On June 16, after Amrit Kaur attended her graduation ceremony in Ottawa, she drove with her parents and brother back to the family home in Vaudreuil, a suburb of Montreal, and, still in her graduation dress, sat down at the dining room table to upload photos.
Kaur, 28, has just completed a bachelor of education degree at the University of Ottawa and was hoping to start teaching this fall in Quebec, where she has lived since she was five. But as Kaur uploaded pictures, she checked social media, where she learned that the National Assembly of Quebec had just passed Bill 21.
“We were all just hanging out, talking about the day and stuff. And that comes up.”
Kaur, a Sikh, wears a turban. Bill 21 means that she will not be able to teach in Quebec. The news came as a personal blow.
“You think something like this is just hate speech, or the product of it, but when it actually materializes into something, you feel racism toward yourself,” she says. “And that feeling of racism, being disenfranchised, you can hear about it, but when you feel it on yourself, there’s a sadness you can’t describe. That feeling, I don’t wish it on anyone.”
Bill 21, which was promised by Quebec Premier François Legault during the 2018 campaign, bans police, teachers and government lawyers from wearing religious symbols on the job in the name of secularism. It will mostly affect Sikhs who wear turbans, Muslims who wear hijabs and Jews who wear skull caps. Those communities have gone to court to have the law overturned.
On July 18, a Quebec judge rejected an injunction application sought by the National Council of Canadian Muslims and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. On July 22, Kaur was among those who stood on the steps of the Quebec Court of Appeal in Montreal to announce an appeal of that decision.
The legal challenges will take time. Kaur needs a job now, so she is likely to move to British Columbia. One thing she will not consider is giving up her turban.
Read the full story, ‘A sadness you can’t describe’: The high price of Quebec’s Bill 21′ (Macleans, 12 Aug 2019), 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 |
My name is Jagjeevan Kaur. I’m an independent videojournalist with Sikh Good Things, and I’m happy to introduce myself as a new columnist for Asia Samachar.
I hope to be able to entertain and share some insight of my little teeny speck on the Universe that is called the USA.
I will be traveling throughout each of the 50 states and hope to speak with you eventually from each one of them.
I watched a video being passed around WhatsApp about a 105-year-old man who never leaves his desk, always focusing on his work which is seven days a week running a family farming company. He seems happy, and it’s wonderful for him. He made a point of advising not to stay in bed or be unproductive and to always work to make money.
There are many ways of thinking. I have been in my bed the entire day today and have done much creative and satisfying work. Not all work brings money but has other rewards and is helpful to others.
I always write about what I believe is the proven, pathway to Success. It’s gratitude. It requires no specific education, salary or license and is a guaranteed path. This 105-year-old man inspired me to write some thoughts today.
In August 2017, I met a man who changed me in so many ways. I met a man who taught me a lifetime lesson about eternal optimism and gratitude. His name is Baba Punjab Singh Ji.
He served the Indian army for 19 years and fought in the Indo-Pakistani wars in 1965 and 1971. He was a saint-solider. He was a superior athlete and could meditate for hours.
He dedicated his life to charity, educating children, empowering women and helping the impoverished. He was a husband and he was a Papaji of four, and he’s grandpa of at least seven.
Baba Punjab Singh Ji can only blink his eyes laying on his bed semi-comatose and paralyzed for the past seven years due to a hate crime that occurred in the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek.
He was shot while trying to close the doors to save the lives of others by a killer with white supremacist ties during a mass shooting that left six others dead in the Sikh Temple of Oak Creek Wisconsin on August 5, 2012.
August 11th was his 72nd birthday and there is a LOT to celebrate!
He was a religious teacher and now it keeps him alive to continue his career of teaching to always be in Chardi Kala (eternal optimism) by blinking twice for YES when asked if he is still in Chardi Kala. Even from his bed–no paycheck required, look how he teaches us!
Now, when I’m in any type of difficulty, I think of my short and powerful well-taught lesson and I know that everything will be ok; whatever my circumstances are I will be grateful for them, we don’t always get to choose our outcomes.
