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Rihanna is right. We should be talking about #FarmersProtest, says broadcaster Mehdi Hasan

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By Asia Samachar Team | UNITED STATES |

British-American political journalist and broadcaster Mehdi Hassan has just released a five-minute video entitled ‘Farmer Protests and India’s Descent into Authoritarianism.’ You must catch this.

“Rihanna is right. We should be talking about all these. So, let’s talk about it,” Hassan starts the show flashing pop star Rihanna’s short but impactful tweet which has certainly opened the eyes of so many around the world.

Hasan breaks down the protests happening over Indian Prime Minister Modi’s agriculture and farming policies, stating: “It’s the Indian government’s response that should concern us.”

He also discussed how Modi’s authoritarian was born out of the same climate that elevated President Donald Trump. Note the DNA between what is happening in India and what US has experienced under Trump.

Bollywood gets a mention, too.

“Unlike in the US where Hollywood stars were front snd centre in the hashtag resistance to Trump, in India, Bollywood stars have lined up behind Modi,” he said.

He singled out the ‘charming’ response from Kangana Ranaut, where the Bollywood actress had called Rihanna a dummy and labelled farmers as terrorists.

Click here.

RELATED STORY:

Farmers get a moment to shine bright like diamonds, thanks to Rihanna (Asia Samachar, 4 Jan 2021)

 

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 |

Cancer survivors passing on the love

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By Christopher Tan | Buletin Mutiara |

CANCER is a ‘journey’ that patients have to understand. Cancer survivor Sukhveer Kaur, 55, said the six-letter word is so scary to many people.

“Some patients may feel that it is the end of the road, but they don’t realise that there are people who survived.

“It was frightening to me as well. But I was very strong when the doctor told me that I had cancer.

“However, I didn’t know what my future is. The moment you know that you have cancer, the doctor will prepare you for surgery. After surgery, it’s the treatment. And after treatment, where would you go?

“That’s where we come in. We provide counselling, we do laughter therapy, we empower patients and we become the patient advocates,” Sukhveer, the founder of Himmat Support Group, said in an interview today.

Sukhveer was diagnosed with carcinoid tumour (a form of neuroendocrine tumour) in 2008 and had total gastrectomy (removal of the stomach) in the same year.

“It was on July 21, 2008 – the day when the doctor performed the anastomosis (a surgical connection), joining my oesophagus and my small intestine.

“It was on July 21, 2008 – the day when the doctor performed the anastomosis (a surgical connection), joining my oesophagus and my small intestine.

“At the beginning, I always had diarrhoea for a few years. Now it’s vomiting, especially if I eat something that cannot be accepted by my body, because it goes into my small intestine. Or else, I’ll be burping until I don’t vomit.

“I think I’m used to it now. I still have to go through this, and it does not change my appreciation of life. I love food and food love me.

“I have to watch my diet. Food that are high in carbohydrate and sugary stuff, they always cause problem. I take more proteins when I go out, but when I’m at home I become ‘naughty’ occasionally.

“So, it has been about 12 years since I lost my entire stomach and I am very proud of myself.

Her husband Daljit Singh, 57, also shared his journey as a cancer survivor.

“I am a strict vegetarian. I love to jog; I love hiking and I’m a health addict.

“So, when I was diagnosed with left renal carcinoma (kidney cancer) in 2011 during a whole-body CT-scan, I could not accept it,” he said.

Read the full story, ‘Cancer survivors passing on the love’ (Buletin Mutiara, 4 Feb 2021), here. Sukhveer Kaur and Daljit Singh are also active in leadership team at Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang 

 

RELATED STORY:

Cancer survivor Daljit to lead Penang gurdwara (Asia Samachar, 17 June 2018)

 

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 |

Singapore religious leaders get Covid-19 vaccine jab

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Malminder Singh (left) and other religious organisation leaders getting their Covid-19 vaccine jab
By Asia Samachar Team | SINGAPORE |

Leaders of the various religious organisations came forward for their Covid-19 vaccine jab as Singapore continue to roll out its vaccination programme.

