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Karan Singh Thakral in the front seat with former Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong – Photo / SG50 book
“I should have gotten a doctoral degree. That is a regret that I have in my life. I feel if I had university education, my thinking and perspectives would have been different.”
These words would evoke some degree of regret and a feeling of lost hope for any other person but, in this case, the person is none other than Mr Karan Singh Thakral – successful entrepreneur, respected diplomat and a well-regarded member of the Sikh community in Singapore. It may come as a surprise to many that someone like Karan has regrets. Well, that just goes to show the man’s desire to aim as high as possible in life and be the complete man.
Born in Singapore and raised in Thailand, Karan joined the business started by his grandfather that was eventually transformed by his father into the massive enterprise of the Thakral Group today. It used to deal mainly in the export and import of textiles and electronic appliances. Now, it has grown into a diversified business conglomerate with numerous business activities, including life-style products, information technology products and services, manufacturing and export of yarn and branded ready made garments, luxury watches, hospitality, real estate development and management and infrastructure services, among others.
Karan represents Thakral Group as an Executive Director. Recollecting the massive strides Singapore has made over the last five decades, Karan said: “Singapore has changed from a small village to a global city. Business wise, it is one of the most attractive places for people to do business and invest. As a business concept, Singapore has done very well. We did not have malls then; we had small shops. High Street was one of the main places to shop at. Now, 50 years later, there are no more such shops left on High Street. It is more of a tourist attraction. The Thakral Group has been able to remain viable because we evolved with the changing times and adapted accordingly.”[1]
While the activities of the Thakral Group occupy a considerable amount of Karan’s time, he has still managed to find time to contribute to various national and community initiatives. One of his key contributions is the revival of the Singapore chapter of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE).[2]
Karan took over the leadership of TiE Singapore in 2008 and totally revamped the once exclusive organisation. He opened its membership to individuals of non-Indian origin based in Singapore. He strongly believed that this would allow the organisation and its members to gain from the wider and more diverse networking possibilities.
Karan is a dynamic, eclectic, energetic and astute leader who is well known for being successful in both the private business sector and for his invaluable contributions to public service.
He has played key roles in the Thakral Group, the South Asian Business Group of the Singapore Business Federation and TiE Singapore. He currently serves as Singapore’s NRA to Denmark, and previously as the NRA to Sri Lanka. He has served with distinction in all his posts and we owe him a debt of gratitude.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs Singapore
Under Karan’s tenure, TiE Singapore also became more prominent worldwide. The parent chapter in the Silicon Valley was quick to acknowledge the tremendous progress made by TiE Singapore under Karan’s leadership. The fact that Karan is an internationally known businessman and that he had strong business ties with many global personalities at a personal level certainly provided the fillip in transforming TiE Singapore into an entity far greater than its size and status could justify.
Also, apart from reaching out and serving the needs of local businesses, Karan also worked with academic institutions such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and SP Jain School of Management to promote entrepreneurship among students. “When I took over as Chairman, we decided to have a booth at the annual meet of TiE in the Silicon Valley and NUS participated in the booth. It showed the level of interest and trust our local university had in TiE Singapore.”[3]
The ambitious overhaul of TiE Singapore, with its diverse membership base and global emphasis spearheaded by Karan made the organisation an important partner of the Singapore government in its efforts to promote entrepreneurship here. At the same time, it provided far greater avenues for TiE Singapore members to explore business opportunities through regular networking sessions, events, business trips and meetings with international business personalities.
Karan stated: “I wanted to develop TiE Singapore into a grouping that was more representational and heavily focused on entrepreneurship education. The key goal was to nurture a whole new generation of potential entrepreneurs and grant them access to business opportunities previously unavailable.”[4] Today, Karan is Chairman Emeritus of TiE Singapore and Member Emeritus of TiE’s Global Board of Trustees.