We don’t always or maybe even ever get to understand why things happen either…or why others do the things they do which affect us.
Baba Punjab Singh Ji didn’t choose this outcome.
He continues to connect to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and listens to simran and katha as always and he teaches from his bed lessons that can’t be found in Ivy League universities.
“Keeping Busy” is NOT what life is about. We have all heard the phrase “busy work.”
It’s not where you work from, it’s where your heart is. Seva (selfless service) doesn’t pay money, but somehow we live much richer lives.
When earning money we will, “Be Active” but when spreading the wealth of kindness and compassion we will “Just Be.”
Sometimes we get to do both and earn money doing what we love to do!
I am working towards that personally in my newfound career as a videojournalist but and when that money does come I will remember to use it to help others, to pay it forward.
Most Important…
1. Be grateful.
2. BE.
Happy birthday and stay in chardi kala, Baba Punjab Singh Ji!
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 |
Residence: 143, Persiaran Jelapang 15, Taman Silibin, 30100, Ipoh, Perak
Path Da Bhog: 18 August 2019 (Sunday), 10am to 12pm, at Gurdwara Sahib Buntong, Ipoh
Contact: Sukhwinder Kaur (012-5316504)
Kindly treat this as a personal invitation.
| Entry: 12 Aug 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 |
Insp. Baltej Singh Dhillon retires from the The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Canadian federal and national police force, after nearly 30 years. He holds the distinction of being the first officer to wear a turban as part of the RCMP uniform.
The 53-year old officer retires after a career that saw him rise to the rank of inspector, as he took part in high-profile cases, including the investigations into serial killer Robert Pickton and the Air India bombing.
“When I first got involved in the Air India task force, I wasn’t trusted. I wasn’t included in some of the meetings,” he told CBC in an interview. “I was told that it was because there was concern that I might compromise the file.”
That mistrust is something Dhillon experienced before he ever donned the red tunic.
Born in Malaysia, a teenage Dhillion and his family moved to British Columbia in 1983. After high school, he studied criminology and initially wanted to be a lawyer. But he sought to become a Mountie after volunteering with the RCMP as a translator for Asian immigrants.
Dhillon formally applied to the force in 1988 and passed all the entrance requirements. But at the time, the RCMP dress code banned both turbans and beards — key components of his Sikh faith.
See full story, ‘As he readies for new role, 1st Mountie to wear turban reflects on RCMP career’ (CBC, 5 Aug 2019), 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 |
Participants at the Sewa Day Initiative – Photo: YSA Facebook page
By YSA Volunteer | SINGAPORE |
The Young Sikh Association (Singapore) or YSA is grateful for the opportunity to be the coordinating Sikh Institution for the Sewa Day Initiative that was held on 10 August 2019.
About 100 students from the Singapore Sikh Education Foundation (SSEF), and volunteers from the Sikh Welfare Council (SIWEC), Sikh Sewaks Singapore and YSA came together to spend some time with families under the care of the Marine Parade Family Service Centre.
The students and volunteers assisted with basic cleaning of homes and more importantly spent time interacting and having conversations with these families.
The Sewa Day Initiative culminated with a sharing of reflections of the youth’s experiences with Guest of Honour Tan Chuan-Jin, Speaker of Parliament Singapore. Tan encouraged the students and volunteers to continue to come together and keep this momentum of service in the community going.
Tan shared that he hopes these Sikh youths “will continue these efforts to organise themselves to contribute and give back to society.”
He added: “The difference you make is not only to the individuals you are helping. There is also a positive impact on volunteers. Through these experiences you learn to look at life differently and deepen your empathy when you help others. Service and Sewa is also one way we can together create a better society, and a better Singapore for all of us!”
Harwin Kaur, a student volunteer of the SSEF who was also part of the organising committee for the Sewa Day initiative, shared in her reflections that this project was especially meaningful for her because she did it with her cohort of friends.
She addd: “Most of us were initially unsure of the kind of impact we would have but this service experience made us realise that most people have very simple needs. They mainly want quality interactions and to spend time with volunteers. This is something all of us can do for others in our community”.
