Singh Ji (Gurpuri Foundation) — we decided that a similar model was needed in Australia. We all had young Sikh children who required foundational knowledge in Sikhism, as well as the opportunity to be part of a larger cohort of Australian Sikh boys and girls.
We adopted the Malaysian model in the first two years but soon realised we needed to adapt the delivery style and engagement approach for Australian youth and their parents. These changes ensured sustained and growing participation from both youth and families.
Q: Receiving the OAM is a public recognition, but your work has always been deeply community-driven. What does this honour mean to you on a personal level, beyond the title itself?
The award, for all intents and purposes, recognises the consistent and dedicated sewa of dozens of parents, facilitators, supporters and senior youth who have worked tirelessly to uplift the image and leadership of Sikhs across many sectors.
Q: SYA has grown from a small youth initiative into a national platform over more than two decades. What leadership principles have stayed constant for you, even as the organisation has scaled and evolved?
Unlike gurdwaras, which have a constant stream of income from golak donations, SYA adopted a “user pays” principle from the start.
Unlike Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, Australia is relatively young in terms of the establishment and recognition of Sikhs. New migrants understandably had to focus on economic survival and consolidation — jobs, skills development, housing and education. Attending camps costing hundreds of dollars was a significant commitment for many families.
We therefore focused on delivering value-for-money programmes, and word of mouth became our strongest marketing tool in the early years.
As our numbers increased, we began engaging stakeholders to better understand their challenges, needs and aspirations.
A strategic plan was subsequently formulated with the support of two external consultants — one Sikh and one non-Sikh. This plan provided a clear vision based on broad community input. We adopted eight key values and principles that underpin our programmes and organisational identity.
This framework enabled us to deliver new and innovative programmes beyond our flagship SYA summer camps, which, with Waheguru’s grace, have been running for 26 years.
Our initiatives include leadership development programmes for future leaders; women’s retreats; the Australian Sikh Awards of Excellence celebrating hidden gems across eight industry sectors; workshops on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on future generations; and interactive workshops, seminars and art exhibitions celebrating Sikh heritage.
We also run pop-up health clinics across all states to support new migrants and their parents; conduct spiritual sessions, meditation and kirtan tours for two months annually — from Brisbane and the Gold Coast to Perth — with the assistance of Veer Manpreet Ji, Dya Singh Ji, Giani Sukhdaiv Ji and other facilitators from overseas; and deliver over 80 programmes in gurdwaras and homes during this period.
In addition, we operate the Young Sikh Professional Network to mentor young professionals entering the workforce, and undertake charity work in a non-compete spirit, including langar sewa with Turbans 4 Australia and Sikh Volunteers of Victoria, serving women’s shelters and supporting community care following natural disasters.
Australia Governor General Sam Mostyn at a cake cutting ceremony celebrating SYA’s 25th anniversary in 2025, flanked by Day Singh (left) and Satwant Singh Calais – Photo: Supplied
Q: You’ve balanced long-term community leadership with a demanding career in property and consultancy. How have skills from your professional life shaped the way you approach community building — and vice versa?
As Sikhs, we are all lifelong learners.
A continuous improvement mindset is essential in all aspects of life, regardless of age. There has been mutual benefit — we have learnt immensely from our youth and new parents.
We focus on empowering young people with leadership and community development skills so they can contribute positively to Australia’s economic and social development.
Q: Many of SYA’s initiatives, like Sikh to Give and Divine Steps, centre on engaging with multicultural Australia. What must community organisations do differently today to remain relevant to younger generations while preserving cultural roots?
The diversity of programmes listed above helps engage youth and families. In addition, education — both internal and external — is key to ongoing community development.
Ongoing internal education about our history, heritage and religion, delivered through creative, innovative and self-development approaches, is critical. Simply sharing stories of our Gurus and shaheeds is not enough.
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji contains profound wisdom that few fully understand. We must translate and communicate this knowledge in the context of everyday life. For example, many young people face significant mental health challenges. The teachings of our Gurus can offer practical guidance — but we must collaborate with Sikh and non-Sikh professionals to develop programmes that meet this need effectively.
Externally, Australia is a wonderful multicultural country. Beyond food, dance and the Five Ks, we must educate fellow Australians about Sikh values.
We have been fortunate to engage with the Catholic Schools Organisation in Sydney, developing curriculum-based lessons on Sikhism and training their teachers. They now deliver the programme using resources developed by our team of educators and researchers.
This complements initiatives such as the first Divine Steps Festival, where nine different faith groups performed devotional music in an open-air concert that attracted more than 5,000 Australians from diverse backgrounds.
Q: What are some of the most pressing issues faced by the Sikh community in Australia today?
How long is a piece of string?
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Thank you. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to share our work with the largest online platform serving our community. You are doing commendable work. May Waheguru bless you all. Gurkirpa.\
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
Antonio Grassi, Vladimir Brichta, Juliana Paes, Palomma Duarte, and João Vitti in Desperate Lies
By Asia Samachar | Movie Review |
Truth, when spoken, is not always welcomed. In Desperate Lies (2024), Liana, portrayed by Juliana Paes, voices her truth. Tomás, brought to life by Vladimir Brichta, rejects it. He opts for the comfort of denial over the burden of honesty. What follows is emotional unravelling.
The series centres on a stark question: what happens when the truth is too painful to confront and deception becomes the preferred refuge? Can love, family and identity endure when built on distortion?
The narrative tightens around this tension. Truth becomes an act of survival. Courage evolves into resilience. Lies corrode everything they touch. The performances carry the weight of that conflict with conviction and restraint.
Liana and Tomás are not caricatures of right and wrong. Both act from fear. Both believe they are protecting their family. Yet their refusal to accept each other’s reality exposes a deeper question: were they safeguarding those they loved, or shielding themselves from accountability?
The series delivers a clear moral architecture. Owning one’s truth disrupts shame and releases fear. Silence, even when framed as protection, compounds harm. When victims are further burdened with blame, the fracture becomes generational.
This Brazilian Netflix drama, produced by Luiz Noronha and Cecilia Grosso, originally in Portuguese and available in English, examines secrecy not as spectacle but as consequence. It offers no easy resolution. Instead, it leaves a firm reminder: truth may wound, but shared honestly, it is the only credible path toward healing.
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
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