In his efforts to further promote entrepreneurship locally and regionally, Karan served as one of the judges on the reality TV series Angel’s Gate, which began broadcasting on Channel NewsAsia in February 2012. The show provided the opportunity for budding entrepreneurs in Asia to pitch business ideas to investors. Karan’s desire to share his entrepreneurial acumen led him to mentor young entrepreneurs. He soon established Singapore Angels Network Pte Ltd to invest in start-up enterprises. Karan’s son works full time with him on this venture. To-date, the company has invested in about 80 start-up enterprises.
When Karan took over the helm of the South Asian Business Group (SABG),[5] a unit under the Singapore Business Federation (SBF),[6] in 2010, he was involved in ensuring the organisation, which already boasted of a firm and solid foundation, continued its growth. Particularly, he helped to boost the SABG’s ties with the South Asian nations through business trips and missions that opened business possibilities for SBF members. His understanding and knowledge of the South Asian and Singaporean markets, and socio-economic and politics landscapes have been extremely relevant to the SABG.
However, the national role that gives Karan most pride is that of being Singapore’s Non-Resident Ambassador (NRA), first to Sri Lanka during a period when the country hosted the Commonwealth Games and currently to Denmark. He said proudly: “It is indeed a great honour.
In my life, I could not imagine taking this on. When the Singapore government asked me to become Singapore’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, I could not say no. I felt it is my duty to serve the country. The government now has appointed me Ambassador to Denmark. It has been an enriching experience for me.”[7]
Karan is a firm believer in God and his philosophy of life, as well as that of his family, is to extend assistance to the needy and less fortunate in society.
He said: “I grew up in a ‘giving’ family so this was my natural path. Giving back is a part of my family’s tradition. My grandfather, father and brothers – all of us have served or are serving in different roles in different countries.”[8]
Among his many community roles is serving in the committees of Tanjong Katong Girls School and St Hilda’s Primary School. In addition, Karan has served or is serving as Chairman and/or Trustee of a number of charitable/not-for-profit organisations in India.
Whether it is focusing on the wider national economic landscapes, serving the country, fostering a conducive business environment to nurture entrepreneurial minds or just helping his community, Karan has proven that the lack of educational qualifications is no impediment at all. At the end of the day, one must have the desire to want to serve. One must be determined and most importantly, one must want to give back to society and do one’s best.
In Karan’s words: “The person who knows how to give is a happy person when compared to a person who takes.”[9] Looking at his accomplishments, Karan is certainly a happy and contented man.
Karan Singh Thakral
Endnotes
[1] Interview with Mr Karan Singh Thakral, June 15, 2015.
[2] TiE was founded in 1992 in Silicon Valley by a group of successful entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and senior professionals with roots in the Indus region. There are currently 13,000 members, including over 2,500 charter members in 61 chapters across 18 countries. TiE’s mission is to foster entrepreneurship globally through mentoring, networking, education, incubating, and funding. Dedicated to the virtuous cycle of wealth creation and giving back to the community, TiE’s focus is on generating and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. See http://tie.org/about-us/ for details. 3 Interview with Mr Karan Singh Thakral, op cit.
[3] Interview with Mr Karan Singh Thakral, op cit.
[5] he SABG is part of the Global Business Groups at SBF. It is a platform for the Singapore business community and their counterparts in South Asia to share business-related information. See http://www.sbf.org.sg/ about-us/business-groups-committees for details.
[6] SBF is the apex business chamber championing the interests of the Singapore business community in the areas of trade, investment and industrial relations. It represents 21,500 companies, as well as key local and foreign business chambers. See http://www.sbf.org.sg/about-us/ overview-about-us for details.
[7] Interview with Mr Karan Singh Thakral, op cit.
[This article is courtesy of SINGAPORE AT 50: 50 SIKHS AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS, a book published in 2015 by the Young Sikh Association, Singapore (YSA) in conjunction with Singapore’s 50th birthday]
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| History | Malaysia | 23 Aug 2017 | Asia Samachar |
The Sikh, Vol 1 No 4, Aug-Sept 1965, published by Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM), then based in Seremban
What were the activities like for Sikh organisations in the 1960s? For Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM), an outfit catering for the Sikh youth in Malaysia, they seemed busy.
