Kuala Lumpur Sikh Sports and Recreation Club (KLSSRC) plans to field a team for the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL) 2025 season, marking its fourth consecutive year in the league.
The initiative aims to provide young and talented athletes the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete at higher level competitive field hockey.
The team is seeking sponsorship of RM30,000 to cover its shortfall in funding. The funds will be utilised starting from April 2025, according to a KLSSRC note sent to Asia Samachar.
The club’s selection process will take place on March 29 (Saturday) and April 6 (Sunday) at Stadium Tun Razak. Sikh hockey players under the age of 19 are encouraged to join us and gain experience. (For latest updates, follow KLSSRC Instagram).
KLSSRC hockey team for 2023 U19 MJHL KLSSRC hockey team for 2022 U21 MJHL
Banking Details
You can transfer funds to KLSSRC account with a note specifying “MJHL 2025”.
Account Name: Kelab Sukan dan Rekreasi Sikh KL Bank: Maybank Account No: 512334325524 Send transaction slip to +60 16-219 4511 for record purpose, receipts to be provided.
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
With profound grief and sorrow, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our Beloved Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather on 9th March 2025. Deeply missed by children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, relatives and friends.
Grandchildren, great grandchildren, family, relatives and friends
LAST RITES 10 March 2025 (Monday)
2.00pm: Cortege departs from residence No. 147, Laluan Sg Pari 3, Teluk Kurin 30100, Buntong Ipoh 2.15pm: Saskaar (cremation) at Wadda Gudwara Sikh Crematorium, Ipoh
AKHAND PATH Gudwara Sahib Buntong, Ipoh 20th, 21st and 22nd March 2025 (Thursday to Saturday) (Akhand Path to begin at xxam) Path Da Bhog on Saturday, 22nd March, from 10am to 12pm
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
Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, flanked by Giani Harpreet Singh and Giani Sultan Singh, delcares SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal tankhaiya in Amritsar on Aug 30, 2024 — Photo: Videograb from TNS video
By Asia Samachar | Panjab |
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has removed jathedars of Akal Takht and Takht Kesgarh Sahib probably for their roles in censuring Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal.
The removal of Akal Takhat jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and Takht Kesgarh jathedar Giani Sultan Singh comes on the heels of the ouster last month of the Takht Damdama Sahib jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, who was Akal Takht acting jathedar Akal Takht earlier.
The trio were part of the Panj Pyarey that pronounced a tankah on Sukhbir for various “mistakes” committed by the SAD government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017. This led to Sukhbir, the son of two-time Panjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal from a wealthy and politically powerful family, presenting himself at Darbar Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, to perform ‘seva’.
At its executive committee yesterday (March 8), the Amritsar-based SGPC sacked Raghbir as Akal Takht jathedar for “failing to guide the Panth and address contemporary issues effectively,” reported Tribune News Service. The same meeting also removed Sultan.
However, Ragbir and Sultan will continue to serve as Darbar Sahib head granthi and granthi, respectively.
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj will take over as the Kesgarh Jathedar, with an additional charge of officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht, while former SAD Barnala district president Tek Singh Dhanaula was made the new jathedar for Takht Damdama Sahib, the report added.
Gargaj, who has an MA in History, has been working as a preacher with the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee for the past two decades. He has also been preaching at a gurdwara in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, according to the Indian Express.
He reportedly has a good command over delivering discourses on Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and explaining key Sikh historical texts such as Sri Gurpratap Suraj Granth and Prachin Panth Prakash, among others. He has also been rendering katha (religious discourse) service in the Diwan Hall of Gurdwara Manji Sahib at Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar.
Gargaj has reportedly also been taking care of orphaned Sikh children, supporting their education and well-being, the report added.
The SGPC meeting was chaired by senior vice-president Raghujit Singh Virk in the absence of president Harjinder Singh Dhami who had submitted his resignation. The decision on the resignation has been kept pending, according to the TNS report.
