SASKAAR / CREMATION: 11am, 28 March 2019 (Thursday), at MBPJ Crematorium, Kampung Tunku, Petaling Jaya. Cortege Departs from the residence at 10, Lorong 8/3E, Section 8, Petaling Jaya at 10.15am | Malaysia

MADAM SARJIT KHOOR W/O LATE SARDAR HARBANS SINGH DHALIWAL

SASKAAR / CREMATION: 3pm, 28 March 2019 (Thursday), at Cheras Crematorium, 318 Jalan Kuari, Kampung Cheras Baru, 56100 Kuala Lumpur. Cortege leaves residence No. 30, Jalan Cuepacs 2B, Taman Koperasi Cuepacs, Batu 12, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, at 2pm | Malaysia

SRG (RTD) JASBIR SINGH A/L KARAM SINGH

Retired from Unit Forensik, Maktab PDRM Cheras, RF67867

Loving father, devoted husband, and a humble human being.

Born: 19 April 1958

Departed: 28 March 2019

Wife: Harinder Kaur

Children: Simran Singh, Keeran Kaur, Charan Singh

Saskaar / Cremation: 3pm, 28 March 2019 (Thursday), at Cheras Crematorium, 318 Jalan Kuari, Kampung Cheras Baru, 56100 Kuala Lumpur

Cortège timing: Cortege leaves residence No. 30, Jalan Cuepacs 2B, Taman Koperasi Cuepacs, Batu 12, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, at 2pm, 28 March 2019 (Thursday)

Path da Bhog: 6 April 2019 (Saturday), 10am-12pm, at Gurdwara Sahib Kajang

Contact:

Simran (012-666 8125)

Keeran (011-3708 5818)

Charan (012-5969 486)

Washington (March 27, 2019): Sikh community of the Washington area honored a Pakistani Muslim activist for taking steps to preserve dilapidated buildings of Sikh Gurdwaras.

Mr Tahir Khan Kayani from the Jhelum Heritage Foundation, Pakistan, spoke at the Sikh Gurdwara Guru Gobind Singh Foundation (GGSF) in Washington and gave details of the steps he and his colleagues are taking to preserve four major Sikh sites in Jhelum. Guru Nanak had visited this area during his preaching travels called Udasis in the 15th century. These historically significant sites in Jhelum and Rohtas have remained abandoned from last 70 years since the partition.

Outside the Rohtas fort built by Shershah Suri, there is a gurdwara related to Guru Nanak and this site has a water well reportedly initiated by Guru himself which is still being used by the locals. Another Gurdwara, though in a rundown state, is Tilla Jogian which is about 3000 ft above on a hill overlooking the Jhelum and various other local areas. This is also the site in memory of Guru Nanak when he had discussions with Yogis and Sadhus (Ascetics) on various theological matters. Third important gurdwara is the birth place of Mata Sahib Kaur, wife of Guru Gobind Singh and who is considered the spiritual mother of the Khalsa. This site is within the Rohtas fort and does not have a corresponding grandeur considering the significance of this historical figure. Another grand gurdwara is Bhai Karam Singh Gurdwara, built in 30s and 40s by the local Sikh community, in memory of a Sikh who fought valiantly against the British.

Tahir Kayani and his colleagues have made plans to restore these gurdwaras and have approached the local authorities to help. Mr. Kayani said, “We have received a very positive response from everyone we approached. We are also involved the Walled City of Lahore Society and they have made an initial survey to support this initiative.” Plan submitted to the government would cost 400 million rupees. He added, ”Some of these properties have been occupied by people and some abandoned and some are being used for governmental offices. Most people see the benefit of restoring these sites as they hope that Sikh community from across India and the world will start visiting these areas. We are very sure that this will help bring communities together and will generate a sense of goodwill across the two nations.”

He added, “This is the most opportune time to improve relations between India and Pakistan during Guru Nanak’s 550th birth-anniversary. It is also due to the corridor opening and we must make all efforts to strengthen the process.”

He said, “Our motivation was purely based on human concerns and we consider that these sites as our own common heritage. Even though there are no Sikhs in Jhelum, we felt that it was our moral duty to make sure that these historical gurdwaras are preserved for future generations.”

This caught the attention of the media and BBC Urdu did a major story of this local residents efforts without the initiative of the any government and this news went viral. This has generated interest of the Sikhs and in the last few months, hundreds of Sikhs have visited the area to see these gurdwaras.

Dr. Rajwant Singh, Secretary of GGSF, said, “We are very thankful to them for being so thoughtful and kind towards their Sikh brothers and sisters. This truly is a reflection of the deep seated human values among various communities across the border. This shows that common people have nothing but love for each other contrary to the common held opinion and how it is portrayed in the media.”

