Deeply missed and fondly remembered by family and relatives
Wife: Pritam Kaur (Pita) Children: Sanjit Singh Dr Sharan Kaur (London) Dr Shaleen Kaur (Sydney)
Monday, Dec. 26, 2022 (Monday) Gurudwara Sahib Petaling Jaya
Kirtan and Path Da Bhog at 10-12 noon followed by Guru Ka Langgar Please treat this as a personal invitation
| Entry: 12 Dec 2022 | 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.
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhwinder Singh (right) with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (centre)
By Prabhjot Singh | Opinion |
Elections, they say, are the festival of a democracy. When the electors get a chance to exercise their franchise, they discharge a great responsibility of choosing their rulers. The choices of voters of different regions, ethnicities, religions or economic backgrounds may vary but the basic duty or responsibility remains the same. It is this choice of the electors that make a democracy a vibrant instrument of governance.
The country has just witnessed a series of elections, including those to some States and also to important civic bodies besides holding battles of ballots to fill in vacancies caused by various reasons, including death or resignation of incumbents.
Needless to reiterate, politics is a game of beautiful uncertainties. All political parties and their candidates want to win their elections. But here comes the rider. Only one candidate for a seat can win.
Interestingly, when the last battles of electoral supremacy of the year were completed this month, they ended on an unprecedented note. Three of major Indian political parties ended the year on a cheerful winning note — BJP for a record smashing win in Gujarat, Congress for coming back to power in Himachal Pradesh, and Aam Aadmi Party for taking away control of Delhi MCD from BJP. All this happened in the first week of the last month of the year. How these results will impact the 2024 general elections in the country only time will tell.
In Himachal Pradesh where Congress was voted back to power, Sukhwinder Singh aka Sukhu was sworn in as 15th Chief Minister of the State. His election was a snub to dynastic politics as claims of the widow of the long-time Chief Minister of the hilly state, Pratibha Singh, a sitting MP, and her son, Vikrmaditya Singh, were overlooked and choice fell on the son of a driver and fifth time MLA from Nadaun.
Incidentally, the new Chief Minister and his Deputy, journalist-turned politician Mukesh Agnihotri, come from Hamirpur, an area that had earlier sent Prem Kumar Dhumal, as BJP chief minister of the State.
In Gujarat, the newly elected BJP Legislature Party reposed its faith in the incumbent Bhupendra Patel as the Chief Minister of the State.
Interestingly, the results in the just concluded elections with minor aberrations, were on the expected lines. They, besides those of some byelections, including that of Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat, have thrown open various debates, including one on the future of Indian politics.
In Uttar Pradesh, BJP wrested Rampur seat from the Samajwadi Party. The Samajwadi Party, however, had the consolation of retaining the Mainpuri Lo Sabha seat that had fallen vacant because of the death of SP veteran Mulayam Singh Yadav. The seat went to Dimple Yadav, the daughter-in-law of Mulayam Singh Yadav.
Change is the only thing that is permanent and battles for electoral supremacy too are changing. The obvious inference of the just concluded battles of ballot is that holding of big election rallies and traditional campaigning styles no longer win the elections. Instead, only those who have a message, messengers and machinery to spread that message have more chances to succeed than those following traditional or conventional methods.
One interesting feature of these elections came from Himachal Pradesh where women are said to have played a significant role in ousting the BJP government of Jai Ram Thakur. They once again outnumbered men in voting. But still, they elected only one woman legislator in a house of 68. Himachal Pradesh is also one of few states that is still waiting to have a woman Chief Minister. There was a chance for Pratibha Singh this time but the growing opposition to dynastic politics came her way. The only earlier claimant had been Vidya Stokes but she, too, could not make it to the top post though she served as Speaker of HP Vidhan Sabha.
