Naam Ras Kirtan Darbar 2018, one of the larger Sikh programmes in the region, kicked off with a strong turnout today (22 Dec 2018).
The four-day event is taking place at Singapore Expo.
Organised at this scale every alternate year, the event also features Khalsa Aid CEO Ravinder Singh.
There were also about a dozen members of different faiths who turned up for an interfaith programme.
Singapore opposition leader Pritam Singh has been named as one of the 19 movers and shakers in the coming year.
English newspaper The Straits Times listed the 42-year old Workers’ Party chief along with finance minister Heng Swee Keat in its ’19 To Watch in 2019′ report released on Saturday.
Pritam’s major task ahead will be to lead his party for the next general elections that must be held before April 2021.
In April, Pritam won unopposed the party’s secretary general post, giving him control of Singapore’s largest opposition party.
He replaced Low Thia Khiang who held the post for 17 years.
The report noted that Pritam would want to step out from Low’s shadow to make his own mark.
He has been deeply involved in multiple issues in Parliament, such as the need for new laws to counter fake news and whether the Government should tap more of the country’s reserves to meet growing spending needs, the report noted.
Outside Parliament, it added that Pritam faces internal issues healing rifts that had emerged within the party with older cadres as the young rise up the ranks.
The report also makes mention of the impending multimillion-dollar civil lawsuits over how Pritam and his party colleagues ran Aljunied-Hougang Town Council.
“The outcome could have an impact on their election strategies,” according to the pro-establishment newspaper.
Pritam first entered parliament after a spectacular victory in the 2011 general elections. He was part of a five-person WP’s team that took on People’s Action Party (PAP) team led by Foreign Minister George Yeo for the Aljunied Group Representation Constituency (GRC). WP’s victory in that contest marked the first occasion in Singapore’s history when an opposition party had won an election in a GRC.
GRC is unique to the Singapore political landscape. Political parties are required to field a team of between three to six candidates, with at least one of them coming from a minority race.
WP repeated the same success in Aljunied in 2015, with Pritam again being part of the team.
Pritam was then appointed as the chairman of the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council, the only town council cornered by an opposition party after the 2015 polls.
Pritam Singh elected secretary general, takes charge of Workers’ Party (Asia Samachar, 8 April 2018)
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 |
An alternate team has taken over the running of the Malacca gurdwara, potentially diffusing a disagreement that has been brewing for some months.
The protem team, led by Tirath Singh, was elected unopposed at the Gurdwara Sahib Malacca (GSM) emergency general meeting (EGM) on Sunday (16 Dec 2018).
In a statement issued to Asia Samachar, the new team said ‘a smooth transition’ has been worked out with the outgoing team led by Karam Singh.
“The Protem Management Committee humbly appeals to the worldwide Sikh Community to allow the Protem Committee time and space to heal the rifts in the local community and to restore the image, honour of the Gurdwara Sahib Melaka, the astaan where Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji shared and spread Gurbani to one and all,” according to the statement.
For some months, there have been numerous messages on the social media commenting on various gurdwara-related issues.
The bickering led to some members calling for an EGM that led to the latest develoment. It is understood the key members of the previous management team did not attend the meeting.
“One of our main task is to ensure a smooth running of the gurdwara until the next annual meeting that will be held before end-March,” Tirath, a technical director of a Malacca-based manufacturing firm, told Asia Samachar.
Tirath is no stranger to the gurdwara having served as a secretary earlier.
Gurdwara Sahib Melaka Press Release dated 23rd December 2018
The Protem Management Committee elected at the EGM on 16th December 2018, with the cooperation of the previous Mangement Committee, has effected a smooth transition of the administration of the Gurdwara Sahib Melaka.
We share the names of the Protem Management Committee Office Bearers:
(a) Sardar Tirath Singh – Protem President
(b) Sardar Gurdial Singh – Protem Vice-President
(c) Sardar Amarjit Singh – Protem Hon. Secretary
(d) Sardarni Charanjit Kaur – Protem Hon. Treasurer
(e) Sardar Mehar Singh – Protem Committee Member
(f) Sardarni Manmeet Kaur – Protem Committee Member
(g) Sardar Kuldip Singh – Hon. Auditor
All shardaloos and the Sangat of Melaka, Malaysia, Singapore and other countries, please note that the Akhand Paaths leading upto the Sant Sohan Singh Ji’s Annual Yaadgari Semagam on 24th to 27th May 2019 will commence on 1st January 2019.
The final Akhand Paath will end on Tuesday 21st May 2019 to enable the final preparations of the Gurdwara Sahib.
Everybody is invited to grace the occasion with their prescence and take away home with them sweet memories and most importantly individual spiritual benefits and knowledge of Sikhism. Those wishing to Partake Amrit can also forward their names and questions.
The Protem Management Committee humbly appeals to the worldwide Sikh Community to allow the Protem Committee time and space to heal the rifts in the local community and to restore the image, honour of the Gurdwara Sahib Melaka, the astaan where Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji shared and spread Gurbani to one and all.
Collectively, we can make our individual personal contribution to this appeal, by refraining from sharing or forwarding negative or degrading or slanderous media about the events related to Gurdwara Sahib Melaka on the Social Media.
Wise men have said that if one is unhappy about an event, share or inform this unhappiness with the individual or group, who is in a position to take the necessary action to effect a change or when there are times or events or resources which limit the change, can take note of your complaint for future implementation. Keeping this principle in the forefront the Gurdwara Sahib Melaka Protem Management Committee invites suggestions for improvements to the administration or other areas of Gurdwara Sahib Melaka at “gsmelaka@yahoo.com”.
Please forward your inquiries, by a phone call or WhatsApp, to ;
1. Sdr. Tirath Singh 012-3095140 (SMS only)
2. Sdr. Amarjit Singh 016-7546315
3. Sdrni. Manmeet Kaur 012-6122057
(Asia Samachar, 8 April 2018)
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 |
Keen to be part of Khalsa Aid or any such organisation? Start by doing seva (service) locally.
Keen to go on a mission with the UK-based humanitarian agency? Be warned! There is always risk involved when you venture into a disaster area.
These were among the messages Khalsa Aid CEO Ravinder Singh shared in his recent presentations in Malaysia and Singapore.
