PATH DA BHOG: 24 March 2019 (Sunday), 6.30am-12pm, at Gurdwara Sahib Tatt Khalsa, Kuala Lumpur. Programme: Asa Ki Vaar followed by Kirtan diwan and Path da Bhog | Malaysia

DR KAVINDER KAUR SANDHU D/O AVTAR SINGH SANDHU

On Saturdays, some 150 students spend the afternoons at the Wadda Gurdwara Kampung Pandan in Kuala Lumpur to study the Punjabi language.

After being dropped at the Kuala Lumpur gurdwara compound, they make their ways into the air-conditioned containers that act as their classes.

On the Sunday of Feb 24, 2019, the students, teachers and parents gathered again, but this time not for the classes run under the banner of the Punjabi Education Centres (PEC). This time around, they came together for a day spent hiking at the Taman Eko Rimba Kanching at Templer’s Park.

They hiked for about 3.5km and then headed for a waterfalls.

The PECs nationwide are supported by the Punjabi Education Trust Malaysia (PETM), the education wing of Khalsa Diwan Malaysia (KDM).

SEE MORE PHOTOS AT ASIA SAMACHAR FACEBOOK PAGE. GO HERE.

RELATED STORIES:

Kajang Punjabis keep their mother tongue alive and kicking (Asia Samachar, 2 March 2019)

One single centre now for Singapore Punjabi school (Asia Samachar, 12 Feb 2019)

A photo of a Sikh mother-daughter pair adorns the Republic of Singapore Navy Facebook page as part of the International Women’s Day celebration.

“She has been a role model, mentor, counsellor, tutor and even a personal secretary, running errands on my behalf whilst I was away at BMT and officer training,” says Capt Dr Balpreet Kaur. “All in, her sacrifices are a debt I may neever fully repay, but I do try to be the best daughter I can to her.

On her part, Prof Berinderjeet Kaur says: “I admire her intrepidity in pursuing her goals and interests. She has inspired me to pay more attention to my nation’s security and defence issues. I never envisaged that as a doctor, she could also use her medical knowledge for resource planning and policy work in support of our nation’s defence.”

Among others, Prof Berinderjeet is the chairperson for the Singapore Khalsa Association’s (SKA) Ladies Wing.

In its entry, the page wrote: “The strength of our force comes both from the women who are part of it and the women who support it. Here’s celebrating the talent, strength, compassion and virtues of the women who make us a force to be reckoned with, just as they are.”

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Asia. How to reach us: Facebook message or WhatsApp +6017-335-1399. Our email: editor@asiasamachar.com. For obituary announcements, click here]

Kaushiki Chakraborty, badged as the face of Patiala gharana, is the highest-paid woman classical musician, with a massive fan following on social media and a youthful audience in every city she sings in.

She has transcended the barriers of classical music and appeals to all types of listeners, reports The Tribune.

In a recent article, the Indian classical vocalist is said to be often criticised for being a product of superb marketing, however, she stands out for her singing technique executed with excellence.

The article adds:

Her training under different gurus, including the late Balmuralikrishna, Ustad Mashkur Ali Khan and Pt Ajoy Chakravorty, lends to her singing a newness, which has catapulted her ability to connect with audiences. She sells and her eagerness to explore uncharted grounds musically is appreciated by her listeners too.

At the recently concluded Patiala Heritage Festival, Kaushiki, who is today the most popular singer of Patiala gharana, is happy to talk about her link with Punjab. “I just love the spirit of the people here,” she gushes. “And I love shopping here too! I bought myself the world-famous Patiala parandis and juttis. I love to see the places that I perform in and am so happy I was invited to sing in Patiala, which today is my musical identity.”

SEE FULL ARTCLE, Voice of Punjab is Bengali (The Tribune, 10 March 2019), here.

In an entry at its Facebook page last year, Sabad Naad said that Kaushiki hails from a well known musical family of Calcutta and the daughter of Ajoy Chakraborty, belonging to the Patiala Gharana.

It adds: “At age ten, she started learning Indian classical music at the Academy of Pandit Jnan Prakash Ghosh who was also her father’s guru and later joined ITC Sangeet Research Academy from where she graduated in 2004 and was also groomed by her father, under whom she also trained at his Shrutinandan school of music in Kolkata.

“She has not only specialized in rendering of Khayals and Tumri but she has also learned South Indian Classical music from Shri Balamurali Krishna from 2002. So her singing repertoire covers Indian classical, Khayals and Thumris and in her recitals, she presents a mature rendition, often with a rhythmical swing succeeded by unrestrained taans in three and-a-half octaves.”

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Asia. How to reach us: Facebook message or WhatsApp +6017-335-1399. Our email: editor@asiasamachar.com. For obituary announcements, click here]

Their numbers are dwindling but Sikhs are still standing tall and proud to serve the nation where they call home. This is no different for Sikhs in the Malaysian army.

The Sikh officers and men got together for a prayer session on Saturday (9 March 2019) to mark the 86th Army Day.