The spate of removals come some six months after the panj pyarey, led by Raghbir, declared Sukhbir a tankhaiya on Aug 30, 2024.
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
PD Singh joins as CEO for India at Standard Chartered
By Asia Samachar | India |
Prabdev Singh is all set to kick-start the third phase of his banking career when he officials takes up the CEO for India at Standard Chartered effective April 1.
An engineer by training, PD Singh, as he’s more popularly known, has been a banker throught and through for close to three decades now.
Prior to this, PD was the CEO of JP Morgan Chase Bank in India, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the bank’s corporate banking franchise as a founding member. In total, he had spent one decade at the bank.
Before that, he served 15 years at HSBC, joining the bank as relatinship manager and leaving as country head for corporate banking for large local corporates.
A double MBA with an engineering degree, he has made an impactful contribution to the financial sector, bringing with him a wealth of experience from close to three decades in banking and finance, spanning leadership and coverage roles across European and American banks, Standard Chartered said in a statement announcing his appointment.
In the same statement, Sunil Kaushal, Co-Head, Corporate & Investment Banking and CEO, ASEAN and South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank, said: “India is a key market within Standard Chartered, and we have ambitious plans as the country’s growth story continues to unfold. His in-depth experience and understanding of the markets, coupled with strong client and stakeholder relationships, will be a valuable addition to the Bank’s leadership team as we accelerate our cross-border and wealth strategy.”
On his appointment, PD said: “It’s a privilege for me to join Standard Chartered, which has a rich legacy spanning more than 165 years. I have been a keen observer of the Bank’s ambitions and growth trajectory in India and am looking forward to playing a role in reaffirming our commitment by further driving sustained growth and delivering value to our stakeholders.”
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
Lately, there have been many sweets or ‘soft candy’ that are large and chewy in nature sold with many being viral in the social media.
In Malaysia, a 10-year-old child died from choking to a soft candy in the shape of a human eyeball. The boy from Penang, who had been fighting for his life in intensive care for two days after choking on the gummy candy, died on Feb 20.
Soft candy is a chewy candy that includes gum, marshmallow and caramel. They pose several risks to swallowing among children as
1) Its chewy nature that changes shape makes it difficult for the child’s teeth to chew before it is swallowed into the stomach. Therefore it is not suitable for small children who have not yet grown teeth or do not have strong teeth. 2) Its elastic property also allows it to change shape without breaking into small sizes. Therefore, large and round chewy candies should be avoided because when swallowed before chewing, they may conform to the surrounding resulting in obstruction to the airway, this is in particular for children under 5-years-old. 3) Due to the increase in chewing effort, our salivary glands are forced to work overtime, producing large amounts of saliva. This further contributes to the risk of choking. 4) Pliable and round objects or food have shown to pose a higher risk of choking compared to solids.
Susy Safe Group is a research group in Europe that collects data on choking incidents for children around the world. According to the Susy Safe report, choking on foreign bodies (food or toys) is the highest cause of death among children under 3 years of age and is at risk of occurring in children up to the age of 14.
In a scientific journal publication by the author in The Indian Journal of Pediatrics, there are approximately 42 children in Malaysia who were reported to have swallowed or choked on food or foreign bodies from 1970-2015. However, this number may be higher as not all cases are being reported within the scientific platform. The publication highlighted that round foods such as beans are the most choked foods compared to plastic foreign objects such as pencil caps in Malaysia.
Food Color and Shape
Soft Candy that is always made in interesting colors, tasty flavors and a plethora shapes, often becoming an envy and attraction to our children. Another study conducted by Dr Gendeh and Prof Dr Goh at UKM’s Faculty of Medicine discovered that spherical shaped food is more likely to cause choking. Brightly colored food or foreign object is more likely to become foreign in the ear, nose or throat because it gives more attraction to the child.