“Some of us may have concerns about getting vaccinated against COVID-19. I did too but I did my necessary checks and found that it was completely safe for me. With support from Simar Kaur I went ahead,” Sikh Advisory Board chairman Malminderjit Singh told Asia Samachar in a text message. Simar is his wife.

“Most importantly, I realised getting vaccinated would help protect my family further. With parents who are on long-term medication and three young kids – who are all vulnerable – I am hoping this goes a long way to help them.”

Singapore rolled out its Covid-19 vaccination programme on Jan 28 with the first batch of more than 113,000 getting their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine.

“Vaccination is a key enabler in our defence against COVID-19. My thanks to our senior religious leaders for supporting Singapore’s COVID-19 vaccination programme,” said Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law.

Malminderjit joined the leaders from the other faiths on Tuesday (Feb 2) for the jab. They were Taoist Federation chairman Tan Thiam Lye (who also presides the Inter-Religious Organisation), Mufti Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, Hindu Advisory Board chairman Rajan Krishnan, Singapore Buddhist Federation president Seck Kwang Phing, National Council of Churches of Singapore president Keith Lai and Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore William Goh.

 

RELATED STORY:

Is Covid-19 really a big deal for gurdwaras? (Asia Samachar, 30 May 2020)

 

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 |

Now, American football stars extend support to Indian farmers

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NFL star Juju Smith Schuster tweets in support of protesting Indian farmers
By Asia Samachar Team | UNITED STATES |

Pop star Rihanna has sure made an impact. Just two days after her tweet in support of farmers fervently protesting three Indian farm, big names in the American football have now thrown their support.

American football league NFL star Juju Smith Schuster today (Feb 4) said he would chip in towards medical assistance for the farmers who have been camping out in the chilly cold Delhi weather since late November 2020.

“Happy to share that I’ve donated USD 10,000 to provide medical assistance to the farmers in need in India to help save lives during these times. I hope we can prevent any additional life from being lost. #FarmersProtest” he tweeted.

At the same time, Kyle Kuzma, who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA, has also extended his support to their cause.

“Should be talking about this! #FarmersProtest,” the 25-year-old tweeted.

On Tuesday (2 Feb), Rihanna tweeted the following terse message to her more than 100 million followers: “Why aren’t we talking about this?! #FarmersProtest.” It was linked to a news story about the internet blockade at the protest sites.

Within hours, teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg and the US vice president’s niece Meena Harris tweeted their support, giving the farmers a chance to shine like diamonds.

The tweets created a storm of sorts online prompting even a response from the Indian authorities. It has also forced Bollywood stars to have a say, though most of the big names are either playing it safe or tweeting in the support of the government of the day led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 

RELATED STORY:

Farmers get a moment to shine bright like diamonds, thanks to Rihanna (Asia Samachar, 3 Feb 2021)

 

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 |

Why women at forefront of India’s farming protests, and how to help

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By Emily Chan | Vogue | India |

For months, hundreds of thousands of farmers have been protesting in India, with many camping out on highways on the outskirts of Delhi since the end of November, despite the cold and rain. The reason for the mass demonstrations? The government introduced new farming bills in September, which remove minimum prices for wheat and rice — a move that the farmers say is a threat to their livelihoods.

Farmers fear the new laws will lead to big corporations taking over, arguing reductions in prices will make it too difficult for small and medium-scale farmers to make ends meet. At the same time, the climate crisis has already affected their incomes, with rising temperatures, droughts, and storms damaging crops across the country.

Several generations of farmers have joined the protests, from the elderly to young children, with women also at the forefront of the demonstrations. Here, artist and filmmaker Jassi Sangha, who comes from a long line of farmers in Punjab, explains what’s been happening on the ground in Delhi.

“I come from a family of farmers — everyone in the family is deeply involved. It’s not just a job, it’s part of our culture in states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Medium and small-scale farmers will suffer the most from the new farming bills. Without the minimum support price, private players in the market will buy our grain for the price they want. Farmers will be forced to sell their land, and it’ll increase unemployment and inequality. Consumers will be affected too, as companies will be able to sell the grain at whatever price they want.