The gathering at the Gurdwara Sahib Pulapol in Kuala Lumpur was led by Colonel Inderjit Singh, the most senior serving officer present at the function.

Col Inderjit, who is the Army Academy’s Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) College director in Port Dickson, is also the Army Sikh Officers Association president

Joining the Sikh army folks and their families were their fellow men from the police, the Royal Malaysian Navy and Royal Malaysian Air Force.

Malaysian Armed Forces Sikh Veterans Association (MAFSVA) president Major (Rtd) Baldev Singh and some of his team members were also present to lend their support to the annual prayer function.

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Asia. How to reach us: Facebook message or WhatsApp +6017-335-1399. Our email: editor@asiasamachar.com. For obituary announcements, click here]

After a long silence, Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM) chief Jasbir Singh today (12 March 2019) released a two-page letter to address some of the criticisms levelled against him and his team.

In the recent weeks, the tempo of attacks on Jasbir and his band of volunteers had increased, culminating with a pointed open letter entitled ‘Taking Sabha Out of Troubled Waters’, bearing the names of 13 members.

Asia Samachar had shared the letter, and a response by a reader. See links at the end of this piece.

The SNSM leader, the only person elected at its general meeting, is known as the Jathedar.

LETTER FROM SNSM JATHEDAR JASBIR SINGH

12 Mac 2019

Dear Members,

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

There has been a lot of news in the social media on the call for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to remove the current Jathedar of Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM). The Jathedar would like to take this opportunity to share on what is happening and would like to clear the minds of our members. Although for the Jathedar the best platform would be the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to explain to members on the performance of SNSM but many want answers immediately.

Being appointed as the Jathedar means taking accountability and making sound judgement calls. Hasty decisions are to be avoided at any point of time as decisions taken will set precedence. Any decision taken has to abide to the Guru’s teachings and the Jathedar stand guided by the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Sikh Rehat Maryada and the tenets of the Akaal Takhat. Based on the constitution, the Jathedar shall have a casting vote for a second vote which is only exercised when there is a split in the voting process during a decision making process. The Jathedar is only human and can make mistakes.

SNSM was established for the sole purpose of parchar and mainly guiding our Naujawans towards becoming good Sikhs. From its existence SNSM stood by the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Sikh Rehat Maryada and the tenets of the Akaal Takhat. We are to work with all organisations, societies and gurdwaras, in short build bridges and not burn them.

The Jathedar is the only member elected at an AGM and he then appoints his Executive Committee (Exco). The Exco helps him to strategise and carry out activities related to parchar, sports, education, welfare and etc.

Before the Jathedar was re-elected in 2018, a group of seniors felt his leadership was weak. There was a compromise with the seniors and the Jathedar accepted some names which were recommended to him by the seniors as Exco members in the hope that they will devote their time and energy towards the advancement of SNSM’s objectives. However, things did not work out as desired.

For everybody’s information, SNSM was invited by Malaysian Gurdwaras Council (MGC) together with Khalsa Diwan Malaysia, Sant Sohan Singh Ji Melaka Memorial Society and Sikh Scholars to be part of a meeting to discuss the incident of a parkash of Dasam Granth done at Gurdwara Sahib Titiwangsa by SGGS Academy (Academy). The outcome of the meeting was that a letter was sent to all Gurdwaras to obtain Academy’s assurance that parkash of Dasam Granth will not be done again and only then Academy would be allowed to conduct parchar.

A member of the SNSM’s Exco relayed a message, during an Exco meeting, from Academy on why SNSM’s name is still in the letter that turned down Academy’s request to do Jap Ji Sahib Katha at Gurdwara Sahib Kajang (GS Kajang). GS Kajang had written to MGC to seek for their views and the latter made reference to the letter sent to all Gurdwaras, mentioned above related to the parkash of Dasam Granth. The conclusion of this Exco meeting was to write to all Gurdwaras and societies on seeking SNSM’s approval before using its name and logo.

However, the general letter was not accepted by some Exco members and changes were made to include their feedback. The Jathedar did not agree to this as it was not as discussed. Another meeting was then convened to discuss further but reached a stalemate and decision was left to the Jathedar, who decided that the letter will not be sent.

Due to the above, some of the members stayed away from the subsequent Exco meeting. Resulting from this, the Jathedar asked the Exco members to decide, that is, to stay on if their interest is sewa and if not, they may choose to leave. 2 members requested to leave due to work commitments, 7 resigned and one was requested by the Jathedar not to join as he was felt to be part of the group that was appointed arising from the compromise. This was to avoid disharmony among the remaining Exco members.

A majority may voice their preferences but this may not be the right decision, the Jathedar is duty-bound to ensure whatever decision is taken has to abide to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Sikh Rehat Maryada and tenets of Akaal Takhat. He has to be accountable to the decision taken and this can set precedence. The Exco members cannot walkout because the decision taken is not in their favour. This is one of the main reason why there is a call for an EGM. The Exco members that resigned were replaced and SNSM is continuing with its sewa.

