Mann Kaur (right) and her son Gurdev Singh on the cover of today’s (4 Dec 2019) New Sarawak Tribune- Photo: Nurul Fazlyn / New Sarawak Tribune
By Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA |
STILL going strong at 103 years old. India’s Mann Kaur (second right), the oldest athlete participating in the 21st Asia Masters Athletics Championship hosted by Sarawak, was featured on the front page today (4 Dec 2019) of New Sarawak Tribune.
Here she is seen at a photocall with Youth and Sports Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (third left) and his deputy Snowdan Lawan (left) during a welcoming dinner in Kuching for some 2,500 athletes from all over the world.
Mann holds the world records in the Over-100 years old categories for a variety of events. Her coach is her son Gurdev Singh, 79.
Her athletics’ adventure began at the age of 93. The motivation and encouragement come from Gurdev who is a stellar athlete in his own right–having participated in the World Masters Game, which is also considered as an Olympics for senior citizens.
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 |
SASKAAR / CREMATION: 12 pm, 5 Dec 2019 (Thursday), at Nirvana Memorial Park, Shah Alam. Cortège leaves 25, Jalan Putra Setia 6/1R, Putra Heights, 47650 Selangor, at 11.15 am | Malaysia
SARJIT KAUR BASSI
(09.11.1928 – 03.12.2019)
Village: Purain
Husband: Late Sardar Dalip Singh Bassi
Children / Spouses:
Kalwant Singh USA / Manjit Kaur
Karpal Singh UK / Amarjit Kaur
Junwant Kaur / Late Manmohan Singh
Late Bulwant Singh / Jagdev Kaur
Saskaar / Cremation: 12 pm, 5 Dec 2019 (Thursday), at Nirvana Memorial Park, Shah Alam
Cortège timing: Cortège leaves 25, Jalan Putra Setia 6/1R, Putra Heights, 47650 Selangor, at 11.15 am, 5 Dec 2019 (Thursday)
Path da Bhog: 14 Dec 2019 (Saturday), 930am-11.30am, at Gurdwara Sahib Shah Alam
Contact:
Jacintha 016-236 9664
Jasjit 010-219 5985
| Entry: 3 Dec 2019 | 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 |
Two decades after operating as the administrative capital of Malaysia, Putrajaya is set to see the launch of a gurdwara on Sunday (8 Dec 2019).
The historic launch of the ‘national’ gurdwara has been timed for 11.11am.
“We are a national gurdwara in the sense that our membership is open to all Malaysians,” Gurdwara Sahib Putrajaya (GSP) management committee president Major (Rtd) Jagindar Singh told Asia Samachar. “We will also promote the history of gurdwaras in Malaysia.”
In the spirit of the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak’s birth, the GSP team is targeting to register 550 pioneer members of the gurdwara, which todays stands at 206. There will also be a membership registration corner during the Sunday event which is being called ‘The Sikh Road to Putrajaya’.
“Once we reach 550, we will register them as Putrajaya Pioneers,” he said.
Putrajaya is a planned city and the federal administrative centre of Malaysia. The seat of government was shifted from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya in 1999.
GSP membership is open to all Malaysian Sikhs, including those living abroad. However, voting is limited to members living within a 50km radius of the gurdwara, which includes the Klang Valley which is home to the largest Sikh community in Malaysia. Life membership is fixed at RM101.
In a letter shared with Asia Samachar, the key officials of GSP noted that its neighbours in the ‘prime locality’, who are faith-based religious societies, have already begun construction of their respective prayer houses.
“Therefore, it is imperative that we commence ours too, failing which we the Sikhs may end up losing the precious ground allocated to us. As such, it is in our present and future interest to develop GSP as soon as possible,” read the letter signed by Jagindar along with the GSP committee deputy president Paramjit Singh Pertap Singh Dr Sangeeta Kaur Darshan Singh.
Paramjit, an airline captain who formerly with Malaysia Airlines, also chairs the building committee. Dr Sangeeta heads GSP secretariat and communication.
On the plans for the launch, Jagindar said in an invite sent out via the social media: “We are expecting a very colorful event with hopefully 55 Malaysian Sikh big bikers escorting Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj from KL to Putrajaya. We also have the helicopter showering the flowers at Putrajaya site with pipe band in attendance.