“Women are showing a strong presence at the protests. That’s because women are often directly involved in the farming, harvesting, and storing of the crops — you can see women working in food grain markets. In fact, 85 per cent of rural women are engaged in agriculture, but only 13 per cent own any land. There are lots of widows who work on farms as well, as suicide is a major issue among farmers.”

Read the full story, ‘“We Have To Fight”: Why It’s Women At The Forefront Of India’s Farming Protests, And How To Help’ (Vogue, 26 Jan 2021), here.

#FarmersProtest #Women

 

RELATED STORY:

Farmers get a moment to shine bright like diamonds, thanks to Rihanna (Asia Samachar, 3 Feb 2021)

Farmers prepared to stay put till October, says Rakesh Tikait – Report (Asia Samachar, 2 Feb 2021)

 

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 |

Niranjan Kaur (1929-2021), Kuala Lumpur (Formerly Siputeh, Perak)

IN MEMORIAM: Mata Niranjan Kaur w/o Late Ranjit Singh Bajwa (Singapore), formerly from Siputeh, Perak passed away peacefully on 29 Jan 2021 in Kuala Lumpur. Saskaar (cremation) was held at Loke Yew Crematorium (Shamshan Bhoomi) on 30 Jan 2021 | Malaysia

NIRANJAN KAUR D/O FAUJA SINGH

(29.09.1929 -29.01.2021)

Our Maaji as she is fondly called by her children & grandchildren; Masi Nanjo, Puaji & Mamiji by her nephews and nieces has touched the lives of many with her warm & loving nature. She will be fondly remembered. She was the last person from her generation to leave us and we miss her presence dearly.

Husband: Late Ranjit Singh Bajwa (Singapore)

Children / Spouses:

Daljit Singh / Gurdeep Kaur

Late Jasbir Singh (Singapore)

Jespall Singh / Heera Bhai More (Singapore)

Mahinder Sarjit Kaur / Diljeet Singh (Perth, Australia)

Daljit Kaur / Late Vinesh Kumar

Grandchildren:

Aanjit Singh
Ravinderrpal Singh
Amritahpreeth Kaur
Navvarrina Kaur
Balwindarr Kaur
Ajay Singh
Navapareet Kaur
Bhindia Pooja Sharma

Great Grandchild: Suhnaina Kaur

Path da Bhog: Due to Movement Control Order (MCO), Path da Bhog will be held privately

Contact:

Rrina: +60163586670
Balwin: +60169000621
Preety: +60146498500

The family would like to express their gratitude for all the kind thoughts, prayers, messages and support during this time of grief.

 

| Entry: 4 Feb 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 tribute to Sardar Sarban Singh Ghali

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By Madam Rajinder Kaur 

The family of the late Sardar Sarban Singh Ghali, who passed away on 22/1/21, would like to inform that the paath da bhog was held at the family’s residence on the morning of 31/1/21. The paath da bhog was conducted by my eldest granddaughter, Dr Jespreet Kaur. In light of the current SOP restrictions under MCO 2.0, the ceremony was kept private.

Dr Jespreet had completed her training in the reading and understanding of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji under the tutelage of her grandfather 20 years ago, as seen in the picture below.

During his latest years in life, his interest in aviation grew and one of his wishes in life was to see and sit in an aircraft cockpit. The wish was fulfilled by my second son, Harminder, who flew both of us to Singapore where he got to fly a B737 simulator.

On the flight back, the flight crew of MAS B737-800 were kind enough to let him into the cockpit during dis-embarkation. He was very happy as he got his wish. He must be flying around with the angels in heaven. Until we meet again, behave yourself and get some rest.

I would like to thank my two daughters, Manjit and Surinder, for their assistance during his poor health.

The family would also like to thank Dr Jespreet Kaur of Serdang Hospital, the nurses and doctors of both Serdang and Sungai Buloh Hospital, for their unwavering care and in arranging video calls with the family during his final days.

