Students gather at Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, on 18 Oct 2023 for drug-free campaign – Photo: Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Facebook
By Asia Samachar | Punjab |
Some 40,000 students sporting yellow turbans, dupattas, and scarves gathered at the Darbar Sahib in Amritsar in a campaign to free the state of Punjab from drugs.
The gathering on Wednesday (Oct 18) saw the Darbar Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, filled with students.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav attended the launch of the local police’s ‘The Hope Initiative’ against drugs campaign.
Students gather at Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, on 18 Oct 2023 for drug-free campaign – Photo: Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Facebook
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
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
A man whom worked hard relentlessly all his life for the sake of his family. Leaving behind his beloved wife, children and daughter-in-law with all his memories to be cherished forever. One of the very few Sikh Marine Police, known by many. Served the PDRM for 42 years of his life in Johor, Setiawan and finally in Penang. A man with vision, goals and dreams for his family.
Wife: Sardarni Ranjit Kaur A/P Karam Singh (TNB Penang)
A short line of my father’s favourite song: Duniya me rehna he, Toh kaam karo pyaare, Haat jor sab ko salaam karo pyaare, Warna eh duniya jine nehi degi, Khane nehi degi, Pani nehi degi…
ਅਬ ਕੀ ਬਾਰ ਬਖਸਿ ਬੰਦੇ ਕਉ ਬਹੁਰਿ ਨ ਭਉਜਲਿ ਫੇਰਾ ॥੩॥੭॥ O Lord, please forgive Your slave now, in this life, so that he may not have to return again to this terrifying world-ocean. ||3||7|| (SGGS, 1104)
| Entry: 20 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
UNITED SIKHS International Legal Director Mejindarpal Kaur touching on human rights advocate Jaswant Singh Khalra’s (insert) legacy at the Annual Forum of the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) in Berlin on Oct 18. (Main photo source: PaRD/GIZ, Maurice Weiss)
By Asia Samachar | Germany |
The legacy of Sikh human rights advocate Jaswant Singh Khalra made a presence at an international forum on religion and sustainable development.
UNITED SIKHS International Legal Director Mejindarpal Kaur invoked Khalra’s legacy at the Annual Forum of the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) in Berlin on Oct 18.
“Today, this story reminds us that when darkness threatens to obscure the truth, the light of freedom of religion and belief stands as a formidable challenger. We gather here in recognition that this light is pivotal to our mission of promoting sustainable development through religious diversity,” she told the participants.
Khalra paid with his own life when he was abducted and killed by the Punjab police in 1995.
In her speech, Mejindarpal drew upon Khalra’s poignant anecdote to illuminate the profound connection between freedom of religion and belief and the mission of PaRD.
“…when the sun was first setting… as the distance narrowed to the horizon, the light on earth was diminishing. This made way for darkness to creep over the land. The people were afraid that when the sun would finally set, darkness would be permanent,” she began, quoting the powerful story of the encroaching darkness and the brave lantern that challenged it.
The narrative set the stage for an exploration of Khalra’s legacy, who had unearthed the remains of thousands of Sikhs who mysteriously vanished during Punjab’s dark times.
Khalra had discovered the remains of thousands of Sikh youth who had mysteriously disappeared in the 1980s and 1990s when the darkness befell Punjab whilst its people struggled for their freedom to practise their religion or belief.
His courageous pursuit of truth had revealed the atrocities committed during those dark times.
Mejindarpal Kaur linked Khalra’s legacy to the event’s theme.
The connection between Khalra’s fearless pursuit of truth and the importance of religious diversity in achieving sustainable development set the tone for the discussions that followed at the PaRD Forum.
The conference continued to explore how freedom of religion and belief is not merely one aspect of their work but the very foundation upon which all their endeavors rest.
In her speech, Mejindarpal had sought to emphasise that the legacy of individuals like Jaswant Singh Khalra, who himself disappeared in 1995 and was subject to extra judicial killing in Punjab, continues to inspire efforts to create a more inclusive and just world where individuals can practice their faith freely, without fear or prejudice.