Another historic outcome of these elections had been the landslide win for BJP in Gujarat where it won a record number of 156 seats in a House of 182, improving upon the previous best of 149 by any party. This win has its own significance as the world was watching this election that was being viewed as a chance for the country’s oldest party, Congress, to stage a comeback. But it was not to be. Instead, the results saw the virtual decimation of Congress in the State as it was reduced to its lowest strength of only 17 MLAs.
The beauty of democracy was witnessed elsewhere. The same BJP had its share of grief as it lost power both in Himachal Pradesh to Congress and control of the Delhi MCD to Aam Aadmi Party.
Apparently, the message given by electors of Delhi and Himachal Pradesh is clear i.e. BJP was beatable.
Also another major outcome of these elections has been elevation of Aam Aadmi Party as a national party. It is the youngest party to reach that level in the 10th year of its launch. This happened in spite of its scoring a big zero in Himachal Pradesh and failing to reach double figure mark in Gujarat. It, however, had the consolation of winning 13 per cent vote share in the BJP stronghold Gujarat.
Though AAP had put everything into its effective and extended campaign, including the might of two governments – Delhi and Punjab – in Gujarat, it did succeed in making a dent but only in Congress votes. Congress lost about 15 percent of its vote share compared to the last elections in 2017. And 13 percent of these votes went to AAP. BJP instead, improved its share by four per cent and returned its best ever tally of winning 156 seats.
In Gujarat, the real loser was undoubtedly Congress as it suffered its worst ever debacle in the State politics that had till this election remained a two-party affair. Incidentally, BJP had set a new record of continuing its political hold beyond 27 years.
AAP’s entry, going by seats (five) it won in Gujarat and drawing a blank in Himachal Pradesh, has turned out to be a damp squib. It failed to break the revolving door verdict between BJP and Congress in the two States. Congress has taken its turn to rule Himachal Pradesh for next five years by winning 40 of 68 in the State Assembly by putting the ruling BJP to the Opposition benches with 25 seats. Independents grabbed the remaining three seats in the hilly State.
AAP, however, is claiming credit for breaching the BJP fort in Gujarat. On the other hand, the mood in the BJP camp, after all the results, including those of byelections, is upbeat as its leaders are going overboard in praising the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for record smashing success in Gujarat. They maintain Brand Modi has become stronger than ever. True, they have a reason to say so as Modi and his trusted lieutenant, Amit Shah, campaigned hard in their home State. It is a different matter that JP Nadda, who heads the BJP, lost his home State to Congress, primarily because of anti-incumbency and the policies and programmes of the outgoing Chief Minister Jairam Thakur.
The results have also given a message clear and loud, Indian voters cannot be taken for granted.
Prabhjot Singh is a veteran journalist with over three decades of experience covering a wide spectrum of subjects and stories. He has covered Punjab and Sikh affairs for more than three decades besides covering seven Olympics and several major sporting events and hosting TV shows. For more in-depth analysis please visit probingeye.com or follow him on Twitter.com/probingeye
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond.Facebook | WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 | Email: editor@asiasamachar.com | Twitter | Instagram | Obituary announcements, click here
Please Join Us In Mithi Yaad For Our Dearest Father
SARDAR HARJIT SINGH RANDHAWA
S/O LATE SARDAR RATTAN SINGH & MATA GURNAM KAUR BELOVED WIFE LATE HERBHAJAN KAUR (PAJNA) D/O LATE SARDAR NARANJAN SINGH
A gentle, loving husband and father, adoring and devoted grandfather, inspiring mentor-educator and a warm and benevolent soul to all who knew him
KIRTAN & SEHAJ PATH DA BHOG WILL BE HELD AT GURDWARA SAHIB TAIPING ON SUNDAY 8 JANUARY 2023 FROM 10AM – 12NOON
Guru Ka Langgar will be served
Forever will be loved and cherished by his Daughters, Son in Laws, Grandchildren, Siblings & In Laws, Nephews & Nieces, a Host of Relatives & Great Friends
Contact: Kiran 012 904 4567
| Entry: 12 Dec 2022 | 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.