If sweets are eaten in moderation, they rarely have a big impact. However, if a child eats excessively it may lead to harmful health consequences. Among them are
1) The risk of getting diabetes 2) The Risk of gaining weight and being obese 3) Teeth are easily damaged due to bacteria that feed on sugar as food 4) Consuming large amounts of sweets results in early satiety causing lack of nutrients and other vitamins. This in turn may stunt growth.
Preventing Chocking
There are several steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of choking. Among them are
1) Always check candy labels for appropriate age warnings. For example, a large piece of candy that poses a choking risk may display a warning to be kept away from children aged 4 and under. 2) Parents or guardians need to watch children when they are given candies or small toys that are easy to swallow to reduce the risk of choking 3) Avoid feeding large chunky sweets to children. Sweets should be cut into smaller sizes lest choking 4) Avoid eating while playing. Children who play while chewing candy are easily distracted and overworked, causing choking incidents. 5) Equipping parents, guardians and teachers with first aid for a choking child. 6) Educate parents not to allow access to small objects or dangerous foods, especially to children under 3 years of age.
Where do we go from here?
Circumventing choking incidences is a shared responsibility from the parents to sweet manufacturers.
1) There should be an appropriate age on the candy label based on the risk of choking. The results of the Susy Safe project study suggest that food or foreign bodies smaller than the volume of the infamous ‘small parts ‘cylinder should not be given to children under 3 years old. Furthermore, a clear warning should be read on the label. 2) Avoid selling chewy sweets directly to children under 14 years of age. 3) There is a need to gather local/national data regarding the risk of choking among children 4) A mechanism for easy reporting of choking in Malaysia. Data is vital for evidence-based medicine in guiding the industry to produce age-appropriate food or toys in the need to reduce the risk of choking among children.
Dr Hardip Singh Gendeh is a lecturer at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Dr Gendeh is also an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon at Hospital Chancellor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), UKM.
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(Asia Samachar, x 2022)
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
The recent revelation on social media that Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma, head of the Damdami Taksal, participated in the Kumbh Mela by taking a dip in the sacred river Saraswati at Prayag sparked a significant debate within the Sikh community. Critics argued that since Gurbani critiques the practice of ritual bathing in holy rivers, his participation contradicted Sikh teachings (Gurmat). Defenders countered that, historically, Sikhs have visited the holy sites and festivals of other faiths, dating back to the time of Guru Nanak Ji.
Regardless of one’s stance on the matter, there is no denying the immense cultural and political significance of the festival. Recognised globally as the largest congregation of people in human history, the festival has captured the imagination of millions of Indians. Spread over 6 weeks between 13 Jan to 26 Feb 2025, an estimated 600 million people attended. Its sheer scale was such that the spectacle was visible from space! This year’s festival underlines the decision taken by in UNESCO in 2017 to recognise the Kumbh Mela as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further cementing its status as a global cultural phenomenon.
Sikh Participation
Although the Kumbh Mela is primarily associated with Hinduism and Santan dharma, people of other faith traditions, including Sikhs, also participated in the festival. Indeed, amongst the 13 Akharas (spiritual orders) at the Maha Kumbh, three have direct Sikh associations: the Nirmala Akhara, the Bada Udaseen Akhara, and the Naya Udaseen Akhara. These three Sikh Akharas trace their origins to Guru Nanak, specifically his elder son, Baba Sri Chand.
A scene at Mahakumbh, taken on February 10, 2013 – Photo: Gurpreet Singh
A significant highlight of the Sikh presence was the Nagar Kirtan and Gatka performances by Nihangs associated with the Nirmala Akhara. This showcased both the spiritual and martial traditions of Sikhi. The media coverage suggests that much reverence was accorded to the Sikh participation, both from the large crowds of devotees and the key organisers of the Maha Kumbh. The presence of Namdhari Sikhs at the Maha Kumbh further reflected the enduring bond between Hindu and Sikh traditions. As mentioned earlier, this was reinforced by the visit of Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma, who emphasised that Sikh Gurus, including Guru Nanak, had visited sacred sites such as Prayagraj and Kashi, highlighting the historical interactions between Sikhi and Hinduism.
