Singapore President Halimah Yacob speaks to Commando Harvinder Singh at 2018 National Day parade – Photo grab from Media Corp
A turbanned commando caught the eye of the Singapore president as she walked to inspect the guard of honour during the republic’s National Day parade on 9 Aug 2018.
It was a heart warming sight, especially for the Sikhs, to see President Halimah Yacob speaking to Commando Harvinder Singh spotting a red turban.
Every few years a Sikh or two 1-2 will be found donning the turban in parades like the Guard of Honor, Flag Bearer or in the Parade March/Drive Past.
“And the President will almost always have a Chat with the Sikh in the Guard of Honor,” one Singapore Sikh told Asia Samachar.
Separately, in an in interview with the Straits Times, brothers Jotnoor Singh, 12, and Jasdev Singh, 14, who were among the 25,000 spectators attending the parade spoke about their dreams and hopes for the nation.
“My hope is for Singaporeans to cherish their dreams and have success in working towards their futures,” Jotnoor told the newspaper.
His elder brother Jasdev said: “My wish is less cliched,” he said, laughing. “It is to maintain the multicultural society we have.”
[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]
Thousands of Sikhs attended a rally in Trafalgar Square to demand a referendum on independence from India.
Sikhs For Justice, the human rights advocacy group which organised the event, announced plans to hold a global referendum in 2020 to give the global Sikh community the chance to vote for the creation of an independent sovereign state of Khalistan, reports Asian Image.
The rally went ahead despite claims there had been attempts by the Indian government to block it.
Supporters from all over the world brandished banners reading “Free Punjab, End Indian occupation”, “Punjab Referendum 2020 for Khalistan” and “We will re-establish Punjab as an independent country”. They say they have the right to self-determination under the UN Charter and International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, the report added.
The Indian government has expressed concern to London over the activity of expatriate Sikh separatists, who want to create a homeland of Khalistan in India’s northern Punjab state, reports a wire agency.
The Foreign Office confirmed it discussed the rally with the Indian High Commission, but a spokeswoman told AFP: “Peaceful protest is a vital part of a democratic society.”
AFP quoted Gurpatwant S. Pannun, legal advisor to Sikhs for Justice, as saying: “This is a peaceful, democratic campaign to give Sikhs the right to determine their own future.”
In an earlier statement issued by SikhPA, a UK-based Sikh press agency, said that the Sikh advocacy group Sikhs for Justice had announced that they would hold a ‘London Declaration’ on an independence referendum for the Indian state of Punjab.
It described the 12 August 2018 event as a public gathering of Sikh political activists where Sikhs for Justice would put the case for the Sikh right to self-determination.
The group is campaigning for an independence referendum to be held in 2020 in Punjab, underpinned by Article I of the Charter of the United Nations which embodies the principle of self-determination as a basis of UN engagement.
Jatinder Singh, Director of International Policy for Sikhs for Justice, advocates the referendum as a peaceful, democratic solution to the demand for an independent Punjab.
He said: ‘Once we raise the issue of the referendum, it changes the dialogue. For a long time, the Indians have been framing the conversation with terrorism, violence and those types of activities. However, what we’ve said is that we want a democratic solution to this question. It’s clearly not going away.’
He argued that a referendum was in India’s interest, both domestically and internationally, saying: ‘Do the Sikhs wants independence? If you’re content that the majority of the Sikhs don’t want independence, as India propagates all over the world, then they should be in favour of a referendum, because that will come in their favour.
‘In 2018 the Indians are damaging their relationship both with Canada and with the United Kingdom based on the activities of Khalistanis and those people that want independence.’
[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]
By Surinder Kaur Sohan Singh |SIKHI STUDY | OPINION
Fear and guilt are the two main tools of organised religions to manipulate humanity into submission.
Sikhism is also no different in this respect. Our clergy class often portrays God as a supernatural being who lives far away in a place called heaven. Some of the characteristics of this GOD are just like us.
Example: God gets angry when people disobey Him.
When He gets angry He causes tremendous destruction through earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes etc. On the other hand, when God is happy He fulfills our desires and He is also willing to perform miracles for us.