“When you’re packing your bag, one thing always goes in your mind: this could be your last mission. You never know what can happen in conflict and disaster zones,” he told a Sikh youth camp in Malaysia.
Ravi, as he is popular known, is talking from experience. Real, not virtual. He and his team have served in hotspots like Iraq, Syria, Kosovo and Myanmar.
“Emotionally, Iraq is the most draining,” he told an audience in Singapore. “This is the hardest (part) to deal with (in a mission).”
And the most difficult place to operate? Surprise, surprise – Punjab – homeground for Punjabis and Sikhs, the two most common denominators of Khalsa Aid volunteers.
“They [India-side Punjab authorities] are very suspicious of us. We get checked weekly,” he said.
In December, Ravi spoke at the annual Sikh youth camp of Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM) called the Annual Gurmat Parchaar Samelan. Later, he spoke at the biennial Naam Ras Kirtan Darbar 2018 in Singapore.
In between, he had a number of other engagements, including a public lecture hosted by Singapore Khalsa Association (SKA).
On his typical daily routine, Ravi said it involves continuous phone calls and engagements with the office staff.
“I’m constantly in touch with our operational staff. We now have teams in Turkey, Lebanon….I need to ensure they are safe.
“My day goes on phone and talking to staff and communicating on the social media. Social media is important to connect with the (wider) community,” he said.
Ravi was asked how he manages the fame that comes with the job as he is constantly on the forefront and in the news.
“There are different types of fame. Its mostly about money (for some). Some tell us do seva quitely and don’t make noise.
“Truth be told – there is Khalsa Aid (the organisation) which does the work, there is the person who can get corrupted with attention and adulation.
“We want people to remain with Khalsa Aid, follow the idea, and not the individual,” he said.
On this point, Ravi had noted that Khalsa Aid has grown from the early days.
“For the last 8-10 years, there is a great team of volunteers and staff that make it all happen. Before it was just Ravi Singh running around,” he told the 800-odd psrticipants and sevadars of the Malaysian camp.
So, what inspires Ravi? He said his biggest role models are the shaheeds (martyrs) and sevadars (band of volunteers).
“Look around you – the sevadars inspire me; how they selflessly perform their duties.
“I really admire all the wonderful volunteers, no matter which organisation you belong to. The volunteers on the ground from every organisation are the real heroes.
“My inspiration also comes from the Guru – Guru Granth Sahib. There are no middleman,” he added.
On the youth, Ravi said they are eager to connect.
“They want to do something useful. Get them involved in local seva. Join in your local seva, no matter which group,” he said.
He noted that most youth have a gap in their lives which can be filled with seva (service).
“I encourage people to get involved in local seva. It’s about linking and doing seva. Don’t wait for someone to tell you what to do to.
“Go out and get started. You can do a walk or whatever. Join groups and start at the grassroot level,” he said. In the UK, he said many have joined the various Langgar programmes.
Moving forward, Ravi said that plans are afoot to start Khalsa Aid presence in Malaysia and Singapore.
On his hopes for the Sangat, Ravi said Khalsa Aid has become an institution.
“As a human race Sikhs have so much to give. You are the symbol of hope,” he said.
Khalsa Aid is about hope. You can bring hope to someone wherever you are.
“We don’t have to go far to do seva. We can do it right here at home,” he said.
PRAYERS: Akhand Path starting from 10am on 28 December 2018 up to 30 December 2018, concluding with Path da Phog on 30 December 2018 at 12noon at Gurdwara Sahib Selayang Baru | Malaysia
Village: Vairo Nangal, Amritsar
Born: 1 February 1941
Departed: 23 December 2018
Husband: Sdr Tara Singh s/o Kehar Singh
Children / Spouses:
Karamjit Singh / Gurcharan Kaur
Gurcharan Kaur (Dolly) / Harjit Singh
Malvinder Kaur (Molly) / Jasbir Singh
Harvinder Kaur / Amrit Singh
Deeply missed by children, grandchildren, granddaughter in-law, relatives, friends & acquaintance
PRAYER:
Akhand Path starting from 10am on 28 December 2018 up to 30 December 2018, concluding with Path da Phog on 30 December 2018 at 12noon at Gurdwara Sahib Selayang Baru
Contact:
Karamjit Singh (+6 012 913 3023)
Gurcharan Kaur Dolly (+6 012 754 6815)
Malvinder Kaur Molly (+6 019 2300154)
Harvinder Kaur (+6 016 203 0129)
| Entry: 25 Dec 2018 | Source: Family |
With Christmas in the air, one Sikh portal shared an illustration of a Sikh santa clause. Meet Santa Singh!
LittleSikhs.com is an interactive world for children: a place of fun, games, discovery, art, creativity and friendship.
The portal was created for Sikh children to have a place of their own: A place that inspires and motivates them to explore the core values of Sikhi which embody generosity, strength and the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.
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 |
It was nothing less than jubilation when the Honourable Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Thailand Her Excellency Mrs. Suchitra Durai met up with the Indians residing here in Pattaya on Dec 16.
H.E. Mrs. Suchitra Durai together with her husband, former ambassador R. Swaminathan, and her entourage met with the Sikh community at the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sikh Temple where they were welcomed by Amrik Singh Kalra, president of the Thai Sikh Indian Community in Pattaya, and VP Paramjit Singh Ghogar. Her Excellency paid respects to the holy Guru Grant Sahib, the Sikh Holy Scripture and listened to the morning prayers.
Her Excellency spoke to the Sikh congregation expressing her happiness for having the opportunity to meet with them. The ambassador said that next year the Indian embassy was planning to mark the 550th anniversary of the birth of Sri Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism with ceremonies and festivities in Bangkok and Pattaya. At the same time 2019 also marks the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi which will also be marked by many traditional and colourful celebrations.
Later that afternoon a high tea was held at the Centara Grand Mirage where Her Excellency met with more than 100 members of the Indian community living and working in Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard.
See full report, entitled ‘Indian Ambassador conveys message of joy and hope to NRIs in Pattaya’ (Pattaya Mail, 21 Dec 2018), here.