The youth in Kampar and Taiping were talking about Sikh seminars. Boys from Seremban and Klang were engaged in a hockey duel while Malacca Naujawans were elated with the return of Baba Sohan Singh, the granthi at the Malacca gurdwara and an advisor to the SNSM.
Here are some activities as captured in the SNSM magazine The Sikh covering the August to September 1965.
NEWS OF SABHAS
MALACCA: – The Naujawans in Malacca are now happy for Sant Sohan Singh Ji has returned from India. He Will be able to guide and protect them. The Naujawans here are under the able guidance of Bahen Dhram Pal Kaur and Brother Raghbir Singh are doing a wonderful work.
SEREMBAN VS KLANG:- On the 10th and 11th of August the Klang Naujawans came down to Seremban. Two games of hockey were played with great vigour. The first game was a draw 1-1 and the was in favour of Klang, 2-0.
The next day both the teams went down to Port Dickson, where they were able to listen to a wonderful lecture on Sikhism by Mr. Gurbachan Singh. Later they prepared their own food and went swimming in the sea. There was no doubt that both sides had a wonderful time together. It is only right if more of such gatherings are encouraged between sister Sabhas.
TANJONG MALIM:- Sardar Joginder Singh has left for U.S.A. on Government scholarship to do M.Sc. in Education. He boarded the plane from K.L. a on 4 th August. Another occasion for him and his family and all of us is the birth of his son Swaran Singh.
Now Sardar Wazir Singh, Headmaster, English School, Slim River is acting as adviser to the Naujawans of Tg. Malim.
(THANK you Sardar Wazir Singh).
IPOH:– The cost of printing this issue has been borne by Ipoh. Well done and thank you Naujawans!!
Ipoh has also taken the lead in making “khandas”. All Sabhas that require them, may please, get in touch with Ipoh. The cost is $40.00 for 100 or $20.00 for 50. Orders should come in with cash and please address your letters to:- Sardar Taran Singh, 7, Watson Road, Ipoh.
KAMPAR COURSE:- (2nd to 6th August 1965) This report has already being given in the editorial. We, however, take great pride to let you all know the result of the course, Our brothers whose names are listed below have found a new light in Sikhism. They have in compliance with the tents of Sikhism vowed to keep their hair and become: true sons Of Guru Gobind Singh.
Pritam Singh of 18, Jln. Post Office, Kampar vowed not to trim his beard again.
There were a Number of unassuming, quiet and sincere youngmen at Kanpur seminar who vowed to become good Sikhs. They shunned publicity but have come back to the Sikh Fold and are practising a Sikh Way of life.
TANJONG RAMBUTAN:- The Naujawans here are doing a really good job for they are holding lectures regularly and many of our brothers have in fact rediscovered Sikhism.
The Naujawans of T.R. intend to hold a SEMINAR in April holidays 1966. The cost will be $ 5.00 per member. Forms will be sent out to all Sabhas as soon as possible. Dates and other particulars will be made known later.
STOP PRESS:
===========
THE ANNUAL SIKH YOUTH SEMINAR AT PORT DICKSON. This is the news you have been anxiously waiting for. It has been decided to hold two courses.
Course No.1 :— for children under 12 years of age.
DATE:– 4 th. to 7 th. December 1965 COST:- $3.00
Course No. 2:- for those over 12 years of age.
DATE:- 8 th. to 16 th. December 1955 COST:- $10.00
Other particulars will be made known later. Keep yourselves free for we are sure that you would not like to miss this wonder time!!
Source: The Sikh, Vol 1 No 4, Aug-Sept 1965, published by Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia c/o Sikh Temple, Seremban, N.S.