In the Gurdwaras we are told there are many ways we can keep God happy. The following are some of the suggested ways:
Doing Path or getting others to do it for you (Nitnem, Akhand Paths, Sukhmani Sahib path, etc);
Sponsoring langgars in the Gurdwaras;
Giving donations;
Going for pilgrimages;
Doing prayers for our relatives who have departed from this world so that they are treated well in the next world;
Performing penances like walking barefoot to the places of pilgrimages, standing on one foot and praying, fasting, reading a Shabad over and over again 101 times, sitting for hours in meditation, etc.
We are also told that upon death, we will be either sent to Heaven or Hell depending on whether God is happy or angry with us. He is constantly watching us and His two agents called Chitar Gupat are recording everything that we are thinking, speaking and doing. This record is then sent to an entity appointed by God called Dharamraj. Dharamraj decides whether we are fit for Heaven or Hell based on our records.
The result of all this fear of Hell and Heaven, Dharamraj and his army of Chitar Gupat, is that we try to do whatever the clergy instructs us to do to avoid Hell and gain entry into Heaven.
Question is: Is this the God that Guru Nanak ji is talking about in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS)?
The angry and revengeful God? Are we safe if we perform all those actions mentioned above? Will we be allowed into Heaven if we do all those things?
Let us see what Guruji has to say about all those actions mentioned above.
ਤੀਰਥੁ ਤਪੁ ਦਇਆ ਦਤੁ ਦਾਨੁ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਪਾਵੈ ਤਿਲ ਕਾ ਮਾਨੁ ॥
Theerath thap dhaeiaa dhath dhaan jae ko paavai thil kaa maan – SGGS, Pg 4
Meaning: Pilgrimages, penances, doing charity in cash or kind at holy places to show how compassionate we are brings only an iota of merit to us.
Regarding our habit of mechanical reading of any baanee, Guruji says this:
Meaning: We are not going to gain any merit through mechanical recitation of any baanee. It is through UNDERSTANDING that the Lord’s mystery will be revealed.
If all the above are not the things that is going to give us merit, then what should we do? The right thing to do will be to ask the Guru.
Our first question should be: Who is Guru Nanakji’s God? We will discuss this in the next vichaar.
Surinder Kaur Sohan Singh is a Malaysia-based Gurbani enthusiast. This is an edited version of her regular articles shared within a circle of fellow Sikhi seekers. This articles will appear on Mondays and Thursdays.
* This is the opinion of the writer, organisation or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Asia Samachar.
RELATED STORY:
Day 05: Living the Hukam (Asia Samachar, 9 Aug 2018)
[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]
Sabah born Amarjit Singh has been appointed to head the Sabah Water Department, making him the current highest ranking Sabahan Sikh in the state civil service.
The 48-year old engineer has come a long way from the early days when he worked as water meter reader while waiting for his STPM results.
“All these years, I’ve been involved in water supply works. That’s my area of expertise,” he told Asia Samachar in a phone interview.
He is a third generation civil servant from his family as both his paternal grandfather Sohan Singh and father Amrik Singh were drivers with the state Public Works Department (PWD).
“My parents are so proud of my achievement,” he said. His mother is Neelam Kaur.
Amarjit is married to Doreen Anthony, a Kadazan, and they have two boys aged 10 and seven.
He is the third local Sabahan to assume a state director post. The first was Gurbaksh Singh Kler from 1963 to 1975, and the second was his son Balwant Singh Kler from 1975 to 1993, as state sports director in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. in state ministry of C. Y. & Sport as state sports director. [Updated]
CONTROVERSY
Amarjit’s appointment has been shrouded with controversy as he was one of 11 people picked up in connection with corruption investigations involving some RM1.5 billion worth of rural development projects in Sabah last year.
Others picked up by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in the high profile case included political party Warisan president Shafie Apdal, who is now Sabah chief minister, and his vice-president Peter Anthony, who is the present Sabah infrastructure development minister, reported Free Malaysia Today (FMT).
However, no one was charged and all were released on MACC bail, the report added.
In a report today, Anthony defended Amarjit when he told FMT that he was a qualified water engineer.
Amarjit is the secretary of the Putatan Parti Warisan Sabah.
“I became active in politics in 2016 when Warisan was established,” he told Asia Samachar.
Amarjit has a Bachelor in Civil Engineering from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and a Master in Science in Water Engineering from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
He started working in 1997 as an engineer in Sarawak. After a year, he moved to water related jobs beginning with a stint as a site engineer for a contractor in Johor. He was a senior operations manager with Syabas.