Sarabjit Singh Sidhu, Chairman of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation (GGSF), said, “We would welcome an opportunity to work closely with Jhelum community to spread the word amongst all Sikhs.”

Hariraj Singh, a member of the Sikh community and former President of Baltimore Gurdwara, said, “All efforts should be made to preserve the Gurdwaras and these sites in their original beauty rather than making into a marble structure.”

Sikh community members were very happy to hear Tahir Kayani and many expressed their heartfelt thanks to him. People took turns to take picture with him.

[Press release from Guru Gobind Singh Foundation]

RELATED STORIES:

Pakistan PM Khan lays foundation stone for long-awaited Kartarpur corridor (Asia Samachar, 28 Nov 2018)

First Sikh PRO at Pakistan’s Punjab Governor House (Asia Samachar, 19 Jan 2019)

By Min Kaur | LONDON |

Seva is one of the key principles of Sikhi. In December 2018, UK Sikhs lost a selfless sewadar by the name of Gurdeep Singh Waryah who was well respected and always thought of others. We want to remember this much loved soul.

Gurdeep was a trustee of Sikh Welfare Awareness Team, a charity which provides a youth club facility for children to come and get involved in activities, listen to inspirational talks and most importantly to learn about their Sikh faith.

He would spend most of his time doing Seva and was always there for others. He was one person you could speak to about anything as he would never judge you.

Gurdeep has left a legacy behind because of the person he is someone who had no ‘ego’ and was always smiling.

He was one of those people who had time for everyone and loved to be around Sangat (people). He had many friends and was an amazing son, father, husband and brother.

Gurdeep was very passionate about serving the community which is why he was part of many different charities from feeding the homeless to spiritual camps for kids and adults.

Although Gurdeep has merged with Vaheguru(God), he left us all a parting gift, his beautiful daughter Gurkirat (Bani). I’m sure she will grow up to be another gem in the community.

It’s an honour to know and meet such a person, someone we can cherish, someone we can learn from, and most importantly someone we can aspire to be like.

gur jaisaa naahee ko dayv.
There is no deity equal to the Guru.

jis mastak bhaag so laagaa sayv. ||1|| rahaa-o.
Whoever has good destiny inscribed on his forehead, applies himself to seva – selfless service. ||1||Pause||

So many people’s hearts have been touched by Gurdeep and it makes you realise how life is very short when we lose someone close to us.

The reason I share this is because the 3 principles of Sikhi are Naam Japna, Seva, Kirat Karmai. Sometimes we get caught up in this materialistic world of Maya and the panj chor kidnap our mind and we get blinded by this falsehood of life.

Death is a breath away and all of us are on a train journey and the next stop could be ours. Let’s try to reflect on ourselves and fill our breath with more of the 3 principles but also to love others and treat people as you would like to be treated.

Time is going by so quick easy second is a blessing and use the precious time we have to work towards being a better person, helping others, giving back to the community and to remember Waheguru with every breath because our only support is God and without our Guru we are nothing.

Let’s spread the love, care about one another, be in good Sangat and pray that Waheguru blesses us with naam and keeps us attached to their Charan.

Love from the Family and Community who miss you dearly…x

RELATED STORIES:

Independent and positive women rock, says freelance journo Min Kaur (Asia Samachar, 13 March 2019)

By Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA |

It was popcorn and movie afternoon for some 40 children from a Kuala Lumpur-based Sikh orphanage in Kuala Lumpur.

The children from Gurpuri Foundation were feted to the movie Kesari, courtesy of Sri Saheb Production Sdn Bhd which brought the war-drama film to the local theaters.

“We brought the older kids as they can appreciate the movie,” Gurpuri Foundation founder Sukhdav Singh told Asia Samachar. The Kuala Lumpur orphanage is home to 90 children.

Founded in 2000, Gurpuri Foundation provides orphaned and neglected children a ‘loving and caring environment where they can blossom into responsible adults’.

Kesari, which started screening globally on 21 March, is starred Akshay Kumar. It is based on a true courageous story of 21 Sikh soldiers who fought valiantly and bravely against 10,000 invaders at Saragarhi.

In India, it has become the fastest film in 2019 to cross Rs 100 crore mark, overtaking Gully Boy and Total Dhamaal that crossed this benchmark in eight and nine days, respectively.

