ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here.
Shenjeet Kaur Gill-Sekhon (left) with her family (right) after winning the council seat in December 2022
By Asia Samachar | Australia |
Malaysian-born Shenjeet Kaur Gill-Sekhon has been returned as a councillor for the City of Canning, Western Australia.
This win comes less than a year after she was elected mid-term in December 2022.
“Thank you to the residents of Beeliar Ward (Willetton and a small part of Leeming) who have supported me wholeheartedly,” she said in a social media entry.
Shenjeet was born in the Malaysian city of Seremban, Negeri Sembilan and grew up in Kepong Baru. She had completed a Diploma in Media and Communications at Limkokwing University and then the BA in Mass Communications in Curtin Perth in 2003. Upon graduation, she joined Limkokwing University as its marketing and communications manager.
She met her husband, Harveer (Harry) who was originally from Klang but has been in Perth since 1992 and returned to Perth in 2006. Shen continued to work in the higher education industry for a further 10 years with Curtin University’s International Affairs department and completed her MBA in the process.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
ਜੋ ਆਇਆ ਸੋ ਚਲਸੀ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਈ ਆਈ ਵਾਰੀਐ ॥ Jo aaya so chalsi sab koi aayi wariye “Whoever has come, shall depart; all shall have their turn.”
MATA SARJIT KAUR
14.10.1927 – 24.10.2023
Wife of late Sardar Sulakhan Singh Shergill
It is with great sadness that the family of Mata Sarjit Kaur announces the end of her sojourn on earth. Mata Ji passed away peacefully on October 24th 2023 at the age of 96. She will be lovingly remembered by her sons, daughters, daughter in laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Born on October 14th 1927 in Ipoh, Perak to Sardar Bhag Singh and Sardarni Kartar Kaur. Dhaliwal is the ancestral village in Amritsar, Punjab.
Such a wonderful soul Mata Ji was that she was well liked by everyone who crossed her path and quintessentially bears animosity to none. She epitomises living a simple and humble life.
Saskaar will be held on Thursday the 26th October 2023. Cortege will leave her residence at 41, Kampung Bemban, 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak for Batu Gajah Sikh cremation grounds at 12.00 pm.
Akhand Path will commence at Gurdwara Sahib Siputeh on the 3rd November and will conclude with Path da Bhog on the 5th November 2023, followed by an Antim ardas at noon.
Contact: Sukhdev Singh Shergill 012 366 6200
| Entry: 25 Oct 2023 | Source: Family
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Cortège leaves residence, No. 27 Jalan SJ 13, Taman Selayang Jaya, 68100, Batu Caves, Selangor Darul Ehsan, at 1 pm, 25 October 2023 (Wednesday)
Funeral at Shamshan Bhoomi Hall (Jalan Loke Yew Crematorium, Kuala Lumpur) on 25 October 2023 (Wednesday) Last respect: 2 pm – 4 pm Cremation/Saskaar: 4.30 pm
Path da Bhog: 4th November 2023 (Saturday), from 10 am to 12 noon, at Gurdwara Sahib Mainduab
Contact: Mr. Keshminder Singh (son) 019 8616505 Mr. Inderjit Singh (son) 012 2448384 Ms. Palvinder Kaur (daughter) 017 2590285
“He found happiness in life’s simplest pleasures, often reminding us that true wealth lies in cherishing the moments spent with loved ones and embracing the beauty of the world around us. He was knowledgeable, a man with modest needs and infinite generosity, always ready to extend a helping hand to those in need.”
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Jasvir Kaur wins Noam Chomsky Global Connections Awards
By Asia Samachar | Australia |
Jasvir Kaur Nachatar Singh has been named as one of the recipients of the A. Noam Chomsky Global Connections Awards – 2023 Shining Star Research Award.
The award is named after the Avram Noam Chomsky, a U professor and public intellectual known for his work in linguistics, political activism, and social criticism. Sometimes called “the father of modern linguistics”, Chomsky is also a major figure in analytic philosophy and one of the founders of the field of cognitive science.
“This award is special to me as it recognizes my influential scholarly contributions in transnational research, specifically focusing on international students, international graduates and international academics’ employability experiences and career outcomes with global researchers from 4 continents (6 countries) and highly cited publications in academic and non-academic high impact outlets,” she said in a social media entry.
Jasvir is a multi award-winning Senior Lecturer at the Department of Management and Marketing, La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Australia.
She holds the degrees of Bachelor of Economics (Majoring in Human Resource) from National University of Malaysia (UKM), Malaysia Master of Public Policy from Monash University, Australia, and a Ph.D. in Management from La Trobe University, Australia.
She has developed, co-ordinated and taught a range of management subjects at La Trobe, Monash and Melbourne University at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She is a passionate researcher in the fields on higher education specifically researching on issues related to international students and management relating to international academics experiences.
Her research has received grants of more than A$75,000, according to her LinkedIn profile.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. You will forever live on in our hearts and in our memories.