At one point, he came back to Kita Kinabalu to join a local consulting firm as a project manager, doing more of design engineering work related to water supply.
“I’ve also had experience in consulting firm on the supervision side,” he said.
His last stint was as a director at GCU Consultants, handling their projects in Sabah.
“We were doing all sorts of water supply works,” he said.
[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]
Malaysian federal minister Gobind Singh Deo (3rd from right) holding up the #Merdeka Day Shining Turban campaign poster supported by the MGC and various gurdwaras and Sikh societies. With him are (L-R) KDM deputy president, MGC president Jagir Singh, Gobind’s mother Gurmit Kaur and campaign partner Tech Line group managing director Mahinderjit Singh Budwal – Photo: Asia Samachar
An average gurdwara in Malaysia requires about RM115,00 per annum to provide the basic services to the local Sikh community. Government funding plays a critical role when it comes to gurdwaras serving smaller communities and handling major renovations.
In view of this, the Malaysian Gurdwaras Council (MGC) has requested the Federal government to restart the funding for gurdwaras and Sikh societies that began in 2011.
“After 2015, there had been a freeze (on allocations),” MGC president Jagir Singh told a gathering to honour the appointment of Gobind Singh Deo as the first Sikh to be made a federal minister in Malaysia.
Gobind was the guest of honour of the hi tea by the Sikh community led by MGC. He was accompanied by his mother Gurmit Kaur, wife of the late legendary politician and lawyer Karpal Singh.
Gobind, 45,took oath as the Minister of Communications and Multimedia on 21 May 2018 under the new Pakatan Harapan (PH) government led by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad which defeated the Barisan Nasional (BN) in a stunning electoral victory.
In his speech, Gobind said that though the Government was trying to reduce expenditure, ‘we must continue with contributions to the community’.
He said he had asked Jagir Singh to outline the needs of the community so that it could be extended to the Prime Minister as a first step.
“We will work with all organisations,” Jagir later told Asia Samachar.
On the long standing issue regarding granthis, Gobind said he would arrange a meeting with the Home Minister to resolve the matter.
FUNDING NEEDS
In his speech earlier, Jagir had requested the Malaysian government to restart the annual funding to the Sikh societies and gurdwaras as well make special provision for the 550th anniversary celebration of the birth of Guru Nanak taking place in 2019.
“In the past, when we received Federal funding, we made sure all gurdwaras in Malaysia, whether or not they were members of the MGC, received funding.
“And we ensured accountability, we imposed a one hundred percent check. All payments and receipts were forwarded to the Prime Minister’s office, and also an undertaking that the monies will be used for the purposes intended,” he said.
On the estimated average annual expenditure of about RM115,000 for a gurdwara, Jagir said it included monthly salaries for granthi (RM1,00-RM2,000), cook (RM1,000), utilities (RM3,000) and utilities maintenance (RM1,000).
“Some gurdwaras are only supported by about four to five families. But the gurdwara is used when there is a festival or a wedding, and when relatives join. For these smaller gurdwaras, even the RM10,000 annual funding is helpful,” he said, referring to the previous funding carved out of the federal government assistance.
Gobind Singh Deo at the hi tea organised by the Sikh community – Photo: Gobind Singh Deo Facebook page
MAKE THE COMMUNITY SHINE
Moving forward, Gobind said: “We have to look at gurdwaras, but we also have to look beyond that. We have to finds ways to enhance our community.
We must inspire our young. We must ensure the youth of today are inspired, and that they understand the direction that the community has taken all these years, and that they appreciate the sacrifices of the past.”
He also called on the community members to come forward to play their part in building the community and the nation.
“Despite the heavy and hectic schedules all of us have, we are responsible for our community. We must make time.
“We must work together. We must make sure that, at the end of the day, our community remains strong, united and respected not just here in Malaysia but all over the world. That must be our priority,” he said.
Gobind said that he had received visits from many non-government organisations (NGOs) that support the Sikh community.
“Please feel free to come forward. We can sit together and discuss how we can work together so that we can improve the Sikh community in Malaysia,” he said.
SHINING TURBAN
At a sideline event, MGC had joined the Merdeka Day Shining Turban campaign initiated by Asia Samachar. The simple aim of the campaign is to get Sikhs to wear a turban on 31 August 2018 as Malaysia celebrates the 61st independence day.