RELATED STORIES:

Kesari captures Sikh soldiers in unprecedented battle (Asia Samachar, 21 March 2019)

Vasakhi cheer for Gurpuri led by Malaysian PM’s wife (Asia Samachar, 16 April 2018)

SASKAAR / CREMATION: 2pm, 30 March 2019 (Saturday) at MBSJ Crematorium, Batu 14 Puchong, Selangor. Cortège leaves from residence No 25, Jalan 18c, Taman Aman Sari, 47190 Puchong, at 1pm | Malaysia

SARDAR DALIP SINGH S/O JAG SINGH

Former Granthi Sahib of Tapah, Perak and Petaling Jaya Gurdwara

Village: Bhatal Bhai Ke, Amritsar

Departed: 29.3.2019

Wife: Sardarni Balwant Kaur d/o Kujur Singh

Children / Spouses:

Kalwant Kaur / Changara Singh

Swaran Kaur / Ram Derayan

Major Madhan Singh/ Salvindar Kaur

Soakvindar Kaur/ Balbir Singh

Khazan Singh/ Dr Jasbir Kaur

Grandchildren:

Sukhvinder Kaur
Anita Kaur
Paramjit Kaur
Harmeet Kaur
Terenjit Singh
Dr. Manvin Kaur
Manrit Singh
Manjiven Singh
Dr Manpreet Kaur
Simran Kaur
Shneal Kaur
Kabir Singh
Asees Kaur

Saskaar / Cremation: 30 March 2019 (Saturday) at 2pm inMBSJ Crematorium, Batu 14 Puchong, Selangor

Cortège timing: Cortège leaves from residence No 25, Jalan 18c, Taman Aman Sari, 47190 Puchong, at 1pm

Akhand Path: 11-13 April 2019 at Gurdwara Sahib Puchong, Selangor

Contact:

Madhan 017-679 8964

Swaran 012-296 7005

Message from Family: Avid reader, Great Poet, Role Model to the family

| Entry: 29 March 2019 | Source: Family |

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 |

Members of Indian Thai Peace & Prosperity Group receive award from HM Princess Sirinthon of Thailand for donating kidney transplant machines to the Sangha Hospital of Thailand (for Buddhist Monks) at the Kidney Foundation of Thailand – Thai Sikh News

SASKAAR / CREMATION: 3.30pm, 30 March 2019 (Saturday) at Gui Yuan crematorium, Kampung Tunku, Petaling Jaya. Cortege expected to leave No. 1, Jalan SS 1/38, 47300, Petaling Jaya at 3pm | Malaysia

JAGJIT KAUR D/O BACHAN SINGH DHALIWAL

Beloved wife of Master Sukhbir Singh Kang

Born: 14 September 1931

Departed: 29 March 2019

Children /spouses:

1. Late Varindar Singh Kang

2. Charanjeet Kaur Kang

3. Late Gurjeet Kaur Kang / Kuldip Singh s/o Durbara Singh

4. Manmohan Singh Kang / Harkirenjit Kaur Kang

Grandchildren:

1. Taranbir Singh

2. Akaashjeet Singh Kang

3. Arjun Banaj Singh Kang

Siblings:

1. Late Dr Harbans Singh Dhaliwal

2. Late Prof Dr Satwant Singh Dhaliwal

3. Late Gurcharan Kaur (Chani).

4. Late Prof. Dr Jasbir Kaur

5. Dr Narindar Singh Dhaliwal

Deeply missed and forever cherished.

Cortege Timing: Cortege leaves No. 1 Jalan SS 1/38, 47300, Petaling Jaya on the afternoon of 30 March 2019 (Saturday) at 3pm, 30 March 2019 (Saturday)

Saskaar / Cremation: 3.30pm, 30 March 2019 (Saturday) at Gui Yuan crematorium, Kampung Tunku, Petaling Jaya. 

Contact:

1. Kuldip Singh 012 212 9974

2. Chand Singh 014 664 5891

| Entry: 30 March 2019 | Source: Family |

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 |

Vaisakhi 1699: The High Point of Guru Nanak Jote-Jugat Mission (Part V). See earlier parts here

By Gurmukh Singh OBE | PANJAB TIMES |

The central theme of this discussion is the essential link between Gurbani and the lives of the Ten Gurus. That was the Sikhi tuition period from Guru Nanak Sahib to Guru Gobind Singh. Without due regard to this vital reference between Shabd (Word) Guru and the lived Sikhi of the Ten Guru-persons (Gur-Ithas), claims to following some sort of self-interpreted universal teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib would mislead and cause divisions. Gurbani interpretation must be holistic and in the context the progress of Sikhi mission from Guru Nanak Sahib to Guru Gobind Singh.

The martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev ji in 1606 marked the completion of the first phase of Sikh institutions and organisation (through network of Sangats) in accordance with the Jote-Jugat mission. The next phase stressed the doctrine of double sovereignty, or temporal-spiritual freedom, derived from the teachings of Guru Nanak Sahib and the successor Guru-persons. Guru Hargobind, wore two swords asserting dominion over the two worlds, temporal and spiritual. For the Sikhs the Guru was the Sacha Patshah, the True King, who was ‘Do jahan da waali’, the Ruler of the seen and unseen worlds. Seated on the Timeless Throne, the Akal Takht, thus responded the Guru to those who would attempt to rule over the bodies and minds of men.

So manifested the Khalsa doctrine of Double Sovereignty described by Sirdar Kapur Singh as follows: The essence of this doctrine is that a man of religion must always owe his primary allegiance to Truth and morality, and he must never submit to the exclusive claim of the secular state to govern the bodies and minds of men and the whole of subsequent Sikh history must be seen as an unfoldment of this Sikh attitude. The main substance of this doctrine is that any sovereign state which includes Sikh population and groups as citizens, must never make the paranoia pretensions of almighty absolutism entailing the concept of total power, entitled to rule over the bodies and minds of men, in utter exclusiveness. Any state which lays such claims qua the Sikhs, shall automatically forfeit its moral right to demand allegiance of the Sikhs, represented by the order of the Khalsa. (The Golden Temple: Its theo-political status, SGPC 1998, p 3.)

Guru Har Rai (1630-1661) continued teaching compassion from a position of armed strength while promoting sewa: the Sikh institution of non-discriminatory social activism. Under His direction the Sikhs promoted social welfare and provided medical services. This tradition was followed during peacetime, and also in battle e.g. by Sikhs like Bhai Ghanaiya during the battles of Anandpur.

Guru Harkishan (Guruship 1661-1664), the child Guru, was the embodiment of purity and wisdom. The strategic significance of the Guru period of Guru Har Rai and Guru Harkrishan, while Baba (and later Guru), Tegh Bahadur carried out long missionary tours of Northern India for several years, has been discussed in my book, Guru Tegh Bahadur: The True Story. (Available from the Sikh Missionary Society UK).

To be continued.

Gurmukh Singh OBE, a retired UK senior civil servant, chairs the Advisory Board of The Sikh Missionary Society UK. Email: sewauk2005@yahoo.co.uk. The article first appeared at The Panjab Times, UK

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

RELATED STORY:

Vaisakhi 1699: The High Point of Guru Nanak Jote-Jugat Mission – Parts I to IV (Asia Samachar, 22 March 2019)

Antam Sanskar (Last Rites) in Sikhi – Sikh Reht Maryada guidance (Asia Samachar, 24 Jan 2019)

Khalsa Panth: A Sovereign Nation (Asia Samachar, 7 Jan 2019)

By SKA | SINGAPORE |

Singapore Khalsa Association (SKA) Ladies Wing’s Family Day on 31 March 2019 saw more than 150 participants turning up early at the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park for a morning of activities.

Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Second Minister for Education and Finance, graced the occasion. She joined the participants in the walk in the park, and the chair and laughter yoga.

In addition to the walk and the yoga, there were a amazing race and a number of games. The event ended with a lunch reception for the attendees.

RELATED STORIES:

Singapore Khalsa Association signature Vasakhi event (Asia Samachar, 4 April 2018)

By Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA |

The Ampang gurdwara has continued its steady acquisition of surrounding land as part of its long-term development plans.

In the latest move, the gurdwara acquired an adjoining bungalow lot in 2017 for RM640,000. The lot has been turned into a car park.

“We took soft loans to settle the purchase. Even those loans have now been settled,” Gurdwara Sahib Ampang (GSA) committee deputy president Harnarindar Singh told Asia Samachar.

Harnarinder and most of the out-going gurdwara management committee (GMC) members were reelected for another two-year term at its annual general meeting (AGM) today (31 March 2019).

Dr Jesbeer Singh was relected as president, along with Bachan Kaur as treasurer and Rashpal Kaur as secretary.

The gurdwara in Hulu Kelang, Selangor, serves the Sangat (congregation) from surrounding areas like Ampang, Setia Wangsa, Melawati, Bukit Antarabangsa, Pandan Indah and Cheras.

“With the new highway running across, we are waiting for that to be completed before embarking on future projects,” Dr Jasbeer said in a text message.

Dr Jasbeer said the out-going committee was able to complete projects on time and within budget with cooperation of the Sangat.