Splendour in Pattaya (Asia Samachar, 24 July 2017)
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 |
Harminder Kaur, the mother of a number of Malaysian-born stalwart Sikh activists, passed away on Christmas Day in Australia.
She was well over 100 years, writes her son Gurmukh Singh, a retired UK senior civil servant and advisory board chair of the Sikh Missionary Society UK.
Her other sons are renowned kirtani and parcharak Dya Singh and Australia’s first sabat surat Sikh councillor Baldev Singh Dhaliwal. All three have been featured in the Asia Samachar.
Sehaj Paath starts today (26 Dec) at Adelaide Gurdwara and bhog is scheduled on 12 January 2019 (Saturday), according to an email from Dya.
Born on 15 April 1922 in a Grewal family of village Dhandra near Ludhiana in Panjab, she was married at the age of 15 years to S Harchand Singh, son of a Dhaliwal Nambardar (also pronounced as Lambardar, meaning headman) of the historical village of Bassian near Raikot in Ludhiana.
Later to become the renowned Kirtania parcharak, Giani Harchand Singh Bassian of Malaya, he had returned to Panjab after staying with his Chacha Ji, Babu Isher Singh, a chief clerk of police at Kuala Lumpur, Malaya, according to an account written by the Sikh Times UK editor Dr Gurjeet Kaur Bains.
We share below the article published in a glossy souvenir In Commemoration of Shaheed Ganj Gurdwara Singh Singhania, Lahore.
BEBAY JI of BASSIAN
By Gurjeet Kaur Bains, Editor, The Sikh Times, UK
From Village Dhandra her place of birth in Ludhiana district, via Bassian her family home, through Kutch (Gujarat), Ambala, Kuala Lumpur, London to Riverland (Australia) is the life journey so far of octogenarian “Bebay Ji” of Bassian.
Bebay Ji’s is the story of a Sikh mother from a village in Panjab, who provided a warm and stable but disciplined home environment for her family while it migrated through different cultures and countries. It is a story of hardship, resilience and the will to succeed.
Bebay Ji is the mother three sons, all well known in the Sikh diaspora, the youngest being none other than the world renowned Dya Singh of Australia. Gurmukh Singh is the eldest, a retired UK senior civil servant, a Sikh community mentor and writer, and the middle brother is the first sabat surat Sikh Councillor in Australia, Baldev Singh JP of Riverland, Australia, who won a major national award for community work earlier this year. Says Gurmukh Singh, who is also The Sikh Times columnist, “Our only sister Bibi Sarandeep Kaur in California is about 3 years older than me. We had a brother older than her who died a few months after birth. Either Bebay Ji must be at least 4 years older than her given year of birth (1922), or preferably, I am 4 years younger!” Even at this age and despite weak eyesight, Bebay Ji reads the main UK Sikh papers, any Panjabi literature she can lay her hands on and enjoys listening to Panjabi radio when in the UK. She is a dedicated Gurbani nitnemi and a treasure-house of folklore and Panjabi akhaans (sayings).
Born on 15 April, 1922 in a Grewal family of village Dhandra near Ludhiana in Panjab, she was married at the age of 15 years to S. Harchand Singh, son of a Dhaliwal Nambardar (also pronounced as Lambardar, meaning headman) of the historical village of Bassian near Raikot in Ludhiana. Later to become the renowned Kirtania parcharak, Giani Harchand Singh Bassian of Malaya, he had returned to Panjab after staying with his Chacha Ji, Babu Isher Singh, a chief clerk of police at Kuala Lumpur, Malaya.
Bebay Ji is the third child of a family of 4 sisters and 4 brothers. All the sisters are older than the brothers. Her father S. Anokh Singh, a farmer, became popular as “Bha Ji” due to his warm and helpful nature. Bebay Ji remembers her childhood when she used to get up very early in the morning with her mother Bebay Ji Sham Kaur, to help her with the daily chores of a farming family: chakki peehna (grinding grain with a hand mill), milking the cows and churning milk, preparing food for those working in the fields, and charkha katna (spinning wheel). Her father was a Gursikh social reformer and believed in educating his children without any discrimination between his sons and daughters. He did not allow “rasm- o- rivaj” (traditional ceremonies and ritualism) during the marriages of his children.
Bebay Ji was married at the age of 15 years [15 June 1933]. After her marriage she faced great hardship in her new home. Young Nambardar Harchand Singh had a spiritual leaning and was much influenced by the sangat (company) of some famous saintly people in the area, including Baba Nand Singh. He was a charismatic slim and tall Gursikh gifted with a strong spiritually melodious voice. He was popular with village people, singing Gurbani, traditional vaars and parsangs (heroic exploits of Khalsa warriors and martyrs). He moved around the countryside with his jatha (party) when invited to various smagams (functions) and the family burden fell mainly on Bebay Ji with no other close family member around to help. (Harchand Singh’s parents had passed away when he was less than five years old.). “Our neighbours, the family of Baba Ji Kartar Singh Dhaliwal were most helpful during those most difficult times. I myself used to bring the chara (fodder) from the fields and cut it to feed the “majh” (adult female buffalo). Inha dey Bapu Ji tan bahar smagma te hunday see (The children’s father used to be away on functions). Those were very difficult times indeed and my brothers would come and stay with me.” Said Bebay Ji reflectively as she looked askance at her grey bearded youngest Gursikh brother S. Beant Singh Grewal of Slough (UK) who had dropped in to see her at Gurmukh Singh’s place.
“Bapu Ji” joined the military bodyguard of the Maharaja of Kutch Bhuj and took his family – Bebay Ji and their little daughter Sarandeep Kaur – to this small princedom in Gujarat. Gurmukh Singh was born there. The family returned to the village Bassian where Baldev Singh was born. However, soon afterwards, Bapu Ji became seriously ill and remained bed ridden for over one year. Again, with great fortitude and courage, Bebay Ji looked after the family.