In a symbolic gesture, Gobind held the #MerdekaDayShiningTurban campaign poster with Jagir, accompanied by Tech Line Group of Companies group managing director Mahinderjit Singh Budwal, one of the sponsors of the campaign.
Gurdwara Sahib Taiping and Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang are among the gurdwaras that have responded to the call of the Merdeka Day Shining Turban campaign. They will encourage their congregation members to wear a turban on Merdeka Day.
[For gurdwaras and Sikh societies that are keen to support the campaign, drop Asia Samachar a message via Facebook or Whatsapp +6017-3351399]
Sikh community hi tea for Gobind Singh Deo – Photo: Asia Samachar
[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]
In 1947, Sikhs, in their own right as a qaum (religio-ethnic group), sat on the same table with Indians and Pakistanis. Following certain promises, Sikh leadership decided to side with the Indians, albeit, without giving up their ultimate inalienable right to self-determination as a distinct nation which had been subdued by the British in 1849 with the support of British India following Jang Hind-Punjab.
In the UK, Indians and Pakistanis, and later Bangladeshi, are counted and monitored as Ethnic Communities. By the same logic, Sikhs qualify as an ethnic community (qaum) as confirmed by the House of Lords in 1983. The debate continues.
Guru Nanak confronted the invader Babar and two Guru martyrs gave their lives for social justice and political freedom. Their aim was to lay the foundation of a just regime, halemi raj, in which all were equal partners. No religion or Bhagti movement had those socio-political objectives before, or since.
A rigorous analysis of the compositions of Guru Nanak reveals that there is hardly anything in contemporary politics, society or religion that he finds commendable. [Dr J S Grewal, The Sikhs of the Punjab] Guru Nanak Sahib rebelled against an oppressive regime. He saw that the age of kalyug is like a knife in which the rulers have become butchers, all have forgotten their responsibilities (dharam) and in the night of falsehood, the moon of truth is no longer rising. The socio-political revolution he started, gathered momentum to continue for 300 years after him to achieve Khalsa halemi raj of the people. He started social reforms to be continued by the successor Gurus, who also continued with the political objective to establish a peoples regime led by the Khalsa. Guru Nanak Sahib started with these earthly (miri) objectives and sought divine sanction and guidance in the revealed Word.
As Dr Grewal shows, Guru Nanak Sahib was thoroughly familiar with the politico-administrative arrangements made by the Afghan rulers as reflected in the use of his words like jizya and kar (tax) mukadam (judges) raiyat (public) etc. His denunciation of the cruel regime of his time was another way of announcing the arrival of a new order to be hailed as the halemi raj by Nanak V, Guru Arjan Dev.
The new path or Teesra Panth of Guru Nanak was not another religion like the orthodox dogma-based Semitic and the eastern religious traditions. It was a paradigm shift from traditional religion to a new way of thinking and living in the New Age. It was an invitation to give up all sorts of religious pretence, ritualism and superstition. His aim was not just another religion but to build a plural society in which all were equal partners. None of the religions have been able to do that in religion states to date because their pre-occupation has been and continues to be with spreading own religion.
About Sikh ethnic tick box in the UK Census, one commentator observed: I don’t understand what religion has to do with Sikh social monitoring in the UK. Sikhism and Sikh ethnicity are mutually exclusive so such opposition to Sikh ethnic monitoring is futile. Indeed, it is and we hope sense prevails.
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 Asia. How to reach us: Facebook message or WhatsApp +6017-335-1399. Our email: editor@asiasamachar.com. For obituary announcements, click here]
By Surinder Kaur Sohan Singh |SIKHI STUDY | OPINION
Living in the hukam is the secret to a peaceful and harmonious life.
HUKAM means the COMMAND of GOD which is manifested in the Universe as the Laws of Nature. These Laws are operating on everything that exists in the whole Universe.
Guruji says all of Creation is subjected to these Laws. No one is above these Laws.
ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥
Hukamai Andar Sabh Ko Baahar Hukam Na Koe. – SGGS, Pg 1
Every atom in the Universe has been programmed to follow these Laws. Therefore the whole of Creation is following these Laws and there is harmony in the Universe.
The planets, the solar systems, the galaxies are all moving in their orbits. The plants and animals are also following their individual programmes. If in their programming is written grass as their food, they eat only that. They follow exactly as they have been programmed. The plants also follow their programming, giving flowers and fruits according to the seasons.
