The National Unity Ministry (KPN), with the cooperation of the Housing and Local Government Ministry, will provide financial assistance of RM1 million for funeral arrangements of non-Muslim Malaysians at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital One Stop Centre (Pusara HKL), reports Bernama.
KPN said RM500,000 of the allocation would be provided under the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra) and the remaining under the Kampung Baru Development Programme for funeral arrangements of the Chinese and other non-Muslim bodies.
“This financial assistance is to ease the financial burden of the next of kin of the B40s,” Bernama quoted a KPN statement released today (7 Aug).
Pusara is short for Pusat Sehenti Sementara. The report did not make it clear how the needy families can apply for the funds.
The ministry said financial constraints, causing problems to pay the cost for the funeral arrangement, especially among the B40 families and shortage of human resources to handle the matter, were among the reasons for the funeral delay.
These were among reasons for the delay according to a survey and feedback received by the ministry when National Unity Minister Halimah Mohamed Sadique visited Pusara HKL on Thursday (Aug 5), the report added
In a Facebook posting, Halimah said KPN has been given the responsibility to assist the Health Ministry in resolving issues on management of the remains of locals from faiths other than Islam at Pusara HKL.
She was accompanied by KPN deputy secretary general Noridah Abdul Rahim, HKL forensic department head Dr Mohd Azaini Ibrahim and Pusara HKL operation head Dr Ahmad Hafizam Hasni.
In a separate report, National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) has stressed that all matters relating to the management of the remains of Covid-19 victims in the capital are being handled in an orderly manner.
Its director-general, Aminuddin Hassim, said it was done through the setting up of a temporary one-stop centre (Pusara) near the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) to manage the remains of both Muslim and non-Muslim Covid-19 patients, Bernama reported.
He said there were five containers at the centre that could accommodate 225 bodies at one time, managed by about 70 staff and volunteers.
“In one day, we can release about 50 bodies to be processed and claimed by the families. We will ensure that we collect the data so that the remains can be managed in an orderly and integrated manner,” he was quoted as saying.
Aminuddin said Pusara, which started operations in July, was a joint initiative of various agencies such as Nadma, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, HKL and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi).
He said that the centre also provides facilities for the next of kin to apply for one-off assistance of RM5,000 under the Covid-19 Death Management Special Assistance programme, the report added. (Report updated)
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 |
Failure to identify the future prime minister (PM) is a ‘big setback’ for Singapore, says a former lawmaker as the nation prepares to celebrate its National Day.
“I feel the failure to identify the future PM is a big setback for Singapore and for the PAP. This is unlike the PAP of the past. I worry that after 2 years, we will still not have a clear leader and that’s will be too close to the next general election,” Inderjit Singh tells Asia Samachar.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who took office in 2004, was supposed to handover the premiership to deputy PM Heng Swee Keat. However, in April 2021, not long after the national polls, Heng announced that he was stepping aside as the leader of the fourth-generation (4G) team, throwing wide open the planned succession for ruling People Action Party (PAP).
The National Day of Singapore is celebrated every year on August 9, in commemoration of Singapore’s independence from Malaysia in 1965. This year’s National Day Parade (NDP) was postponed to Aug 21, after the scheduled end of the Covid-19 pandemic’s phase 2 (heightened alert). On Aug 9, a ceremonial parade will be held instead.
In an interview in conjunction with the national day, Inderjit, a former four-term member of parliament, also identified two key challenges facing the nation.
Starting off as a product engineer for Texas Instruments in 1985, Inderjit went to become founder/CEOs for Solstar International (Singapore) Pte Ltd and Infiniti Solution Pte Ltd, and executive chairman at Tri Star Electronics Pte Ltd. He also chairs the Coordinating Council of Sikh Institutions (Singapore).
Below is the full email interview.
When you look back over the years, what are the things you appreciate about Singapore?
One of the biggest values in Singapore is the racial harmony that has created stability and peace in Singapore and the safety and security that we enjoy. Singapore is one of the least corrupt countries in the world and we continue to enjoy good economic growth as a result.
When you look at the Sikh community, what are the things that they can truly cherish about Singapore?