Much Love.

(Madam Rajinder Kaur is the wife of Sardar Sarban Singh Ghali)

 

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 |

Farmers get a moment to shine bright like diamonds, thanks to Rihanna

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By Asia Samachar Team | INDIA |

After months of battling the cold and chilly weather, the hundreds of thousands of farmers protesting in Delhi and elsewhere in India found a moment of respite online with unexpected shoutouts from the likes of pop star Rihanna and environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg.

Other personalities with global followings quickly joined them in drawing attention protests against three farm laws passed hurriedly by the Narendra Modi government in September 2020.

The online storm of support began with Robyn Rihanna Fenty, a Barbadian singer, actress, and businesswoman.

On Tuesday (2 Feb), she tweeted the following terse message to her more than 100 million followers: “Why aren’t we talking about this?! #FarmersProtest.” It was linked to a news story about the internet blockade at the protest sites.

Within hours, teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg and the US vice president’s niece Meena Harris tweeted their support, giving the farmers a chance to shine like diamonds.

As support for farmers’ began snowballing online, India’s external affairs ministry today (Feb 3) was pushed to defend its position, stating that the nation’s legislature had passed “reformist legislation relating to the agricultural sector” after a full debate and discussion.

“The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible,” it added.

At the same time, some Indian media went into overdrive to defend Modi and his administration. They began running interviews condemning Rihanna and her tweet. “It is disturbing,” remarked a reporter from an Indian news channel.

Rihanna’s tweet comes in the aftermath of the huge #TractorParade organised by the protesting farmers to coincide with the nation’s Republic Day on 26 Jan. The largely peaceful parade, attracting more than 200,000 tractors and more than a 1 million participants, saw pockets of disturbances allegedly engineered by the state apparatus.

India’s government has fortified Delhi’s borders and sought to block the Twitter accounts of key protest leaders and journalists, after farmers’ unions called for roads to be blocked across India on Saturday in their latest protest against the new laws, as well as the crackdown against protesters and reduced farm sector allocation in the annual budget announced Monday, reports Bloomberg.

With 8,927 hours of blacked out or curbed bandwidth access, the Indian government restricted internet use more than any other nation in 2020, according to the Global Cost of Internet Shutdowns report.

 

RELATED STORY:

Cardiologist tells how lies were spread to confuse protesting farmers (Asia Samachar, 4 Jan 2021)

 

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 |

Sukhminder Kaur Gill (1943-2021), Formerly from Seremban

IN MEMORIAM: Mata Sukhminder Kaur, formerly from 2 ½ Mile, Jelebu Road, Ampangan, Seremban, passed away peacefully on 25th January 2021 | Malaysia

ਜੇਹਾ ਚੀਰੀ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਤੇਹਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਘਲੇ ਆਵਹਿ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਸਦੇ ਉਠੀ ਜਾਹਿ ॥੧॥

SUKHMINDER KAUR GILL D/O NARANJAN SINGH GILL

(9.6.1943  –  25.1.2021)

Village: Kalake, Moga

Beiji or Mother as she is fondly called by her children; Phen by her brothers, who stood by her through thick and thin; Nani, Dadi-Ma, Per-Nani and Pua. Your presence brought us warmth; your smile and positive attitude will always be cherished with the wonderful memories that we had with you throughout our lives. You are loved by all, and you gave your everything to us. You were the pillar of the family and we will always live by your values. We are sad that you have left us but we know that you are now reunited with the Creator.