Later, when the Second World War started, Bapu Ji joined the army. However, his devotion to Gurbani Kirtan prachar was recognised by the head of the local military training centre at Ambala cantonment and he was retained as a granthi at the local Gurdwara for the duration of the war. Bebay Ji and family stayed there till 1947 when Bapu Ji was invited to run the first government aided Panjabi school in Malaya at a town called Raub in the state of Pahang. He also acted as the granthi and kirtania at the local Gurdwara. Bebay Ji recalled, “That is when we experienced Gurdwara “larraee jhagray” (conflicts and arguments). Enha dey Bapu Ji (the children’s father) wanted to pack up and return to Panjab but I argued strongly against that for the sake of children, whose school education would have been ruined.” Dya Singh was born at Raub on the Vaisakhi day in 1950.
The next few years were the most challenging for the family with Bapu Ji, by then known as Giani Harchand Singh Bassian, moving from one place to another in Malaya while Bebay Ji brought up the family at a town called Taiping. The renowned Baba Sohan Singh of Malacca would always invite Bapu Ji, Giani Harchand Singh Bassian, to do kirtan on important occasions and later young Dya Singh would accompany his father on the harmonium to receive the revered Baba Ji’s blessing.
Bibi Sarandeep Kaur who had been brought up in Panjab at her Nanka home (Bebay Ji’s parents house) was married in 1956; and in 1959 Gurmukh Singh left for UK. Baldev Singh, the middle brother followed to qualify as an engineer and left for Australia in 1985 after 20 years service in a senior position with British Telecoms. Dya Singh joined his brothers in UK in 1971 to qualify as an accountant and left for Australia in 1980, to later follow in his father’s missionary footsteps to become a world renowned Kirtania. With his exceptional musical talent, he pioneered Gurbani translation while presenting kirtan in his unique “world music” style. Sadly, Bapu Ji, passed away in 1975 at the family home at Gurdev Nagar, Ludhiana. Bebay Ji looked after her elderly father who came to stay with her at Ludhiana until his death at the ripe old age of 105 years in 1996. She now lives with her sons moving between Australia and UK and once in a while visiting the family home at Ludhiana.
Bebay Ji believes in the institution of marriage, a balanced family life and the complementary roles of men and women. “It is the woman who is the mother and the first teacher of children. The initial sikhia (advice) given to children by her will remain with them all their lives. Her role is very important and she is the dhura (axle) of her family; she gives it the stability. By all means women can take up jobs and husbands should help out at home doing domestic chores but I do not like it when women forget their central role and place in a family.” says Bebay Ji.
And Bebay Ji of Bassian has lived such a life as a model housewife and mother.
Malaysian Sikhs raise their hand (Asia Samachar, 1 June 2018)
Dya Singh comes across original, practical in his latest work (Asia Samachar, 12 Aug 2018)
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 |
Village: Issewal, Ludhinia
Born: 01 May 1949
Departed: 27 December 2018
Spouse: Hardev Kaur
Children/ Spouses:
Karamjit Kaur (Kiren) (Messrs Karamjit & Jaq) / Jaqdip Singh (Jaq) (Messrs Karamjit & Jaq)
Surinderjit Singh (Boy Puchong) (Sik Jaya Sdn Bhd) / Tiarajeet Kaur
Grandchildren:
Gur Alyshaa Kaur Mallan
Ashreyna Kaur Mallan
Simrenjeet Kaur
Amrethjit Singh
Harminderjit Singh
Gurpinderjit Singh
Cortege Timing: Cortege will leave the family home at No.47, Jalan TK 4/ 8C, Taman Kinrara Seksyen 4, 47190 Selangor Darul Ehsan, at 11am, 28 Dec 2018 (Friday)
Saskaar / Cremation: 12noon, 28 Dec 2018 (Friday), at Jalan Loke Yew Crematorium, Kuala Lumpur
He is loved and will be missed by family, relatives and friends. He has left us to a better place.
Contact:
019 3038288 Surinderjit Singh
017 3623060 Manjit Singh
012 2267911 Jaqdip Singh
| Entry: 28 Dec 2018 | Source: Family |
A 65-year-old taxi driver has been left injured and unable to work after taking on a passenger who refused to pay his fare.
Amrik Thandi was assaulted at Ridgehaven in Adelaide’s north yesterday (26 Dec 2018), with shocking security footage showing the fight which lasted for at least four minutes.
“This incident I don’t want to drive, I’m really shaken up…. but I have to,” driver Mr Thandi told 9News .
Mr Thandi said he picked up the passenger just before 5pm yesterday and drove him to his destination. But once they arrived the man reportedly refused to pay.
The driver admits he grabbed the man’s bag as he tried to walk-off, and a struggle ensued.
“I fell on the ground holding his bag and when I fell on the ground he put his foot here on my neck and he kicked me in the head,” Mr Thandi said.
For full report, go here.
Splendour in Pattaya (Asia Samachar, 24 July 2017)
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 |
The Sikh Welfare Council (SIWEC) Singapore has launched a new communication initiative.
This initiative enables our community members to be regularly updated on SIWEC’s programmes and initiatives, as well as receive timely information on such matters as obituaries notifications.
You can opt into this service through your mobile device. Simply SMS 90996699 the following message: Join<space>Name<space>Email (optional).
SIWEC receive donations from Singapore Chinese clans (Asia Samachar, 1 Dec 2017)
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 |
PETALING JAYA: One rarely comes across a swimmer of Sikh descent, but Arvin Shaun Singh is determined to go far in the sport.
The 17-year-old, who is based in Australia, wants to swim for the country at the Philippines SEA Games in December next year and also make it to the Olympic stage one day.
Arvin showcased his talent at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Perak three months ago by splashing to a double for Terengganu in the boys’ 400m and 1,500m freestyle events. He also took home two silvers in the 200m freestyle and 200m individual medley besides a bronze in the 400m individual medley.
The success in swimming helped Terengganu emerged as the overall champions for Sukma.
However, Arvin decided swimming was his calling instead when he was just nine.
“I played a lot of sports when I was much younger. I used to play football and in fact, I was playing five to six sports a week. But eventually I cut down to just swimming,” said Arvin. It’s an all-round exercise and my parents also have sporting backgrounds, so they support me wholeheartedly on what I choose,” added Arvin, who went to study in Brisbane three years ago.
TO READ FULL STORY, GO HERE
SIWEC receive donations from Singapore Chinese clans (Asia Samachar, 1 Dec 2017)
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 |
‘Peering Soul’ and ‘Peering Warrior’ are two documentaries produced by Amardeep Singh. He is the author/photographer of the two books on our lost heritage in Pakistan.