Late Father: Joginder Singh @ Jagjit Singh A/L Babu Singh
Late Mother: Surjit Kaur
Siblings / Spouses: Malik (Dave ) / Mumtaz Dr Ragbir Kaur / Bulvir Singh Balbir Kaur(Jay) / Manjindar Singh
Nephews, nieces, relatives and all friends.
With profound grief and sorrow, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Ranjit Singh.
For those who wish to pay their final respects, the funeral details are as follows:
Date: 24 October 2023 (Tuesday) Venue: DBKL Crematorium, Jalan Kuari, Cheras. Timing: 1.45 pm – 3.00 pm
Sehaj Path da Bhog will be held on Saturday, 4th November 2023 from 9.30am till 12.00noon at Gurdwara Sahib Polis (High Street), Jalan Balai Polis and thereafter, Guru Ka Langgar (Lunch) will be served.
Kindly treat this as a personal invitation from our family.
‘Ranjit was a simple man, loves obliging everyone and he was very knowledgeable. We used to refer to him as Mr Know It All. We will always miss him dearly’ Quoted by Datuk Malik, Rani and Jay
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here.
Book: Religious & Spiritual Circuits – Nepal & India Publisher: Nepal – India Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Nepal Tourism Board Publication Year: 2023. Pages: 193
By Santokh Singh Bains | Book Review |
The relationship between Nepal and India is age-old, time-tested and multi-dimensional. Also, the two countries have been connected through open borders since time immemorial.
In Nepal and India, there are scores of religious sites relating to the world’s three major religions – Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. The book under review provides exhaustive information about five religious circuits concerning Shiva Shakti, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Buddhism and Sikhism.
Religious & Spiritual Circuits – Nepal & India, which is an amazing coffee table book, aims to promote religious tourism between the two countries.
Experts from different religious backgrounds have provided valuable information relating to different religious circuits. As regards the Sikh circuit, Gyani Gurbaksh Singh, Rajinder Singh Chadha, Pritam Singh, Rupy Singh and Kiran Deep Sandhu extended their guidance and support.
Basic information about the Sikh religion and Guru Nanak’s travel to Nepal has been provided on pages 167 to 170. Thereafter, suitable pictures and detailed information relating to the Sikh religious sites in the Himalayan country have been furnished on pages 171 to 181.
Several historical matths/gurdwaras in the Kathmandu region commemorate Guru Nanak’s stay at different places in Nepal.
Guru Nanak Matth/Gurdwara at Balaju, which was constructed more than 400 years ago in the style of local Nepalese architecture, is certainly the most significant historical Sikh shrine in Kathmandu. There still stands a Peepul tree under which Guru Nanak is said to have meditated. Also, a pair of footprints, which are engraved in stone, are believed to be of Guru Nanak’s. The gurdwara has a precious 300-year-old handwritten Saroop of Guru Granth Sahib.
When Guru Nanak was in Kathmandu, Nepal was going through a severe drought. At the request of the suffering people, Guru Nanak is said to have pressed his thumb against the face of the hillside and then a fountain of water sprung from the hill. For more than five centuries, water has been flowing uninterruptedly from this holy spring which is known as Gyan Dhara.
It is said that Guru Nanak had also meditated at a place where Singha Durbar presently stands. Hence, the shrine was relocated to Shobha Bhagwati at Dallu. Inside the two-storied brick house, there is another handwritten Saroop of Guru Granth Sahib. A unique primitive bell hangs in the courtyard; Gurmukhi inscriptions on the bell symbolise the oneness of God and the oneness of humanity.
Udasi Akhada Prachin Matth/Gurdwara, which belongs to Kalmochan Ghat, is located on the banks of the Bagmati River at Thapathali. According to the local Mahant, Baba Sri Chand, the eldest son of Guru Nanak, had stayed at this location when he had visited Kathmandu.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh had probably sent some 12,000 Sikh soldiers along with many horses to Nepal as part of the alliance with the Himalayan country against the British India. Large cooking vessels used by the Sikh soldiers have been kept meticulously at the Matth.
There are two important Sikh shrines located in the premises of Pashupati Conservation Area: Bhasmeshor and Raaj Rajeshwari. The shrine at Bhasmeshor commemorates Guru Nanak’s visit to Pashupati Temple and also his meditation at this place. It was initially located on the long brick building opposite the present location, but was shifted to the new place after it was damaged during the earthquake in 2015.
About 300 metres to the south is located the Pashupati garden; Raaj Rajeshwari shrine is situated here. Raaj and Rajeshwari were two Sikh princesses who were married into the Nepalese royal family. A few Sikhs from Punjab had come with them to Nepal. Raaj and Rajeshwari arranged to get a copy of Guru Granth Sahib from Benares through a Nirmala saint who became the priest at the shrine.
As regards non-historical gurdwaras in Nepal, the most significant one is Gurdwara Guru Nanak Satsang at Kupondole in Kathmandu. It was established mainly due to the efforts of Pritam Singh who is known as the pioneer of road transport in Nepal.The present gurdwara has a large compound which houses the main shrine and a Yatri Niwas to accommodate visitors. There are several smaller gurdwaras in towns like Birgunj, Butwal, Nepalgunj, Krishnanagar and Dhangadhi.