The Sikh community as always punched above our weight. Today, numbering around 15,000, the Sikh community’s contribution to Singapore development has been significant in many areas of politics, military, the armed forces and in many professions. The government of Singapore values the Sikh community and has always been very supportive and accommodating of our needs and requests although we are minority of minorities. The government recognized Punjabi as a mother tongue language some 20 years ago and today all Sikh children have an opportunity to learn Punjabi, with government funding.
What are the key challenges facing the nation at this juncture?
There are 2 main challenges we face today. First, the leadership transition to the 4G leadership. This has hit a road bump. One of our strengths has been a smooth and trouble-free transition of political and national leaders from one generation to the next. We currently face a minor crisis of sorts as we are still not clear of who will become the future Prime Minister. It may take 2 more years for us to have clarity. The second challenge is the cost of living and quality of life in Singapore. With stagnating wages, competition of lower cost labour and skyrocketing property prices, we risk the future generations of Singapore finding it uncomfortable in Singapore. Singapore has become a safe haven for investors and high net worth individuals from all around the world and this has caused property prices to shoot up and generally increased the cost of living for the man on the street. We risk our young losing hope and feel they lack opportunities in their own country.
The Covid-19 pandemic has hit hard the nation as well as the rest of the world, How has it impacted Singapore and its competitiveness?
Another significant challenge Singapore faces is, how we will grow our future economy, Singapore has always enjoyed a hub status for many industries. With the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have to find a new place in the world to remain competitive and relevant. On the positive side, the way Singapore has handled the pandemic has given foreign investors confidence to want to come to invest in Singapore. However, the cost of doing business in Singapore will come back and hit us soon.
What are the immediate lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic?
The pandemic has caused great disruption of the global supply chains. The world was over reliant on China for manufacturing. At the same time, the change in geopolitics in the region will also cause great realignment of the world order and the global supply chains. Singapore needs to find a role in the new world order. In the area of economy, I believe Singapore can become the prototyping factory of the world and be the centre for technology development and transfer to mass production. In the area of geopolitics, we must remain a trusted friend that can help find the competing forces, especially China and USA find their balance. Our strength is that the world trusts us, we should use this to find the right balance for the region, if not the world in the area of geopolitics and the global supply chains.
In General Elections 2020 held on July 10, long-ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) once again secured a firm footing in the nation’s politics with a resounding victory. One year down the road, how do you view the outcome of the elections?
While the PAP continues to have the support and confidence of Singaporeans, the level of support is eroding. So far, the government has handled the pandemic well if we compare with most countries in the world and once things settle down and if the government can handle the economic growth and tackle the income inequality and cost of living issues successfully, I think the PAP will continue enjoy majority support. However, the 4G leadership should not take this support for granted. I see an erosion of trust over the last 2 years that the PAP needs to rebuild with Singaporeans. If people feel happier at the end of this term, I think the PAP will have many more years of support but if life gets worse for many, the level of trust and support will erode further. The 4G leadership therefore can make or break the PAP’s great support of Singaporeans. They have to settle on their leadership issue and tackle the challenges we are facing quickly.
The change of guards seems to be on hold for now, with Lee Hsien Loong staying on as PM. How should the nation’s political leadership move forward on that front?
I feel the failure to identify the future PM is a big setback for Singapore and for the PAP. This is unlike the PAP of the past. I worry that after 2 years, we will still not have a clear leader and that’s will be too close to the next general election. It is important that the players of the 4G leadership put their difference aside and choose they leadership team fast. They have to work closely as a team if we want to continue to have the same success we have been able to have in the past. PM Lee has been forced to stay on longer than he desired because the 4G leaders have not been able to decide who they chose as their leader.
What is your wish for the nation as it celebrates the National Day
My wish for Singapore is for our racial harmony to be strengthened. The fabric of the Singapore society has been shaken a little with the significant influx of new citizens and PRs. We all need to work on re-identifying the Singapore identity based on our commonalities.
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 |
Breastfeeding is indeed the most natural way of feeding a newborn. The benefit of breastfeeding is well known to many, not only for the baby but as well for the mom herself. It has been in our culture that as soon as baby is born, a mother should know what to do, how to breastfeed and how to handle a baby as though the baby came with a manual, unfortunately not.
