Sadagar Singh Nanda Singh, a long time granthi of Singapore’s Sri Guru Nanak Sat Sangh Sabha (Katong Gurdwara), passed away yesterday (31 March 2019). He was 97.
“Oour soldier saint has passed on and merged with the Master,” one Singapore Sikh told Asia Samachar in a text message.
In a social media posting, Haresh Ramchand Lalwani said that in the 1960s Sadagar had sold all his worldly possessions and donated everything he had to the gurdwara and lived there doing sewa.
“Amongst the many things he did, he also assumed all the duties of the Darbar Sahib for as long as he physically could do so, which included doing the morning Parkash, keeping the darbar sahib carpet vacuumed, the sheets laid out tightly, doing the Nitnem and more during the Amrit Vela, guided many Sikh youth on the importance of education, discipline, sewa, bani, the Gurdwara and Sikhism.
“He devoted his life to Sewa, Bani, the Gurdwara Sahib, God. Many will be able to share their personal experiences of their interactions with him,” he wrote.
The cremation will be held at 5pm tomorrow (2 April 2019) at Mandai Crematorium (Hall 4). The cortege and busses will leave from Sri Guru Nanak Sat Sangh Sabha (Katong Gurdwara) at 3:30pm.
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 woman who was injured in an attack by a suspected drunk motorcyclist who used his helmet as a weapon near Queensbay Mall here on Saturday (30 March 2019) has died.
K. Surinder Kaur Bedi, 37, succumbed to her injuries at 5am today at the Penang Hospital where she was fighting for her life, reports the New Straits Times.
Surinder had sustained serious injuries from blows to her head and doctors at the hospital had given her a 50-50 chance of survival.
“A post mortem will be conducted at 10am today,” the report quoted Northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Che Zaimani Che Awan.
Surinder was attacked near Persiaran Bayan Indah at about 11.50pm. Zaimani said that a witness came forward and told police that he spotted the allegedly drunk man hurling a motorcycle helmet at Kaur.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond.Facebook | WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 | Email: editor@asiasamachar.com | Twitter | Instagram | Obituary announcements, click here
Dr Jesbeer (second turbaned from right), Harnarinder (right) and other Sanggat members at Ampang gurdwara AGM
By Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA |
The Ampang gurdwara has continued its steady acquisition of surrounding land as part of its long-term development plans.
In the latest move, the gurdwara acquired an adjoining bungalow lot in 2017 for RM640,000. The lot has been turned into a car park.
“We took soft loans to settle the purchase. Even those loans have now been settled,” Gurdwara Sahib Ampang (GSA) committee deputy president Harnarindar Singh told Asia Samachar.
Harnarinder and most of the out-going gurdwara management committee (GMC) members were reelected for another two-year term at its annual general meeting (AGM) today (31 March 2019).
Dr Jesbeer Singh was relected as president, along with Bachan Kaur as treasurer and Rashpal Kaur as secretary.
The gurdwara in Hulu Kelang, Selangor, serves the Sangat (congregation) from surrounding areas like Ampang, Setia Wangsa, Melawati, Bukit Antarabangsa, Pandan Indah and Cheras.
“With the new highway running across, we are waiting for that to be completed before embarking on future projects,” Dr Jasbeer said in a text message.
Dr Jesbeer said the out-going committee was able to complete projects on time and within budget with cooperation of the Sangat.
He said he would like emphasise that the gurdwara was a place where Sikhs get Sikhi teachings, guidance and blessings.
“It’s like a school for us,” he added. “Let it be neutral and welcome everyone with love. Don’t make it a place for political issues or promote self interests.”
On the constant challenge facing gurdwara committees, Dr Jesbeer said: “Having perseverance is a big part of being a leader, and leadership is what management is all about.”
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
Minister Indranee Rajah flagging off the SKA Ladies Wing’s Family Day – Photo: SKA
By SKA | SINGAPORE |
Singapore Khalsa Association (SKA) Ladies Wing’s Family Day on 31 March 2019 saw more than 150 participants turning up early at the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park for a morning of activities.
Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Second Minister for Education and Finance, graced the occasion. She joined the participants in the walk in the park, and the chair and laughter yoga.
In addition to the walk and the yoga, there were a amazing race and a number of games. The event ended with a lunch reception for the attendees.
