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Life and times of 56 ’eminent’ Sikhs in Malaysia

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Pride of Lions: Eminent Sikhs in Malaysia Vol 2 by Dr Manjit Singh Sidhu

By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |

Fun fact on Sikhs in Malaysia: Giani Bachittar Singh, the longest serving granthi at Gurdwara Sahib Tatt Khalsa, may have been the only Malaysian granthi to receive a pension.

More facts: Malaysia had a few Sikhs who served as leaders of key government outfits. They included Dr. Pola Singh (Director-General, Marine Institute of Malaysia), Ir. Harminder Singh (Director-General of Department of Occupational, Safety and Health or DOSH) and Sardar Bhupinder Singh (Director General of Insurance).

Another interesting nugget: Dr. Ranjeet Kaur Sidhu, who attended the first few years of her primary schooling at Clifford School in Kuala Kangsar Perak, was the first Sikh lady gynaecologist in Malaysia.

These are among the 56 Sikh personalities captured for posterity in the newly released book Pride of Lions: Eminent Sikhs in Malaysia (Vol 2).

In the 220-page hardcover book, author Dr Manjit Singh Sidhu continued his efforts to capture the stories of both prominent Sikhs as well as Sikhs who have achieved greatness in their fields but may not be well-known in the public eye.

In a foreword to the book, Eminent historian Prof Khoo Kay Kim urged young Malaysians, especially school teachers, to read the book so that it will be possible for the country’s multi-ethnic society to be better understood.

The volumes of Pride of Lions: Eminent Sikhs in Malaysia by Dr Manjit Singh Sidhu

“Not many scholars have the tenacity, patience and commitment that Prof. Manjit has. The younger scholars have much to learn by his example,” he wrote.

TO PURCHASE PRIDE OF LIONS, SEND A WHATSAPP TO +6017-3351399

HOW TO BUY A COPY? CLICK HERE.

The book follows the 295-page Pride of Lions: Eminent Sikhs in Malaysia which featured 57 personalities. In that first volume, we got to know who was the richest Sikh in Southeast Asia in the 1950s, the first Sikh woman to become a magistrate in Malaya and the first Asian to be promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police in Malaya.

Click here for the full list of Sikhs covered in the first volumne.

Old timers will remember the name Giani Bachittar Singh who had a long association with Gurdwara Sahib Tatt Khalsa in Kuala Lumpur. He passed away in 2001.

The newly released book tells us that the soft-spoken and knowledgeable granthi was given a RM1,000 pension by the gurdwara upon his retirement.

You will find such gems in the second volume, a result of painstaking efforts by the author to reach out to selected people over the years.

TO READ MORE ON DR MANJIT SINGH SIDHU, CLICK HERE

Unfortunately, this would be the last volume in the Pride of Lion series as the author passed away in Amritsar, Punjab, in November 2024 while making final arrangements to publish the second volume.

Dr Manjit is also the author of the Sikhs in Malaysia. Published in 1991, the book is valuable as it has captured for posterity interviews, conducted in 1978 and 1979, of 100 Malaysian Sikhs who were born in India and Pakistan. He had completed similar books for Sikhs in Thailand and Kenya.

Dr Manjit Singh Sidhu – Photo: Asia Samachar

The retired Malaysian university lecturer had also released another book, ‘Sikhs and Sikh Institutions In Pakistan’ in 2017. Subsequently, the book was translated by Dr Kulwinder Kaur Minhas into Punjabi, resulting in the release of Pakistan Vich Sikh Ate Sikh Sansthawan.

Why were these books written? In his own words, Dr Manjit said that his interest in Sikh studies began in 1975 following the demise of his father who had participated in the Jaito and Guru-ka-Bagh Morchas in thre 1920s.

“The passing away of my father Bhai Karpal Singh sent a shock wave in me. I had been complacent and had not recorded the family history. With that came the realization that the history of Sikh emigrants from Punjab to South-East Asia would soon be forgotten,” he writes in the book’s introduction.

That led to the Sikhs in Malaysia and later the two volumes of Pride of Lions.