PaRD comprises 165 members, eight religions and as many governments, six multilateral entities, and 10 academics.
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 loving memory of a truly exceptional man, Terlochan Singh @ Tochi. Our father was a beacon of kindness, a pillar of strength, and a source of boundless wisdom. His legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew him. Rest in peace. You will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Wife: Manjeet Kaur
Children: Belshrin Kaur Taanveer Singh
Saskaar / Cremation: 12pm, 20 Oct 2023 (Friday), at Jalan Loke Yew Crematorium, Kuala Lumpur
Cortège leaves from No 36, Lorong CP8/27, Taman Cheras Perdana, 43200, Cheras, Selangor at 10.30 am.
PATH DA BHOG: 28th October 2023 (Saturday) at Gurdwara Sahib Sg Besi (Shapa), Kuala Lumpur 10am: Kirtan and Katha 11.30am: Sehaj Path Da Bhog & Antim Ardas Thereafter, Guru Ka Langgar will be served.
Please treat this as a personal invitation from the 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
There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in our hearts. Dearly loved & deeply missed by family, relatives & friends
Wife : Mdm. Kuldip Kaur
Dearly loved & deeply missed by family, relatives & friends
Sri Sukhmani Sahib, followed by Sahej Paath Da Bhog will be held on 29th October 2023, Sunday from 10:00am to 12:00 noon at Gurdwara Sahib Kuantan thereafter followed by Guru Ka Langgar.
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
Prof Mandeep Jit Singh receives the Top Research Scientist Award 2023 awarded by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia presented by the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Arthur Joseph Kurup
By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |
Prof Mandeep Jit Singh was awarded the Top Research Scientist Award 2023 by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM).
The 48-year satellite communication expert is a professor at the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering of the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
The award aims to identify and recognise active Malaysian research scientists, acknowledge their contribution in research and development (R&D) and feature them as experts in their respective research fields.
The Top Research Scientists Malaysia are the mentors for the next generation of scientists, leaders in implementing the nation’s STI agenda in ensuring a culture of excellence in Science, Technology, Innovation and Economy (STIE).
Mandeep Jit is author and co-author of more than 240 research articles in antenna and microwave RF. He is also the recipient of more than 40 research grants, both national and international.
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
PATH DA BHOG : SATURDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2023, FROM 4.00 P.M. TO 6.00 P.M., AT GURDWARA SAHIB GURU NANAK SHAH ALAM
BELOVED SARJIT KAUR d/o LATE GURCHARAN SINGH
11.5.1942 – 10.10.2023
(From Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya. Formerly from Taiping, Perak)
Aged 81 years
Passed away peacefully on 10 October 2023, leaving behind beloved :-
Husband: Late Arjan Singh s/o Late Tara Singh
Children / Spouses Karenjit Kaur d/o Late Arjan Singh / Late Karam Singh s/o Late Moor Singh Keshmahinder Singh s/o Late Arjan Singh Late Prabjit Singh s/o Late Arjan Singh Kavita Kaur d/o Late Arjan Singh
Brothers, Sisters, Brothers In Law, Sisters In Law, Cousins, Nephews, Nieces and a host of relatives and friends.
Path Da Bhog will be held on Saturday, 21 October 2023, from 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m., at Gurdwara Sahib Guru Nanak Shah Alam. Guru Ka Langgar will be served.
Kindly treat this as a personal invitation.
The family wishes to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who provided their utmost love, support and advice during our recent bereavement. We are very grateful and appreciate the many kind words of comfort, thoughts, encouragement, attendance, assistance and wreaths.
We can’t thank you enough.
May Waheguru Ji Bless her soul.
You will be deeply missed and forever remembered for all that you have done for us.
We shall always cherish our sweet memories together.