SNSM has been there for more than 50 years, many Jathedars have come and gone. We cannot blame any of them for what SNSM is today. We have to look at the circumstances, the challenges and environment they were in when actions were taken. No Jathedar sat on his seat and just watched what was going on. They got up to address challenges and to plan and strategise activities for all.

The current Exco is not sitting and doing nothing. Many activities such as the Annual Samelan, Punjabi Bhasa Mela, Fellowship Camps, Holla Mahalla, Vesakhi Grand Event, Education Workshop, Bhai Mardana Sangeet Festival have been planned and carried out or are to be carried out before the end of June 2019:

• Fellowship Camp 2 – 5 February 2019
• enKaurage Hi-Tea 16 February 2019
• Education Camp 17 March 2019
• Vesakhi Grand Event 4 – 7 April 2019
• Holla Mahalla 20, 27 & 28 April 2019
• Punjabi Bhasa Mela 1 & 2 June 2019

Your presence and participation at the above programmes are appreciated.

Allegations that mentioned the Annual Samelan used to have 2,500 participants is not right. Annual Samelans are well planned and carried out to ensure children learn based on the set learning objectives. SNSM never had such a large audience before. Vans were sold off because maintaining them were high in cost and their use was limited. All the problems mentioned in messages against the Jathedar did not arise in the last one or two years but have been there for many years.

Lastly, if SNSM is not moving, let us ask ourselves what we have been doing to move it. Do we need to be in SNSM to do sewa or do we have to be invited to do sewa? If the Jathedar is weak, what have we done to help him? Is the Jathedar working alone, if he is weak what about the members who are with him in the Exco? Do you think a change will help to solve the challenges faced? We all have common goals and we all walk on the path laid by our Guru. Jathedars can come and go, the mission remains the same.

(Signed)

Jasbir Singh

Jathedar

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Asia. How to reach us: Facebook message or WhatsApp +6017-335-1399. Our email: editor@asiasamachar.com. For obituary announcements, click here]

By MIN KAUR | OPINION | UK |

I went through a divorce back in 2008 and often as a woman you are the one who is judged and blamed for marriages not working out in our community. This can lead to a lot of stigma and isolation. I experienced a lot of negativity and had people putting me down; some would even say that I would never make it into mainstream journalism. Due to the stigma of divorce, there was just never much support from the wider community.

My family and close friends are the ones who have supported me to become an independent woman; particularly in helping me get through my divorce and not letting my past be a barrier to carving out a career for myself. I have a strong faith and as a Sikh woman, my belief in Waheguru continues to grow.

My close companions have always said: “If you want something, keep going and keep helping others even if they don’t help you back, as God will help you.”

That’s exactly what happened when I landed a job in mainstream radio/TV, it was through my faith in god and my meditation. I was able to focus and the doors of opportunities began to open. I am so thankful and grateful for my faith as a Sikh woman and my close friends and family for seeing something in me which I haven’t always seen in myself. I have always been a very talkative person who enjoys meeting new people and hearing their stories to learn from their experiences. Therefore, journalism was a very natural career path for me.

It all began in the year 2000 when I started as a radio presenter with ‘Star FM’. I then fell into a marketing role but never enjoyed the corporate roles. My passion and interests were always in media. In 2015, I took a TV presenter role with the ‘Sikh Channel’ and this then really made me want to present for mainstream TV/Radio. My work enabled me to cover breaking news stories, present live shows, complete outdoor broadcasts and I have had a regular breakfast show called ‘Saturday mornings’ where I have been able to interview inspirational guests. My love and passion for presenting has grown over the 3 years at the ‘Sikh Channel’ and earlier last year I landed a dream role in mainstream radio. I have even presented at Radio 4 and for the BBC.

From my personal experience, I strongly believe that it was through my own choice and by using my voice (and with some perseverance) that I have got to where I am now. I believe with a strong mind and determination you can achieve anything, as everything is possible. Without a voice and choices in life, you will just get told what to do and follow the crowd.

If there is one bit of advice I would give to anyone it would be that if you are religious, always believe God Is watching over you and will always help you. If you’re not religious, I would encourage you to always have faith that things happen for a reason. Live life to the fullest, love with all your heart and be kind, caring and compassionate towards others. Always help others because someone has helped you; so pass on the love as good people exist!

Independent and positive women rock and we will go further if we all support one another and help one another to grow and prosper. I strongly believe women should be equal to men. We should have more women as role models to look up to and hopefully over time this will be the case.

Freelance journalist Min Kaur is also an events host and henna artist. She manages the Min Kaur Podcast.

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Asia. How to reach us: Facebook message or WhatsApp +6017-335-1399. Our email: editor@asiasamachar.com. For obituary announcements, click here]

Star Travel is putting together some amazing deals for the up-coming MATTA Fair on 15-17 March 2019 at PWTC in Kuala Lumpur.