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IN MEMORY: Path-da-Bhog 5pm-7.30pm on 26 August 2017 (Saturday) at Gurdwara Sahib Selayang Baru, Selangor| Malaysia
Inderjite Kaur Bal (1935-2016), Selayang
Late Mataji Inderjite Kaur Bal w/o Late Sardar Gurdial Singh Bhatt
Village: Batala, Punjab
Born: 1s Feb 1935
Departed: 12 Oct 2016
Husband: Late Sardar Gurdial Singh Bhatt (Munda Pind) Selayang Baru
In Memoriam: Path-da-Bhog 5pm-7.30pm on 26 August 2017 (Saturday) at Gurdwara Sahib Selayang Baru, Selangor
Message from the Family: In loving memory of our beloved mother, we, the family of the Late Mataji Inderjite Kaur humbly invite all family members, relatives and friends to the Path-da-Bhog in her memory.
Additional Information:
The Late Mataji Inderjite Kaur was born in Buntong Ipoh and after her marriage lived in Sentul and Kg Pandan before permanently settling down in Selayang Baru. She was an accomplished ‘pathi’ and took part in numerous akhand paths on all occasions in gurdwaras as well as in homes of friends and relatives, at times.
She passed-away peacefully on 22 October 2016 after having suffered a stroke in June 2016 leaving behind her beloved 8 children, 20 grand-children, 4 great grand-children, daughters and son-in-law, a brother, a host of relatives and friends. Our mother and grand-mother, Bee, as we called her, sweet memories of you Bee, of how you brought us up shall always be fondly remembered. You will always remain in our hearts. We miss you dearly Bee!
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There was a crowd gathered at the gurdwara at Jalan Parlimen, Kuala Lumpur, popularly called Parliament Gurdwara. It was a mixture of young and old, similar faces and new faces. But the energy from each of them was the same: vibrant. At a bright warm Sunday noon, the weekend still alive for all of them.
They were gathered here to rehearse for the upcoming Bhai Mardana Sangeet festival. I was an innocent passerby, who happened to be there to witness something so artful, thriving and shining. Actors, directors, script writers all working hard to bring alive their version of Bhai Mardana’s journey as the earliest true friend of Baba Nanak, aptly named ‘Marjaana To Mittar’.
I won’t say anything about the play now, because I’m pretty sure it’ll be a blockbuster, from the little I’ve seen. And I stand accused of being biased as most involved are dear friends of mine. So, we’ll leave it at that.
But what really struck me during this small window of opportunity was that the arts of our Sikh community here in Malaysian diaspora is alive! This play is proof. Sure, we’ve got kavita, syair and debates in the successful Bhasa Melas (Punjabi language carnivals organised by the Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia), but a play of this scale is something to shout about. The barometer of how a community is maturing and advancing is the health of its arts. Interpretation of history and how it molds us as people has always been through the eyes of arts.
There’s a distinction between Punjabi arts – thanks to Bollywood, isn’t showing any signs of dying a natural death – and Sikh arts. We’ve seen our martial arts getting the limelight, with many from our youth entranced with the valor displayed at every demonstration. But the more gentle arts of written, drawn, painted and playwrights were always beyond our social radars. A play, about someone so integral to the seeds that were sown into our Sikh psyche, is a refreshing progress.
And what’s even more profound, the arts like this play is a powerful tool for the younger and more impressionable generation to absorb our values through creativeness and organic innovation. It is heartening to see our youth labouring hard for this beautiful and engaging story. Youngsters and young adults embarking on such an ambitious project can only be inspiration to all in our community.
The youth will be gifted with this treasure. The irony is this gift was beautifully crafted by the youth themselves.
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.
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Sikhs form neighbouring towns of Kunak, Semporna and Lahad Datu joins Sikhs in Tawau for a congregational programme – Photo / Sarjit Singh
By Sarjit Singh
Getting a right Granthi can make a world of a difference to smaller gurdwaras. This was aptly demonstrated by the new granthi at Gurdwara Sahib Tawau, a small town in the southern tip of Sabah.
The granthi had organised a programme for the birthday of his two old son today (20 Aug 2017) which attracted Sikhs from neigbouring towns of Kunak (some 80km away), and Semporna (100km) and Lahad Datu (150km). This is not something that happens all the time.