HERE ARE THE 56 PERSONALITIES COVERED IN THE BOOK

  1. Dato Sri Amar Singh, Commissioner of Police
  2. Sardar Amarjit Singh, Malaysia’s roving envoy
  3. Giani Bachittar Singh, Longest serving Granthi of Tatt Khalsa
  4. Dato’ Dr. Baljit Kaur, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
  5. Dato Dr. Balwant Singh Bains, Consultant Physiotherapist
  6. Mr Bhag Singh, Commentator of Law Matters
  7. Sardar Bhan Singh, J.P., First Sikh Justice of Peace in Selangor
  8. Sardar Bhupinder Singh, Former member of Malaysian Administrative & Diplomatic Services and Director General of Insurance
  9. Dato Sri Dr. Bhupinder Singh, Malaysia’s beast known forensic pathologist
  10. Sardar Chamkaur Singh, Manager, Gurmat Sangeet Academy
  11. Captain Darleena Cashveen Kaur, First Sikh lady pilot in Malaysia
  12. Datuk Dilbagh Singh Kler, Malaysia’s Flying Sikh
  13. Sardar Dya Singh ’Gursangeetkar’, A Sikh preacher with a unique style
  14. Sardar Gurubachan Singh Johal, Lawyer with a practice in Malaysia and Australia
  15. Sardar Gurucharan Singh, Malaysia’s best all-round cricketer
  16. Datuk Gurjeet Singh Rhande, Party Punjabi Malaysia & Perak Sikh Union
  17. Dr. Gurmit Singh, Senior consultant neurosurgeon
  18. Dr. Harbaksh Singh, Eminent medical doctor
  19. Datin Dr. Harinder Kaur, Former military officer, sports women
  20. ACP Harjinder Kaur, First Sikh lady Assistant Commissioner of Police
  21. Ir. Harminder Singh, Director-General, Department of Occupational, Safety and Health (DOSH)
  22. Mr. Jamit Singh, Best known Sikh trade union leader in Malaysia/Singapore
  23. Datuk Jaswant Singh Kler, Malaysia’s first Sikh professional planter
  24. Sant Baba Jawala Singh Bidor wala, A true saint
  25. Sardar Joginder Singh Jessy, Best known Sikh historian in Malaysia in 20th century
  26. Sardar Kernal Singh, Malaysia’s pole vault champion
  27. Major Lakhbir Singh, One of General Templer’s 12 cadets
  28. Sardar Malkeet Singh Samad (Kokar), Police interpreter, Banting gurdwara founder
  29. Sardar Manmohan Singh, Plantation owner in Negeri Sembilan
  30. Dato’ Pajan Singh Gill, Federal Court judge
  31. Dr. Pall Singh, Senior consultant Ophthalmologist
  32. Engineer Pertpal Singh, Seagate’s senior director of environment, health and safety
  33. Dr. Pola Singh, Director-General, Marine Institute of Malaysia
  34. Sardarni Premjeet Kaur, CEO, G.S. Gill Sdn Bhd
  35. Ms Rajvin Kaur, A success story of person with cerebral palsy
  36. Dr. Ranjeet Bhagwan Singh, Director, Institute of Medical Research (IMR)
  37. Dato Paduka Dr. Ranjeet Kaur Sidhu, First Sikh lady gynaecologist in Malaysia
  38. Brig. General Dato’ Ranjit Singh Gill, First Sikh general in Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF)
  39. Captain Ranjit Singh, Senior airline pilot
  40. Dato’ Ranjit Singh, Audit director and member of Malaysian Public Service Commission
  41. Professor Ranjit Singh Darar, Emeritus Professor of History
  42. Sardar Ranjit Singh Kaleke, Chief Accountant, Malaysian Agriculture, Research and Development Institute (MARDI)
  43. Sardar Ranmit Singh, President, Tatt Khalsa Gurdwara
  44. ACP Ravindar Singh, Senior police officer
  45. Sangeet Kaur Deo, Outstanding female lawyer
  46. Dr. Sangeetha Kaur Dhaliwal, Drug policy reform advocate
  47. Sardar Santokh Singh, Chief Police Officer, Selangor
  48. Dato’ Santokh Singh, Malaysia’s star footballer
  49. Sardar Saran Singh Sidhu, Author and numismatist
  50. Lt. Sarjit Kaur, First Sikh female office in Malaysian navy
  51. Dato’ Dr. Satber Kaur, Consultant Anaesthesiologist
  52. Sardar Serbgeth Singh, Malaysian football captain
  53. Dr. Sevaran Kaur, J.P., Malaysia’s trade representative
  54. Ms. Sheena K. Gurbakhash, First Malaysian Sikh playwright and Association of Women Lawyers president
  55. Sardar Sukhdave Singh Bhinder, Teacher and Red Cross regional adviser
  56. Toki Uttam Singh, Negeri Sembilan Sikh transport owner