“Guru Maharaj will be arriving at the site at 9:00am and I hope all the Sanggat can join in the Parkash Ardaas. The Kirtan Darbar will start at 9:30am, with a break at 10:45am for the foundation ceremony and the whole programme will end at 13:13 hours. Breakfast and lunch will be served.”
If all goes to plan, Putrajaya will have a partially-functioning gurdwara towards the end of 2021 that is hoped to attract visitors to Malaysia’s administrative capital.
The gurdwara is located at the intersection of Precincts 5 and 20, bordering Dengkil. It is about five-minutes drive from the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC).
The proposed gurdwara complex – a single-story building with a circular darbar sahib – is expected to cost about RM3 million. The land size allocated for the gurdwara is about 30,000 sq ft, slightly less than an acre.
“Once we are established and operational, we will apply for membership of Malaysian Gurdwara Council (MGC),” he said. The gurdwara is operating under the registered society of Gurdwara Sahib Putrajaya Society (GSPS).
For location, set your Waze for Taman Cabaran Putrajaya.
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 |
PATH DA BHOG: 14 December 2019 (Saturday), 9.30am – 12pm, at Gurdwara Sahib Sentul| Malaysia
KAMALJIT KAUR D/O LATE KEHAR SINGH GREWAL
(12.2.1964 – 3.12.2019)
Village: Kum Kalan, Ludhiana
Husband: Purinder Singh
Children: Kartar Singh, Jis Simrat Singh
Path da Bhog: 14 December 2019 (Saturday), 9.30am – 12pm, at Gurdwara Sahib Sentul (Please note the change of date)
Contact: Purinder Singh 016 9678780
D h a n G u r u N a n a k
| Entry: 3 Dec 2019; Updated: 6 Dec 2019 | 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 mischievous Hindutva move to cause Sikh-Muslim friction to counter the Kartarpur Corridor friendship link between the two communities.
* If Guru Nanak Sahib went to Ayudhia, He also went to Mecca to condemn ritualism and to preach ONE Creator of all & everywhere.
* In the 550th Parkash year of Guru Nanak Sahib, the judges of the Supreme Court of India have attempted to reduce a major revolutionary world religion of Guru Nanak Sahib to an idol and fire worshipping cult of Hinduism!
* The Cambridge English dictionary describes a cult as &ldquoa religious group, often living together, whose beliefs are considered extreme or strange by many people&rdquo.
Compare that definition with the global Sikh community. According to one news report, Neena Singh, a Delhi lawyer, has given notice to the Supreme Court registrar that she and a group of Sikh lawyers will be submitting a representation to the Chief Justice of India soon, asking for a correction of the portion of the judgment that refers to Sikhism as a cult. It is derogatory and goes against all that Sikhism stands for. The judges should have rebuked the witness for using such language against a peaceful and independent religion like ours. The community is shocked and hurt by the false submissions of the witness and the judgment of the Supreme Court.
The Indian Supreme Court judgement on 10th November 2019 has diminished the standing of this great institution as the guardian of the Indian Constitution. Yet, no disrespect is intended by the Sikhs towards the institute itself. As a parallel example, the Sikhs have the highest respect for their own great Institutions like Sri Akal Takht Sahib and other Takhts, but they have not hesitated to question the actions of those who run them, sometimes, under political influence. In the Ayudhia Babri Masjad judgment, the question of the political impartiality of the judges, who must have known something about the basics of Sikhi, does arise.
This is a short-sighted move by Hindutva extremists because it has united the Sikh intelligentsia in India and abroad in their condemnation of the 1042 page judgment. By involving Sikhs in this dispute between Hindus and the Muslims, the learned judges have knowingly or unwittingly done the bidding of Hindutva agencies including BJP Indian politicians in power.
Sikhi condemns the caste system, men-women inequality, worship of idols, gods/goddesses, elements like fire, pilgrimage as a ritual, fasts etc – in fact much of what the basics of Hinduism stand for. Therefore, the continual Sikh assertion from the times Guru Nanak Sahib and repeated by great Sikh scholars like Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha’s HUM HINDU NAHI.
Reputable Sikh historiographers have questioned the antiquity, authenticity and anti-Sikhi agenda of Janam Sakhis written by Udasi/Nirmala writers.
Until recently, few Sikhs, if any, had heard of someone called Rajinder Singh Nirala. He was used by the Hindutva elements as an expert Sikh witness. The judges did not bother to question his credentials nor consult Sikh religious authorities like Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Any of the dozens of Sikh scholars of international repute could have been consulted by the Supreme Court.