“I’m so happy attending this function today. It brings people together, it creates goodwill,” said Lahad Datu gurdwara treasurer Bebah Kaur, popularly known as Aunty Nicky, who attended the programme.
Tawau gurdwara secretary Baljeet Singh Mann said the granthi, whom most people refer to as ‘Giani Ji’, is “young and dynamic and children and youth like his approach. Twelve kids are studying Punjabi at the school here.”
Sabah is a Malaysian state located on the Borneo island. It neighbours another Malaysian state, Sarawak.
Tajinder Pal Singh from Punjab, India, took up the role of granthi at Tawau about a year ago.
A granthi literally means a reader of the Sikh scripture of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. However, in many places outside Punjab, India, a granthi acts more like a full time gurdwara caretaker. In Malaysia, a granthi is usually a stay-in hired staff who manages the overall affairs of the gurdwara. However, larger gurdwaras are able to employ additional staff taking on roles like managers and cleaners.
“It was also good that as the secretary Cikgu Baljeet Singh Mann suggested that we should have exchange functions like this at Gurdwara Sahib Lahad Datu Gurdwara too whereby the Sangat from Tawau, Semporna and Kunak will join,” said Bebah.
Hence, the programme clearly underlines the importance for gurdwaras in Malaysia, and elsewhere, to engage young and dynamic granthis to get the Sikh youth participating in gurdwara programmes.
On the whole, Tawau gurdwara committee president Ajaib Singh Maan said the state government has been supportive of the Sikhs.
In December 2016, Asia Samachar reported that Tawau Sikhs had received a RM30,000 state grant to renovate the only gurdwara in the city located more than 500km from Kota Kinabalu. The state of Sabah had also approved a two-year granthi permit for the gurdwara.
Associate Professor Dr. Sarjit Singh Gill from University Putra Malaysia (UPM) was a former Head of Department of Social and Development Science, Faculty of Human Ecology, UPM. His PhD fieldwork was on Sikhs in Sabah, mainly in Kota Kinabalu. His thesis was entitled ‘Role of Gurdwaras in Constructing Sikh Identity in Malaysia: Comparative Study‘ (2005).
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| Flashback | Washington, US | 20 July 2017 | Asia Samachar |
By Dr Rajwant Singh | Facebook Entry
CNN’s Don Lemon talks to me about the Sikh religion immediately after the shooting at the Sikh Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin [in 2012]. A white supremacist gunman, Wade Michael Page, attacked worshippers on August 5, 2012 and killed 6 Sikhs. This year is the 5th anniversary of this tragedy.
The six victims killed included one woman: Paramjit Kaur, 41; and five men: Satwant Singh Kaleka, 65, the founder of the gurdwara; Prakash Singh, 39, a Granthi; Sita Singh, 41; Ranjit Singh, 49; and Suveg Singh Khattra, 84. All of the male victims wore turbans as part of their Sikh faith.
America lowered its flags in honor of these victims. Millions of Americans poured love and support to the Sikhs for which the community will always remain grateful.
Sikhism, the 5th largest religion in the world, has originated from India. Since 9/11, Sikhs have often been made the target of hate and violence in America due to ignorance about our outer identity of turban and beard. People think that Sikhs belong to the Middle East, Isis or that they are part of anti-American groups.
Sikhism preaches racial & gender equality, respect for all religions and that one should share one’s blessings with the less fortunate and underprivileged in society. Sikhs have been part of America for the last 100 years and yet most Americans have no clue about the religion and its practices in which the males and some females wear turban as a symbol of equality and royalty. It stands for justice and love for all!
We also believe that America’s strength is due to its diversity and no one person or community should be made the target of hate or violence.
A United States Sikh group has hired FP1 Strategies in their latest efforts to bolster the community’s image in what has been described as possibly the first time that Sikhs have ‘undertaken a major, proactive effort to reach out to Americans nationwide’.