The event was held in celebration of the International Women’s Day and Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th Birthday. – SKA Facebook Page
[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]
Vaisakhi 1699: The High Point of Guru Nanak Jote-Jugat Mission (Part V). See earlier parts here
By Gurmukh Singh OBE | PANJAB TIMES |
The central theme of this discussion is the essential link between Gurbani and the lives of the Ten Gurus. That was the Sikhi tuition period from Guru Nanak Sahib to Guru Gobind Singh. Without due regard to this vital reference between Shabd (Word) Guru and the lived Sikhi of the Ten Guru-persons (Gur-Ithas), claims to following some sort of self-interpreted universal teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib would mislead and cause divisions. Gurbani interpretation must be holistic and in the context the progress of Sikhi mission from Guru Nanak Sahib to Guru Gobind Singh.
The martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev ji in 1606 marked the completion of the first phase of Sikh institutions and organisation (through network of Sangats) in accordance with the Jote-Jugat mission. The next phase stressed the doctrine of double sovereignty, or temporal-spiritual freedom, derived from the teachings of Guru Nanak Sahib and the successor Guru-persons. Guru Hargobind, wore two swords asserting dominion over the two worlds, temporal and spiritual. For the Sikhs the Guru was the Sacha Patshah, the True King, who was ‘Do jahan da waali’, the Ruler of the seen and unseen worlds. Seated on the Timeless Throne, the Akal Takht, thus responded the Guru to those who would attempt to rule over the bodies and minds of men.
So manifested the Khalsa doctrine of Double Sovereignty described by Sirdar Kapur Singh as follows: The essence of this doctrine is that a man of religion must always owe his primary allegiance to Truth and morality, and he must never submit to the exclusive claim of the secular state to govern the bodies and minds of men and the whole of subsequent Sikh history must be seen as an unfoldment of this Sikh attitude. The main substance of this doctrine is that any sovereign state which includes Sikh population and groups as citizens, must never make the paranoia pretensions of almighty absolutism entailing the concept of total power, entitled to rule over the bodies and minds of men, in utter exclusiveness. Any state which lays such claims qua the Sikhs, shall automatically forfeit its moral right to demand allegiance of the Sikhs, represented by the order of the Khalsa. (The Golden Temple: Its theo-political status, SGPC 1998, p 3.)
Guru Har Rai (1630-1661) continued teaching compassion from a position of armed strength while promoting sewa: the Sikh institution of non-discriminatory social activism. Under His direction the Sikhs promoted social welfare and provided medical services. This tradition was followed during peacetime, and also in battle e.g. by Sikhs like Bhai Ghanaiya during the battles of Anandpur.
Guru Harkishan (Guruship 1661-1664), the child Guru, was the embodiment of purity and wisdom. The strategic significance of the Guru period of Guru Har Rai and Guru Harkrishan, while Baba (and later Guru), Tegh Bahadur carried out long missionary tours of Northern India for several years, has been discussed in my book, Guru Tegh Bahadur: The True Story. (Available from the Sikh Missionary Society UK).
To be continued.
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
SASKAAR / CREMATION: 3.30pm, 30 March 2019 (Saturday) at Gui Yuan crematorium, Kampung Tunku, Petaling Jaya. Cortege expected to leave No. 1, Jalan SS 1/38, 47300, Petaling Jaya at 3pm|Malaysia
Jagjit Kaur (1931-2019), Petaling Jaya
JAGJIT KAUR D/O BACHAN SINGH DHALIWAL
Beloved wife of Master Sukhbir Singh Kang
Born: 14 September 1931
Departed: 29 March 2019
Children /spouses:
1. Late Varindar Singh Kang
2. Charanjeet Kaur Kang
3. Late Gurjeet Kaur Kang / Kuldip Singh s/o Durbara Singh
4. Manmohan Singh Kang / Harkirenjit Kaur Kang
Grandchildren:
1. Taranbir Singh
2. Akaashjeet Singh Kang
3. Arjun Banaj Singh Kang
Siblings:
1. Late Dr Harbans Singh Dhaliwal
2. Late Prof Dr Satwant Singh Dhaliwal
3. Late Gurcharan Kaur (Chani).
4. Late Prof. Dr Jasbir Kaur
5. Dr Narindar Singh Dhaliwal
Deeply missed and forever cherished.
Cortege Timing: Cortege leaves No. 1 Jalan SS 1/38, 47300, Petaling Jaya on the afternoon of 30 March 2019 (Saturday) at 3pm, 30 March 2019 (Saturday)
Saskaar / Cremation:3.30pm, 30 March 2019 (Saturday) at Gui Yuan crematorium, Kampung Tunku, Petaling Jaya.