This case amply illustrates the Hindutva challenges faced by the Sikhi of Guru Nanak-Guru Gobind Singh today.
Gurmukh Singh OBE, a retired UK senior civil servant, chairs the Advisory Board of The Sikh Missionary Society UK. Email: sewauk2005@yahoo.co.uk. The article appeared here.
* This is the opinion of the writer, organisation or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Asia Samachar.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond.Facebook | WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 | Email: editor@asiasamachar.com | Twitter | Instagram | Obituary announcements, click here |
Jagir Singh (7th from left) and the new MGC leadership- Photo: Supplied
By Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA |
Malaysian Gurdwaras Council (MGC) took a giant leap when it decided to send trained preachers to gurdwaras nationwide to teach Gurbani in a systematic manner.
Until then, there had not been structured teachings of the finer points of the Sikh teaching at the various gurdwaras. Not much structured learning could take place with the visiting raagi jathas and parcharaks (preachers) who are speaking from gurdwara stages due to the very nature of the set-up.
Hence, MGC would have made a dent in the understanding of Sikh amongst the Sikh masses when it sent the trained preachers to 44 gurdwaras on a weekly basis to cover specific portions of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Perhaps this project, as well as its activities (see list below), ensured Jagir Singh and his team continued leadership of the council which covers more than 100 gurdwaras nationwide.
Jagir was elected unopposed, along with the rest of the executive committee, at its annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (30 Nov 2019).
“The gurbani viakhia sessions at the various gurdwara was a major effort. But it also requires funding,” MGC vice president Darshan Singh told Asia Samachar. “We were fortunate to get donations from individuals, including Jagir himself.”
Seventy-five representatives from various gurdwaras attended the meeting, with most gurdwaras sending two representatives each.
At the last elections in 2017, Jagir, who runs a law firm, had told Asia Samachar that it would be his last term.
“It’s not easy to get someone with his caliber and dedication to take over. Jagir has shown tremendous dedication to the council, showing up at the office almost daily. And he has also dedicated so much time and effort for the interfaith matter,” said an MGC executive member.
When asked what are some of the activities carried out by MGC over the last two years, Jagir shared the following list:
1. MGC co-ordinated the requests from gurdwaras for employing Granthis and musicians and obtained approval from Putrajaya. The success rate was 100% approval.
2. Carried out more than a dozen seminars in various states on marriage counselling, Youth Empowerment and Sikh Rehat Maryada.
3. Ran tuition classes in a few gurdwaras to prepare students for national examinations of PT3, UPSR and SPM.
4. Carried out Garbani Viakhia classes in 44 gurdwaras simultaneously every day from December 2018 until October 2019. The Gurbani viakhia covered for JAP, SO DAR, SO Purakh and Sohila banis.
5. Assisted gurdwaras in obtaining funding.
6. Provided legal advice in various cases including for Malaysian gurdwaras.
7. Organised and carried out a seminar for Malaysian gurdwaras.
8. Liaised with states and federal governments in protecting religious rights, including leading a delegation of interfaith communities to meet executive committee member of Negeri Sembilan with regards to a directive that all non-Muslim places of worship must register with Register of Societies (ROS). The order was rescinded.
9. Liaising with colleges in India from time to time to obtain names of qualified people who can serve as Granthis.
10. Attending to daily routine correspondence from gurdwaras.
11. Issued about 20 statements and circulars to gurdwaras including six to Akal Takhat over the last two years.
12. Carried out Sikhi Paarchar. In the last year, MGC brought in four Jathas on Sikhi parchar tour including Parwana.
The new executive committee elected unanimously for the 2019-2021 period is as follows:
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 |
1st YEAR BARSI: 1 December 2019 (Sunday), 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, at Gurdwara Sahib Port Klang. Prayers followed by Guru Ka Langgar| Malaysia ਭਲੋ ਭਲੋ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਕਹੈ ਬੁਰੋ ਨ ਮਾਨੈ ਕੋਇ (Salok Bhagat Kabeer)
In Loving Memory of
SUKHDEV KAUR W/O LATE MAHINDER SINGH
1st YEAR BARSI:1 December 2019 (Sunday), 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, at Gurdwara Sahib Port Klang. Prayers followed by Guru Ka Langgar.