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A burning passion to capture stories of Sikhs in Malaysia (Asia Samachar, 15 May 2020)

ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

Sibling rivalries and secret sorrows: Bila Esok Ibu Tiada unveils family fractures

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Christine Hakim takes centrestage in Bila Esok Ibu Tiada, with Adinia Wirasti (right) also pulling her weight

By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |

Indonesian film Bila Esok Ibu Tiada (When Tomorrow Mother Is Gone) is a tearjerker of four siblings and their relaitonship with their ailing mum.

The film, now straming on Netflix, centers on the family grappling with the impending absence of their matriarch, whose declining health forces her children to confront unresolved tensions and cherish fleeting moments. Only that they don’t their mum is slipping before their eyes.

What do you expect form four siblings busy with their own busy? Tension, clash of egos and priorities. You will take mum to hospital tomorrow? I can’t as I’ve got a major audition. I can’t either, as I have an important client meeting. What about you, sis?

Film director Rudy Soedjarwo, who shot to fame with teens movie Ada Apa Dengan Cinta (What’s Up with Love?) in 2002, deftly captures the family tension. The push and pull is something many families can relate to. It’s all too human, all too familiar for some.

Early on the movie sneaks in nicely the song Setengah Mati by Ghea Indrawari who rose to fame as the runner-up of Indonesian Idol Season 9 (2018). Her powerful vocals gave a good lift to the film.

At the heart of the movie is Christine Hakim who puts on a brilliant performance as the mother to Ranika (Adinia Wirasti), Rangga (Fedi Nuril), Rania (Amanda Manopo), dan Hening (Yasmin Napper).

One reviewer felt that the movie siblings fell short in delivering the same level of performance as Christine, and that their characters came across as underwritten, making it hard to fully connect with their struggles or appreciate the dynamic between them.

Adinia does portray well her role as the eldest sibling.

It can feel stretched at times, and rushed at others. But it is worth a watch if you’re looking for a decent Indonesian film.

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ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

Letter to Editor: Jalan Masjid India mandir issue timely wake up call for Sikhs

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THE Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple on Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur – Photo: Tang Ah Chai Facebook

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor, Asia Samachar.

The controversy surrounding the 131-year-old Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple on Jalan Masjid India is a good timely pointer for us Sikhs.

The Sikh leadership of every state and especially each Gurdwara Committee must ensure that any land issue is resolved immediately. Seek legal help, if necessary. This current multi racial Government can be of help.

Future State Governments’ may change their stand in new legislations. Anything can happen.

We also need to ensure the planned expansion of adjacent lands acquisition is done fast. Committees come and go. This is where the Trustees need to troubleshoot. Let’s not delay doing all the paperwork.

This should be the No:1 issue in the next AGM, be it in Terengganu, Taiping or Tawau , if it is not done yet. Sat Sri Akal.

Harban Singh
Subang Jaya

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ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

Reflections on my week in Amritsar and the Golden Temple

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The resplendant Darbar Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, at Amritsar, Panjab – Photo: Sukhdave Singh

By Sukhdave Singh | Travel & Reflection |

As the plane flew over night-time Amritsar for its landing, I caught my first glimpse of the Golden Temple after almost a decade. It glowed like a yellow jewel in the darkness outside the plane window.

The next morning, arriving at the Golden Temple, I was once again struck by the beauty of this religious icon. Seeing the shining Golden Temple in the serene pool is mesmerizing. It is a sacred place with prayers going on 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Although it has become a major tourist attraction, the Golden Temple remains the place where numerous people from around the world come hoping to have their prayers answered, and for those who have had their wishes fulfilled, to do their vows and give thanks to the Almighty.

To pay respect to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikh holy book), one must wait in long queues, and it is hard to find any sitting place in the small inner sanctum to listen to the prayers. Walking around the pool, I came across the bathing areas for men and women where people can take dips in the sacred pool. On the sides, you see people resting or sleeping at all hours of the day. One can find peace sitting on the side of the pool, closing one’s eyes to the music-accompanied shabads (prayers), especially at night when the crowds are thinner. During the day, such peace is virtually impossible due to the noise of the crowds circulating around the pool.