Family doctor Dr Jasmeet Kaur Bains made history when when she won the race for the California State Assembly on Nov 8.
Last week, on Dec 5, the daughter of an Indian immigrant was sworn in, making her the first Sikh American and woman of Indian American descent to be elected to the California Legislature, hailing from the 35th District.
“The people of Kern County wanted change and supported our efforts to create healthier communities and safer neighborhoods, deliver clean water and cleaner air, and provide greater economic opportunity for all our families so that every child of the Valley has a shot at the American Dream,” she said in a statement upon winning.
Growing up as a girl in Delano, she said that she could not have imagined that one day she would have the title of “Doctor,” let alone “Assemblywoman.”
“But at my core I’m still just a daughter of the Valley who was lucky enough to go away to medical school and return to serve the community I call home – a community rich in culture, diversity and proud valley values.
“I’m also proud to be the first woman of Indian American descent and first Sikh to be elected to the California Legislature. I’m honored and mindful of what this historic achievement means to both my ancestors and the younger generation – who will hopefully be inspired to break barriers and pursue dreams of their own,” she said.
Bains won her first campaign for public office with an overwhelming margin.
The daughter of immigrant parents from India, Dr. Bains grew up in in the Valley. She watched her father build a business, starting as an auto mechanic and ultimately owning successful car dealerships. After college, Jasmeet worked with her father before pursuing her career in medicine, according to her profile at her campaign website.
After graduating from medical school, Jasmeet returned home and completed her residency at Clinica Sierra Vista in Kern County, choosing to work in underserved healthcare settings to increase access to healthcare. Today, she serves as Medical Director at Bakersfield Recovery Services overseeing substance abuse, addiction, and mental health rehabilitation.
She was appointed by then Governor Brown to the California Healthcare Workforce Policy Commission and was awarded the 2019 Hero of Family Medicine by the California Academy of Family Physicians, and the 2021 Beautiful Bakersfield Award from the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce.
“Day 1 and I already introduced my first bill outlining a State Taskforce on Illegal Fentanyl to bring experts to the table to address our growing fentanyl crisis. In my career I have witnessed the horrific effects of illegal fentanyl on my community and look forward to promptly addressing our growing crisis,” according to an entry at her social media platform.
The California State Legislature is a bicameral state legislature consisting of a lower house, the California State Assembly, with 80 members; and an upper house, the California State Senate, with 40 members. Dr Bains is part of the Democratic Party team that controls both the houses.
Dr Jasmeet Kaur Bains flanked by her parents at the swearing in ceremony on 5 Dec 2022
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.
Great grandchildren : Ranveer Paul Singh Hansveer Paul Singh Aryanna Dhanoa Telemaque Rayanna Dhanoa Telemaque
Saskaar / Cremation: 12 December 2022 (Monday) 1:00pm: Cortege leaves for Kebun Teh Hindu Cremation Ground 2.00pm: Cremation 2.10pm: Kirtan Sohila 3.00pm: Alahnia path at Gurdwara Sahib Johor Bahru
Path da Bhog: 18 December 2022 (Sunday), from 1pm to 3pm, at Gurdwara Sahib Johor Bahru
Jasbir Kaur being honored along-with her husband Dr. Karamjit Singh at the conference – Photo: ASC
By Asia Samachar | United States |
A special gathering in Indianapolis last week saw Sikh Americans from dozens of gurdwaras from the United States once again pledged to stand steadfast on the iconic Mool Nanakshahi Calendar (MNC).
The special conference at the Gurdwara Gur Nanak Darbar, Indianapolis, on Dec 3, 2022, was weld in memory of the MNC inventor and creator Pal Singh Purewal.
“The proactive and right-thinking gurdwara management of the Gurdwara Gur Nanak Darbar must be applauded for inviting excellent speakers, all knowledgeable in the overall history of the Mool Nanakshai Calendar (MNC) and why it is critical to the overall long-term health of the Sikh Panth,” according to a statement released by the New Jersey-based American Sikh Council (ASC).