Rejection of Ritualism and Pilgrimage
While interfaith participation fosters mutual understanding, it is crucial to ensure that faith boundaries are not blurred. Sikhi has a distinct identity, rooted in principles that reject empty rituals. Central to Sikh teachings is the belief that spiritual liberation is achieved through devotion to One God, selfless service, and righteous living rather than ritualistic acts. Guru Nanak openly criticised the practice of ritual bathing in sacred waters, emphasising that inner purity and truthful living are far more important than external cleansing:
“Pilgrimages, austere discipline, compassion and charity — these, by themselves, bring only an iota of merit. Listening and believing with love and humility in your mind, cleanse yourself with the Name, at the sacred shrine deep within.” (ਤੀਰਥ, ਤਪ, ਦਇਆ, ਦਾਤੁ ਦਾਨੁ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਪਾਵੈ ਤਿਲ ਕਾ ਮਾਨੁ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਆ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਕੀਤਾ ਭਾਉ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਗਤਿ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਮਲਿ ਨਾਉ ॥), Guru Nanak, Guru Granth Sahib, p 4)
“They go and bathe at sacred shrines of pilgrimage, but their minds are still evil, and their bodies are thieves. Some of their filth is washed off by these baths, but they only accumulate twice as much. Like a gourd, they may be washed off on the outside, but on the inside, they are still filled with poison. The holy man is blessed, even without such bathing, while a thief is a thief, no matter how much he bathes.” ||2|| [English translation: Dr Sant Singh Khalsa]
Bhagat Kabeer is particularly scathing about empty ritual bathing practices by sarcastically suggesting if this was a means for liberation, then heaven should be full of the various life forms that spend their whole life in sacred river waters.
“With filth within the heart, even if one bathes at sacred places of pilgrimage, still, he shall not go to heaven. Nothing is gained by trying to please others – the Divine cannot be fooled. ||1|| Worship the One. The true cleansing bath is service to the Guru. ||1||Pause|| If bathing at sacred shrines could grant liberation, then what about the frogs and fish that live in water all their lives?”
The Guru Granth Sahib consistently warns against engaging in meaningless rituals, including pilgrimage, idol worship, and superstitious acts. Guru Amar Das Ji, the third Sikh Guru, discouraged Sikhs from undertaking pilgrimages to places like the Ganges, stressing that God resides within and can be realised through selfless actions and truthful living. For sure, as is clearly documented in the Janam Sakhis, Guru Nanak Ji visited many pilgrimage sites, but most critically, not to endorse the ritualistic practices he saw, but to challenge the blind adherence to rituals that distract from true spirituality and rationality.
Given these foundational Sikh teachings, the participation of various Sikh sects in the Maha Kumbh appears contradictory. While some groups emphasise historical interactions between Sikhs and Hindu traditions, their presence at a festival centred on ritual bathing raises questions about their commitment to Sikh principles. Additionally, such participation exposes them to political narratives advanced by Hindutva ideologues, such as Yogi Adityanath, who seek to frame India as a Hindu nation and subsume Sikhi under the umbrella of Sanatan Dharma. This misrepresentation contradicts Sikh theology, which stands independently from Brahmanical traditions.
Commitment to Interfaith Dialogue
The core of Sikh praxis is to transend differences in search of universal connections. Interfaith dialogue and participation, embodying an inclusive spirit that embraces diversity is critical for this to take place and there are many shabads in Guru Granth Sahib ji that highlight this. Indeed, the Darbar Sahib in Amritsar with its four doors open to the corners of the Earth, exemplifies this ethos, welcoming thousands of visitors from various religious backgrounds and none, and offering langar (a free community meal) to all, symbolising equality and compassion. This practice reflects the core Sikh belief in unity, humility, and service to humanity, which is the core of Sikh belief. To serve those in need is the highest deed one can perform.