The Kuala Lumpur-based agency with over four decades experience is making available some exclusive discounts in conjunction with the travel fair. Check out their flight tickets to Amritsar, with discounts of up to 75% on Air Asia and 5% on Malindo.

Here are 10 fantastic offers to get you excited about MATTA:

1. Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany – save 50% on 2^nd traveller on Insight Vacations

“You may have the universe if I may have Italy – Italy’s charm lived remarkably in Giuseppe Verdi that he would have chosen Italy over the entire universe. This is what he wrote in his opera Attila. Today, the destination’s appeal remains undeniable.

Discover classic Italian destinations such as Rome, Venice, Florence, and the beautiful island of Sicily, home to some of the most famous art and buildings in the world. Explore unbeaten paths such as Dolomites, Puglia, Umbria or the Amalfi Coast.

Insight Vacations offers premium tours throughout Europe and what makes it stand out is the signature experiences in each itinerary such as historic hotels, special activities or authentic local restaurants.

Offer: 22.5 % off the price of the tour + additional 5% off 2nd time traveller on selected itineraries + additional 5% for group of 5 pax + Exclusive gift from Star Travel

2. Best of Germany with Oberammergau – save 22.5% on Travel with Faith

Trafalgar has selected over 15 enlightening tours to Poland, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Israel, Jordon and Germany which covers Oberammergau, Bavaria. This small town presents a Passion Play since 1970 and will be celebrating its 50^th year in 2020. A momentous experience not to be missed!

Offer: 22.5 % off the price of the tour + 1 cabin bag

3. Peru Explorer – save 10% on Costsaver

Experience the history and allure of Peru – Inca treasures, wild landscapes and ancient legends are brought to life in the sacred valley, centuries-old ruins of Machu Picchu and the captivating capital street of Lima.

Find out more of our adventure tours from Alaska to Buenos Aires that includes wildlife, national parks and rainforests.

Offer: 22.5 % off the price of the tour + RM250 flight rebate + 1 free night in Istanbul (Hero Deal)

4. Best of Holland – save upto 22.5% on Trafalgar

Once a year the Dutch countryside bursts into life and tulips of all natures transform the landscape into a kaleidoscopic display of vibrant colors. There is no better place to see this extraordinary phenomenon other than from up close in the exceptional Keukenhof.

Always evolving, Trafalgar is one of the biggest and oldest tour operators in the world dedicated to giving you 100% satisfaction through its over 300 handcrafted trips in Europe, US and beyond!

Offer: 22.5 % off the price of the tour + RM250 flight rebate + 1 free night in Istanbul (Hero Deal)

5. Highlights of Eastern Europe – save upto USD1700 on Uniworld Boutique River Cruise

Use the rivers as a means of exploring a country from a different angle in order to access its landscapes, culture and architecture. With an average passenger size under 150 per voyage, Uniworld is able to offer you anticipatory service that will most intrigue you.

Offer: Save upto USD1700 on selected itineraries + Complimentary Shipboard Credit USD100 per person + Past Guest Discount USD100 per person + Exclusive gift from Star Travel

6. All Inclusive Club Med – upto 45% + Off RM2000 per couple

Enjoy Club Med’s all inclusive packages at a reduced price.

If you are looking for an all-inclusive vacation -where your family is all taken care of – accommodation, gourmet food & an open bar, sports activities, children’s club, evening entertainment, Club Med it is!

Club Med continues to spread “happiness” around the world, a philosophy that’s been in the brand’s DNA for more than 65 years.

Offer: Upto 45% + Off RM2000 per couple + deposit of RM500 per person & balance 45 days before holiday + RM150 shopping voucher + discounted air tickets on Air Asia & Malindo Air.

7. Enjoy 20% off on all air tickets to all Air Asia destinations
8. Enjoy 5% off on all tickets to all Malindo Air destinations

9. Star Packages 10% discount when purchase AK or Malindo ticket.

Take your pick from an array of carefully crafted holiday deals. Be it in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Asia or islands we have the right package to suit your fancy!

Come visit our India Specialist at our booth to customize your own package or pilgrimage tour. The Golden Triangle Package from RM1400 is a classic introduction of the country. Other popular destinations to consider 7D Sikkim & Darjeeling at RM4700, Scenic Nepal from RM2500, Exotic Sri Lanka at RM1800, Hanoi at RM890, Saigon at RM730 and many, many more.

Offer : Discount upto 10% + free gift from Star Travel

10. Star 10D7N Magical Morocco Tour – all inclusive RM7880

Our specialised all Inclusive tour to Morocco has always been a sell-out! Come meet our Moroccan specialist to share the highlights of the tour.