The video here shows viewer reactions to the documentaries when screened in Singapore. They have since been screened in the west.
Good news for Malaysians !!! Both documentaries are being screened in Malaysia as follows:
Screening is FREE. Donations towards funding the upcoming documentary on the travels of Guru Nanak ji during his lifetime, will be welcome.
Pakistan proudly hosts of over 300 Sikh historical religious sites, gurdwaras (Asia Samachar, 27 Jan 2018)
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 |
Although every day is an occasion to exchange gifts, the new year is a unique opportunity to do so according to Western culture.
While thinking of gifts, it came to my mind that why not, this year, I share gifts of spiritual values. That way, we may create an occasion of sharing Guru’s Wisdom as a new year’s gift. Sharing grace and blessings of knowledge with the people around us should be a pride privilege. This is especially true on days like New Year Day.
Following this idea, I am presenting you my gifts. These are selected publications as gifts for you all, my friends, and your friends. They are all through the courtesy of the generous writers and publishers. You may feel free to share them with your friends. That should make your next year more meaningful and overwhelming with intellectual pleasure.
Here are two books, The Japuji: The Way to Divine Life and JAP: The Essence of Nanakian Philosophy (a scientific and logical interpretation); two issue of the Journal Nishaan – Nishaan – Blue_Star-II-2018 and Nishaan – Guru_Granth_Conference2017.
Everyone asks this question: “How to be truthful and live a life of goodness”. Guru Nanak answers this, and other similar issues in his treatise translated and expounded most recently by Prof. Balbir Singh Makkar of Guru Nanak Dev University and Professor Devinder Singh Chahal of the Institute of Understanding Sikhism.
Among the world scriptures, the Japuji is considered Guru Nanak’s original composition, thereby qualifying it to be the essence of Sikh thoughts and Sikh teachings. Some find it an inspiring prologue to the universal Sikh scripture, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, as the Japuji prefaces it.
On this account, the Japuji has attracted the attention of theologians and scholars alike so that they rendered it into many world languages including Arabic, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Hebrew, all the European languages, and so on, and over a hundred translations into English.
The Punjabi translations dated back to the times of Guru Arjan Dev (1563 –1606); and an Arabic rendering going back to the times of Guru Nanak (1469-1539). We are indebted to Dr. Rattan Singh Jaggi and Raja Mrigindra Singh for exploring many of them and giving us a comparative overview.
With a few exceptions, the available translations are regurgitations of what has been published centuries ago. Then, some versions were just devotional, others were outlines of the philosophical traditions of the time, and still, others were the interpretations of a class of god-men and clerics who toed the themes of their times when religions were replete with Man-Made rituals, superstitions, and beliefs in occult traditions.
Until the advents of the Guru Nanak Dev University (Amritsar), the Punjabi University (Patiala), and alike, the god-men were devoid of modern education and were ill-trained to interpret Sikhism to the millennial generation. Instead, they propagated ethnocentrism and blind faith in the local lingua franca that benefited them by promoting their commercial and political interests or enterprises. Their compositions were devoid of modern exegesis of the scripture, or the practices of Sikhism as a more contemporary global dharma or religion that was initially founded for the benefit of the whole humanity. The illiterate kept on harping on the ancient concepts of orthodox schools of ancient philosophy.
More recently, Sikh academia felt challenged to the necessity of interpreting the Japuji for the Millennials. They began to make welcome efforts. I recall with appreciation, the translation and commentary of Japuji by Dr. Diwan Singh and his contemporaries as the very first ones in the new series. Professor Makkar’s rendition and that of Dr. Devinder Singh Chahal are the most recent contributions.
Both of the recent translations in English are included here as the New Year gifts to all of you. Please feel free to share with your family and friends.
I HOPE THAT you must be sick of receiving fashion magazines and Hollywood magazines as New Year gifts. They contribute little to today’s problems of humankind. A journal issue on the subject of the Guru Granth scripture and another on ghalughara of 1984 will be excellent reading material for you, your family and your friends. I have permission to distribute these issues widely free of cost for your reading and hopefully subscribing when you realize their worth.
Harbans Lal, Ph.D.; D.Litt (Hons) is the Professor Emeritus & Chairman at the Dept of Pharmacology & Neurosciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center. He is also the Professor Emeritus at the Amritsar-based Guru Nanak Dev University as well as President of the Academy of Guru Granth Studies. He can be reached at Japji2050@gmail.com. Link to the original article.
* This is the opinion of the writer, organisation or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Asia Samachar.
International peace bridge connecting Kartarpur in Pakistan and Dera Baba Nanak in India (Asia Samachar, 21 Sept 2018)
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 |
Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations have planned programmes to greet the arrival of 2019, taking advantage of the public holiday.
Here are some of the programmes advertised by various gurdwaras in Southeast Asia. Do add to the listing by commenting at the comment section or send a message (via Whatsapp +6017-3351399 or Facebook message). Our team will add the event to the listing.
FOR MORE INFO AND THE RESPECTIVE POSTERS, GO TO ASIA SAMACHAR FACEBOOK PAGE.
SUBANG | 1.1.19 (Tuesday), 10am-12.pm
Gurdwara Sahib Subang organising photo booth for family portrait, indoor games for kids, food station (mamak mee, kueh teow, french fries, pau paji, chef’s pasta, cookies, cendol, etc).
IPOH, SNSM PERAK | 31.12.18 (Monday), 6.30pm-12midnight
New Year eve ‘Nava Saal Guru Ji Dey Naal’ programme at Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Ipoh
GREENTOWN, IPOH, | 31.12.18 (Monday), 7pm-12midnight
Kirtan and katha darbar at Gurdwara Sahib Greentown (also known as GS Ashby Road).
PUCHONG | 30.12.18-1-1.19
Akhand Path in conjunction with the new year commencing around 6.30pm, 30.12.18 (Sunday) to 6pm, 1.1.19 (Tues). Kirtan Darbar will be held on 31.12.18 after Raheras until midnight.