Please take this as a special invitation to you and your family and join us on this day to give blessing on her journey.
Dearly missed as grandmother, mother, aunty and friend to many. Will always cherish your guidance and life lessons.
Contact: Sarjit 012 – 202 6556
| Entry: 29 Nov 2019 | 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 |
Anand Karaj in the Gurdwara – Photos: Awesome Studios
By Dr Pola Singh and Sarjit Kaur | EXPERIENCE | MALAYSIA |
21 September 2019. This day marked a symbolic beginning for my niece, Shareen Kaur Kuldip, who tied the knot to Alvin Raj Singh Gill after a courtship of eight years. Our family and friends witnessed a beautiful wedding unfold, embedded in vibrant and colourful Punjabi culture and traditions.
Our sister, Iswander Kaur, was well-prepared for this final wedding as she was ably assisted by the bride-to-be who assumed an active role looking into every detail and ensuring wedding preparations went on smoothly. Iswander’s two elder daughters and spouses also contributed actively, lending their own wedding experience.
As the wedding date neared, invitations to family members and close relatives were sent out personally. In keeping with the Sikh tradition, my sister and her husband, Kuldip tirelessly travelled to relatives and friends’ homes to deliver the invitations by hand.
A build-up of excitement grew among family members, as we counted down to the big day. Briefings were held at family gatherings to remind members on the programme flow and roles. Family members began practising and sharpening their dance steps for the wedding.
The day finally arrived in September. The first morning ceremony on Day 1 began with the maiyan (cleansing ceremony) whereby family and close relatives would massage the bride-to-be with oil, yoghurt and turmeric on her face, arms, hands and feet, believed to give her the glow on her special day.
The bride-to-be then fed single ladies with mitay chole (sweetened yellow rice) supposedly to pass some bridal charm, as it is believed that they will be next in line to tie the knot. This was followed by the mehendi (applying of henna) on her palms, hands and feet. Cultural norms believe that the darker the shade of her henna, the stronger the love and bond with her mother-in-law.
Sangeet blast – Photos: Awesome Studios
On the eve of wedding, the sangeet event commenced. It was a night of feast, music and dance. The pulsating beat of the dhol (Punjabi drum) filled the air and soon enough, everyone was tapping their feet. Invited guests from all cultures and background took to the dance floor, swaying to the rhythm of the bhangra music. Family members were giddy with joy and excitement as they participated in various ceremonies which included the choora involving maternal uncles putting wedding bangles on the bride by dipping them in milk first. Also the jaago which literally means wake-up, involves carrying of oil candles on a pot placed on one’s head. Centuries ago, when there was no electricity, this was the practice the night before in the village by relatives of the bride or groom, accompanied by folk singing and dancing as a form of open invitation to the wedding.
The bride’s colleagues and her netball squad wowed the audience with their sharp and energetic bhangra moves and colourful attires during the sangeet. They had diligently practised for the last two months for their dance performance. It was beautiful to see fellow Malaysians of various races coming together in unison in this dance and wedding.
On Day 2, the groom’s entourage from Port Dickson arrived in Malacca and was greeted by the bride’s family in a symbolic ceremony at the Malacca Gurdwara. Alvin was resplendent in his peach turban and matching sherwani and looked like a Maharaja.
Shareen looked elegant and regal in her fushia and peach lehenga suit. All eyes were on this stunning and radiant bride, as she walked the aisle leading to the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh scripture) and bowed. The jovial priest was able to engage and make everyone present, feel at home by explaining the significance of the ceremony and making reference to our universal Creator.
The ceremony began with the Anand Karaj (Sikh wedding ceremony) with the main part involving reading and then singing of the Lavan (four hyms of Anand Karaj). When sung, the couple joined and held together by a piece of fushia cloth, circled the Guru Granth Sahib for their nuptial rounds. After the fourth round, it officially marked the union of the couple as man and wife.
As the couple completed the Lavan, there was a priceless look on the newly-weds’ faces as they acknowledged and honoured each other. It was a moving moment for the bride’s parents, as Shareen leaves her childhood nest and moves to a new family pasture.
Sweet ladoos were given to attendees at the gurdwara by Iswander’s elder sisters. The groom’s entourage, family and relatives of the bride then headed to a lunch reception at the hotel. After lunch, they returned to the bride’s house and the final event of the day was the doli ceremony marking the bride’s departure from her parents’ home.