In this spirit, Sikhs have no reason to object to reciprocating such openness by participating in festivals of other faiths. Interfaith engagement fosters respect and strengthens communal harmony. However, participation should not come at the cost of compromising Sikh identity or core teachings. While Sikhs should actively engage in interfaith dialogue, they must also remain cautious of attempts to dilute their distinct identity within the broader framework of Sanatan Dharma. One can only guess what motivated Baba Harnam Singh may have to perform the bathing ritual, but it is clear that his actions lend support to the RSS Hindutva claims that Sikhs form part of the wider Sanatan Dharam!
Preserving Sikh Identity
The Maha Kumbh Mela is a testament to India’s diverse spiritual landscape, where different traditions converge in a grand celebration of faith and devotion. However, it is vital for Sikhs to remain vigilant against attempts to assimilate their distinct faith into a broader Hindu identity. While interfaith engagement can promote dialogue and understanding, it should not come at the expense of core Sikh principles.
Gurnam Singh is an academic activist dedicated to human rights, liberty, equality, social and environmental justice. He is an Associate Professor of Sociology at University of Warwick, UK. He can be contacted at Gurnam.singh.1@warwick.ac.uk
* This is the opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Asia Samachar.
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
With profound sadness, we share the news of the passing of our beloved father, Dr Sarjit Singh Sidhu A/L Harbajan Singh (B.K.M), husband of Pajan Kaur Nagreh, on 5th March 2025
He was a great father, a loving grandfather, a great friend, and the true backbone of our family. He was our guiding light, our source of strength, and the heart of our home.
His kindness knew no bounds, his love was unconditional and his presence brought warmth to everyone around him. He dedicated his life caring for his family and friends, always putting others before himself, and ensuring that love and laughter filled every moment.
His wisdom, strength, and unwavering support will forever be missed. He will live in our hearts forever, and his love will never fade.
We will always cherish his warmth and beautiful memories forever.
Leaving behind beloved,
Mother: Prakash Kaur
Children & Spouse: Dr Manveer Singh Sidhu & Dr Reshampreet Kaur
| Entry: 5 March 2025; Updated 8 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
15th of March 2025, Saturday 6.30pm to 8.30pm Gurdwara Sahib Pulapol, KL
A couple of Sikh societies at Malaysian universities and colleges are coming together for an evening of prayer and mingling. To all the students out there, mark your calendar.
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
Manjit Kaur (right) with a a semi-abandoned home in Bathinda District, Punjab, India – Photo: Sukhie, Lady Traveler (Taken on 9 Oct 2016)
By Manjit Kaur | Opinion |
On my current visit to Punjab, I have been reflecting on my sense of identity and home. Before I arrived, having not been for 13 years, I was excited. But if I am honest, after visiting different villages and cities, I began to think about the changes that have taken place, both good and bad. It also got me thinking about what home means to me now at the age of 62.
What is home; where is home? For someone like me, a Punjabi Sikh female born and bred in the UK, this is not a simple question; it is layered with emotions, experiences, and contrasts. In a very simple sense, home is where I grew up in Birmingham, UK. This is where my family lived, where I went to school, made childhood friends, and built my life. Yet, home is also a place I first visited as a child, a distant land full of memories, warmth, and contradictions, the land of my ancestors, the Punjab!
THE VILLAGE
My first visit to Punjab was at the age of 11, under the saddest of circumstances, the passing of my grandfather (Baba). I first got to know him when he visited the UK; I was seven years old. During his time with us, I remember him showering us with love and affection. Stepping into Punjab for the first time, I felt completely out of place. The village looked nothing like home in the UK. However, I remember entering my grandfather’s house in Malhi village near Nakodar, feeling an overwhelming sense of love and welcome.
The lifestyle was unfamiliar, open spaces, simple brick houses, no modern kitchens. I questioned everything: How do they cook? Where do they go to the toilet? Why are they all constantly staring at me? Why is there no privacy? As I spent time there, I adjusted to the toilet in the field, crouching on the ground, bathing with water from a hand pump (nalka) and a bucket, and meals cooked on an open stove (chulha).