Wife of Late Joginder Singh Tiwana s/o Late Mastan Singh Tiwana

Deeply missed and forever cherished by:

Brothers (Spouse):

Late Sunder Singh Gill (Late Surjit Kaur)
Sukhminder Singh Gill (Rajinder Kaur)
Sukhdarshan Singh Gill (Late Shinderpal Kaur)
Sardul Singh Gill (Sarjit Kaur Thind)
Lt Col Sirendar Singh Gill – RMAF (Rtd) (Taram Kaur Sidhu)
Mohinder Singh Gill – BT (Ajit Kaur Banggu)

Children (Spouse):

Tar Kaur Tiwana (Late Sarjit Singh Sidhu)
Gurdep Kaur Tiwana (Gurdip Singh Sidhu)
Pajan Kaur Tiwana (Baljit Singh Sidhu Brar)
Pritam Kaur Tiwana (Awthar Singh Dhillon)
Balabir Kaur Tiwana (Charanjit Singh Dhaliwal)
Jaspal Singh Tiwana (Kamaljeet Kaur Sandhu)

Grandchildren (Spouse):

Harvinderjit Singh Sidhu (Charandave Kaur Chattey), Datin Gursharan Kaur Sidhu (Dato’ Sukhpal Singh Sidhu);
Salvinder Singh Sidhu (Jasleen Kaur Bath), Surinder Singh Sidhu (Reenajeet Kaur Sandhu), Harjit Singh Sidhu; Gurjeet Kaur Sidhu;
Dr. Jasbir Singh Sidhu Brar (Dr. Nashjit Kaur Sandhu), Dr. Jaspreet Kaur Hans (Dr. Davinder Singh Hans), Balvinjit Singh Sidhu Brar;
Keshvinder Singh Dhillon (Jaskiran Kaur Sidhu), Belvin Kaur Dhillon, Baldave Singh Dhillon
Meherlleen Kaur Dhaliwal, Teg Anss Singh Dhaliwal;
Kevvel Kaur Tewana, Bhavenveer Singh Tewana, Dheeraajveer Singh Tewana.

Great Grandchildren: Pavallyne Kaur; Angadveer Singh; Nimret Kaur; Sameerllyne Kaur; Jannatpreeth Kaur; Jassimret Kaur; Mansimer Kaur; Manllyne Kaur; Karanveer Singh; Sanjhllyne Kaur

Saskar was held on 26th January, 2021 and Antim Ardaas & Path Da Bhog was on 31st January 2021, in the presence of immediate family members.

Due to Emergency Rule & MCO, the funeral, Antim Ardaas and Path Da Bhog was kept private. The family would like to express their gratitude for all the kind thoughts, prayers, messages and support during this time of grief.

 

| Entry: 2 Feb 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 |

Farmers prepared to stay put till October, says Rakesh Tikait – Report

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Chaudhary Rakesh Tikait
By Asia Samachar Team | INDIA |

The farm unions who have been spearheading protests by hundreds of thousands of farmers at various Delhi entry since November are prepared for the long haul to fight for their demands, the primary one being the removal of three farm laws deemed as oppressive to their plight and favouring the large corporations.

Bhartiya Kisan Union national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait today (2 Feb) made it known that the farm unions were prepared to sit out for many more months.

His remarks came in response to the heavy barricading with concertina wires besides deployment of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) that has encircled all major protest sites, including Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur.

“We (farm leaders) have been saying for the last 35 years that we will gherao Parliament. But did we ever do that? So why have the police done all this?” Tikait was quoted in a Tribune News Service report.

“These wires have come up to stop the ‘kisan’ from his ‘roti’. Tomorrow, our cultivation will be behind the same wires to help the corporates. This is a fortification done on behalf of the King. I want to say from this stage that our call remains the same. ‘Bill wapsi to ghar wapsi’, please make preparations to stay here till October,” he said.

The BKU leader also clarified that Singhu remained the main centre of the protest.

“There is a lot of speculation. People are saying that Ghazipur is the main centre now,” Tikait said addressing the crowd. “It is all false. We are part of the 40-odd farm unions. Singhu was the main centre and remains the main centre. We all are in this together and I lean on everybody, including Joginder Singh Ugrahanji, for counsel.”

Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait addressing a farmers’ protest at the Grain Market, Delhi’s Bahadurgarh Tikri border on 29 Dec 2020 – Photo: Chaudhary Rakesh Tikait
RELATED STORY:

Cardiologist tells how lies were spread to confuse protesting farmers (Asia Samachar, 4 Jan 2021)

 

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 |