Handling a baby can be overwhelming for some mothers especially first-time moms. They do not know what to expect and how to deal with baby care and feeding especially breastfeeding. It is often shown that breastfeeding is as natural as flip and latch but not necessarily as easy for every mom to embrace. Behind a successfully breastfed baby, there may be a lot of sweat and tears of a mother which includes curling her toes in pain as baby takes the first latch because it was a poor latch that led to so much of pain, red swollen eyes after shower as mother cried under shower because the clogged milk duct did not just go away, and even crying as baby cried because she has no idea what else can be done to make baby feel comfortable. Issues pertaining to breastfeeding certainly can be prevented. Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey; mothers should enjoy breastfeeding and not struggle and feed as though it is a task. New mothers can prevent breastfeeding issues and enjoy breastfeeding by preparing themselves ahead before baby is born. What can moms do to prepare themselves better?
First, attend a breastfeeding class. Attending a breastfeeding class is crucial as you will learn the fundamentals of breastfeeding. You will learn on ways to get the right start from the beginning, latching techniques, breastfeeding position, ways to express milk out, ways to choose a breast pump and much more. Once you have the right knowledge, you are aware on what to expect, how to tackle common breastfeeding problems and when to look out for help.
Secondly, your breastfeeding support system. Build a support system before baby arrives. Your support system can be anyone, your spouse, your mom, mother-in-law, a friend or even your lactation consultant. Ensure everyone around you are aware of your decision to breastfeed, communicate it to them politely, hand out some articles for them to read or as simple as share or speak about breastfeeding as and when you can. It is also very important for you to communicate with your support system on how they can help you in your breastfeeding journey. For instance, you may communicate it to your husband that as soon as baby arrives, he needs to source out meals for himself as you need to focus on breastfeeding and baby.
Thirdly, do your research. Mothers can read up more about breastfeeding, research on breastfeeding related items you need, make a breastfeeding list such as breast pump, breastfeeding cover, breast milk storage bags and others, and get it before the baby arrives.
Dads, you play an important part in successful breastfeeding journey too! You can help by washing and sterilizing the baby bottles, changing baby diapers as mom gets ready to breastfeed, give her a shoulder massage, who would not love a shoulder massage? Find ways to make the mother feel relaxed, comfortable, and of course loved. The day a woman delivers, a baby is born, so is a mother! She is fragile and needs care too. Treat a new mother like how you treat a newborn baby.
Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey. Embrace it, Enjoy it. For breastfeeding consultation and breastfeeding classes, feel free to contact the author herself at her Instagram and Facebook page called Newborn Home Visit.
Simranjit Kaur Sandhu is a lactation consultant certified by International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant. She runs her own breastfeeding clinic at Pantai Cheras Hospital and provides online consultation for mothers who can’t travel to her.
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 |
WOULD you rather lose your only home that provides shelter to you and your loved ones or find ways to safeguard it.
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is certainly not helping as it has led many to lose jobs and take pay cuts, leading to financial instability.
With that, repaying loans and mortgages may not be a priority for some. Even though the moratorium is a huge relief, a loan or mortgage needs to be repaid sooner or later with accrued interest.
Defaulting and refusing to repay loans and mortgages can lead to severe consequences if you are declared bankrupt.
Then the assets under your name will be acquired by the Official Assignee and sold or converted to cash.
The payment is then made on a prorated basis to the creditor. Normally, for houses which are charged, the chargee bank takes priority.
Avoid getting into such situations. Not only does it affect your credit worthiness, it also leaves a stigma and can be a traumatic experience emotionally.
“Life really isn’t quite the same anymore when one is declared a bankrupt in this country,’’ Soffskills Network founder and licenced professional counselor Heeran Kaur said.
“Being declared a bankrupt can bring on tremendous emotional and psychological stress. Our self-worth and security are often closely related to our financial health,’’ she said.
When a person is unable to pay his debt, he is deemed insolvent but not bankrupt yet. Before being adjudged bankrupt, it is best for the debtor to negotiate a deal with his creditors which does not involve the sale of his house, said lawyer Bhavanash Sharma.
“Propose an installment plan to settle the debt or propose a voluntary arrangement in accordance with the Insolvency Act 1967 with the creditors at any time before being declared adjudged bankrupt to avoid losing your home,’’ he said.
Heeran warns about “unverified debt settlement and debt relief companies that may “promise’’ to negotiate with creditors, but in turn a debtor may get stuck with more fees or additional interest payments.