Human beings have also been programmed to follow this Hukam but with one major difference. They have been bestowed with a thinking mind that gives them the option of either going with the programming designed for them OR rejecting it and following their own path.
Use your thinking mind and try to understand the Hukam which has been written inside you by the Creator. Once you have understood it, you will get the realisation that WISDOM is in following this Hukam. If you choose to reject it, then you will have to face the consequences.
ਪ੍ਰਭ ਮਿਲਣੈ ਕੀ ਏਹ ਨੀਸਾਣੀ ॥
Prabh milanai kee eaeh Neessani.
ਮਨਿ ਇਕੋ ਸਚਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣੀ ॥
Man eiko Sachaa Hukam Pashhaanee – SGGS, Pg 106
“A person who recognises the Command of the True Lord in his mind and follows it in his life is ready for the union with GOD.”
Following the Hukam brings peace and harmony into our lives. Rejecting it gives rise to strife and anxiety.
Example: First Universal Law is the Law of Oneness.
This Law states that the source of the whole Universe is ONE.
A person who accepts this Law, accepts all human beings as equal because they have the same light in them. He will only radiate LOVE to everyone. Hatred for the other will not arise in him.
Most of humanity has rejected this Law as we all identify ourselves with our race, religion, status, nationality etc. As a result most of our actions are to promote these differences. Highlighting our differences create strife and anxiety.
Highlighting our similarities create LOVE and UNDERSTANDING.
Surinder Kaur Sohan Singh is a Malaysia-based Gurbani enthusiast. This is an edited version of her regular articles shared within a circle of fellow Sikhi seekers. This articles will appear on Mondays and Thursdays.
* 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 Asia. How to reach us: Facebook message or WhatsApp +6017-335-1399. Our email: editor@asiasamachar.com. For obituary announcements, click here]
Saskaar / Cremation: 1pm-3.30pm, 12 August 2018 (Sunday), at DBKL Cheras crematorium
Path Da Bhog: 13 August 2018 (Monday), 7pm-8.30pm, at Wadda Gurdwara Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur
Contact: Rajis 012-382 1534
| Entry: 9 Aug 2018 | 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]
Atter Singh – Photo: Facebook of Gurpreet Singh Sahota
By Gurpreet Singh Sahota | VANCOUVER, CANADA
Ninety five year old Atter Singh Sekhon won nine gold medals at a Canadian games.
Atter won gold won in 100, 200, 400 meters, shot put, hammer throw, weight throw, javelin throw and discus throw at the BC Masters Games held between 3-5 August 2018 at South Surrey athletics parks.
Very proud of Baba Ji. He came to Canada in 1988 and lives in Rexdale (Toronto) now.
The text and photo was adapted from a social media posting by the author who is the editor of the CK News Group Surrey BC, Canada and a presenter of Sargarmia at Swaraj Radio 96.1 FM Vancouver
[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]
KUALA LUMPUR: Kirandeep Kaur, at 15, will become the youngest hockey player in Malaysia to play in the Asian Games, thanks to revolutionary coach K. Dharmaraj.
There were many obstacles in her way to gaining the historical spot, and a last minute frantic appeal had to be made to include her in the ‘long list’. (Long List is names of athletes submitted by the respective National Sports Associations in January and it can contain as many names as the associations want).
Kirandeep Kaur was only called up for training by Dharmaraj in May, and the Form Three (Year 9) student of SMK Bukit Bandaraya in Bangsar was promptly included in the World Series in Singapore a month later. She played in all six matches and scored a goal in the final against Thailand, which Malaysia won 6-0.
She was then selected for the hockey playing tour in Brisbane recently, where Malaysia drew two matches and won three — Kirandeep Kaur also scored Down Under.
However, since she was not listed in the Long List sent to the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) had to make an appeal for her inclusion. And after a few days of Red Tape and some bungling, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) finally agreed to give her accreditation Wednesday.
She will not only be the youngest Malaysian women, but also the youngest among the men who made their international debut at the age of 14 in Singapore, celebrated her 15th birthday during the Brisbane Tour, and now representing the country at an Olympic Qualifier.
However, the lanky lass did not have it easy, as she did not even play in the National Under-16 in March due to various reasons, but in the end, she beat the odds and coach Dharmaraj’s brave break deserves a standing ovation.
MHC are expected to name the women’s and men’s squad on Thursday.
[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]