TATT KHALSA, KUALA LUMPUR | 31.12.18 (6.30pm-12.10am)
Kirtan and katha darbar at Gurdwara Sahib Tatt Khalsa Diwan Selangor. Baldev Singh Leo & Jatha doing kirtan from 11.10pm-12.10am
PETALING JAYA | 31.12.18
Kirtan and katha darbar at Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya from 6pm to 12.15am, plus a vegetarian food fiesta (including veg nasi briyani, veg nasi lemak and bru coffee)
SENTUL | 31.12.18
Wahguru Tera Shukar Hai Semagam with food stalls, kids zone and firework display at Gurdwara Sahib Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, 5pm-12am
PENANG | 31.12.18
Kirtan Darbar organised by SNSM Penang at Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang, 6.30pm-12am
SINGAPORE | SILAT ROAD | 26-31.12.18
Special Kirtan Darbar in remembrance of martydom of Chhote Sahibzade at Gurdwara Sahib Silat Road. Dec 26-30 (6.30pm-9pm; Dec 31 (6.30pm-12am). Organised by Central Sikh Gurdwara Board (CSGB)
[The list will be updated as we get more wind of more programme. Have to a programme to include? Whatsapp us at +6017-3351399 or send a Facebook message to Asia Samachar]
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. Facebook | WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 | Email: editor@asiasamachar.com | Twitter | Instagram | Obituary announcements, click here |
Village: Mehron
Born: 27 July 1929
Departed: 27 Dec 2018
Wife: Mata Baldev Kaur d/o Menggha Singh Village Bhinder
Children / Spouses:
Sons: Jagdeep Singh, Parmendar Singh (Deceased)
Daughters: Hardeep Kaur / Mejar Singh (India)
Ranjit Kaur / Harjinder Singh Bukit Indah (Ampang)
Balbinder Kaur / Mohan Singh (Pusing, Perak)
Benti Kaur / Jasbinder Singh (Bukit Indah Ampang)
Grandchildren: Host of Grandchildren
Akhand Path: Akhand Paath commences at 8.30am, 4 Jan 2019 to 6 Jan 2019 at Gurdwara Sahib Lembah Jaya Ampang, Selangor. Path Da Bhog: 9am-12pm
4 Jan (Friday): 6.30am to 8.00am – ASA DI VAAR; 8.30am – AKANDH PATH commences
6 Jan (Sunday): 8am – Akandh Path da Bhog. Followed by 9am to 11.30am – Kirtan Darbar
11.30am – Path da Bhog: 12.00 noon – Anthim Ardas
Contact:
Jasbinder Singh 019-2216962
Harjinder Singh (Kishore) 019-3173678
AB KI BAR BAKSH BANDEY KOU BAHUR NA BHOUJAL PHAYRAA
| Entry: 30 Dec 2018 | Source: Family |
The superstructure of the Varna Ashrama Dharma/caste system is supported by karma and reincarnation (transmigration). In other words, both karma and reincarnation are part of the trilogy invented by the Brahmans and they both are designed to justify the caste base factor. The Brahman invoked divine sanctions to perpetuate the caste system for eternity. Hindu scriptures proclaim that Prajapati (God) ordained the four castes. This was followed by the invention of the doctrine of “karma and reincarnation” to desensitize people’s sense of justice and compassion against the atrocities committed on the masses to enforce the caste system.
According to the law of karma, one reaps the fruit in this life for the deeds performed in the previous life. So, if a person is subjected to injustice and cruelty in this life, it is due to one’s own actions in previous life, not due to the perpetrators of cruelty and injustice. By observing the caste rules strictly and serving the superior castes faithfully one can earn the reward for the next life.
In spite of the categorical and unequivocal rejection of reincarnation in the Aad Guru Granth Sahib (AGGS) why do many Sikhs believe in reincarnation?
The main reason for this misunderstanding is the subversion of Nanakian philosophy (Gurmat) by its opponents. The anti-Gurmat Bipran (Brahmanical) literature from the 18th century to the present depicts Sikhism as part of Hinduism, its sword arm against the onslaught of Islam. Further, Christian missionaries and Western writers also relied solely on Bipran literature at the exclusion of AGGS which is the only authentic source of Gurmat. They treated Sikhism as an offshoot of Hinduism or a mixture or hybrid or religious syncretism of Hinduism and Islam.
Besides, as pointed out by Prof. Puran Singh, Sikh scholars/writers have not been able to extricate themselves from Brahmanical influence, and they have followed in the footsteps of Bipran and Western writers without undertaking a serious study of the AGGS:
The words Brahman (Brahm) and Para-Brahm also come in Guru Granth, but as Cunningham says “by way of illustration only”; similarly the names of all gods and goddesses of Brahmanical Pantheon.
It is to be regretted that Sikh and Hindu scholars are interpreting Guru Nanak in the futile terms of the color he used, the brush he took; are analyzing the skin and flesh of his words and dissecting texts to find the Guru’s meaning to be same as of the Vedas and Upanishads! This indicates enslavement to the power of Brahmanical tradition.
Dead words are used to interpret the fire of the Master’s soul! The results are always grotesque and clumsy translations, which have no meaning at all. Macauliffe’s almost school boy-like literal rendering into English, following possibly the interpretations given him by the Brahmanical type of gyanis, the unilluminated theologians who lacked both the tire of inspiration, and the modern mental equipment and who were decayed and eaten up by the inner fungus of the Brahmanical mentality, has made the live faith of the Sikh a dead carcass. It has produced neither the beautiful artistic color of the idol and the shrine, nor the fervor of the inspiration of love. And from his translations, one thinks Sikhism is weak Brahmanism. Much that is redundant is put before a world audience, without the light that made every straw and every little dust particle, every pretty detail even, radiant and beautiful.
More recently, after an in-depth study of AGGS and Varna Ashrama Dharma, Jagjit Singh concludes:
The grounds for the differentiation of the Gurus’ message from that of caste ideology and the caste society were far more basic. The caste ideology was the antithesis of humanism, and the caste society was extremely parochial in its outlook. To belong to it, it was necessary to be born within it. The land where the Varna Ashrama Dharma was not established was regarded impure. and the Aryavarta, the pure land, was at one period circumscribed within the limits of river Sindh in the North and river Carmanvati in the south. The Gurus rejected almost all the cardinal beliefs of the caste society. They repudiated the authority of the Vedas and allied scriptures, discarded the theory of avtarhood. disowned all its sectarian gods, goddesses and avtars, and condemned idol worship, formalism, ritualism, and ceremonialism [5].