Read the full article, ‘Saving your only home’ (The Star, 19 July 2021), here. Heeran, a Malaysia-based counsellor and therapist, also writes a regular column for Asia Samachar.
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 |
The word ‘miracle’ or ‘karamaat’ has two main meanings/uses. First, as a figure of speech, it can be deployed as a metaphor to express a sense of amazement about extraordinary things, actions, and events. So, for example, one might say that ‘it was a miracle that he survived stranded on the desert island for six months! Or “her performance in the 100-meter race was truly miraculous”. And secondly, in the empirical, material real sense the term miracle can be deployed to refer to an observation of a real metaphysical or truly ‘magical’ experience or event. One might say that “somebody was diagnosed with terminal cancer with days to live but after worshiping at some holy place, doctors discover his cancer had totally cleared up.”
There is no problem with the metaphorical use of the term as the aim is not make factual observation but to express intensity of subjective feelings, emotions, and beliefs. Metaphors are a literary device describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true but helps explain an idea or make a comparison. Hence, if you take a metaphor literally, not only will this be a gross misunderstanding of the phrase, it will probably sound very strange. For example, we are all aware of the statement, “During my first day at university, I felt like a fish out of water.” We know immediately that the even though it makes no illogical sense to compare a university student to a fish, the real meaning is to express a sense of strangeness that the student experiences in adjusting to a new challenging environment. Human speech, language, poetry, and literature could not function without metaphor’s or would be much less effective.
So, whilst on most occasions reference to miracles is metaphorical, occasionally, it is possible to claim these are ‘real’ phenomena. However, employed as an objective empirical event that defies the laws of nature, then one must be certain that indeed, there is no physical explanation before proclaiming a miracle. Hence, following the example of the miracle cancer cure, one would need to establish beyond any doubt that there was/is no natural explanation, now and or in the future. This is difficult enough in the present, so recalling past miracles with some degree of certainty would be virtually impossible to determine. Put another way, what appears to be a miracle today, namely, something that does not have any current rational explanation for, does not follow that in the future, the phenomena in question will not have one.
For this reason, I think the safest way to classify such miraculous claims is to be understand them to be essentially rooted in belief and faith and not reasoned facts. Hence, it may be futile to debate such matters with those coming from a faith perspective for they will be who a deeply and emotionally invested in their respective miracle claims. The job of a scientist is in some senses to refute faith and to offer rational explanations for natural phenomena. Put another way, things and events that appear to be ‘miraculous’ or ‘impossible’ for a scientist are not a reason to strengthen or affirm faith, but to become even more determined to find rational explanations.
So, where do religion and faith enter this debate? That is not an easy question to answer. For some, perhaps many ‘religious’ people, miracles performed by their respective prophets and/or their ‘blessed’ followers are seen as prima-facie proof of the authenticity of their faith. A prime example is the resurrection of Christ in Christianity. And for sure all the major world faith traditions have many such miracle stories which sustain the faith of their followers.
As for the Sikh worldview, there are different perspectives and to do justice to this question, one would need to devote a whole article, and even then, I am not sure one could have a satisfactory resolution. Indeed, I am aware that even discussing this question itself may be viewed as an attempt to disrupt deeply held beliefs and hence a source of conflict with those convinced that true miracles exist arguing that one cannot be a Sikh unless one accepts. They will, for example, refer to the Sikh historic martyr Baba Deep Singh fought a battle with his head held in his arm, or Guru Gobind Singh ji removing and re-joining the heads of the Panj Piary or five beloved ones.
To avoid upsetting anybody, rather than seeking to refute or confirm such claims, in order understand the Sikh perspective on miracles, it is important that we go directly to the primary source, namely the Guru Granth Sahib, which does discuss miracles at length. A word search using the terms ‘miracle’ or ‘miracles’ reveals 35 references. Sometimes it is clear that the terms are used as metaphors, but where they are used in a literal sense, there is either a critique of those who espouse such miracles, a reference is made to the miracle of nature, or an association is made between a miracle and ‘naam’.