It wasn’t all one-way traffic. I remember introducing my aunty (chachi) to the idea of chips, which was a completely new thing to her! I showed her how to take a potato, peel it, chop it into small strips, and then fry them in hot oil. She was fascinated; I never thought that making chips was that exotic. It was a different world, yet one filled with learning, laughter, and love, as well as some discomfort.
One memory stands out for me, walking with my aunt as she carried food to the men working in the fields. We laughed, shared stories, and I began to appreciate the beauty of this place, the fresh air and green fields. Though daily life was quite simple, Punjab was vibrant, full of warmth, love, and a strong sense of community. Everyone knew each other; word of visitors spread like wildfire. But beneath this charm, I saw realities I wasn’t prepared for. Women had limited choices, suffering in silence because they had nowhere else to go. Social structures dictated their fate, and speaking up was seen as disrespectful.
When I returned at 18, I understood things differently. I saw a Punjab caught between tradition and modernity, between underdevelopment and chaotic development. Living in Jalandhar city for a year, I was struck by the language shift, many preferred Hindi or English over Punjabi. On the positive side, I learnt to read and write Punjabi through a personal tutor, who was brilliant. This really helped me with my Sikhi and reading and understanding Gurbani.
I never grew up with caste distinctions thanks to my parents, who never mentioned this to me. It was not until later that I became aware that I had a caste, but being totally against caste, I never mentioned this to my children. However, in India, caste was ever-present. Despite this, the cities seemed more open and welcoming, less bound by the rigid social divisions that were very clear in the villages. I remember being told not to sit and eat with the cleaners and farm labourers, whom I was told were of a lower caste to me as a ‘Jat’. I was very troubled by this and the taboos of untouchability, which reminded me of the worst kind of racism back in the UK. However, I resisted and made it my purpose to engage with them and learn about their lives and struggles.
CHANGING FACE OF PUNJAB
Over the years, I kept visiting Punjab, observing its changing face. The influence of the West was undeniable. People admired life abroad, wanting to leave rather than stay. I saw empty, decaying houses, symbols of dreams that had moved elsewhere. Many who had intended to return never did. This confirms to me that migration is almost always a one-way process. The younger generation aspired for a different life, one beyond the fields and villages of Punjab, but in the modern cities of Canada, the USA, and England. They are desperate to get out, and there are plenty of agents offering their services to obtain student and visitor visas. Sadly, unless they are well supported, the hopes and dreams that are sold end up as nightmares, with many wishing they had never made the journey in the first place.
Now, at the age of 62, on my most recent trip to Punjab for an eight-week stay, I have managed to get a real sense of where Punjab is today. Through talking to students, teachers, families, and ordinary people, and by travelling around both in the cities and villages, on all modes of transport, from auto rickshaws, taxis, buses, and trains, I have gained a real sense of the change taking place, both in attitudes and the environment. Though society is changing rapidly, and most people, from rich to poor, have access to mobile phones and social media, corruption and inequality are still widespread. The rich seem to be getting richer and the poor poorer. Next to huge, gated houses and high rise estates, there is still filth, rubbish, and broken roads everywhere. Money dictates respect: if you have it, doors will be opened; if you don’t, you are invisible. Some people share their wealth, helping others, while others simply end up hoarding it. Punjab, once known for its hospitality, felt colder. The once-proud land of Rangla Punjab seemed hollow, with people desperate to leave.
And as for politics, while every corner has posters of political and religious leaders asking for the support of the people, most seem to be disconnected. Speaking to ordinary farmers revealed to me that their aspirations do not reflect the propaganda that we see in the Western countries relating to demands, such as for separation from India. Their priorities are for basic needs such as a roof over their heads, food, clothing, education, health, and warmth. The grand idea of an independent Sikh homeland called Khalistan felt distant to them, and few were willing to even talk about it. This might be because they are afraid due to past suffering, but my sense is of a generational shift. Most people want to move on and build their lives in harmony rather than engage in conflict.