Offer : All inclusive ground, accommodation, meal and air flight + Sahara adventure + 4 UNESCO World Heritage Site + Blue City of Chefchaouen _ Hassan 11 mosque + Mighty Gorge of Todra

More packages with great value awaits you at Star Travel Booths No 2055 – 2067 (Hall 2). For more details, contact 03-2630 77777 / 017 – 504 7177 / 012-629 2177 or log on to www.startravel.com.my

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Asia. How to reach us: Facebook message or WhatsApp +6017-335-1399. Our email: editor@asiasamachar.com. For obituary announcements, click here]

Learn how to dance bhangra for a cause! Treat yourself to 1.5 hours of pure, earth-shaking joy as you learn to bhangra. On top of that, all proceeds go to Sunlove Abode for Intellectually Infirmed, the primary beneficiary of RedDot Bhangra.

No dance experience is needed for this workshop.

Established in 1987, Sunlove Abode is a charitable home for 250 intellectually-disabled residents. Its rehabilitative programs aim to reintegrate the patients back to their homes and to society, restoring hope to the individual, while building self-esteem and self-worth.

RedDot Bhangra has been volunteering at Sunlove Abode and other homes through the Langgar (Free Meals) Outreach Programme. It entertains the residents with bhangra performances and mini-workshops to bring cheer to their lives. This event is part of RedDot Bhangra’s March fundraising campaign in support of Sunlove Abode.

E V E N T  D E T A I L S

Date: 24 March 2019 (Sunday)

Time: 12.30pm to 2pm

Tickets: $8. Tickets can be purchased here and all proceeds go to Sunlove Abode for Intellectually Infirmed

Venue: Level 7, Sikh Centre, 9 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 169543

Contact: RedDot.Bhangra@gmail.com

RELATED STORIES:

Bhangra joy at Singapore celebration of dance diversity (Asia Samachar, 20 Oct 2018)

Aussie team sizzle at inaugural RedDot Bhangra Competition (Asia Samachar, 23 June 2018)

By Asia Samachar Team | UNITED STATES |

“New York is a multi-cultural state. It is a melting pot of big and small communities of various religious and cultural backgrounds. It is estimated over one million of its population are Muslims, 80,000 Sikhs, some six million celebrate Good Friday, and about two million celebrate Diwali and Onam.

“Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Diwali, Vaisakhi, Good Friday, and Onam are primary festivals for these communities and are widely celebrated throughout the state. They also serve as community building exercise and medium through which traditions and cultures are handed down to next generations.”

That is the justification of a law to introduce six additional religious holidays — two Islamic, two Hindu, one Sikh and Christian Good Friday – at public schools.

“This bill would allow children from these communities to forge stronger bonds with family and friends with the opportunity to learn and appreciate their respective cultural and religious heritage,” reads the bill now at the committee stage.

The bill, sponsored by New York’s first senator of Indian descent Kevin Thomas, will give districts the ability to close on the six identified religious holidays.

The bill will allow school districts with population equal to or greater than seven and half percent of those ethnic and cultural groups to declare those days as holidays.

“Many students are forced to take off each year to observe holidays with their families. This bill would finally rectify that. No longer should these holidays come with a sick day for missing classes,” Senator Thomas said in a statement.

“While it’s long overdue, I’m glad to be the one addressing this concern for many of the residents in my district,” he added.

The bill has advanced to Education Committee. It goes into effect on the first July date after becoming law.

See here for more details on the bill.

RELATED STORIES:

American Sikh Congressional Caucus (ASCC) Introduces House Resolution 189 Recognizing The Sikh Festival Vaisakhi In The House of Congress (Asia Samachar, 12 April 2018)

By Asia Samachar Team | SINGAPORE |

Jagwinder Singh was born without arms but he cycles some 50 to 80 kilometres a day. That’s quite a feat for the 27 year-old who was born in a small village called Patran near Patiala, Punjab.

This weekend, Jagwinder will join a charity bicycle ride from Malacca to Singapore.

Organised by Ride To Serve, the cyclists will cover a 100km distance from Malacca to Batu Pahat, Johor, on Saturday (16 March 2019). The next day, they will cycle 160km from Batu Pahat to Singapore.

The event, which started in 2014, aims to raise funds for Sikh Welfare Council Singapore (SIWEC). They encourage others to contribute to the cause as well.

Jagwinder will certainly adds colour to the ride this year. And he has quite a story to tell.

As a young boy, it was seeing his sister cycling that gave birth to the desire of riding it himself. Every night he would sneak out of his home, trying to balance and ride through the lanes of his locality. It was only after numerous falls, hard work and dedication that he was capable to peddle down the streets alone.

Today, Jagwinder proudly owns various awards and has received recognition in cycling at district and state level. His dream: To win the gold medal in the Paralympic cycling race.

For enquiries, call Luvinderpal Singh at +65- 9004 3954.

RELATED STORIES:

SIWEC receive donations from Singapore Chinese clans (Asia Samachar, 1 Dec 2017)

Malacca-Singapore cycling to raise funds for Siwec (Asia Samachar, 5 Dec 2014)

Lilly Singh is about to get her biggest break yet! The Canadian-born YouTube sensation who shot to fame with her comedy channel Superwoman has landed a late-night television slot in the United States.