In line with Sikh tradition, all are welcomed to the temple, irrespective of race, creed or religion. All are also welcomed to enjoy the langar (free community kitchen), with everyone sitting on the floor, regardless of social status. And langar is served 24 hours a day at the Golden Temple. The logistics of feeding the crowds in the large dining halls and preparing the food in the large communal kitchen are truly amazing. The never-ending queue of people, the endless rounds of serving food, cleaning up, and preparing for the next group is an endless cycle for the sevadars (volunteers) who handle the langar service at the Temple.

The inner view of Harmandir Sahib complex – Photo: Sukhdave Singh

The logistical details of managing the many visitors and devotees also appear to be well-managed – from the footwear deposit service, the feet washing areas and the public facilities at the periphery of the Temple complex.

However, there are downsides: the large crowds make it difficult to find a peaceful moment. Then there are the occasional conmen waiting to take advantage of foreigners. One must also get used to the constant shoving, cutting of queues, and lack of respect for personal space.

Maintaining control of such large crowds and ensuring people do not do foolish things or behave disrespectfully is a task that falls upon the blue-robed Sikh guards with spears. The presence of these guards ensures that the experience of visiting is enjoyable for everyone. However, sometimes their behaviour seems arbitrary and unnecessarily abrasive. I experienced this on a couple of occasions while sitting beside the pool taking photos of the Golden Temple. One shouted at me that I cannot take videos, even though I wasn’t. The worst one insisted I put away my camera because I cannot use it without “permission.” Outside the inner sanctum of the Golden Temple there is no prohibition against photography, but I was not going to argue with a belligerent spear-wielding man in the early hours of the morning. So, I made peace. But the arbitrary behaviour of these individuals took away some of the joy of being in this holy place. They could probably do with better training in terms of how they interact with the public.

There was another strange practise that caught my eye. In the early morning, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is ceremonially brought into the inner sanctum of the Golden Temple at around 4:30am. All Sikhs must bow before the Sri Guru Granth Sahib as a sign of respect. What was disconcerting was to see large crowds queuing and bowing to an empty space, before the Granth Sahib had even arrived. Why the temple authorities were allowing this is beyond me. Perhaps, somebody with greater insight into this practice can enlighten me.

Amritsar itself is considered a holy city but beyond the immediate vicinity of the Temple, it doesn’t look like one. It is dusty and dirty with uncollected refuse lying at the side of the narrow alleys. Waste is hauled away in overflowing open trailers hitched to tractors. Traffic conditions around Amritsar remain chaotic, with few traffic lights and even fewer traffic rules. In the decade since I last visited, the Punjab authorities do not seem to have done much to develop the city, except for a highway that runs through the middle of town and some better-quality hotels. But otherwise, Amritsar is as it was. Which is unfortunate given that the Sikhs are a proud people with a proud history.

The Punjab and Amritsar authorities need to start doing their jobs. Amritsar is a disgrace to the Punjabi people and only highlights their incompetence in managing their own affairs. The widespread corruption goes against the core teachings of the Sikh Gurus. Instead of practising Sikhism through having extra-large turbans, flowing beards and other outward manifestations of the faith, Punjab would be better served if Sikh politicians and civil servants practised ‘sewa” or selfless service – a core tenant of Sikhism – and adopting the virtues preached by the religion.

(Sukhdave captured a good number of beautiful photos. Click here or here for more)

Sukhdave Singh is a former deputy governor of Central Bank of Malaysia and a former independent director of Malaysian sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd. The article was published by Sukhdave on his LinkedIn page (link) and is reproduced here with his permission.

* This is the opinion of the writer, organisation or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Asia Samachar.

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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 |

Fashion expert and entrepreneur revealed as Ontario homicide victim

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Baljeet ‘Bally’ Toki (right) found dead in his shop Montagio Custom Tailoring in Oakville, Canada. Left, CTV News Toronto sceebgrab of police on the scene.

By Asia Samachar | Canada |

An entrepreneur who specialised in custom tailored menswear has been revealed as the homicide victim found in downtown Oakville.

Halton Regional Police say Baljeet ‘Bally’ Toki, 43, was found dead in his shop Montagio Custom Tailoring on Lakehsore Road on Saturday (March 22).

Initial reports indicated the death was deemed suspicious, and now police have called in its Major Crime Unit to investigate, reported Insauga Ontario Local News.

Originally from Australia, Toki recently relocated to Canada, where he operated his custom-made clothing store on Lakeshore Road.