Guru Nanak in Raag Asa (SGGS, p417), talking about the terrible carnage wrought by the Mughal invaders into ‘Hindustan’, recalls the failed attempts of the religious leaders who had claimed that through ritual chanting they could miraculously halt their advance. “He burnet their houses, tore down the temples and cut them from limb to limb, yet none of the Mughals went blind, and no miracle had occurred.” In terms of comparing miracles to nature, Guru Arjan (Bihargra Ragg, SGGS, p541) says that he has seen the miracle of the creator in the way his ‘arena’, namely the universe, and the laws that govern the creation and destruction of things, has been ‘fashioned’. But perhaps the most direct rejection of the idea of miracles, magic, or anything metaphysical’ is the association with the concept of ‘naam’.
Naam is arguably the most important concept in Sikhi and to do any justice to its importance one would need a separate and much longer discussion. In short, naam is both a noun, as reflective of the ‘name of the divine’ and as a verb, as meditative practice, as in ‘naam japna’. Naam is the all-pervading, all powerful universal invisible divine force that holds everything together. In this sense, the entire universe depends on naam but because what is without it also within, then by through contemplating naam one can become truly liberated.
According to Gurbani, the true miracle is achieved when the mind becomes tuned into the Naam. For instance, in Raag Sorath (SGGS, p650) Guru Amar Das ji makes a direct and sustained critique of those who claim to perform miracles and magic but proclaiming Naam to be a true miracle. Rejecting the ritualistic practices and fakery of the those who claimed magical powers, ‘Sidhas’ and those who declared to possess spiritual powers ‘Sadik’, Guru Amar das ji proclaims:
“Without the Name, their consumption is worthless, cursed is such spirituality, and cursed are such miraculous powers”. He goes onto state that the true spirituality and miraculous power are to be found in nature, or “that which the carefree divine creator spontaneously bestowed”. He ends the Shabad with a clear statement that the true miracle is the embodied power of the mind infused with Namm. “Nanak proclaims, the divine creator’s Name abides in the mind of the ‘Gurumukh’ (the one who has control over ego), and this is miraculous power.”
Focussing on the mind rather than sense perceptions alone makes perfect sense. Ultimately, ‘miracle’ is just a word and but because as human being we have the ability/gift of self-awareness, our thought processes reflect a need to make sense of our existence. Gurbani emphasises the importance of developing our critical and emotional consciousness to become transformed; That is the only miracle that really matters! And a true Gurmukh is not enchanted by visual, sense perceptions alone, whether they represent trickery or a true miracle, for theirs is a journey towards achieving a deeper sense of meaning and appreciation of the divine in the everyday lived experience, and that is achievable through contemplating and practicing Naam. And when this happens, one begins to realise that each moment of one’s existence is indeed miraculous. And when one achieves state of consciousness one has little use for the many tricksters out there claiming to possess all kinds of miraculous powers, or those who follow them blindly.
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.Facebook | WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 | Email: editor@asiasamachar.com | Twitter | Instagram | Obituary announcements, click here |
Dr Harcharanjit Singh has been appointed as an associate professor at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), a Kuala Lumpur-based public university focussing on engineering, science and technology.
Harcharanjit is currently a senior lecturer at UTM’s Azman Hashim International Business School where he teaches and conducts research in international business, organisational behavior and development, marketing, management and human resource.
The 48-year old academic received his PhD (Management) degree from Universiti Utara Malaysia’s (UUM) Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business in 2013.
His parents are Mahinder Singh and homemaker Sarjit Kaur. Mahinder, one time member of the Indian army, had worked in various capacities, including as a security guard.
Before joining the university, Dr Harcharanjit had a 17-year stint with Public Bank Bhd, a major publicly-listed bank, from 1991 to 2008.
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 |
And a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Saskaar / Cremation was held on 30 July 2021, at Fairy Park, Klang.
In light of the MCO and SOPs in place, Sehaj Path da Bhog will be held on 7 August 2021 as a private affair limited to immediate family members only. We thank everyone for their kind support, messages of condolences and prayers.
Our father left to be with The Almighty Akal Purakh peacefully, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those whom he touched in his earthly journey. Father was a dedicated and beloved teacher of 4S (Sekolah Sultan Sulaiman Shah, Batang Berjuntai 1967-1987), SM SSAAS, Shah Alam (1988-1989) and SRK Sri Kelana, PJ (1989-1995). Often, he raised eyebrows for being a turbaned Sikh who spoke fluent Mandarin and Hokkien! He was also the only Sikh coach for the Selangor basketball team in the past. A kind, caring, gentle, helpful and simple man who lived life to the fullest. He will be dearly missed but cherished fondly by all those who knew and loved him.
