If you’re keen to get a taste of some Punjabi food or culture this weekend, you’re in luck. Head for the Selangor, Penang and Perak state-level Vaisakhi celebrations.
Penang and Selangor will have their events on Saturday (27 April 2019) while Perak will be on Sunday (28 April 2019).
Selangor Mentri Besar Aminuddin Shari, federal government minister Gobind Singh Deo, who is also the Puchong parliament member, and state exco V Ganabatirau
are among the political leaders attending the Selangor Vaisakhi Open House at Chetty fields in Klang (6pm-11.30pm).
“The event has been fully-funded the Selangor state since the last five years. We hope to see everyone there,” said organising chairman Mohan Singh, who is also Subang Jaya councillor as well as a special officer to Gobind.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Penang state executive council member Jagdeep Singh Deo are among the guests at the Penang Vaisakhi Festival at Fort Cornwallis (Padang Kota) from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.
It’s not just food and more Punjabi food at Penang. Visitors will also have an exposure to string instruments like rebab, taus and dilruba that are used by by Sikh musicians. There will also be a demonstration of the Sikhs martial art called gatka and turban tying.
“We have also invited guests from children homes. They will be seated at the VIP tables,” said Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang committee secretary Sukhveer Kaur. The gurdwara began inviting children from various homes and orphanage’s to their Vaisakhi events17 years ago.
On Sunday, Perak Mentri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu and Perak state exco A Sivanesan is expected to attend Vaisakhi Mela 2019 at Dataran MBI in Ipoh from 3pm to 9pm.
British bhangra band Heera and Punjabi singer/actress Sunanda Sharma are among the star attractions at the Perak state-level Vaisakhi fair.
Mentri Besar is the the executive head of the state.
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 |
Kent Police at Gravesend for Vaisakhi – Photo: Via Suki Randhawa
Sikh British police officers, staff and cadets joined the #Vaisakhi celebration in #Gravesend. They had an ‘amazing time engaging with the #Sikh and the wider community on 14 April 2019, Suki Randhawa, diversity and inclusion coordinator for Kent Police writes at his LinkedIn account.
Guru Nanak Darbar Gravesend, which was opened in November 2010, badges itself as one of the largest gurdwaras in Europe.
Its complex has three meditation halls, two Langar Halls, fully equipped lecture theatre seating 140 people, ICT suite, library and meeting room. The compex also includes sports fields and sports hall (home of Guru Nanak Football Club, kabaddi, karate, basketball, etc), Guru Nanak Day Centre for the Elderly, and Punjabi School at weekends, according to its Facebook update.
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 |
US Sikh trucker Satnam SIngh and Shreen Khan in AJ+ video
An awesome AJ+ video shining the spotlight on American desi truck drivers. AJ+ producer Shreen Khan takes a 12 hour road trip with Satnam Singh to film the documentary capturing the growing number of truckers in the U.S. are Sikhs from Punjab, India. Some of them have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border and faced detention to realise their American dream.
Along the way, she joins Satnam for chai made on his mobile stove. She also listens to Bollywood music in his big rig while hearing about his life on the road, why he left Punjab and the discrimination he’s faced in the U.S.
A must see video to get a glimpse of Sikh truckers in the US. Go 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 |
PATH DA BHOG:28 April 2019 (Sunday), 9am-12pm, at Gurdwara Sahib High Street, Kuala Lumpur |Malaysia
Ranjit Kaur (1927-2019), Petaling Jaya
RANJIT KAUR D/O VEER SINGH
Wife of the late Sardar Pall Singh Assistant Superintendent of Police (Rtd.)
Born: 15 October 1927
Departed: 21 April 2019
Children: Balbir Kaur, Dr Kartar Singh, Dr Kuldip Singh (Deceased), Harbans Kaur, Kulwant Kaur, Sarmukh Singh, Baldip Singh
Path Da Bhog: 28 April 2019 (Sunday), 9am-12pm, at Gurdwara Sahib High Street, Kuala Lumpur
Contact: Baldip Singh 019 600 2110
| Entry: 21 April 2019; Updated: 27 April 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 Sikh students emerged as the toppers at Kuala Lumpur school SMK Aminuddin Baki for the 2018 SPM results.