Nanakian philosophy (Gurmat) categorically rejects the incarnation of God in human or any living form. The Commencing Verse of AGGS describes God as Ajuni, meaning God does not come into anthropomorphic forms (does not incarnate/beyond death and birth):
Satguru (God) is Nirhnjan (without material content). Do not believe that It is in the form of man. AGGS, M 5, p. 895.
May that mouth burn which says that God incarnates! AGGS, M 5, p. 1136.
Sikh Gurus used the terminologies of other religions but their meanings are not necessarily the same in the AGGS. There are frequent references to Hindu and Muslim beliefs and practices as the Gurus’ audience was made up of Hindus and Muslims, but the Gurus did not endorse or accept their beliefs or practices. There are expressions like aavan jaan, aavai jaavai, janam janam, jamai marai and bhavayai which are often interpreted as cycle of birth and death or cycle of transmigration.
However, in the AGGS, these expressions are used as metaphors for spiritual (moral) degeneration and regeneration human beings experience in their lives or pain and suffering or being entrapped in ignorance and falsehood or wandering aimlessly or they represent the Hindu belief of reincarnation/transmigration.
Besides, there are other words and terms that are often misunderstood and misinterpreted like poorab means past, not one’s previous life; poorab janam means past generations, not one’s previous birth, jeev jeev mue or jeevat mare means control of haumai, mue jeeva means transformation of manmukh to gurmukh, jo tis bhaavai means according to Hukam, and God’s Will mean Hukam.
Further as discussed in Chapter 1, Guru Nanak rejected the caste system categorically; so why would he accept the concept of karma and reincarnation /transmigration that was invented to justify the caste system? Moreover, Guru Nanak rejected the concept of soul as a separate entity from God as discussed earlier in this chapter. Nanakian philosophy makes it clear that “Soul” is Hukam, the invisible form of God that pervades the Cosmos. Hukam is Eternal, so what is there that incarnates?
Furthermore, in his composition on the creation of the Cosmos, Guru Nanak makes it clear that the caste system, reincarnation, heaven and hell are man’s invention:
There was neither heaven nor Earth nor the nether world.* There was neither hell nor heaven* nor time, the destroyer: There was neither hell or heaven nor birth or death nor anyone transmigrating. There was neither Brahma, nor Vishnu nor Shiva. There was no one else except the “One and only”. There was no woman or man, no caste or birth or anyone experiencing pain or pleasure. There was no ritual purification or self-restraint or rosary made of basil seeds. There were no milkmaids or Krishna or cows or cowherds. There was no deceit/ hypocrisy of Tantra and mantra or playing of the flute. There was no karma (deeds) or dharma (religious duties) or enchanting Maya (corrupting influence of the world). There was neither caste nor caste-based birth. AGGS, M 1, p. 1035.
*Guru Nanak rejected both Hindu and Muslim ideas of hell and heaven. Guru Nanak’s successor, Guru Angad amplifies the same message by pointing out that the authors of Vedas are responsible for creating the concepts of karma and transmigration, hell and heaven, ritualistic sin and virtue, and caste and gender inequality:
It is the teachings of Vedas, which has created the notions of hell and heaven, karma and transmigration and ritualistic sin and virtue; One reaps the reward in the next life for the deeds performed in this life = goes to hell or heaven according to one’s deeds. ‘Ihe Vedas have also created the fallacy of inequality of caste and gender for the world. AGGS, M 2, p. 1243.
Additionally, the Gurus have pointed out that ritualistic deeds (karam kaand, krm ka) and vices and virtues are also the invention of the authors of Hindu texts.
Further, AGGS rejects the law of karma and reincarnation, when it urges humans to rise above animal level to become gurmukhs/moral enlightened-beings, and stresses the freedom of action and responsibility for the consequences. Besides, contrary to the law of karma and reincarnation that determines one’s caste and status in society, it is one’s deeds that determine one’s worth and respect in society:
It is one’s deeds that determine oneis respect and social status in society. AGGS, M 1, p. 1330.
Furthermore, AGGS rejects the concept of past or future life when it lays utmost stress on the present life with a clear warning that this is the only opportunity to realize God:
O my mind, my dearfriend listen, this is the only time for you to meet God. Moreover, this opportunity will last only as long as the body is healthy and full of vitality. AGGS, M 1, p. 20.
Here Guru Nanak emphasizes that a healthy mind is a must for the realization of God:
One must not think that the benefit of deeds done here will be rewarded in the next life. It is here in this life that one reaps what one sows. AGGS, M 1, pp. 729-730.
Being born as a human is a blessing as this is your only chance to meet God. AGGS, M, 5, p. 378.
Look ahead; don’t look backwards. O Nanak, this is your only chance to realize God, because you won’t be born again. AGGS, M5, P. 1096.
This is your only opportunity, this is your only time to meet God, ponder and seek within. AGGS, Kabir, p. 1159.
When we know that after death we are not going to come back then why waste our lives by clinging to the world of falsehood. – Bhagat Sheikh Fareed Ii, Raag Aasaa, p. 488
These verses clearly emphasize that one’s current life is the only chance to realize God. On the other hand according to the theory of karma and transmigration there could be many chances to meet God, theoretically unlimited chances.
Abridged from an chapter in ‘GURMAT: Guru Nanak’s Path of Enlightenment’ authored by Baldev Singh PhD (1938-2009). Published by Hardev Singh Shergill, President Khalsa Tricentennial Foundation of North America Inc. Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, the Sikh Bulletin
Day 09 – Creation of Karma: Aapae beej aapae hee khaahu (Asia Samachar, 23 Aug 2018)
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 |
Kalae Uthe Nanaka, Sedhe Uthe Jaey
We miss you every moment of our lives. Your presence continues to surround us. You still live in our hearts and thoughts of your loving family you left behind.