She will take over Late Call With Carson Daly on NBC in September with her show “A Little Late With Lilly Singh”.

“It’s official. Ya girl is getting her own @nbc late night show,” Lilly tweeted today.

Daly’s show was running for the 16th season. Each night, the show hits the streets, taking the entire show on location, and bringing viewers along for the ride. The host introduces his audience to the emerging artists and stories you simply won’t find anywhere else, according to official information about the programme.

Lilly was on a tour to Malaysia and Singapore in 2017. In an interview then with Singapore’s Today, she remarked that her work was overlooked due to her Indian background.

“People are intrigued that there’s a South Asian woman who is so outspoken…But … many people, (in particular) the media, try to corner me into this niche and just identify me as this Indian woman. And they don’t even talk about what I do. They just talk about the fact that I have brown skin,” she said in the telephone interview.

At the same time, she admitted that her Indian background — both her parents are from Punjab, India, but Singh was born and raised in Toronto — has been a boon.

Last month, Lilly announced via a tweet that she was a bisexual.

“Throughout my life these have proven to be obstacles from time to time. But now I’m fully embracing them as my superpowers….No matter how many “boxes” you check, I encourage you to do the same x,” she wrote.

RELATED STORIES:

Lilly Singh aka Superwoman coming to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore (Asia Samachar, 19 May 2017)

By Asia Samachar Team | SINGAPORE |

The Sikh Advisory Board Singapore has condemned the ‘senseless and reckless’ terror attack by gunmen in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand earlier today that have claimed the lives of 49 people so far and injured scores of others.

In a statement, the board said it was saddened by the terror attacks on the two mosques in which many innocent lives were lost.

“We express our solidarity with our Muslim friends and the families of victims and condemn the senseless and reckless act.

“We pray for strength for the families of those who perished in this heinous act and for the speedy recovery of those injured,” it said.

The board added that the incident was also a grim reminder for everyone around the world to not take religious and racial relations lightly.

“It is important that we, in Singapore, stay united and work closely, among faith groups and communities, to strengthen our bonds,” it said.

In a separate statement earlier, Singapore ‘strongly condemned’ the incident which it described as a ‘terrorist attacks’, echoing the words of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

“There can be no justification for such attacks against civilians at the two mosques,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a press statement

In one of the comments following the attack, Ardern said: “What has happened in Christchurch is an extraordinary act of unprecedented violence. It has no place in New Zealand. Many of those affected will be members of our migrant communities – New Zealand is their home – they are us.”

The shootings during Friday prayers left at least 49 dead and dozens more injured. It was New Zealand’s worst mass shooting.

RELATED STORIES:

(Asia Samachar, 19 May 2017)

SASKAAR / CREMATION: 1pm, 17 March 2019 (Sunday), at Jalan Loke Yew Crematorium. Cortege departs from No 23, Jalan Pulau Angsa U10/33F, Seksyen U10, 41050 Shah Alam, Selangor at 11.30am | Malaysia

MANJIT KAUR (LABUAN)

January 11th 1954 – March 15th 2019

“Our Iron Lady”

Founder of Chanan Tour & Travel Sdn Bhd

MIC Head Wanita Cawangan Labuan

Daughter of Sardani Ajmer Kaur & Late Sardar Chanan Singh Maan (Segamat)

Daughter in Law of Late Sardar Hari Singh Bhinder & Late Sardani Gurnam Kaur D/O Hira Singh ( Klang )

Husband: Sardar Sharmuk Singh S/O Hari Singh

Children / Spouses:

1) Tejinder Singh / Jessimran Kaur

2) Harpreet Kaur / Jagvinder Singh Bhatt

Grandchildren:

Gagan Singh Bhatt, Asha Kaur Bhatt

Tesslyn Kaur Badeshe

Deeply missed by Brother, Sisters , Brother in Laws , Sister in Laws, Nephews, Nieces, Grand children, Labuan Sangat, Chanan Tour & Travel Employees, and friends.

Saskaar / Cremation: 1pm, 17 March 2019 (Sunday), at Jalan Loke Yew Crematorium.

Cortege Timing: Cortege departs from No 23, Jalan Pulau Angsa U10/33F, Seksyen U10, 41050 Shah Alam, Selangor at 11.30am

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Jack 012-231 2007

Teji 016-915 9978

Harpreet 016-311 9378

By MoneyLife | INDIA |

The Supreme Court on Thursday told Fortis’s Shivinder Singh that since he has come back from ‘sanyas’, he should focus on paying along with his brother Malvinder Singh Rs 3,500 crore awarded to Japanese drug maker Daiichi Sankyo by a Singapore-based arbitration tribunal.

“Now you have come (back) to world, then pay”, said Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi who along with Justice Deepak Gupta and Justice Sanjiv Khanna told both the brothers to inform the court how they are going to secure the arbitration tribunal award.