Sohail Singh Sidhu and Keerat Singh Rakhra were honoured at the “Hari Kecemerlangan Pelajar SPM 2018” at the Harapan Titiwangsa programme yesterday (20 April 2019).
Sohail, who scored 9As, and is currently perusing A levels. Keerat, who scored 8A’s and an avid kirtani, is still hoping to secure a Matriculation spot after failing to secure it in the first round.
The event was organised by local parliamentarian Rina Mohd Harun who is also Malaysia’s Minister of Rural and Regional Development.
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 UK Government has invited the Sikhs to be represented around one Sikh Roundtable. This call through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) reminds us of past Sikh experience with Government officials.
Firstly, on the Sikh side, despite many UK Sikh successes, one nationwide Sikh Roundtable is an objective yet to be fully achieved. The recent Kirpan exemption in the Offensive Weapons Bill (OWB) has brought out the best and worst in this respect. It is a success claimed separately by many organisations. Some worked tirelessly behind the scenes because Kirpanis inseparable from the Sikh theo-temporal (piri-miri) tradition. However, the exaggerated claims to this success by some to the exclusion of others, showed a lack of community (ਕੌਮੀ) spirit which should celebrate collective success.
Next, we have the perennial problem of official ignorance about Sikh organisations. A recent Sikh Missionary Society UK communication in response to the MHCLG invitation to apply for a place around the Sikh Roundtable reads: The bias seems to be towards selection of individuals with personal ambition by the department instead of nominations by reputable and well established nationwide Sikh organisations.
The risk of course is repetition of the failure of the government to engage with the Sikh community in any meaningful way at grassroots level. The result over the decades has been the continual Sikh struggle to secure even basic religio-cultural rights as a distinct community. That is due to official preference to work with those who toe the establishment line and are prepared to compromise Sikhi religious needs and just aspirations. Regrettably, paper organisations promoting individuals claiming to be Sikhs with hardly any knowledge of Sikh ideology, institution and identity continue to be promoted.
Officials need to do more research and should not assume that the communities they deal with have the resources to organise themselves like Government departments. Community volunteers and social activists (sevadars) are usually humble people and most are not interested in pushing themselves forward with wild claims to community representation.
Past experience is that self-promoting individuals form doubtful organisations, are usually articulate and get themselves selected to sit at Sikh-Government talks as Sikh representatives. It is doubtful sometimes if some even subscribe to the definition of a Sikh in accordance with the Sikh Reht Maryada.
As recent events show, there is internal resistance to acknowledge the significant contribution of other Sikh organisations while promoting own. To quote from a recent communication: rather than work to support each other and add value, there are some in our community who spend countless hours to undermine good work for momentary gain or with a hope they can jostle interest from the political hierarchy ‘..we seem to now be attacking the very base of our newly found power.’
One outstanding achievement has been the election of two talented Sikh Members of Parliament who continue to promote Sikh issues in the House of Commons and through the All Party Parliamentary Group for British Sikhs which includes many MPs. They exemplify the positive Sikh contribution to the British way of life. They should be supported while well-educated young Sikhs encouraged to follow in their footsteps.
Finally, a Government Sikh Roundtable will only work if the Sikhs themselves are prepared to sit around one table!
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 first appeared at The Panjab Times, UK
* 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
Dearest Mom. You were a person who was kind to everyone and you went out of your way to help those who needed any help. Your warm heart moved everyone. We deeply and dearly miss you always for although you have left us you will surely continue to live in our hearts & home forever.
| Entry: 19 April 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 |
Jalandhar has emerged as the Asia’s ‘biggest’ medicare hub with over 800 super-specialty, multi-specialty centres, nursing homes and clinics — largest on per capita basis as compared to any other city of Asia, reports The Tribune.