Contact Keshmahinder Singh s / o Late Arjan Singh (012 – 6761090) Jeshvinpal Singh s / o Keshmahinder Singh (017 – 7429437)
| Entry: 18 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
October 16, 2023 (Washington, DC) — Today, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released its annual report of hate crimes statistics, reflecting information about hate crimes for 2022. The data reflect the highest-ever reported number of hate crime victimizations, with a 7 percent increase from 2021 to 2022.
Religiously motivated hate crime victimizations were at their highest since 2001, with an increase of 17 percent since 2021. Anti-Sikh hate crime victimizations were recorded by the FBI as the highest number ever at 198, and Sikhs still remain the second-most targeted group in the nation for religiously-motivated hate crime incidents. Victimizations were also on the rise for numerous other faith communities, with 1,217 anti-Jewish hate crimes, 200 anti-Islamic hate crimes, and 29 anti-Hindu hate crimes.
In 2015, the FBI began collecting data about more categories of religiously motivated hate crimes (including anti-Sikh, anti-Hindu, and others) as a result of the Sikh Coalition’s advocacy. We continue to believe that addressing hate remains an urgent policy priority in the United States, and that Sikhs remain disproportionately under threat—due to our distinct and highly visible articles of faith as well as other intersectional aspects of identity. We are encouraged that the White House consulted organizations like the Sikh Coalition to develop “Allied Against Hate: A Toolkit for Faith Communities” to help address hate crimes. However, this FBI data underscores the need for stronger initiatives by the federal government—especially as both international conflicts and divisive political rhetoric (in the United States and abroad) that demonizes marginalized groups continues to fuel more acts of hate against multiple different communities.
At the same time, as the Sikh Coalition has argued for years, the FBI’s hate crime data remains woefully incomplete so long as hate crime reporting is not mandated and undertaken with serious care and standardized processes in law enforcement agencies across the country. This year’s data shows a fifth consecutive year of declines in law enforcement agency participation in the FBI’s hate crime statistics program. The Sikh Coalition and other leading civil rights organizations continue to document additional inaccuracies in hate crime reporting; as a reminder, federal-level estimates from the Bureau of Justice Statistics put annual hate crime victimizations at 246,900, but this most recent data only captures 4 percent of that number.
Advocacy for federal and state policies that prevent, combat, and track hate crimes remains a top priority for the Sikh Coalition. We recently celebrated the passage of AB 449 in California, which will require every law enforcement agency across the state to adopt a hate crimes policy with detailed, specific protocols instructing officers on how to identify, respond to, and report hate crimes. Additionally, our flagship policy document, Combating Bias, Bigotry, and Backlash: Sikh American Civil Rights Policy Priorities, contains detailed recommendations for both Congress and the Biden Administration on how to improve, enforce, and gain better data from hate crime laws and policies.
As always, the Sikh Coalition urges you to practice your faith fearlessly.
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
Asheesh (left) and Kanchen with their younger sister and parents at the airport before leaving for Mongolia for the EUFA Invite U-17 women friendly
By Naveen Prabu | FMT | Malaysia |
PETALING JAYA: In the realm of football, Asheesh Kaur Nanua and Kanchenjeet Kaur Nanua, two teenage sisters from Malaysia, have left an indelible mark on the pitch with their prowess.
In 2016, they joined an international football trial organised by Astro, competing to train with Spanish giants FC Barcelona. Asheesh secured her spot among the chosen few.
Asheesh, 18, and her sister Kanchenjeet, 17, now stand as proud members of the senior national team, despite being among the team’s youngest players – an achievement signifying an incredible journey fuelled by a deep passion for the sport.
However, their path to success came with challenges big and small in their early years, as they faced scepticism and mockery particularly from the parents and supporters of opposing boys’ teams.
Kanchenjeet said that they also encountered the usual stereotypes, one being that female footballers ought to conform to a more “masculine” image.
Their refusal to conform was rewarded this year at the SEA Games, when Kanchenjeet became one of the youngest players to represent the national team, known as the Malayan Tigress.
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