Initially senior counsel Fali Nariman appearing for Daiichi told the court that Malvinder Singh has said that he was anxious to pay his dues and Shivender Singh has said, “I have become a ‘sadhu’ and taken ‘sanyas’ and I don’t want to do anything now.”

However, when senior counsel P.S. Patwalia told the court that he has come back to world, CJI Gogoi said, “Now you have come to the world, then pay.”

Patwalia appeared for Shivinder Singh

Both Malvinder Singh and Shivinder Singh were asked to give plan for securing the Singapore-based arbitration tribunal’s award asking them to pay it Rs 3,500 crore in a dispute relating to Japanese drug maker Daiichi Sankyo’s acquisition of their family pharma company Ranbaxy.

Read the full story, ‘Now you are back from sanyas, pay Daiichi, SC tells Shivinder’, 15 March 2019, here.

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The Billionaires and The Guru: How a Family Burned Through $2 Billion (Asia Samachar, 18 Aug 2018)

By BBC | UK |

At 27, Minreet Kaur married a man she had met through a Sikh temple in west London. It turned out to be a disaster, and within a year she was back home with her parents. For 10 years now she has been hoping to find another husband, but has reached a bitter conclusion: most Sikh men don’t want to marry a divorcee.

“If you divorce me, you will never marry again,” my husband shouted at me before I left him. He said it to hurt me, but he knew it could turn out to be true. And so did I.

Divorce is shameful in the Sikh community, especially for women.

To begin with I was ashamed myself. I felt dirty and used. How could I look at another man when I knew he would regard me as used goods?

Other people reinforced this feeling.

My grandma in London told me I should have worked at my marriage, even though she knew what I had been through. My dad’s family in India said they were disappointed that I was home; I was a disgrace to them. My parents supported me 100% but I felt I had let them down.

For five years I hardly went out, but in 2013 I started to look again for a partner.

When I asked people to look out for a suitable man for me they would often be happy to help. They would start asking questions – how old I was, where I lived, where I worked – but as soon as told them I was divorced, their facial expression changed. It was a look that said, “we can’t help you”.

“I’ll let you know,” they told me.

Minreet Kaur is a henna artist and a freelance journalist who works for the BBC. She also contributes to Asia Samachar. Read the full story here.

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Sikh Advisory Board Singapore condemn terror attacks on Christchurch mosques (Asia Samachar, 15 March 2019)

By Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA |

Sikhs organisations and prominent individuals in Asia have condemned resolutely the terror attacks on the Christchurch mosque yesterday (15 March 2019) and called for everyone to embrace the oneness of humanity, a core principle of Guru Nanak.

When reached out by Asia Samachar, one ringing message from many was the need to see the brotherhood in all.

The shootings during Friday prayers has left at least 49 dead and 40 injured. It was New Zealand’s worst mass shooting.

Malaysian Armed Forces Sikh Veterans Association (MAFSVA) deputy president Maj (Rtd) Harjit Singh Rendawa said the premeditated murders in Christchurch were nothing more than an act by cowards of twisted minds.

“It’s a personification of extremism and racism into white supremacist. Blinded by hate and ego, they took so many innocent lives. A sad day for mankind,” he said.

Reiterating the message of oneness, Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM) jathedar Dr Jasbir Singh said: “God is One, see God in all.”

SNSM is a Kuala Lumpur-based organisation that caters to the youth with Sikh camps and other programmes.

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Inderjit Singh, former Singapore lawmaker and entrepreneur, said everyone was saddened that innocent people became the target of hate.

“Guru Nanak taught us about One Humanity and the Universal brotherhood of all mankind. I wish all of us embrace this concept of One Humanity and show love for everyone and not hate,” he said.

He added that governments around the world should focus on integration of all communities who live on their shores.

“Like Singapore, all countries and leaders need to be proactive to promote religious and racial harmony. We are thankful that in Singapore we have build deep bonds among all communities and each of us are focused on maintaining the strong bonds – both the people and the government.

“All of us need to be personally involved if we want peace and harmony,” he said in a text message. Inderjit is the longest-serving Sikh parliamentarian in Singapore.

Auckland-based Member of Parliament (MP) Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi emphasised that New Zealand wasa country which a high degree of social harmony.

“New Zealanders welcome all people with open arms. Migrants are not made to feel that they are living in another country,” he told SBS Punjabi in an interview.

“I sincerely hope that our Muslim community feels that the entire country supports them and also that such an incident is not repeated anywhere in the world….I want to assure the Muslim community in New Zealand that is their home and we are behind them,” added Kanwaljit who is also the shadow spokesman for internal affairs and justice.

HEINOUS ATTACK

Humanitarian relief outfit United Sikhs has requested the New Zealand’s Ministry of Justice to ensure that all community centers and houses of worship are protected, safe and to ensure that justice prevails.

In a statement, it has also called the Sikh communities around the world to stay vigilant, and be aware of surroundings at their gurdwaras.