Extracted from Dr Rajwant Singh’s Facebook entry. Dr Rajwant is also leading the National Sikh Campaign (NSC) which has engaged a professional PR agency to proactively bolster the Sikh image in the eyes of the citizens of the United States
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| History | Malaysia, Singapore | 20 July 2017 | Asia Samachar |
Dr. Laksmi Sehgal with Subhas Chandra Bose inspecting a parade – Photo source: To be identified
A note from the author: I had just finished reading a few books on the Indian National Army. In all these books, only Dr. Laksmi Sehgal’s name is mentioned together with Janaki Devar and another woman. There is no mention of Sikh women. This regiment went up to Burma with the INA in a non-combatant role. The women in the regiment provided medical and nursing services under trying circumstances. After the reconquest of Burma by the British, members of this regiment had a trying time making it back to Malaya. This article is meant to make our young Sikhs aware that our women had not shied away in lifting up the sword when the occasion demanded such an action.
By Rajindar Singh Bedi
In July 1943, Subhas Chandra Bose arrived in Singapore to take over the Indian Independence League and to revive the Indian National Army (INA) which had been inaugurated on 17 February 1943 by Captain Mohan Singh but which had been disbanded in November 1942 after Captain Mohan Singh realised that the Japanese were not sincere in their dealings. As a result Mohan Singh was kept under house arrest on Pulau Ubin.
Subhas Chandra Bose renamed the force the Azad Hind Fauj.
During this period he met Dr. Lakshmi Swaminadhan a practising obstetrician with a clinic in Geylang and a member of the Indian Independence League. Subhas Chandra Bose encouraged Dr. Lakshmi to form a women’s wing of the Azad Hind Fauj. Influenced by the fiery and inspiring speeches of Bose she set out to form such a force which was named the Rani Jhansi Regiment.
Her initial success netted only 20 females who volunteered. But she did not give up and went on a recruitment drive exhorting Indian women to volunteer. By the end of 1943 at the passing out parade of the force numbered 500 women. The majority of the volunteers of this force were of south Indian origin. They were from a broad spectrum of the local Indian society. Among these were women from the Sikh community.
Sikh women, too, answered the call to fight for Indian Independence and joined the force. They came from the Straits Settlements, Malaya and some came from Siam. The number of Sikh women and their identities is not known as all records of the Rani Jhansi Regiment were lost or destroyed.
However some names have come to light.
In December 1943 a Mrs. Gurudayal Kaur arrived in Singapore from Bangkok with eight other women to join up.
There was also a Gian kaur, a daughter of a very wealthy Bangkok landlord, who joined up.
From Kelantan 16 years old Jaswant Kaur joined in May 1944. She was married to a soldier of the Indian army. She is reported to have collected money and clothing for the war effort.
Deep Kaur, daughter of Shamir Singh, a driver of the Singapore Traction Company, was also a volunteer.
At the passing out parade of the first batch of volunteers there is mention of a Sathiawant Kaur who came first in nursing course and Gurdit Kaur who was placed third in rifle shooting contest.
Guru Updesh Kaur, the daughter of a Police Interpreter from Seremban, joined in August 1943.
It is regrettable that no written record of the experiences of the Sikh women exist. There must be photographs, documents and other items including uniforms that could be in the possession of the families of these women which can be collected to form an exhibition.
If any of these members of the Rani Jhansi Regiment are still alive they would be in their late eighties or nineties. It would be wonderful if their experiences could be recorded as oral history of the Sikhs in Malaya and Singapore.
SOURCE FOR THE ARTICLE: Some of the information in the article were gleaned from newspapers published between February 1942 to September 1945, especially the Syonan Shimbun.
Rajindar Singh Bedi, a retired medical assistant who lives in Penang, Malaysia, has been keenly interested in history, especially Indian and Punjab history, since young.
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| History | Singapore | 19 Aug 2017 | Asia Samachar |
On this day in 1961, more than 6,000 Sikhs gathered in Singapore for the first Asian ‘Punjabi Mela’ organised by the Singapore Khalsa Association (SKA). It would have been an amazing sight to see Sikhs from Singapore, and probably from neighbouring Malaya, as well, gathering in such huge numbers.