He said he would like emphasise that the gurdwara was a place where Sikhs get Sikhi teachings, guidance and blessings.

“It’s like a school for us,” he added. “Let it be neutral and welcome everyone with love. Don’t make it a place for political issues or promote self interests.”

On the constant challenge facing gurdwara committees, Dr Jasbeer said: “Having perseverance is a big part of being a leader, and leadership is what management is all about.”

Gurdwara Sahib Ampang Committee 2019-2021

President: Dr Jesbeer Singh
Vice-President: Harnarindar Singh
Treasurer: Bachan Kaur
Assistant Treasurer: Karenjit Kaur
Secretary: Rashpal Kaur
Assistant Secretary: Jurjit Kaur

Committee Members:
Mohinder Kaur
Gian Kaur
Aneal Khanna
Datin Baljit Kaur
Dr Kumari Manju
Sarabjit Singh
Paramjeet Singh
Harwinder Kaur

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 Asia Samachar Team | SINGAPORE |

Sadagar Singh Nanda Singh, a long time granthi of Singapore’s Sri Guru Nanak Sat Sangh Sabha (Katong Gurdwara), passed away yesterday (31 March 2019). He was 97.

“Oour soldier saint has passed on and merged with the Master,” one Singapore Sikh told Asia Samachar in a text message.

In a social media posting, Haresh Ramchand Lalwani said that in the 1960s Sadagar had sold all his worldly possessions and donated everything he had to the gurdwara and lived there doing sewa.

“Amongst the many things he did, he also assumed all the duties of the Darbar Sahib for as long as he physically could do so, which included doing the morning Parkash, keeping the darbar sahib carpet vacuumed, the sheets laid out tightly, doing the Nitnem and more during the Amrit Vela, guided many Sikh youth on the importance of education, discipline, sewa, bani, the Gurdwara and Sikhism.

“He devoted his life to Sewa, Bani, the Gurdwara Sahib, God. Many will be able to share their personal experiences of their interactions with him,” he wrote.

The cremation will be held at 5pm tomorrow (2 April 2019) at Mandai Crematorium (Hall 4). The cortege and busses will leave from Sri Guru Nanak Sat Sangh Sabha (Katong Gurdwara) at 3:30pm.

By Asia Samachar Team | INDIA |

Many Sikhs were aghast when they heard that a historical Sikh site was destroyed in the name of ‘kar seva’.

“Shameful, repulsive. Despite all protests they did it again and destroyed original heritage.”

“So sad. What do they mean by kar seva.”

“Most heritage buildings are destroyed by invaders having different faith but now our own babas are destroying our heritage.”

The above were just a sampling of the anger and frustrations of Sikhs the world over when they heard that the historic Darshan Deori (gateway) leading to the main Sri Tarn Tarn Sahib gurdwara was demolished by Kar Sewa seminary headed by Baba Jagtar Singh.

BELOW IS AN ENTRY AT SIKH MUSEUM INITIATIVE WEBSITE

Information was received last night(30/03/2019) that the historic Darshan Deori (gateway) leading to the main Gurdwara or Darbar Sahib at Tarn Tran was demolished by Kar Sewa seminary headed by Baba Jagtar Singh. The town of Tarn Tarn was founded by Guru Arjun Dev where he laid the foundation of the Gurdwara.

During the Misl period parts of the Sarowar was constructed by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia(Head of the Buddha Dal) and Budh Singh (Sukkerchakia Misl), but left uncompleted. Reconstruction of the Gurdwara and the Darshan Deori was completed during the Sikh Empire period and Kanvar Nau Nihal Singh the grandson of Ranjit Singh, played a major role in the development. Other parts of the Darshan Deori was completed by Sant Sham Singh of Amritsar in last quarter of the last quarter of the nineteenth century.

It is with regret that such an important gateway has given way to modernity and illogical thinking and not for the first time. So called Kar Sewa Babas-volunteers want to demolish important structures and shrines and have them recreated in the pretext of modernity and widening of Gurdwara premises for things like car parking.

In September 2018 plans for the demolition was thwarted by a last minute intervention however this time the gateway was brought down in a heap of rubble. The sangat started protesting last night and it appears that only the dome was destroyed due to the opposition of the local people.

Whilst in 1984 the Indian Government attacked the Harimandir Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib it seems many of our own people are hell bent on destroying their own heritage.

The Sikh Museum Initiative will be able to recreate these structures in 3d and maybe that is all we will have in the future unless serious education is given to the SGPC, Kar Sewa Babas and others believing that modernity is the way forward.

The manager at Tarn Tarn has been suspended and an enquiry has started however the damage is done and the historic structure can be added to a long list of places which have faced the wrath of a Kar Sewa sledge hammer.