The Sewa Day initiative is part of the Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th Birth Anniversary commemorations by the Sikh Community in Singapore. Sikhs and all members of public can look forward to more such opportunities to participate, serve and volunteer with all Sikh Institutions in Singapore throughout the year. They can find information and details at the respective websites of the Sikh Institutions in Singapore, and including their social media pages.
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 |
Kiranjeet Kaur: Taking part in Global Youth Summit 2019
From the 13-19 July 2019, International Medical University (IMU) second year psychology student KIRANJEET KAUR attended fully-funded program Global Youth Summit in Aarau, Switzerland.
This summit is an annual program hosted by international organization called Global Changemakers. Sixty participants from 128 countries such as Africa, New Zealand, Tunisia and Brazil spend a week together to work on solutions for change in regards to the 16 Sustainable Development Goals’s (SDGs) by the United Nations.
Selected out of 1,076 applicants, Kiran represented Malaysia through her advocacy on mental health and human rights. Kiran is now known as a “Global Changemaker” and would be joining a network of over 1,000 young individuals from across the world.
By Kiranjeet Kaur | EXPERIENCE | MALAYSIA / SWITZERLAND |
Spending a week among young inspiring individuals of such diverse backgrounds and equally diverse experiences in regards to their activism has been an enriching experience.
From the first day up to the very last, the genuine connection that I formed with these individuals and the kind of bond that we shared is not something that I may relate to on a daily basis here. All of these individuals have one goal in mind, and that is to change the world and move towards creating sustainable solutions, so even the kind of conversations that we had generally moved us towards that one goal.
The contents of the summit revolved around a more relaxed and informal nature, with an emphasis on being yourself without having any formal pressure being put on an individual. We were broken into theme groups based on our choice of SDG’s and we were taught on how to apply the design thinking methodology in order to come up with solutions. By the end of the week, all the theme groups presented their ideas in order to gain feedback from one another. Besides the theme groups, we also had prestigious speakers at the summit, such as Daniel Macmillen Voskoboynik, who shed light on a number of things in regards to social change.
The most valuable session, for me personally, was the skills marketplace session. We had the opportunity to pick five skills that we wanted to enhance the most and attended hourly sessions on each of them. This enhanced my knowledge tenfold, especially on skills that I overlooked on prior to the summit such as networking, and project management. It is amazing how they were able to condense so much of valuable information and tools and present it to us within an hour, which has now turned into something that I fully prioritize when engaging in social change in order to scale my impact.
The highlight of this summit was the elevator pitch session, as well as presenting the pitch to a feedback panel consisting of huge names in the industry, such as the manager of the fashion brand Fossil Foundation, Mr Cedric Herzog. An elevator pitch is a concept where an individual would have to “pitch” an idea to another person within only a minute, in hopes of gaining that person’s interest. This would prove to be the most valuable skill especially when it comes to attaining stakeholders and partnerships. We were taught on the essence of an elevator pitch as well as how to perfect it, and nine individuals had an opportunity to present our pitches to a feedback panel as well as the entire crowd, and I was lucky enough to be one of them. I had never been brave enough to do something like this prior to the summit, so it is safe to say that this summit had indefinitely improved my self-confidence a lot more as well.
Besides the workshops and the sessions to enhance learning, the summit was also filled with plenty of fun activities. We had a full day of touring Zurich city which involved a cruise on Lake Zurich, an open mic night to showcase our talents which turned into a whole night of dancing to every cultural song possible, morning energizers which involved more dancing, meditation sessions, evening hikes to catch the sunset, a bonfire night, as well as endless hours of talking and bonding with one another.
Another highlight of this summit was a Global Changemakers reception that was held at ETH Zurich University, which had a view that overlooked Zurich City. This reception hosted numerous sponsors as well as ambassadors of Global Changemakers in order for them the meet the new set of changemakers and learn about their activism and where they come from. This reception was also joined by the First Secretary of the Malaysian Embassy of Switzerland, Ms Delfina Jane Dris. I found that to be a wonderful support towards a Malaysian participant and it was really lovely meeting her.