Contact: 013-3400205 (Dr Gurpreet)
Condolence messages may be sent to drpreet@yahoo.com
| Entry: 3 Aug 2021 | Source: Family
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 |
A wealthy Auckland Sikh temple demanded money and unpaid labour in return for visas and encouraged migrants to work illegally, multiple Indian migrants have alleged.
The Manurewa Nanaksar gurdwara, boasting assets of over $25 million, has had 328 temporary and residency visas approved since 2006, with another 60 declined.
Immigration New Zealand said the majority of those declines were due to “concerns about a genuine purpose for travel to New Zealand, as well as concerns over the organisation’s compliance with employment and immigration law”.
Immigration New Zealand confirmed it had an active investigation into complaints relating to the temple but said it couldn’t provide details as that might “impact the integrity of the investigation”.
INZ compliance boss Steve Vaughan said while he couldn’t discuss current investigations, “we take all these allegations seriously and encourage people to come forward with information”.
Unpaid trustee Ranbir Singh Sandhu said he was co-operating fully with INZ and said the complaints all related to the tenure of former chairman Rajwinder Singh.
Rajwinder Singh declined to comment, and his lawyer, Lester Cordwell, said: “There is no comment with respect to these allegations”.
Stuff has spoken to six of those temple-sponsored applicants, who all alleged senior temple officials had broken immigration law, and all said they had been persuaded to sign blank sheets of paper before coming to New Zealand, and that agreements were later added without their knowledge to those pages.
All six named an Indian temple official, Paramjit Singh Lally, as the man who had asked them to sign the papers, made arrangements at the Indian end and demanded the fees.
Before terminating a phone call, Lally said the allegations were “complete nonsense. Ask them why they are saying this?” He did not respond before deadline to written questions.
Four complainants said they were charged sums of up to $21,000 in return for promises of residence visas which never eventuated.
They said while the temple had brought them in ostensibly to work for the temple trust itself, they instead found work in farming or fruit picking.
Two more complainants say they face a civil case in the Indian courts after the temple claimed they had agreed to work for six months unpaid in the temple’s main gurdwara in Delhi.
Stuff reported in May about an Employment Relations Authority case brought by a former volunteer priest at the temple, Indian national Tarsem Singh, who alleges the temple secured him a false passport, and made him work unpaid as a general handyman, claims the temple deny.
A former temple volunteer, Iqbal Singh, has approached Stuff saying he witnessed Tarsem Singh at work, recalling him painting a ceiling at 10pm one night and doing maintenance work on the temple’s kindergartens and says Tarsem was “sold a false dream” by officials. Ranbir Sandhu said he didn’t know Iqbal and the temple maintained its stance on Tarsem Singh, which was to deny all his claims, pointing to their documented use of professional tradesmen.
Read the gfull story, ‘Investigation as migrants complain about treatment by wealthy temple’ (Stuff, 3 Aug 2021), here.
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 |
Principal Tara Singh. Right: After his return from London (1940)
By Hardev Singh Virk | Opinion |
Tara Singh was born in village Thetharke, inhabited by Jat Sikh Randhawas in the vicinity of Dera Baba Nanak, presently on the border of Pakistan in District Gurdaspur on 1st Feb., 1899. His family was not rich but of moderate means. His father Bagh Singh owned a few acres of land in the village but he was keen to educate his son. Tara Singh received his primary education in Government Primary School, Dharamkot Randhawa. He passed his Matriculation examination from Government High School at Dera Baba Nanak in the First division and securing First position in the district. At that time, Gurdaspur district was so backward in education that he had to travel to Amritsar for appearing in Matriculation examination. It was his first trip to Amritsar and first experience of train travel.
He joined Khalsa College, Amritsar as a science student and passed F.Sc. (Intermediate in Science) in 1918 securing First division. Encouraged by his Science teachers, he joined Thomson College of Engineering, Roorkee (1847-1949), one of the oldest in Asia, and completed a dual degree course in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering in 1921 with Honours in both. He brought laurels to his family, the Sikh community and his home state Punjab by standing FIRST in the Thomson College. This College was upgraded to University of Roorkee in 1949 and then to Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in 2001. He joined N-W Railway as Apprentice Engineer for practical training of two years to complete the requirement of his engineering degree.