The report quoted bone specialist Dr Jashneev Kapoor as saying that if all nursing homes operating in the city and its outskirts are included, it will cross the 800-mark.
Some 40-45% patients who come here for treatment comprise NRIs from the USA, Canada, the UK, Italy, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. Of late, patients from Pakistan and Afghanistan have also started coming to the city for treatment.
Virk IVF Centre scientific director Dr SPS Virk said that NRIs have an advantage of talking to their doctor in their native language and support of their Punjab-based relatives.
“Besides this, as compared to the West, there is no waiting list for patients in any big or medium-scale hospital. So, when it comes to medical tourism in India or Asia, Jalandhar turns out to be their number one choice,” he said.
Besides catering to people of Punjab, people suffering from serious ailments and hailing from J&K and western parts of Himachal also come here for treatment.
According to the report, cost factor is one of the major reasons for the NRIs to come here for treatment. If some medical procedure costs around Rs 10 lakh in Indian currency in the West, it would not cost them more than Rs 2 lakh here.
Bone specialist Dr Jashneev Kapoor said if all nursing homes operating in the city and its outskirts are included, it will cross the 800-mark.
Red full report, ‘Over 800 hospitals, Jalandhar Asia’s ‘biggest’ medicare hub’ (The Tribune, 17 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
Surinder Singh being given the sewa award – Photo: GGSF
PRESS STATEMENT | WASHINGTON |
Washington: April 16, 2019: Guru Gobind Singh Foundation (GGSF) based in Washington has honored activists who have lobbied and worked behind scenes to bring the Kartarpur corridor in the forefront from last two decades. A corridor is being built between India and Pakistan this year to facilitate the travel of pilgrims to visit a Sikh sacred site marking the final resting place of the found of Sikhism, Guru Nanak.
GGSF honored United Sikh Mission based in Los Angeles, Kuldip Singh Wadala, the Late Akali leader in Punjab, Ambassador John McDonald of Multi-Track Diplomacy in Washington, and Engineer Surinder Singh for their work and contribution to raise the issue of the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor and lobbying for this cause for over 2 decades in both Pakistan and India.
Sarabjit Singh Sidhu, Chairman of GGSF, said, “Every year, GGSF honors individuals and organizations who have contributed for the betterment of the Sikh community. This year we decided to highlight the contributions of those who have worked on the issue of Kartarpur corridor for so long and yet their role has not been recognized. This corridor is of utmost importance to Sikhs all over the world.”
Ambassador McDonald, 97, came in a wheel chair to accept to the award. He said, “I am so glad for the Sikh community and am happy for you all and hope that peace prevails in South Asia.” He was a US ambassador in Ireland appointed by President Carter.
United Sikh Mission, led by Rashpal Singh Dhindsa, started the campaign on Kartarpur Corridor in 2005 and it lobbied the political leaders of all political parties in India and Pakistan. It worked with Former US Ambassador John Mcdonald’s organization, Institute of Multi-track Diplomacy (IMTD) to highlight the importance of this peace corridor.
McDonald made a special trip to India-Pakistan border in 2008 and he recommended that this site be declared a peace zone. McDonald was shocked to see the barbed wire that separated Dera Baba Nanak from Kartarpur. This prompted the then home minister Pranab Mukherjee to make a trip to Dera Baba Nanak in 2009 and make a promise to look into the issue of opening of this corridor.
Late Kuldeep Singh Wadala had started organizing the monthly prayers on Sangrand from 2003 onwards and he continued with this public display of Sikh sentiments even during high border tensions between India and Pakistan in the last two decades. 219th prayer was held this month at Dera Baba Nanak, a tradition started by him. This helped raise the issue in the media and among the political circles. McDonald commissioned Surinder Singh, head of an engineering firm in Washington to do a feasibility study on the construction of a corridor at the border and building a bridge over River Ravi.