“Hate in any form is unacceptable. The Sikh community condemns this incident and stands in solidarity with the families impacted,” said Inderjit Singh, the director of United Sikhs in New Zealand.

Malaysian Gurdwaras Council (MGC) president Jagir said: “This is a heinous attack on a place of worship targeting innocent worshippers. This terrorist attack should be condemned by all peace loving people.”

In a statement released yesterday, the Sikh Advisory Board Singapore condemned the terror attack and expressed ‘our solidarity with our Muslim friends and the families of victims and condemn the senseless and reckless act’.

“It is important that we, in Singapore, stay united and work closely, among faith groups and communities, to strengthen our bonds,” it said.

As New Zealanders and global citizens marshall on in the aftermath of the traumatic incident, SNSM’s Jasbir said: “Our brothers and sisters in NZ, stay strong in this challenging times. We pray for your well being.”

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Sikh Advisory Board Singapore condemn terror attacks on Christchurch mosques (Asia Samachar, 15 March 2019)

By BOBINS ABRAHAM | India Times | NZ |

New Zealand is going through an unprecedented situation following the terror attack on two mosques in central Christchurch on Friday which killed 49 people and injured scores of others.

People of New Zealand, a country which is considered one of the safest and makes into international news headlines rarely, that too on issues on climate change and environment which it has always led, found themselves in an unfamiliar space on Friday following the shooting, said to be the deadliest white supremacist attack in the recent times.

Right from the Prime Minister to common people on the street, everyone has come out to reject bigotry and stand in solidarity with the victims and their families.

The Guru Nanak Free Kitchen in Auckland, an NGO involved in various human services have appealed to their fellow community members to help those in distress.

The Sikh community in New Zealand too are doing their bit to help the families of the shooting victims, in all possible ways.

Responding to an appeal by a Muslim representative, the GNFK in a Facebook post urged volunteers to come forward to help the Muslim community in Christchurch with washing bodies, transportation of families and bodies to the cemetery, digging graves and organize langar for the people attending funerals and helping with other stuff.

Later, in a separate post, the group thanked outpouring support they received and said that “Our various communities and groups truly embody the compassion and love that will need to prevail to heal the wounds of yesterday’s attacks.”

According to their Facebook page, the Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen began in April 2017 when a group of like-minded individuals got together and wanted to help with feeding those in need in Auckland and do so by encouraging Sikh youth and organizations to volunteer their time and services.

To see the original story, go here.

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Sikh Advisory Board Singapore condemn terror attacks on Christchurch mosques (Asia Samachar, 15 March 2019)

Instagram Comedian Jess Hilarious Says She’s ‘Not Racist’ After Being Accused of Getting Passengers with Turbans Kicked Off Her Flight’

Various news reports had picked up the story and her subsequent defence of her actions.

Istagram comedian Jess Hilarious has allegedly caused four Sikh men to be ejected from the a flight in the United States, and she’s portraying herself as ‘not racist’

Jessica Moore has been getting major heat on social media after allegedly getting four men in turbans kicked off her flight Saturday for making her “nervous,” reports Newsweek.

The portal reported that Moore posted a since-deleted tweet which allegedly led to four Sikh men being removed from the flight before it departed the airport. The comedian then published an Instagram story to say her comments were justified and “[her] news is real.”

In article entitled ‘Instagram Comedian Jess Hilarious Says She’s ‘Not Racist’ After Being Accused of Getting Passengers with Turbans Kicked Off Her Flight’, it reported:

“N****s know I’m never f***ing racist, but I spotted something and I put it out earlier and we just got evacuated from our plane,” Moore said in the Instagram story. “F*** y’all, if I’m scared, I’m scared… y’all mad at me because I don’t side with every other black person.”

“Why? Why were we evacuated,” she noted. “Y’all are going to listen to Jess one day, ’cause my news is real.”

Despite saying she wasn’t racist or profiling the bearded men, the comedian continued to be blasted all over social media, which led to Moore to posting a since-deleted apology.

“I’m so sorry for my former #deleted post!! #Sorry but ya’ll blame [me] for being scared,” Moore wrote. “I saw four people of that caliber and I just revert back to the past, s**t if I’m scared, I’m scared!!!”

“The Internet is some s**t today,” she added.

Though the comedian deleted all posts pertaining to the incident, two Instagram stories remain on her profile were she said she is “not racist” and has “Muslims is [her] family.”

“Look ya’ll, I’m not racist and never have I been,” Moore wrote. “We have Muslims in my family, however, I was totally unaware of the different types of Muslim, so yes, I admit I’m ignorant to the facts so teach me.”

“I got no one put off the f***in’ plane,” she added. “I didn’t even say s**t to anyone else on the f***in’ plane about how I felt! Again, I’m sorry to all Muslims, deeply sorry. But I am not a racist, loves.”

Newsweek reached out to Moore’s publicist for comment but did not immediately hear back at the time of publication.

This incident occurred the same weekend as the deadly attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. At least 50 people died in the massacre, with more than 40 others injured.

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