Global Family: Kiranjeet Kaur at Global Youth Summit 2019
Overall, the summit ended up changing my life and is the best week of my life. I cannot thank the Global Changemakers team enough for this opportunity. I learned just how powerful the youth are. No matter how small or how big a change that you create is, a change is still a change and every change matters.
We also learned on the power of believing in our true abilities to create that change in the first place. I am also grateful that my network has now grown.
The key takeaway from this summit is definitely my new worldwide family whom I have grown to love. I have formed such a special connection with each and every one of them which was why the farewell on the last day was unbelievably difficult, but I know that this summit is the beginning of an incredible new journey for all of us.
I would also like to thank my parents, Harvinder Singh and Karamjit Kaur for showering me with their endless love and support since the beginning of my journey. They have always encouraged me to chase after my dreams no matter what the outcome may be, and I am glad to have that support which led me to now be a Global Changemaker.
I highly encourage every youth of Malaysia to apply for this summit within the upcoming years.
For more information on the application process as well as when to apply, click 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 |
For Sikhs, not cutting their hair and covering their hair with the turban is an essential part of their faith but the British establishment wasn’t ready to embrace the turban. The Wolverhampton bus station became the unlikely venue for a battle that changed the face of the UK.
One man, Tarsem Singh Sandhu, decided to make a stand against the bus bosses. My father featured in this report was also affected by the ban in other jobs when he came to the UK.
Both Tarsem Singh, my father and many other Sikhs had to face the agonising choice of cutting their hair and losing their turban or being sacked. It was a highly distressing experience.
Tarsem Singh says when he came to the UK in 1962 hardly anyone was wearing a turban and they would say you can’t get a job unless you cut your hair. He goes on to say it’s like you have had your arm cut off.
My father came to the UK in the 1970’s and he also could not get a job unless he cut his hair and he had no choice and he says how this affected him and made him cry at night because he did have his hair.
In 1966, when Tarsem returned to work after some time, he came in with his turban and reported to duty and they said you’re not wearing full uniform. His stand against this led him to get suspended from work and when word got out to the Sikh community a protest took place where over 6,000 people came to support him. This was the largest demonstration that took place in Wolverhampton.
Sohan Singh Jolly, who was inspired by Tarsem’s struggle, threatened to burn himself to death by a set date if the ban isn’t uplifted and a day before the ban got lifted.
My father says because of the battle Tarsem fought against my father can wear his turban and feels proud and is grateful for this.
Tarsem ends saying he didn’t do this for himself but for others.This is what you call a selfless sewadar!
See also BBC report, ‘The turban-wearing British bus driver who changed the law’, (BBC, 30 April 2019), 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 |
LISTEN UP: One hockey team gearing up for game at Holla Mahalla 2019, an annual Malaysian Sikh youth games organised by Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM) – Photo: Asia Samachar
By Jagdesh Singh | OPINION |
So many smiles even in defeat. So many hugs to console. Even many more hugs to congratulate. No matter boy or girl, these were seen unabashedly, mostly of our kin, of our friends. We’ve seen them grow up within the few days as they tasted teamwork, as they participated and as they competed.
These were witnessed scenes at the Miri Piri Games and the Hola Mahala Games that just concluded recently. Make no mistake, rivalries were also there borne by the competitive nature and never-give-up attitude that has been instilled in all of us since young. But it was certainly overshadowed by the camaraderie and friendships built.
No matter how cliched it sounds, these kids of ours are our next generation to carry on our dreams and beliefs. They will be the ones to bring continuity to the Sikh diaspora over here in Malaysia. They will be the ones that will help all humans around the world with compassion and love using Baba Nanak’s messages and teachings.
And they can only do so, if they are as united as they can potentially be. Our generation is still holding the candle with many tireless sewadars doing their best to shine as the Sikhs many aspire to be. But we aren’t getting stronger than before because the unity that we hold amongst ourselves is balancing on very thin threads of brotherhood. We’ve splintered due to so many differing beliefs and dreams. And our hopes are getting heavier on the shoulders of our young, our next generation of Sikhs.