HERITAGE STRUGGLE
As I reflect on the Punjab of today, I see it struggling to hold onto its heritage. Modernisation has brought shopping malls, fast food chains, and international brands, yet at the cost of its unique cultural identity. The villages are being absorbed into the expanding cities, rural employment is in decline, and more and more people are moving to the cities for work. Everybody is trying to become like a ‘Westerner’, which is perhaps most graphically revealed in the regular spectacle of Amritdhari Sikhs dressed in full traditional bana (Sikh warrior attire) eating out in McDonald’s, KFC, and Domino’s Pizza. I have no problem with this, but the sight of men and women in Punjab adopting Western lifestyles reminds me of a coconut mentality, brown on the outside but white on the inside.
It’s painful to witness the erosion of tradition, the loss of community spirit, and the emptying of the villages. And yet, time moves forward. The world changes. People change! This is an unavoidable truth. But, for me, especially now that my grandparents from both sides and my dad and mum, who used to travel regularly to Punjab, are no longer alive, and all my immediate family live in the UK, I guess this is where my home is.
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
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
More than two dozen Sikh students from Ipoh, Sungai Siput, Tapah and Malim Nawar took part in Personal Branding For Beginners workshop organised by EKTA YDLL in Ipoh on Feb 22, 2025.
By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |
Twenty-six Sikh students got invaluable insights into how they can present themselves better to the world to get ahead in whatever endeavour they are pursuing.
The students from Ipoh, Sungai Siput, Tapah and Malim Nawar took part in the Personal Branding For Beginners workshop in Ipoh on Feb 22, 2025.
This is the signature programme designed and championed by EKTA Club Kuala Lumpur & Selangor, with Asia Samachar as the media partner.
Since 2018, EKTA’s youth development and life-long learning wing (YDLL) has been offered the workshop to many youth in the Klang Valley. This was the first time they ventured out of the Klang Valley. Here, they teamed up with a remarkable NGO, Sikh Single Mothers Association Ipoh, Perak
EKTA YDLL is a team of 10 enthusiastic facilitators with a strong passion of helping Punjabi-Sikh youth maximise their potential – their strengths, their values, their talents – as they create an impactful Personal Brand Profile.
SikhMai successfully reached out to 26 Sikh youth, largely due to the hardwork of Amarjid Kaur (Head of the Education Portfolio, SikhMai) and her team.
Many of these youth were forced to mature beyond their age, due to their difficult circumstances, especially the loss of their fathers.
This is openly expressed by Harvin: “A person once said, “life is like a game, you always can retry if you lose but you must win if you want to move on”. That’s how my life is. I must strive to find success in order to live in this world. I am the son of a single mother with a special needs sister. My mum takes education very seriously because education is the most important aspect of our lives and like a game, I must win to move on in my life.”
Amrelddeep, another participant, recognizes the integral role of her mother: “My mother was always a source of inspiration for me. My father died when I was 14 years old. This made my mother a single mother and the sole breadwinner of our small family. My mother struggled with multiple jobs to raise me and my siblings. In return, my mother always advised me that ‘education is extremely important in every soul’s life’. Since then, my mother’s words have been the driving force in my life.”
“It was truly heartwarming to welcome these young ones to our workshop. No matter at what levels they come to us, we always try our best to ensure that at the end, they leave with some useful takeaways,” EKTA YDLL chair Dr Saran Kaur Gill, a former deputy vice chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, told Asia Samacha.
“We had a student, Rajveer, who came all the way from Sungai Petani by Grab. He was determined to attend the workshop. He was a delight to have as he had a positive attitude of wanting to learn and to work hard,” she added.
In the evaluation questionnaire, Rajveer had this to say: “The workshop was an absolute game-changer for me! It not only provided valuable insights but also instilled a deep sense of responsibility in my life The way it delivers its message is spot-on, clear, impactful and inspiring. Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing!”
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