A regular blogger, Toki was often a source for fashion magazines and websites to comment on the latest trends in men’s fashion.

In a release issued on Tuesday, police say they have classified Toki’s suspicious death as a homicide. However, they say there is “no known threat to public safety.”

ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

Why I teach my daughter to cook?

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OneSikhMom on gender roles

By OneSikhMom | Online |

My daughter has been told by elders to learn to make cha (tea) or to cook simply because she’s a girl & will need to cook for guests or her husband one day. These comments really upset her.

Traditional gender roles are social expectations & stereotypes about how women should behave, dress, or act, which often leads to a division of responsibilities.

Our culture has assigned specific roles for women, where we’re expected to focus on domestic tasks, cooking & childcare.

But traditional gender roles are increasingly being challenged by our generation & the next one, because:
•They perpetuate harmful stereotypes & biases.
•They limit someone’s choices, hindering their growth.
•They create unhealthy dynamics with the division of labour in their relationships.

Gender roles are socially constructed and can be changed. I correct these elders and tell them that if I teach something to my daughter, I’ll be teaching it to my son too. We need to question & challenge these roles if we want to move towards greater gender equality.

How are you challenging traditional gender norms?

YOU CAN VIEW THE VIDEO ENTRY AT FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM

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ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

Sardarni Charan Kaur (1966 – 2025), PPR Taman Wahyu off Jalan Kuching, KL

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Sardarni Charan Kaur

6.8.1966 – 25.3.2025

PPR Taman Wahyu off Jalan Kuching, Kuala Lumpur

Village: Sadoke, Amritsar

Parents: Late Sardar Sardara Singh & Late Sardarni Pia Kaur

Husband: Charan Singh a/l Surain Singh (Tanjung Tualang)

Children & Spouses:
Chanchal Kaur
Rahul Singh & HemaPria
Roshan Singh

Granddaughters:
Mehreenjit Kaur
Raychelljit Kaur
Pavleenjit Kaur

Siblings & Spouses:
Jasbir Kaur (Arti) & Daljit Singh
Rani Rangan & Hemant Rangan
Late Harban Singh (Roy) & Kuldip Kaur (Vita)
Harbans Kaur & Jogaraj Singh
Jogindar Singh (Joe Randhawa) & Balvindar Kaur (Raj)
Dalbeer Singh (David) & Amritpal Kaur

Nephews, Nieces, Niece in Law, Nephews in Law, Grandnephews & Grandniece.

SASKAAR (CREMATION)
Wednesday, 26th March 2025
Samshan Bhoomi, Jalan Loke Yew, KL

1pm: Arival of cortege
3pm: Saskaar(cremation)

PATH DA BHOG
Gurdwara Sahib Selayang
Saturday, 5th April 2025
10am to 12pm

Joe Randhawa – 012 229 2466
Dalbeer Randhawa (David) 016 229 7371

Link to posting at Facebook and Instagram

| Entry: 25 March 2025 | Source: Family

ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

Amrik Singh Sidhu Brar (1941 – 2025), Batu Pahat, Johor

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AMRIK SINGH SIDHU BRAR S/O GURDIAL SINGH

(25.8.1941 – 20.3.2025)

Batu Pahat, Johor | Village: Didarewala

Parents: Late Sardar Gurdial Singh Sidhu Brar & Late Mata Harnam Kaur

Wife: Sardarni Pritam Kour d/o Labh Singh

Children & Spouses:
Dato’ Jaswant Singh & Datin Amurjit Kaur
Awtar Singh Brar & Joy Ann Luang Ectoconing
Satvinder Kaur & Chatar Singh
Ravinder Kaur & Dr. Steven Lourdes
 
Grandchildren:
Dr. Taranjit Kaur Brar
Dr. Pavanjit Kaur Brar
Harvin Singh
Harmeet Kaur
Isabelle Lourdes

Siblings, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

AKHAND PATH
8am on Thursday, 27th March 2025 to 8am on Saturday, 29th March 2025 at residence
Address: No 1, Jalan Punai, Kampung Merdeka, 83000, Batu Pahat, Johor

KIRTAN, PATH DA BHOG & ANTIM ARDAAS
Gurdwara Sahib Batu Pahat
10am on Saturday, 29th March 2025
Guru Ka Langgar will be served on all days

Contact:
Dato’ Jaswant Singh – 012 785 8988
Ranjit Singh – 012 679 3053

We sincerely thank everyone for their condolences, prayers, assistance, love and support during this difficult time.