Information was received last night that the historic Darshan Deori (gateway) leading to the main Gurdwara or Darbar Sahib was demolished by Kar Sewa seminary headed by Baba Jagtar Singh.

The town of Tarn Tarn was founded by Guru Arjun Dev where he laid the foundation of the Gurdwara.

During the Misl period parts of the Sarowar was constructed by various leaders of the Sikh Misls, but left uncompleted. Reconstruction of the Gurdwara and the Darshan Deori was completed during the Sikh Empire period and Kanvar Nau Nihal Singh the grandson of Ranjit Singh, played a major role in the development. Other parts of the Darshan Deori was completed by Sant Sham Singh of Amritsar in last quarter of the last quarter of the nineteenth century.

It is with regret that such an important gateway has given way to modernity and illogical thinking and not for the first time. So called Kar Sewa Babas-volunteers want to demolish important structures and shrines and have them recreated in the pretext of modernity and widening of Gurdwara premises for things like car parking.

In September 2018 plans for the demolition was thwarted by a last minute intervention however this time the gateway was brought down in a heap of rubble. The sangat started protesting last night and it appears that only the dome was destroyed due to the opposition of the local people.

Whilst in 1984 the Indian Government attacked the Harimandir Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib it seems many of our own people are hell bent on destroying their own heritage.

The Sikh Museum Initiative will be able to recreate these structures in 3d and maybe that is all we will have in the future unless serious education is given to the SGPC, Kar Sewa Babas and others believing that modernity is the way forward.

SASKAAR / CREMATION: 1.30pm, 2 April 2019 at Jalan Kuari Cheras Crematorium, KL. Cortège will leave residence No. 2A Jalan Bayu Segar 1, Bayu Segar, 56100 CHERAS at 12:30 noon | Malaysia

ਪਵਨੈ ਮਹਿ ਪਵਨੁ ਸਮਾਇਆ ॥ ਜੋਤੀ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਰਲਿ ਜਾਇਆ ॥

Pawan mei pawan samaya, jyoti mei jyot ral jayeya

NASHATHAR KAUR D/O JASWANT SINGH

(1965 – 2019)

Wife of Sardar SUKHDAVE SINGH – Alor Setar (ICRC)

She fought the good fight with great chardi kalaa. After a glorious and fulfilled life, she has now been called home to our beloved Akal Purakh, leaving us behind not in sadness, but in joyous celebration that she is merging into our Akal Purakh. She passed away peacefully with her family and loved ones by her side on 1/4/2019, leaving behind

Son: Jashdave Singh

Daughter: Manpreet Kaur

Mother: Sardarni Jeet Kaur (Port Klang)

Brother: Dr Charanjeet Singh (Gleneagles KL)

Sisters: Jasbir Kaur (wife of Sukhbeer Singh), Gelcheter Kaur (wife of Surinder Singh)

As well as family and friends.

Saskaar / Cremation: 1.30pm, 2 April 2019 at Jalan Kuari Cheras Crematorium

Cortège will leave residence No. 2A Jalan Bayu Segar 1, Bayu Segar, 56100 CHERAS at 12:30 noon.

May Waheguru’s blessings continue to be with her on her journey.

Contact:

Sukhdave Singh 011-19238425

Dr Charanjeet Singh 012-2978812

Jasbir Kaur 012-6956938

Manpreet Kaur 011-33208425

American Sikh Council (ASC) went out to engage directly the various stakeholders of the national schools.

On 30-31 March 2019, the US-based organisation had set up an Sikh exhibit at the National School Board Association (NSBA) Convention in Philadelphia.

The idea was to engage the more than 6,000 superintendents, school board administrators, principals, specialists, educators, professors and attorneys attending the conference.

Thery were part of the 225 exhibitors and hundreds of educational sessions covering, topics from bullying, racism, bias; use of technology, enhancing education, empathy training to suicide prevention.

ASC representatives interacted with the convention attendees by having conversations and answering many interesting questions posed by the superintendents, school board officials and other educators, the organisation said in a statement.

It added that hundreds of brochures covering the Sikhs and Scouts, History of Sikh Americans, Sikh Genocide and Bullying of Sikh American Children were displayed and distributed.

The recently published book supported by the American Sikh Council ‘Bullying of Sikh American Children – Through the Eyes of a Sikh American High School Student’, www.bullyingasikhamericanchildren.org was displayed; as this is another very important resources tool which can be used by school superintendent to help the rampant bullying and victimization of many minorities groups like the Sikh American children.