Appropriate information about the Sikh religious sites in India has also been provided in the coffee table book. Hence, proper information has been furnished about the five Takhts, Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) at Amritsar, and important gurdwaras located in Delhi/New Delhi and some other places.
By publishing the profusely illustrated and uniquely informative book, Nepal – India Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Nepal Tourism Board have rendered yeoman’s service for the cause of promoting religious tourism between Nepal and India. Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs desirous of visiting their important religious sites in Nepal and/or India would find the book immensely useful.
Hopefully the outstanding book will have a positive impact on the Sikh readers. Now, the Sikhs from all over the world should start going to Nepal in large numbers to visit the historic Sikh shrines associated with Guru Nanak’s sojourn in the Himalayan country.
Santokh Singh Bains is a Chicago based writer and free lance journalist. His debut book titled Sikhs, Sikhism and the World was published in 2019. He can be reached at santokhbains713@gmail.com
* This is the opinion of the writers, organisation or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Asia Samachar.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, other than sharing the above picture showing two Jewish and Palestinian children in a loving embrace, I’ve found myself hesitating to share my thoughts publicly. The reason for this reluctance is quite simple: the situation is undeniably complex, and I’ve been grappling with the question of what the most appropriate response should be.
Looking back, my support has consistently leaned towards the Palestinian liberation struggle, and I’ve held a critical view of Zionism. In my view, a two-state solution remains the ultimate and most viable path to resolving this enduring conflict. Moreover, the status quo, which has essentially turned Gaza into the world’s largest open prison, is a reality that we can’t simply accept.
It’s crucial to recognize that the Palestinian population has, over the years, borne the brunt of Israeli violence. However, the recent and deeply troubling acts of Hamas, involving the kidnapping and murder of hundreds of innocent Israeli men, women, and children, are utterly unacceptable. In this context, it’s hard to argue against Israel’s right to self-defense.
Nevertheless, the principle of self-defense must not be a blanket justification for Israel to unleash indiscriminate bombings on the people of Gaza. The majority of Gaza’s residents have no connection to the actions of Hamas, and it’s disheartening to witness what appears to be a pursuit of revenge and rage by some within the Israeli government, particularly figures like Prime Minister Netanyahu, rather than a rational strategy to ensure the release of hostages and secure the safety of both Israelis and Palestinians.
While we must hold Hamas accountable for the current crisis, we cannot ignore the broader Israeli policies, including what some view as ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. Of utmost concern is the apparent impunity with which Israeli settlers in the West Bank and other areas have dispossessed Palestinians of their land.
To avoid further bloodshed and the ominous prospect of this conflict spreading globally, it’s imperative to establish conditions for a ceasefire on both sides. Admittedly, this won’t be a straightforward endeavor given the deep-seated animosity between Israel and Hamas.
In the immediate term, the involvement of influential third-party countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia is crucial to extract substantial concessions from Hamas, such as the unconditional release of all hostages. In a gesture of goodwill, Israel should also commit to releasing political prisoners and creating a secure environment in Gaza that safeguards civilians. This involves suspending ground offensives, allowing aid to flow into Gaza and establishing safe zones for displaced individuals.
In the long term, an urgent UN-led agreement should address security and justice for all. Considering the history of violence, there is an indispensable need for both sides to acknowledge their culpability and express remorse, particularly concerning the loss of innocent lives. Here, religious leaders could play a pivotal role in initiating a process of peace and reconciliation.
Realistically, there is no military solution to this protracted conflict. Even if the situation deteriorates into a prolonged conflict with significant casualties, it’s only a matter of time before a peace and reconciliation process becomes imperative. It’s undoubtedly better to embark on this journey sooner rather than later, as the consequences of further bloodshed could be dire, not just for the people of Israel and Gaza but for the entire world.
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. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Date: 25th Oct 2023 (Wed) Time: 3pm Venue: Hindu Crematorium, Jalan Templer, Seremban
Cortege leaves the residence at 17, Batu 2/12, Jalan Jelebu, Ampangan, 70400 Seremban, at 2.30pm
Path Da Bhog will be held at Gurdwara Sahib Seremban on 11 November 2023 (Sat) from 9am to 12pm
For those who wish to convey their condolences to the family members, kindly contact the following numbers: Ajmeer Singh 019 308 0621 Taran 012 252 3342
| Entry: 22 Oct 2023 | Source: Family
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Mata Isher Kaur, first Rawang Punjabi School teacher (7th from left) with students, circa 1956/1957.
By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |
The Sikhs of Rawang have a big day tomorrow (Oct 22). They will be laying the foundation stone for their new gurdwara complex.
At about 11am, the Panj Pyae will lead the Sanggat for foundation stone laying in an event that starts with kirtan at 9am.
The last time the 85-year-old gurdwara in Rawang saw a major renovation was close to five decades.
Gurdwara Sahib Rawang (GSR) is now moving forward with a definite plan for a major renovation of the complex that houses the langgar (kitchen and dining hall), granthi room and offices.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