It said Sikh Americans travelled from many parts of the country, including an entire bus of Sikhs from the Palatine Gurdwara in Illinois. Harkirat Singh the current treasurer and board member of ASC also participated in the weekend event.
Dozens of important community leaders, preachers and Sikh organizations from across the diaspora and Punjab joined via Skype to lend their support to the MNC and participate in the special conference memorializing Pal Singh’s historic sewa, it said.
ASC, formerly known as World Sikh Council – America Region (WSC-AR), said. it was one of the first national organisations in the diaspora to stand strong and support the MNC when it was first implemented by the Akal Takhat in 2003, adding that it has stood unwaveringly by the MNC for 20 years and will continue to do so in the future.
ASC president Jasbir Kaur from Ohio was one of the speakers at this important gathering and implored the sangat to understand the underpinnings of the MNC and why it is so important that we immediately discard the Bikrami/Lunar RSS blessed Nanakshahi Calendar (NC) used by the SGPC and the Akal Takhat currently. She further reiterated that all Sikhs need to personally read and study the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, if they truly wish to change their lives and become better human beings and a Sikhs.
Sarbjit Singh from Sacramento, California, summarised the long simmering issue of the MNC and in extremely simple terms made comparisons of the ‘Lunar NC’ versus the ‘Solar MNC’ to explain it to the large sangat present at the conference.
Also present was Irwin Preet Singh from Palatine, IL who designed the MNC apps for the android and apple phones.
Varinder Singh from Simi Valley, CA clarified the misunderstandings and myths surrounding the calendar issue which some Sikhs keep bringing up as a red herring simply to stop following the accurate and correct MNC.
Kuldip Singh a radio and TV host of Sanjha TV/Radio from Surrey, Canada who has been a vocal supporter of the MNC, reiterated the need for common sense and education so that the Sikhs keep their distinct identity alive.
Jasbir Kaur read in Punjabi and then read in English a resolution to implement the MNC fully and strictly follow it for all Sikh celebrations moving forward.
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.
Simar Kaur with her husband, Malminderjit Singh and their three children, Thiya Kaur, Daya Singh and Liv Kaur, at their home on Dec 2, 2022. – Photo: Ooi Book Keong / Today
By Simar Kaur | Singapore |
I have three children, all born within two years of each other. An elder daughter, Thiya Kaur, and fraternal boy-girl twins, Daya Singh and Liv Kaur. I adore them. I love being a mother. Being their mother.
For the most part, we look like the Instagram-perfect family.
Behind their cheeky smiles and my sleep-deprived but content Mum-face is a story that I have rarely told in full before; which is strange, considering how close it is to my heart and how life defining it was for me.
IVF, IVF, IVF
I had all my three children via IVF (in-vitro fertilisation), and my journey spanned six years — three rounds of IVF in three clinics, under different, highly recommended gynaecologists, countless injections, a battery of blood tests, counselling sessions and prayers.
This entailed three rounds of egg stimulations and retrievals, tens of thousands of dollars, cramps, discomfort, morning sickness, anxious awaiting of results with bated breath, and tears — owing to back-to- back disappointments.
The grand result of all of this: 27 eggs were retrieved, six embryos formed, three pregnancies, one miscarriage. And finally, finally, three healthy, beautiful children from two successful pregnancies.
Being a mother or a parent may not be for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. For me, though, it was a part of my life I prioritised and envisioned even before marriage.
I have wonderful memories of my growing up years, where I received so much love from my parents and extended family. I have always wanted to be able to have children of my own to nurture, shape and develop, in a safe, comfortable and loving environment.
I imagined smothering my kids with hugs and kisses, having dance parties and pillow fights; and then, having meaningful conversations with them as they grew older.
‘A DEVASTATING REALITY’
I did not factor in the possibility of unexplained infertility; I doubt many women do, but it was a devastating reality for me.