This book was even attested by President Barack Obama on April 29, 2016. The book is already implemented in over three dozen school districts across the East Coast and some high schools are using the book for their AP English, AP Psychology and AP History classes.

Kim B from Maine was so enthused by the ASC exhibit and the information she received, that she requested videos, power point presentation and other material, as she felt there is a dire need to educate those children who grow up with less diversity around them.

ASC said it has thousands of requests by schools to come and give presentations in schools to educate and dispel ignorance about the Sikh heritage.

ASC also tied over 175 turbans on all those attendees who wished to understand what it means to wear a dastaar. Many came back with a renewed understanding and more empathy and shared their comments of they felt while being ‘turbaned’ in and around the convention area.

ASC representatives who took part were Sutinder Singh, Ashvinder Kaur, Mohanbir Singh, Baljeet Singh, Karanveer Singh, Sherveer Singh and Kavneet Singh.

See ASC’s full statement and more photos here.

RELATED STORY:

Jagtar Singh Johal’s continued illegal detention by the Indian government – ASC (Asia Samachar, 8 Jan 2019)

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 Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA |

By Asia Samachar Team | INDIA |

A women car rally is now making its way across five cities to raise the awareness of menstrual products and menstrual education.

On 30th March 2019, a group of British ambassadors dedicated to providing menstrual dignity to women everywhere, embarked on an adventure across India as they race against the clock to visit five schools in five different cities.

The Women Car Rally with a mission to provide sustainable menstrual products and menstrual education through the crazy, colourful streets of India.

Commencing in Gurgaon, the rally will travel 350 miles by car to Ranthambore; for the 10-day menstrual education that will be delivered to over 1300 children in total. The team will travel to Kotputli, Jaipur, Udaipur, Amritsar and Moga, before ending their journey in Chandigarh.

The programme is driven by Binti International, a UK-based charity focused on smashing stigma and shame surrounding menstruation. Online media portal Asia Samachar is a media partner of the programme.

Binti’s menstrual education programme takes the form of interactive workshops, teaching young people about the biological, emotional, cultural and spiritual aspects of periods. Attendees have the chance not only to learn but to engage with our trainers, and pose the questions they may be too embarrassed to voice in their wider community.

As part of the workshop and Binti’s commitment to providing menstrual dignity to girls across the world, every school involved in the rally will be presented with Reusable Menstrual Kits which last up to three years, the organisation said in a statement.

Binti research has found that 88% of women in India use a rag when they menstruate – but with the reusable pad, girls will be taught how to keep the pads clean and hygienic. Designed to be practical, cost effective and green the reusable pads are made with materials that can be washed again and again and then dried out in the sun. With the sun acting as a natural steriliser for the material, BINTI promotes an open culture in an effort to normalise periods and eradicate their stigma.

Binti International was founded in 2014 by Manjit K Gill, with a focus on providing menstrual dignity to women everywhere. Their work has created a rippling affect through different communities where families are now discussing periods and the term “PeriodPoverty” has become globally recognised as an issue that many girls around the world suffer with.

Through the hashtag #SmashShame #ILovePeriods and initiatives like the #BintiRosePose, the team have garnered a large social media following with ambassadors, followers and even celebrities getting involved.

The 2019 BINTI Rally is supported by Hemraj Goyal Foundation, its CEO and BINTI patron Anita Goyal.

Another rally is earmarked for Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28 in the UK.

The Hemraj Goyal Foundation is a family foundation committed to a better world for women and children.

Established in 2010, the foundation is currently partnered with over 30 different charities and projects that provide vital funding and support to women and children all over the world, and is passionate about supporting next generational and sustainable philanthropy.

“Binti” means “young lady” in Swahili, “daughter of” in Arabic, and “request” in Punjabi.

Headquarted in the UK, Binti is a registered charity, with a mission to provide menstrual dignity to all girls, all over the world. It currently runs projects in India, Kenya, Swaziland, US and the UK.

RELATED STORY:

The Period Policy launch at London gurdwara (Asia Samachar, 4 March 2019)

Talking menstrual at gurdwaras (Asia Samachar, 12 Feb 2019)

Menstruation: Ickkk? Not according to Guru Nanak Sahib (Asia Samachar, 16 May 2016)

By Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA |

A Sikh group today (3 April 2019) met with officials from the Penang State Mufti Department to get to the bottom of the purported conversion to Islam of K. Surinder Kaur Bedi.

Surinder, 37, succumbed to injuries on Monday (1 April) after she was allegedly attacked by her 55-year old acquaintance the day before.