The only way we can help these young ones to flourish and lessen their burden of carrying on Baba Nanak’s legacy is to give up them a platform for them to taste unity. For them to be brothers and sisters that can depend on each other. To be brothers and sisters, these kids must first build friendships as their building blocks to this platform.
MIRI PIRI GAMES 2019 (Shah Alam, Malaysia). See Facebook link here
This platform must break the boundaries of sex, race, spiritual beliefs and inherited quarrels of their parents. Sports and sportsmanship is ideal for this platform. We are already seeing prove of such caring and friendships built, even forged, from the so many pictures on social media. The smiles shone through the sweat of defeat or triumph, holding of hands, hands over shoulders with thumbs up. This is their taste of unity. Our job is to now nurture this and guide them to further grow their network of same spirits.
This is my attempt of rhetoric to further justifiably encourage organisers of such sporting events for more of the same. Don’t ever stop them. These sporting competitions are as important as any religious camp, if not more. Build the unity, grow the numbers and then you would have eager influencers to bring more into your fold. This is your Sanggat. That’s when you know you can then spread the teachings and messages of Baba Nanak to a thriving united youth.
Jagdesh Singh, a Kuala Lumpur-based executive with a US multinational company, is a father of three girls who are as opinionated as their mother
* 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
Looking hard for something positive – ToonistBainsLooking hard for something positive – ToonistBains
| SKETCH | @Toonistbains.official |
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 |
What better way of celebrating the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak than trying to understand the Sikh scriptures?
Forty-four Malaysian gurdwaras have embarked on celebrating the event, celebrated the world over with all types of programmes, by conducting weekly understanding Gurbani classes.
Coordinated by the Malaysian Gurdwaras Council (MGC), 41 gurdwaras took part in the maiden programme that ran from December 2018 to June 2019. The classes covered Japji Sahib, one of the seminal bani written by Guru Nanak.
“The response was tremendous from the Sanggat. We regret were unable to meet demand for classes in Sabah and Sarawak due to logistics reasons,” an MGC official told Asia Samachar.
The second phase starts in mid-August 2019. Interested persons can contact their local gurdwara to join the classes.
COURSE FEATURES:
1. Understanding of Gurbani grammar
2. Correct pauses to elicit the right meaning
3. Correct pronunciation of Gurbani shabads
4. Going beyond literal meanings to understand correct, inherent meanings
5. Interactive sessions with two-way dialogue
6. Weekly 90-minute classes.
7. Certificate of course completion for regular participation.
8. Free of cost. Donations welcome.
9. Course manual provided.
Understanding Japji classes: Selayang gurdwara
Understanding Japji classes: Port Klang gurdwara
Understanding Japji classes: Kampar gurdwara
Understanding Japji classes: Shah Alam gurdwara
Understanding Japji classes: Tapah gurdwara
Understanding Japji classes: Seremban gurdwara
Understanding Japji classes: Raub gurdwara
Understanding Japji classes: Tanjung Malim gurdwara
Tues – GS Batu Pahat 7.00 – 8.30 pm
Wed – GS Muar 10.00 – 11.30 am
Thurs – GS Kluang 10.00 – 11.30 am
Friday – GS Johor Baru 5.30 – 7.00 pm
Sat – GS Kuala Pilah 4.00 – 5.30 pm
Sun – GS Port Dickson 10.00 – 11.30 am
Sun – GS Melaka 4.00 – 5.30 pm
North Zone:
Tues – GS Bayan Baru 7.30 – 9.00 pm
Wed – WGS Pg 7.00 – 8.30 pm
Thurs – GS Kulim 7.30 – 9.00 pm
Fri – PR Sg Petani 7.30 – 9.00 pm
Sat pm – GS Alor Star 5.30 – 7.00 pm
Sun – GS Kangar 11.00 am – 12.30 pm
Sun – GS Butterworth 5.00 – 6.30 pm
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 |