Contact:
1. Kuldip Singh 012 212 9974
2. Chand Singh 014 664 5891
| Entry: 30 March 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 |
Members of Indian Thai Peace & Prosperity Group receive award from HM Princess Sirinthon of Thailand for donating kidney transplant machines to the Sangha Hospital of Thailand (for Buddhist Monks) at the Kidney Foundation of Thailand – Thai Sikh News
[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: 11-13 April 2019 at Gurdwara Sahib Puchong, Selangor
Contact:
Madhan 017-679 8964
Swaran 012-296 7005
Dalip Singh (1927-2019), Former granthi of Gurdwara Sahib Tapah and Petaling Jaya
Message from Family: Avid reader, Great Poet, Role Model to the family
| Entry: 29 March 2019; Updated: 31 March 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 |
Gurpuri group watching Kesari – Photo: Asia Samachar
By Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA |
It was popcorn and movie afternoon for some 40 children from a Kuala Lumpur-based Sikh orphanage in Kuala Lumpur.
The children from Gurpuri Foundation were feted to the movie Kesari, courtesy of Sri Saheb Production Sdn Bhd which brought the war-drama film to the local theaters.
“We brought the older kids as they can appreciate the movie,” Gurpuri Foundation founder Sukhdav Singh told Asia Samachar. The Kuala Lumpur orphanage is home to 90 children.
Founded in 2000, Gurpuri Foundation provides orphaned and neglected children a ‘loving and caring environment where they can blossom into responsible adults’.
Kesari, which started screening globally on 21 March, is starred Akshay Kumar. It is based on a true courageous story of 21 Sikh soldiers who fought valiantly and bravely against 10,000 invaders at Saragarhi.
In India, it has become the fastest film in 2019 to cross Rs 100 crore mark, overtaking Gully Boy and Total Dhamaal that crossed this benchmark in eight and nine days, respectively.
[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]
Seva is one of the key principles of Sikhi. In December 2018, UK Sikhs lost a selfless sewadar by the name of Gurdeep Singh Waryah who was well respected and always thought of others. We want to remember this much loved soul.
Gurdeep was a trustee of Sikh Welfare Awareness Team, a charity which provides a youth club facility for children to come and get involved in activities, listen to inspirational talks and most importantly to learn about their Sikh faith.
He would spend most of his time doing Seva and was always there for others. He was one person you could speak to about anything as he would never judge you.
Gurdeep has left a legacy behind because of the person he is someone who had no ‘ego’ and was always smiling.
He was one of those people who had time for everyone and loved to be around Sangat (people). He had many friends and was an amazing son, father, husband and brother.
Gurdeep was very passionate about serving the community which is why he was part of many different charities from feeding the homeless to spiritual camps for kids and adults.
Although Gurdeep has merged with Vaheguru(God), he left us all a parting gift, his beautiful daughter Gurkirat (Bani). I’m sure she will grow up to be another gem in the community.
It’s an honour to know and meet such a person, someone we can cherish, someone we can learn from, and most importantly someone we can aspire to be like.
gur jaisaa naahee ko dayv.
There is no deity equal to the Guru.
jis mastak bhaag so laagaa sayv. ||1|| rahaa-o.
Whoever has good destiny inscribed on his forehead, applies himself to seva – selfless service. ||1||Pause||
So many people’s hearts have been touched by Gurdeep and it makes you realise how life is very short when we lose someone close to us.
The reason I share this is because the 3 principles of Sikhi are Naam Japna, Seva, Kirat Karmai. Sometimes we get caught up in this materialistic world of Maya and the panj chor kidnap our mind and we get blinded by this falsehood of life.
Death is a breath away and all of us are on a train journey and the next stop could be ours. Let’s try to reflect on ourselves and fill our breath with more of the 3 principles but also to love others and treat people as you would like to be treated.
Time is going by so quick easy second is a blessing and use the precious time we have to work towards being a better person, helping others, giving back to the community and to remember Waheguru with every breath because our only support is God and without our Guru we are nothing.
Let’s spread the love, care about one another, be in good Sangat and pray that Waheguru blesses us with naam and keeps us attached to their Charan.
Love from the Family and Community who miss you dearly…x
Freelance journalist Min Kaur is also an events host and henna artist. She manages the Min Kaur Podcast.
[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]