“We had a cordial meeting with the Mufti’s officials,” Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM) Penang advisor Harjinder Singh told Asia Samachar. “We took this effort in the interest of the deceased as well as to ensure that such a misunderstanding does not happen in the future.”

On Monday, the Muslim authorities had given Surinder a Muslim burial on the strength of a letter from Penang mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor to the Penang Islamic affairs department known as the Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Negeri Penang (JHEAIPP).

It stated that Surinder’s conversion to Islam was based on a claim by her brother, Imran Khan Mohamad Qurban Ali. He had also made a police report stating that his younger sister had converted to Islam.

Harjinder said that they will be meeting Wan Salim, who was not available today, on Friday.

In an article yesterday, Free Malaysia Today quoted Penang Islamic Department director Zulkifli Long as saying that Surinder’s name was not listed in the state’s converts register.

Meanwhile, The Malay Mail reports that Surinder’s mother has warned outsiders to leave her late daughter’s body alone in the Muslim cemetery where she is buried after her conversion to Islam was questioned.

“No matter what happens, I will not allow any parties to interfere and try to exhume my daughter’s body,” the 69-year-old Nazirah Bibi @ Kuldip Kaur told the news portal (See: Leave my daughter’s body alone, says Surinder’s mother)

She was said to have express her anger that SNSM Penang had issued a statement that they wanted Surinder’s body to be exhumed if there was no proof of her conversion to Islam.

According to the report, Nazirah claimed that Surinder had already converted to Islam since last year but did not officially register her conversion.

Nazirah said even if there was no official documentation to proof that her youngest child had converted to Islam, outsiders have no right to interfere in Surinder’s funeral rites.

“I am her mother, I am still alive, I will not allow anyone else to take her body. Our whole family had converted to Islam for many years and our God is Allah so don’t touch her body, let her rest in peace,” she was quoted by the portal. “I can’t let anyone take my daughter’s body out from her grave. It’s wrong to do this. I am her mother, I know she’s a Muslim,” she added.

She added: “My daughter had recited the kalimah syahadah twice many times in front of me, my son and other family members.”

RELATED STORY:

Did she convert to Islam? (Asia Samachar, 2 April 2019)

Penang woman seriously injured in helmet attack by motorcyclist dies – NST (Asia Samachar, 1 April 2019)

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 Tusdiq Din | BBC |

Roger Verdi could have been the first Asian player to play top-flight football in England.

But this was the 1970s. And despite being rated highly by former England manager Sir Bobby Robson, joining the academies of Wolves and Ipswich, and even changing his name, Verdi’s career was restricted to the USA.

There, he shared the pitch with legends of the game – Pele, George Best, Franz Beckenbauer, Sir Geoff Hurst, Johann Cruyff, Bobby Moore and Eusebio were among them.

Now aged 66 and living in Dallas, Texas, where he has worked in construction since retiring 32 years ago, he still possesses a handwritten reference from Robson, scribbled down in the mid-90s with a view to helping Verdi find a job in coaching.

“Without question, I can vouch for his integrity, honesty, character, attitude, enthusiasm, commitment and passion for Association Football,” it reads.

Despite that endorsement, and former boss Harry Redknapp describing him as “a strong, wholehearted player” who “went to America and challenged superstars”, Verdi is largely forgotten in Britain.

A ‘stage name’ – from Rajinder to Roger

Born Rajinder Singh Virdee in Nairobi, the youngest of two sons to Indian Sikh parents – carpenter Amar Singh Virdee and housewife Katar Kaur – the family fled the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya to settle in Smethwick in the West Midlands in 1960 when he was seven.

Football was his passion and while at Sandwell Boys school Verdi eschewed Rajinder Singh Virdee for what he calls “a stage name”, hoping that a change would help him fit in and open doors in an era when racism was rife.

Initially using Roger Jones, he became Roger Jones Verdi, before settling on Roger Verdi.

“Times were hard for me to fulfil my dreams, and I had to make some adjustments from my culture to fit in the English environment to try and achieve my goals,” he said.

“I knew I had to create an environment away from my own culture to reach my goals. I went to the Hawthorns to watch West Bromwich Albion every other Saturday. I was the only Asian in the crowd.

“Being black or Asian, you have to work harder to impress. I think the Asian kid who wants to be a footballer has to have that drive and resilience and mental toughness.

“I had people call me names when I played, especially London boys. But I just laughed and shook their hand after the game. A Sikh is never sensitive to adversity. To beat racism one has to ignore it and I did, because I accepted it, but I was bigger than it.”

See the full story, Roger Verdi: Marking Pele and playing darts with George Best (BBC, 3 April 2019), here.