Choora Ceremony – Photos: Awesome Studios
It was another emotional point as my sister and the bride hugged each other tightly and tears flowed. Our relatives were equally moved as the occasion signified that my niece now has a new family base. Nonetheless, the bride’s parents also now have a beloved son and assurance that their daughter is in good hands.
Before the wedding car departed from the bride’s house, the bride’s mum poured bandung onto the tyres of the car to signify a delightful journey. The groom’s dad tossed coins in the air and around the vicinity, to wish the couple prosperity in their future life.
Shareen’s parents had full ownership of the wedding and my sister’s motherly touch made all the difference. I marvel at their dedication and perseverance. The execution of their plan with the support of their children, son-in-laws and family was clock-work and immaculate!
The auspicious occasion not only symbolised the start of a new life together for the newly-weds, it also nurtured a strong camaraderie among relatives of the Malacca bride and groom based in Port Dickson.
All 10 siblings of the Tara Singh family (including me & Sarjit) were there in full force to support and make the wedding a memorable occasion as we bonded, laughed and teared in the process.
The wedding remains a conversation piece within our family WhatsApp group, as we view pictures compiled by different members and read the wedding story board prepared by Shareen. Lovely memories remain etched in our minds. It has been two months and we are still intoxicated from the precious and magical moments. It was truly an unforgettable wedding.
Note: Sarjit is my youngest sibling – she assisted me greatly in writing this article. Thank you. Photo credits: Awesome Studios
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 |
SASKAAR / CREMATION: 2pm, 29 November 2019 (Friday), at Chinese Crematorium, Gui Yuan Crematorium, Jalan 51A/229 Kampung Tunku, Petaling Jaya. Cortege leaves from No 30, Jalan SS 14/8F, 47500 Subang Jaya, at 12.30pm| Malaysia
Charan Kaur (1958-2019), Former Customs
ਘਲੇ ਆਵਹਿ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਸਦੇ ੳੁਠੀ ਜਾਹਿ।।
Kaley aye nanake sedheh utteh jaye
CHARAN KAUR D/O BISHEN SINGH
She served the Royal Malaysian Customs Department from 29 July 1984 to 13 Oct 2016, retiring as a Senior Assistant Director (Penolong Kanan Pengarah Kastam)
Village: Khadur Sahib, Amritsar
Born: 14/10/1958
Departed: 27/11/2019
Husband: Late Major Jagjeet Singh Bhattal
Children : Vimreen Singh, Azvinder Kaur, Rubinder Singh
Saskaar / Cremation: 2pm, 29 November 2019 (Friday), at Chinese Crematorium,
Gui Yuan Crematorium, Jalan 51A/229 Kampung Tunku, Petaling Jaya
Cortège timing: Cortege leaves from No 30, Jalan SS 14/8F, 47500 Subang Jaya, at 12.30pm, 29 November 2019 (Friday)
Path da Bhog: 8 December 2019 (Sunday), 10am to 12pm, at Subang Jaya Gurdwara
Contact:
Vimreen Singh 0163386711
Hazara Singh 016 626 2130
Amajit Singh 0122071162
| Entry: 28 Nov 2019 | Source: Family
[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Asia. How to reach us: Facebook message or WhatsApp +6017-335-1399. Our email: editor@asiasamachar.com. For obituary announcements, click here]
Klang MP Charles Santiago (middle) with GS Klang committee president Kulwant Singh during the gurdwara’s 550th celebration of Guru Nanak’s birthday – Photo: Navjot Singh Briar Photography
By Asia Samachar Team | KLANG,MALAYSIA | #GuruNanak550Malaysia |
Klang MP Charles Santiago joined some 1,200 Sikhs who turned up for a nagar kirtan (Sikh religious procession) to celebrate Guru Nanak’s 550th birthday. Santiago is also the Water Commission chairman.
Klang local councillor Nalan Muniandy also joined the event on 16 Nov with the procession covering about 2km to the local Indian street.
“We had great participation of the Sanggat (congregation). We thank them all,” said Gurdwara Sahib Klang management committee president Kulwant Singh.
Photos: Navjot Singh Briar Photography (Uploaded to his Facebook on 23 Nov 2019, Gurudwara Sahib Klang’ s Nagar Kirtan in conjunction of 550 Saal Guru Nanak Dev Ji De Naal).
See select photos at Asia Samachar Facebook here.
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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 |