“MORE than 6,000 people thronged the May North and South School in Jalan Kebun Limau last week to see the first South East Asian “Punjabi Mela” (open air culture show and fun fair). The show was organised by the cultural and social section of the Singapore Khalsa Association. It was opened by its president, Mr Choor Singh,” according to a report in the Singapore Free Press (22 August 1961) entitled ‘6,000 flock to see first “Punjabi Mela”‘.
“Many exciting items were presented, including a colourful Punjabi folk dance and the “Ghatka,” the Punjabi art of self-defence. A spokeman for the organising committee said it was a great success, and they hoped to make it an annual event,” the report added.
SKA, established on 8 May 1931, is still at work for the community and had finished organised a major cultural and sporting event for Vaisakhi in April.
The association was the brainchild of a few schoolboys of Raffles Institution during the mid-1920’s. In the absence of a Sikh organisation for sports and culture, these sports enthusiasts took it upon themselves, with the backing of several adults, to establish Khalsa Association, according to information at the SKA website.
In the 1960’s, SKA got its cultural aspect when a group of Sikh youths, enthusiastic in organising cultural activities, affiliated themselves with the association. Amongst the activities conducted were talks emphasising Sikh religion, culture and education, the information added.
The Singapore Free Press, Singapore’s second English-language newspaper after Singapore Chronicle, was published for the first time on 1 October 1835 until 1869. In was revived in 1884. In 1946, it was bought over by The Straits Times and merged with The Malay Mail in 1962.
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| Malacca, Malaysia | 18 Aug 2017 | | Asia Samachar |
Dr Taranjeet Singh and his wife Sunita Bhullar
Malacca-born Dr Taranjeet Singh has ventured into the world of enterprise when he opened up a private medical practice, fulfilling the dreams of his father in law.
The clinician in the field of general medicine with more than eight years of experience has opened Klinik Sunita in the commercial district of Ayer Keroh, about 10 minutes from the Ayer Keroh toll booth.
“It all started with a dream. It was the dream of my late father-in-law, Mr. Harjit’s Singh’s (Baba Bakala). My wife and I have worked hard to make this a reality,” he told Asia Samachar. The clinic is named after his wife, Sunita Bhullar.
“We did not hire consultants nor did we hire any specialised clinic contractors. We did everything ourselves from the ground up…With Waheguru’s Blessings, we managed to get the task accomplished.”
The dream took many years to be fulfilled. Over some drinks at the Royal Selangor Club many years ago, Harjit had told Dr Taranjeet: “If you can dream it, if you can believe it, then you can achieve it!”
Looking back, Dr Taranjeet said: “That statement still reverberates in my ears to me today even though he has passed on. It is not just his words, but rather his vigour and roar in his voice when he said it.”
His father Sarmokh Singh was an engineer while his mother Manmeet Kaur was a teacher. She is also the secretary at Gurdwara Sahib Malacca (GSM).
The only Punjabi-run clinic in Malacca has been entrusted the task of providing medical services to the staff of GSM.
“To me, that is priceless,” he said. “We are doing our level best to bring the Punjabi name to bigger, brighter, more successful heights.”
[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]
There was a crowd gathered at the gurdwara at Jalan Parlimen, Kuala Lumpur, popularly called Parliament Gurdwara. It was a mixture of young and old, similar faces and new faces. But the energy from each of them was the same: vibrant. At a bright warm Sunday noon, the weekend still alive for all of them.
By Dr Rajwant Singh | Facebook Entry
Rajindar Singh Bedi, a retired medical assistant who lives in Penang, Malaysia, has been keenly interested in history, especially Indian and Punjab history, since young.
On this day in 1961, more than 6,000 Sikhs gathered in Singapore for the first Asian ‘Punjabi Mela’ organised by the Singapore Khalsa Association (SKA). It would have been an amazing sight to see Sikhs from Singapore, and probably from neighbouring Malaya, as well, gathering in such huge numbers.