Tara Singh was highly qualified for any job in the engineering services of British India but he preferred to join teaching profession. He joined as Vice-Principal of Victoria Diamond Jubilee Hindu Technical Institute, Lahore in 1923 and taught there for 3 years. It may be of interest to know that this Technical Institute was first of its kind set up for commercial and industrial development of Punjab in June 1897, coinciding with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria in India. Its inaugural address was delivered by Professor Ruchi Ram Sahni, himself a brilliant Scientist in area of Chemistry and a great promoter of Science in Punjab, on 21st June, 1897. When Puran Singh returned from Tokyo University after his training in Pharmaceutical Chemistry in 1904, he was made its Principal but he left to join FRI (Forest Research Institute), Dehradun in 1906.
Tara Singh joined as Lecturer in Maclagan Engineering College of Lahore in 1926. This college was founded by Sir Edward Douglas Maclagan, the Governor of Punjab in 1923 under the name Mughalpura Technical College, which was renamed as Maclagan Engineering College in 1925, to commemorate the services of the Governor to Punjab. After Partition of India, it gave birth to two institutions; University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore in Pakistan and Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, now a deemed university of Indian Punjab.
Tara Singh started his long innings in engineering education in Punjab after joining this premier institution. He was among the founding members of its teaching faculty and perhaps the first Indian and a Sikh to teach in this college. He started as Lecturer in Mechanical engineering department but shifted to Electrical engineering after two years where he continued to teach for next twelve years. In 1937, he was sanctioned study leave and he joined London University. He passed B.Sc. (Hons.) in Civil Engineering from London University and returned to join as Assistant Professor of Civil engineering in this college in 1940. He was promoted as Professor of Civil engineering in 1944.
Tara Singh with his vintage car in London University (1938)
As a biographer of Tara Singh, I fail to comprehend why he changed his field from Mechanical/ Electrical to Civil engineering. Why he did not opt for higher studies to Master/ Doctorate level in his chosen profession? The only reason which comes to my mind must be some obligation of his study leave for which he had to opt for Civil engineering. Perhaps, Tara Singh wanted to make a hat trick by completing a full-fledged course in Civil engineering in London. He is a rarest of the rare teachers who was qualified to teach all three branches of engineering in India. After his return to Punjab, he continued to teach Civil engineering till the last before his retirement. He was a popular teacher in Theory of Structures and Strength of Materials in Civil engineering education in India.
After partition of India, Maclagan College, renamed as Punjab Engineering College, was temporarily shifted to Roorkee in United Provinces (UP) on the campus of Thomson College of engineering. It was shifted to Chandigarh, the new capitol of Punjab, in 1955. Tara Singh remained as Professor and Head of Civil Engineering and Vice-Principal of this college for seven years from 1948 – 1954. He was promoted as Principal when the College shifted to its new campus in Chandigarh in 1955. He retired as Principal on 31st May, 1956.
Punjab and Bengal were the only two states which were divided during Partition of India in 1947. After Partition, east Punjab joined India and west part became Pakistan. For the development of Indian Punjab, new Universities and Engineering Colleges were created. Guru Nanak Engineering College (GNEC), Ludhiana and Thapar College of Engineering and Technology (TIET), Patiala were both founded in 1956. The foundation stone of GNEC was laid by Dr. Rajindra Prasad, the first President of India on 8th April, 1956. Nankana Sahib Educational Trust (NSET) was set up to run this College. The land for this College was donated by the Panchayat of Gill village and the present Campus is located in the Gill Park.
NSET was in the lookout for a suitable Principal of GNEC. What a coincidence? Tara Singh retired on 31st May 1956 from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh and joined as Principal of GNEC on 1st June, 1956 without enjoying a single day of retirement. He was a stalwart of engineering education in Punjab and hence the best choice for this Sikh institution. He started from a scratch and built this institution with full zeal and dedication into a global institute of engineering education. He served as Principal for 14 years and retired on 30th June, 1970. After his retirement, he was appointed as Director of GNEC but he left after three months.