There are so many aspects to (in)fertility that we don’t speak about enough — grief, miscarriage, IVF — the trauma on your mind, body and spirit. It is a rollercoaster journey with some unexpected twists and turns, and heartache.
Simar Kaur, 42, and her husband Malminderjit Singh, 44, are proud parents to their three children, Thiya, Daya and Liv. Ms Simar is a learning and development professional in a multinational company. This piece first appeared in The Birthday Book: Restart, a collection of 57 essays on what it means to have a new start in Singapore. The article was published at Today Online.
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(Asia Samachar, x 2022)
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: 19 December 2022 (Monday), from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, at Gurdwara Sahib Selayang Baru. Kirtan: Sant Sohan Singh ji kirtani jetha.Followed by Guru ka Langgar
w/o Late Sardar Mohan Singh s/o Nand Singh (Batu Gajah)
(1937 — 2022)
Village: Sabrah, Amritsar
With profound grief & sadness we mourn the loss of our beloved Mum, a devoted Sikh. Passed away peacefully on 9th December 2022. Your love and spirit will be forever engraved in our hearts. Our mum will be sorely missed and loved dearly. May her good deeds and kind soul be rewarded by Waheguru Ji.
A loving & caring Mother to Children & Spouses
Devraj Singh & Cecilie Hauge
Roshan Kaur
Harvinder Kaur & Kuldip Singh
Very loving Naniji to
Rhea Preet Kaur Randhawa
Very loving Dadiji to
Tor Andre Hauge Sandhu
Emil Hauge Sandhu
Last respects on Sunday, 11 December 2022 (Sunday) at No. 132, Jalan Taman Bukit Desa, 58100 K.L. from 10a.m. to 12.30p.m.
followed at Shamshan Bhoomi (Jalan Loke Yew Crematorium, Kuala Lumpur) from 12.30p.m.
Saskar / Cremation: 2.30p.m., 11 December 2022 (Sunday) at Shamshan Bhoomi (Jalan Loke Yew Crematorium, Kuala Lumpur
The new leadership at Malaysia Punjabi Licensed Money Lenders Association (MPLMA) intends to further strengthen relationships with the governing bodies as well as playing a role of being an effective body for the industry players
MPLMA elected a new team at its AGM on Oct 15, 2022.
The new bench will be led by Mahindar Gill as president, Kaveldeep Singh as vice president, Keshvinder Singh as treasurer and Ravinder Singh Jaj as secretary.
Joining the association as committee members are Palwinder Singh, Amrinderjit Singh, Satnaam Singh, Avtar Singh, Nesibjeet Singh, Harvinder Singh, Tejvir Singh, Prem Singh and Harveender Singh. Its new auditors are Ranjit Singh and Bin Dhaliwal.
“We welcome new memberships to enhance the representation of industry players to the governing bodies,” MPLMA spokesman told Asia Samachar.
MPLMA, or Persatuan Pemberi Pinjam Wang Berlesen Punjabi Malaysia, was formerly known as Punjabi Sahukara Association. It was established in 1952.
It started with the intention of serving the Punjabi community, but today it has about 700 members comprising Punjabi, Tamil and Chinese licensed community lenders.
The governing law that regulates the money lending business is Moneylenders Act 1951.
MPLMA aims to act as a bridge between what is known as Licensed Community Lenders and Government agencies like the Ministry of Local Government Development and financial institutions regulator Bank Negara Malaysia as well as the general public. It has committee members tasked to be the intermediaries between the government and industry players at large.
Its other objectives include to educate members on compliance and changes in government policies and assist in its implementation, facilitate training to upgrade members knowledge and skills to remain competitive and supporting local communities in social and welfare programmes.
Membership is open to all license holders issued by KPKT regardless of race or business volume. For membership enquiry MPLMA can be contacted at +6014 9243 561 or via email mplmacc@gmail.com.
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.