MESSAGE FROM THE FAMILY

With profound sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved father, Sardar Amrik Singh Sidhu Brar, who left us for his heavenly abode on Thursday, 20th March 2025.

He was a devoted husband, loving father, a proud grandfather and a truly remarkable brother. He brought his family together with love and always placing others before himself.

Sardar Amrik Singh lived a life rooted in humility, sincerity and service, leading by example – through his actions, values and gentle presence.

Though our hearts ache with his absence, we find comfort in knowing that he now rests in eternal peace, reunited with the Divine Light. His love and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Thank you for everything that you did for us, Father. We are exceptionally lucky to have had a father like you. You will be deeply missed and remain in our hearts forever.

Link to posting at Facebook and Instagram

| Entry: 24 March 2025 | Source: Family

ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

A Cry from the Heart: Will the Sikh Panth Rise from This Crisis?

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L-R: Panjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Kuldeep Singh Gargaj makes appearance at Akal Takht to assume acting jathedar role, and Sukhbir Singh Badal holding court

By Manjit Kaur | Opinion |

I have always believed in the strength of our Panth; the resilience that has carried us through the darkest of times, the spirit that has allowed us to rise above oppression, and the unity (ekta) that has been our greatest weapon. But today, I cannot help but ask: Where has that unity gone?

We often assume that our religious institutions, traditions, and leaders will provide us with stability, that they will always stand as pillars of justice and righteousness. But the truth is far more painful. The Sikh Panth is in turmoil, shaken by internal strife, power struggles, and broken trust. The recent dismissal of the Jathedars in Amritsar, the corruption seeping through our institutions – Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Akali Dal, Akaal Takht – are not just political battles. They are symptoms of a deeper disease, one that is eating away at the soul of our community.

As I recently travelled through Panjab in an auto-rickshaw, the jolts and swerves on its broken roads reminded me of our Panth’s journey. At times, the path is steady, hopeful. But then, without warning, a pothole appears, throwing everything into chaos. And now, we are not just on a bumpy road, we are trapped in a deep ditch, unable to move forward. The question is: Do we have the courage to climb out let go of our ego?

It pains me to say this, but today, Sikhs, both as individuals and within Panthic groups, are acting like a broken family where love (piar) has faded. Our institutions resemble toxic relationships, where control, manipulation, and betrayal have replaced trust and seva. Just as a woman in an abusive relationship fears speaking out, dreading retaliation, many ordinary Sikhs today have been silenced by corrupt leadership and self-proclaimed “Sants” who exploit our faith for personal gain. Fear keeps people trapped in oppression. But history has shown us one thing: when we rise together, we shatter chains.

This is our moment of truth. Will we remain passive, allowing those who have hijacked our institutions to dictate our fate? Or will we, like our ancestors, stand tall, reclaim our sovereignty, and demand integrity. Our Gurus taught us to fight injustice, not just in the world but within our own homes This is not the time for silence. It is the time for action.

The road ahead will not be easy. Healing the fractures within our Panth will take patience, wisdom, and most importantly, courage. It will require us to embrace new voices, new ideas, and new leadership, rooted in the timeless values of Gurmat and Guru Granth Sahib. It will demand that we break free from the grip of fear and stand against those who exploit our faith for power and greed.

No revolution ever begins with the masses; it starts with a few brave souls willing to speak truth, to take a stand. And when those few rise, others follow. Let today be the day we choose to rise. Let today be the day we refuse to be led astray. Let today be the day we reclaim the Panth forge a path forward, together with love and in unity.

Manjit Kaur, a UK-based therapist and counsellor, is a presenter at the 1 Show Live at Panjab Broadcasting Channel, UK. She can be contacted via email at manjitkaur1show@gmail.com

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ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

Balwant Singh Dhaliwal (1958 – 2025), D Tandoori House Restaurant, Melaka

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Sardar Balwant Singh Dhaliwal

7.6.1958 – 17.3.2025

(D Tandoori House Restaurant, Melaka)

Departed on 17 March 2025

Deeply mourned & cherished by beloved family, relatives and friends.

Sehaj Path da Bhog will be held on 29 March 2025 at Gurdwara Sahib Melaka 9am to 12pm followed by Guru Ka Langgar.

Link to posting at Facebook and Instagram

| Entry: 23 March 2025 | Source: Family

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