Foundation Stone of GNEC laid by President of India (1956)
GNEC is one of the premier institutions of Northern India. It caters to the needs of rural areas of Punjab and the Sikh community. The admission rules allowed 70 percent reservation quota for students who had passed their primary, middle or high school examination from rural areas of Punjab. As a minority institution, it has 50% reservation for the Sikh community. In the beginning, it was affiliated to Punjab University, Chandigarh but presently, it is affiliated to Punjab Technical University (PTU) Jalandhar. It is the first engineering college of Punjab which has been conferred the Autonomous Status by University Grants Commission, New Delhi since 2012.
In 1956, there was lack of highly trained engineering faculty in Punjab. Principal Tara Singh took special care in recruitment of faculty. He was heading a private institution but always took decisions on merit without bothering about political interference which was rampant in Punjab. Teaching standards were so high that most of the Toppers of Punjab University in Engineering disciplines belonged to GNEC. This college was known for its discipline. Principal Tara Singh was a strict disciplinarian; he used to check the entry of students and teachers as his daily routine. Punctuality of teachers was an order of the day. I served GNEC for two years (1963-65) in Applied Physics Department and can vouchsafe for the integrity, honesty of purpose and discipline maintained by the Principal.
Tara Singh expired in 1992 at the ripe old age of 93. He left behind two sons, late Er. Prahlad Singh retired as Chief Engineer from department of Irrigation in Punjab. The younger, Gurcharan Singh Randhawa, retired as Comptroller Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana. His daughter, Parkash Kaur was married to late Er. Parshan Singh Dhesi, retired as Managing Director, Punjab Tubewell Corporation.
Tara Singh left behind a rich legacy in the shape of GNEC and its students who are serving all over the globe. The GENCO Alumni Association has its Chapters all over North America and Europe. GNEC graduates (Genconians) have found success in a variety of diverse fields including cultural, political, public and private sectors in India and abroad.
Principal Tara Singh can be rightly called the Father of Engineering Education in Punjab. He rose from the grassroots level of Rural Punjab where education was not given any importance in farming communities during early twentieth century. He was a teetotaler and believed in the motto “simple living and high thinking”. He always took interest in the education of poor students. He believed that the real function of a teacher is not so much in imparting knowledge as in inspiring the pupil and instilling a spirit to learn. He was a real Role Model of students of rural Punjab in engineering education.
Acknowledgement: I am grateful to Sardar Gurchran Singh Randhawa (Ludhiana), son of Principal Tara Singh for providing the salient features of life history of his father. I owe my thanks to Dr. Surinder Kaur Randhawa, d-in-law of Tara Singh and Doctor Rupi Virk of San Jose, California, for the supply of Photos of her grandfather. Dr Jaswant Singh Bhatti, an old colleague of GNEC and active member of GENCO motivated me for this write up.
Scholar and scientist Hardev Singh Virk retired from Amritsar-based Guru Nanak Dev University in 2002 after serving as Founder Head Physics Department and Dean Academics. Ex-Professor of Eminence, Punjabi University, Patiala. He is the present Visiting Professor at SGGS World University, Fatehgarh Sahib (Punjab), India.
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 |
Navjot Kaur became the toast of India as she netted the solitary goal that would sink Australia and send the Indian women hockey team into the semifinals of the Olympic 2020 at Tokyo. The field hockey made history as this would be the first time they made it into the semi-finals at the Olympics.
The victory was all the more sweeter knowing that they had just beaten three-time champions Australia.
Drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur rose to the occasion when she converted India’s lone penalty corner in the 22nd minute to surprise the Australians.
On Wednesday (4 Aug 2021), they face Argentina in the semifinal .
At 25, Navjot is already one of the most experienced players in the squad and is growing into her role as a finisher. Navjot’s role is a vital one – to bury the chances her teammates create. In a sense, she is the tip of the spear. It is her role to finish off the opposition and with each game, she seems to be getting even better at that.
“The finisher’s job is very critical for any side,” she says. “The entire team puts in the effort of creating openings and then the finisher has to find the back of the net. There’s a lot of pressure that comes with the job, but I enjoy it and make sure that I put myself into good positions in every match.”
Her father, a mechanic, encouraged young Navjot to make a mark in hockey, which she took to in the sixth grade. “She was around 11-year-old when she started practicing. I had never imagined that she will be playing in such an intense Olympics match,” he said in one interview. Navjot is eldest of the three siblings.
Navjot and fellow teammates – skipper Rani Rampal and Navneet – all hail from Shahabad , a town in Kurukshetra.
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 |