Born: 18 February 1923
Departed: 22 December 2018
Village: Kalra, Hoshiarpur
Husband: Late Sardar Jawala Singh
Dearly missed by: Sons & Daughter In laws, Daughters & Son in laws, Grandsons & Grand Daughters in laws, Granddaughters & Grand Son in laws, Great Grandsons, Great Granddaughters, Relatives & Friends
Path da bhog: 5pm-7pm, 6 January 2019 (Sunday), at Gurdwara Sahib Rawang, Selangor
Contact:
Sukdev 012-6182745
Simran 012-2745501
Arvin 012-6801786
| Entry: 31 Dec 2018 | Source: Family |
End of a long life. Some reflections. Happy Festive season!
Happy festive season to all readers of Asia Samachar. The editorial team had asked me to write a special note for this very auspicious period – Christmas, and New Year and most importantly for us Sikhs the Shahidhis of Sahibjadays. I leave you with some very sobering thoughts but thoughts which might probably help you to reflect on your own individual lives, as I am doing… about the year that passed and some resolutions for 2019.
I am sitting beside my venerable mother, Bebe’s death bed in palliative care, in a hospital in Adelaide, South Australia. It is Christmas Day (2018), or for us Sikhs the day between the shahidhis of the younger Sahibjadays and the older Sahibjadays. She is about 105 years old.
Bebe is in a morphine induced coma. She is not eating nor drinking. She became very agitated two days ago and was not able to communicate to us as to what was wrong. So naturally the specialists have put her on morphine.
We brothers have kept a constant vigil by her bed for almost a week since we realised that she was too weak to take any kind of care of herself.
SEE ALSO: BEBAY JI of BASSIAN: The life of a role model Sikh mother
We three brothers have experienced the passing of three elders – our Nana Ji (old age), our venerable father Giani Harchand Singh Ji (enlarged heart) and our only sister (cancer).
Our Nana Ji passed away peacefully at the age of 110 in virtually the arms of our Bebe. So did Bapu Ji. Bebe tells us that Bapu Ji put a ‘borki’ of roti with saag into his mouth, but lay back and died without eating it. He was about 79. Our sister was morphined as she was in pain and passed away peacefully in Bai Ji’s presence, aged just over 80.
We were reflecting about the end of this human life, about euthanasia, and truly, how much do we ‘play God’ these days especially in western countries.
A ‘religious’ Sikh would say that we humans should not in any way meddle with the ‘bhana’ of Waheguru. Accept His Hukm without question.
With Nana Ji and Bapu Ji, everyone followed the ‘letter of the Law’ (Hukm), so to speak. Natural deaths as we presume they were ordained. Our sister was in great pain, stricken with cancer. But even though morphined, she was still conscious and we were all able to say our ‘good byes’.
Now I come to the present moment. Till three days ago, Bebe was able to still recognise close ones and even force a smile and bless us all. Today, there is no physical sign of any awareness, just laboured breathing. She has not had any food or drink for three days and for all intents and purposes she will pass away … of natural causes, supposedly, of old age.
We were discussing this with the geriatrician and how different races react at this time. Generally, the Italians and Greeks, for example, will insist that the elder be put on a life support system to prolong the life. Generally, western and northern European races would want the life to end quickly, of natural causes of course, because to the ‘religious’, the word euthanasia is a bad word! The liberals or basic non-believers want euthanasia to be made law. In most western countries euthanasia is still illegal. Man has no right to take ones life. That would be playing God! And fiery debates and litigation takes place against those who advocate euthanasia.
The question is, how much are we already playing God? Is morphine already not cheating God of the pain one must supposedly suffer? And does morphine not induce a quicker death to a supposedly natural death?
We have Sukhmani Sahib paath and Nitnem banis playing most of the time, thanks to recordings (!!!). The overly religious would say that we should be sitting by her and actually ‘doing’ the paath, notwithstanding the fact that she is very hard of hearing and at present she appears oblivious to whatever is happening to and around her.
Just moral, religious and spiritual questions as we place ourselves in the hands of the medical experts… and God?
Meanwhile Bebe’s mouth is a little open. She has just been given a bed bath. She is changed. Her mouth has been swabbed with mint liquid. Her breathing gets slower and there really is no expression on her face.
Yet, if you move close to her, somewhere deep down, I can hear …
Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru……….. .
Any thoughts or comments are welcomed and shall be published.
[POSTSCRIPT: Bebe Ji was still alive at the time of writing. She passed away peacefully just before midnight on Christmas Day. Harminder Kaur w/o Giani Harchand Singh Bassian. Village Dhandra. Ghot – Grewal, 1914-2018]
The Bhog and Antam Ardaas will be on Saturday, 12 January, 2019 starting 10am at Gurdwara Sahib Glen Osmand, 10 Mount Barker Road, South Australia]
BEBAY JI of BASSIAN: The life of a role model Sikh mother (Asia Samachar, 26 Dec 2018)
In search of my ‘ethnicity’ (Asia Samachar, 11 Dec 2018)
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 |
I was not prepared for the odd feeling of homecoming I felt when I drove through the gates of the Sikh temple grounds in the south Auckland suburb of Takanini, roughly 30km from the city centre.
I am not of the Sikh faith, and was not quite sure what to expect when I went to see their community garden.
We had heard vague reports of volunteers planting acres of vegetables and fruits to feed thousands, and projects to share knowledge about food production and sustainability. There was talk of working with offenders and educators, and helping the needy.
It all sounded idealistic, yet complicated, so I had to see it for myself. It turns out that the Sikh Temple Gurudwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib Takanini & Otahuhu does all that and more.
They do feed thousands of people (specifically, an average of 300 on weekdays, 1000 on Saturdays and 2000 on Sundays).
No, you don’t have to be Sikh. You don’t have to pray at the temple. You don’t even have to pay for the food.
“We welcome everyone and we don’t ask where you come from or what you do,” says Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand spokesperson Daljit Singh.
Read full story, Sikh temple community garden growing food to share, here.
(Asia Samachar, 11 Dec 2018)
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 |
By SIWEC | ANNOUNCEMENT | SINGAPORE |
By Lim Teik Huat | THE STAR | MALAYSIA |
| EVENT LISTING | MALAYSIA |
By Harbans Lal | 
EVENT LISTING | GREETING 2019 |
By Dya Singh | OPINION | 