Singh devised the plan in 2010 and it was presented to governments in India and Pakistan. Every visiting dignitary from India and Pakistan would be lobbied on this issue and finally Punjab Assembly passed a resolution on December 14, 2018 supporting Kartarpur Corridor and also seeking an India-Pak land swap deal on Kartarpur. Lakha Singh, a farmer at the border region at Dera Baba Nanak also offered 16 acres of his own land to facilitate the corridor in case if governments on either side made an excuse regarding the land issue.
Finally, this issue got a major boost at the inauguration ceremony of Prime Minister Imran Khan when Navjot Singh Sidhu, a visiting leader from Punjab was given a promise by the Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa. Subsequently, Imran Khan offered to build the corridor and Narendra Modi responded positively and now both governments are working together though challenging at times to finish the corridor before November 2019 at the Guru Nanak’s 550th birth-anniversary.
Many others have played a role in this saga. B. S. Goraya, an activist had started a website www.kartarpur.com which apprised people about progress made on Kartarpur Corridor. On November 7, 2009, an event was initiated by Sikhs based in the US, under the aegis of an organisation called ‘Teri Sikhi’ to lobby in Pakistan and in India. Union Cabinet Minister M. S. Gill had also persuaded the leadership of Congress Party to support this idea.
Dr. Rajwant Singh, Secretary of GGSF, said, “We are thankful to all those who have worked on this issue and helped in bringing to fruition a long desired dream of the Sikhs to see the Gurdwara of Kartarpur where Guru Nanak lived for 18 years.
He added, “United Sikh Mission and IMTD continued their efforts while many thought that this is an impossible dream and many were convinced that both warring nations will never come together on this issue. But the spirit of Guru Nanak has created miraculous circumstances that this is now possible. It was important to highlight these unsung heroes who have not only helped in fulfilling the dreams of millions of Sikhs but also building peace in the South Asian region.”
Ramesh Singh Arora, First Sikh member of the Punjab Assembly in Pakistan, also spoke and was honored for his positive role in passing the Anand Marriage Act in the Punjab Assembly.
Harjot Singh was honored with Sewa Award for teaching Gatka to the youth in Washington area and at GGSF.
GGSF has honored many activists and organizations since 1995. It has also honored US Attorney General Eric Holder and Police Officer Brian Murphy for helping Sikhs during and in the aftermath of the attack on Sikh Gurdwara in Wisconsin in 2012. Last year, it had honored Guru Nanak Seva Truck which provides food to underprivileged children in the poor neighborhood in Washington and in other parts of US.
GGSF is based in Washington and since 1985, it has played a key role in representing Sikh issues with the leaders in Washington and has organized youth programs and has trained hundreds of youth in Sikhi. It also represents Sikhism in the interfaith affairs in Washington and works with many national and international organizations. It also runs Gurmat School and Camp Gurmat for Sikh youth.
[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]
AKHAND PATH: 26-28 April 2019 at Gurdwara Sahib Menglembu. Programme starts with Asa di Vaar on 26 April (Friday) and Akhand Path commences at 9am. PATH DA BHOG: 28 April 2019 (Sunday). Kirtan and katha followed by sehaj path da bhog at 11.30am |Malaysia
We know you are always watching over us and that guiding hand of yours will forever be on our shoulder. Not a day goes by that we don’t miss you. You will always be loved.
SARDAR MANJEET SINGH S/O LATE SARDAR NARAYAN SINGH
Menglembu, Ipoh (Formerly Bercham)
Village: Dalam Nangal; District: Gurdaspur
Born: 4 April 1962
Departed: 13 April 2019
Wife: Sardarni Garmith Kaur (Mitti) d/o Late Sardar Jit Singh
Akhand Path: 26-28 April 2019 at Gurdwara Sahib Menglembu. Programme starts with Asa di Vaar on 26 April (Friday) and Akhand Path commences at 9am.
Path da Bhog: 28 April 2019 (Sunday). Kirtan and katha followed by sehaj path da bhog at 11.30am
Contact:
011-33886602 – Ninder (Babadon)
012-5477508 – Minder
012-2578044 – Lala
011-27563150 – Bindu
| Entry: 18 April 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 |
By Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA |
