By Asia Samachar Team | THAILAND |

It is now exactly one month since the shocking death of a British Sikh father in a five-star hotel on the Thai island of Phuket. And the alleged killer is said to be on the run.

Interpol has launched a global hunt for the Norwegian bodybuilder who allegedly choked to death Amitpal Singh Bajaj before possibly fleeing the country, according to media reports.

Roger Bullman is believed to have gone on the run after he was given bail for allegedly killing the 34-year old IT consultant in Phuket on August 21.

“We filed a motion with the Foreign Affairs Division on Sept 17, and the notice was issued (on Sept 18),” Colonel Prawit Suthiruengarun, police chief of Karon sub-district, where the incident took place, was quoted in Straits Times.

The notice, seen by the Singapore newspaper, indicated that Bullman is an “escape risk” and “violent”

Amitpal, a Malaysian-born who held British citizenship, perished in the scuffle on the night before he was scheduled to leave with his Singapore-born wife Bandhna Kaur Bajaj and two-year old son Veer Singh.

A ‘Red Notice’ is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action, according to the Interpol website. They are published by the international police organisation at the request of a member country, and must comply with its constitution and rules. However, it is not deemed an international arrest warrant.

Interpol issuing a warning to find the ‘dangerous’ 6ft 2in Norwegian bodybuilder makes a mockery of Thai prosecutors’ decision to give him bail in the first place, reported British newspaper Daily Mail.

Bullman told detectives he strangled Bajaj after breaking into his hotel suite where he was sleeping with his wife and their young son. Yet despite his confession to a crime that carries a maximum sentence of 15 years for manslaughter, police let him go and he escaped Thailand and got over the border into Cambodia, the newspaper reported.

Now senior police sources in Phuket say the 54-year-old former bodyguard is in Vietnam and last Friday visited the Norway embassy in Hanoi where he reported that he had lost his passport and applied for a replacement. Thai police have contacted the embassy warning that Bullman is a fugitive wanted for manslaughter, the report added.

In an earlier statement sent to Asia Samachar, Bandhna had recounted the events that led to the tragic loss of her husband. See full account here.

RELATED STORY:

Thai police launches manhunt for alleged Norwegian killer – Report (Asia Samachar, 5 Sept 2019)

Teary farewell for Phuket victim Amitpal Singh Bajaj (Asia Samachar, 25 Aug 2019)

“Please just go, go, save Veer” (Asia Samachar, 23 Aug 2019)

By Asia Samachar Team | SINGAPORE |

Singapore’s legal eagle Davinder Singh became the first lawyer from the Asia-Pacific region to be inducted into a United States-based legal publisher’s hall of fame.

Davinder was named into Benchmark Litigation‘s Hall of Fame as the publisher revealed its Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Awards 2019 at a gathering of Asia’s dispute resolution lawyers in Hong Kong last week (19 Sept 2019).

The 62-year old lawyer was the face of law firm Drew & Napier LLC for many years until he set up his own firm this year. He was also the first Sikh parliamentarian in Singapore’s post-independence history and was in the first batch of Senior Counsel appointed in 1997.

Davinder is the now the executive chairman of Davinder Singh Chambers LLC which he set-up after leaving Drew & Napier in January 2019 after a 37 year stint.

Now in its 12th year of publication, Benchmark exclusively covers the litigation and disputes market in North America, covering the US, Canada, Latin America and, most recently, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

The original publication, Benchmark Litigation—the definitive guide to America’s leading litigation firms and attorneys—is the only publication to focus exclusively on US litigation, according to information at its website.

Davinder had represented the late Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first prime minister, as well as his son and current prime minister Lee Hsien Loong, in the courtrooms.

He graduated from the National University of Singapore in 1982 and joined the Litigation Department of Drew & Napier thereafter.

He was a Member of Parliament for the Bishan-Tao Payoh Group Representation Constituency from 1988 to 2006.

The Firm of the Year (India) award went to Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co while Rajendra Barot from AZB & Partners won the Lawyer of the Year (India).

The Lawyer of the Year (Malaysia) went to Cecil Abraham from Kuala Lumpur-based Cecil Abraham & Partners.

RELATED STORIES:

Davinder Singh: Singapore’s first Sikh parliamentarian (Asia Samachar, 20 Aug 2016)

Davinder named Singapore’s best dispute lawyer (Asia Samachar, 26 Sept 2015)

Working for LKY a ‘wild dream come true’ – DAVINDER (Asia Samachar, 24 Mar 2015)

PATH DA BHOG: 28 September 2019 (Saturday), 9am-12pm, at Gurdwara Sahib Police High Street, Jalan Balai Polis, Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia

SARDAR JASBIR SINGH 

S/O LATE SAROOP SINGH & MATA MUKHTIAR KAUR

Age: 66. Passed away peacefully on Thursday 19th Sept 2019.

Leaving behind his family

Wife: Manjit Kaur d/o Jail Singh

Brothers/Spouse:

Jagbir Singh/Surinder Kaur (Canada)

Datuk Dr Balwinder Singh / Datin Daljeet Kaur (Putrajaya)

Jasvinder Singh

Children / Spouse:

Ravinderjit Singh

Jasminder Kaur / Kabir Singh

Jagwinder Singh / Helena Raj Kaur

Grandchildren:

Mayaa Cashmitrra Kaur/Mayaa Moneysha Kaur

Esh Kyra Kaur Kler/Hareisha Zia Kaur Kler/Gurnehal Singh Kler

Path Da Bhog: 28 September 2019 (Saturday), 9am-12pm, at Gurdwara Sahib Police High Street, Jalan Balai Polis, Kuala Lumpur

Contact:

Ravin 017-2916969

Jagwin 016-6294508

Kabir 012-3223015

Jasmin 012-2953205

| Entry: 21 Sept 2019 | Source: Family

By Asia Samachar Team | SINGAPORE |

Sikhs held a prayer service at the Kranji War Memorial Singapore to commemorate the thousands of Sikhs soldiers who fought bravely defending Singapore against the Japanese forces in World War II.

In his address, guest of honour Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Industry Dr Tan Wu Meng said: “We honour and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives for Singapore… and also thank the Sikh community for their many contributions.”

The memorial bears the names of more than 24,346 Allied soldiers and airmen killed in Southeast Asia who have no known grave.

A good portion of the names on the walls that line the memorial are of the Punjab Regiments who fought bravely during WW2 defending Singapore against the Japanese forces. – With updates and photos from Young Sikh Association Singapore (YSA) Facebook page

RELATED STORIES:

Davinder Singh: Singapore’s first Sikh parliamentarian (Asia Samachar, 20 Aug 2016)

By Gurmukh Singh OBE | OPINION |

Gurbani enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib guides Sikhi activism towards miri-piri (temporal-spiritual) objectives in many fields. Sikhi concept of leadership is linked to the cause of Sikhi. It was evolved from Guru Nanak Sahib (1469-1539) through nine successor Guru persons to Guru Gobind Singh ji. Leadership and decision-making concepts and processes were in place for the Khalsa Panth to follow from Vaisakhi 1699, the high point of Sikhi.

So, true leaders guide themselves and others to achieve the aims and objectives of an organisation. At the most they are regarded as first amongst equals. They show the path by own example, not by leading but by following the path themselves. They have the mission and the vision of an organisation at the heart of their activism and not self-promotion to enjoy any special privileges. In that sense, it is true that Sikhs have no leaders in the Western sense.

One important leadership quality we learn from Guru Nanak Sahib onwards during the Guru period is that of succession planning. Without able successors, a movement or a cause will fail. It will breakup into many factions. Therefore, Guru Nanak Sahib inspired many worthy Sikhs throughout India to continue His mission and vision of a just society held together by sewa (service) with Simran (god-awareness). Finally, He selected one of them, Bhai Lehna ji, to take over His Own role.

Thus: Nanak established the kingdom He built the true fortress on the strongest foundations. (ਨਾਨਕਿ ਰਾਜੁ ਚਲਾਇਆ ਸਚੁ ਕੋਟੁ ਸਤਾਣੀ ਨੀਵ ਦੈ). He installed the royal canopy over Lehna’s head chanting the Lord’s Praises, He drank in the Ambrosial Nectar. (ਲਹਣੇ ਧਰਿਓਨੁ ਛਤੁ ਸਿਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਸਿਫਤੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪੀਵਦੈ). Thus, the succession planning objective was achieved: They shared the One Guru Guiding Light and the same method it was just that the Sovereign changed His body. (ਜੋਤਿ ਓਹਾ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਸਾਇ ਸਹਿ ਕਾਇਆ ਫੇਰਿ ਪਲਟੀਐ ॥)

Another interesting development was the evolution of the concept of leadership from individual to collective through the institution of Sangat. The Guru always gave great importance to the Sangat – the Guru-minded collective in which many minds worked as One Guru-Mind. In fact, Sangat was placed even above the person-Guru. So the seed of collective decision-making sowed by Guru Nanak Sahib in the Sangat came to fruition in the Khalsa Panth by 1699.

Sikhs will be disappointed if they look for any one person to lead. That is not the Sikh tradition. As seen above, there are Sikhi ideology and tradition-based reasons for this. On the other hand, ambitious and self-promoting individuals posing as Sikh leaders will be disappointed if they expect fellow Sikhs to follow them. I am always amused by certain individuals claiming Sikh leadership and asking for support: support me in doing this and support me in doing that. The implied message from such individuals is: I am your leader.

Leadership was taken away from individuals by Guru Gobind Singh ji and vested in the Guru Khalsa Panth represented by the Panj Piaray. That collective lead and team-working , focused on the miri-piri objectives of Guru Jot-Jugat residing permanently in the twin institution of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the Guru Khalsa Panth.

RELATED STORY:

Indian regional movements seeking devolution of power (Asia Samachar, 2 Sept 2019)

PATH DA BHOG: 28 Sept 2019 (Sat), 10am – 12.15pm, at Gudwara Sahib Taiping, Perak | Malaysia

MHANDEV SINGH SANDHU (SHINDY)

Leaving Behind:

Father: Maj (Rtd) Baldev Singh

Mother: Mdm Charanjit Kaur

Wife: Jaspal Kaur Gill (Dolly) d/o Minder Singh Gill and Mdm Paramjit Kaur

Son: Manveer Singh Sandhu

Sister: Kirandave Kaur Sandhu and spouse

Brother: Anand Amritdave Singh Sandhu and spouse

And a host of relatives and friends.

Path da Bhog: 28 Sept 2019 (Sat), 10am – 12.15pm, at Gudwara Sahib Taiping, Perak

MESSAGE FROM FAMILY:

Shindy ji was a kind warm hearted soul, a wonderful son, a loving and devoted husband and a loyal friend.

The Family Thanks:

• The Staff of IJN for their kind assistance.
• The Santana Bikers who accompanied Mhandev on his final journey.
• All relatives n friends for being with us during our challenging times.

Contact: Maj (Rtd) Baldev Singh  +60 19-333 2939

| Entry: 22 Sept 2019| Source: Family

By Adrian David | NEW STRAITS TIMES | MALAYSIA |

HIS services as an air defence radar man during the height of the communist insurgency may have gone unnoticed, but his battles in the sports arena earned Major (Rtd) Hardeep Singh top marks as the armed forces’ outstanding sports personality.

Hardeep was given due recognition at the Armed Forces Sports Council 2018 Awards Night at the Defence Ministry’s officers mess recently.

Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang did the honours for Hardeep, 55, who retired on March 16 after 33 years.

Hardeep has been a significant figure in developing cricket in the armed forces and Malaysia cricket since 2004, earning the country a 27th ranking in the world at present.

Malaysia is also ranked 35th in the world for the T20 (or Twenty20) play format.

Cricket aside, Hardeep was a credible runner for the RMAF and armed forces’ 1,500m and 5,000m (1986-1995) and 21km half-marathon (1986-2003).

He also played rugby for the RMAF Black Hawks team (1988-1990), Penang (1993-1995), Sabah (1995-1999) and Pahang (1999-2001).

“As a soldier, more so as an officer, fitness is a priority.

“And sports keeps both mind and body in top shape, which also helps me to maintain my performance at work,” said Hardeep, who is now a consultant with Sat Kartar Agency.

Married to Jagdeep Kaur, the father of three plunged into the cricketing world during the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.

“I was then a sergeant and was chosen as a liaison officer for the Pakistan cricket team, led by the legendary Imran Khan (who is now Pakistan’s prime minister).

“Soon, I took up cricket seriously as a player and also became the RMAF Cricket Association secretary in 2004 until last year,” said Hardeep, who rose through the ranks from 1986 to become Warrant Officer 1.

Read the full story, ‘Ex-RMAF man scores big in sports′ at New Straits Times (16 Sept 2019), here.

RELATED STORY:

(Asia Samachar, 1 September 2019)

(Asia Samachar, 3 May 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 Vishal J.Singh  | GURDWARA DESIGN |

There is something mysteriously profound about metal. 

Ever since first excavated from the earth below using our bare hands, metals, where gold, silver, zinc, copper, bronze and such have come from, has always held a mysterious appeal that has attracted humanity from the onset of civilization. We intrinsically appreciate metal and its various incarnations throughout the world, and traditionally metal has always projected an almost inexplicable sense of perseverance, endurance, strength and even beauty all across the myriad of cultures globally, ever since humanity first started utilizing metal for the advancement of society. 

Steel and iron, in particular, has always held a special place in Sikhi due to its connection to our religion and culture. We wear the “Kada” on our wrist, an iron bangle, as instructed by our Guru, as a part of the 5Ks and as a symbol of memory, to remind us constantly to refrain from bad deeds and to commit only virtuous acts, while its circular form reminds us of the infinite nature of the One True Lord, where there is no beginning and no end to His Existence. 

The phrase “sweet as sugar, strong as steel” too has carried a deep, meaningful significance permeating the various layers of our society, and serves as a powerful idiom that expresses the allure of both steel and iron as a symbolic representation of spirit and strength. 

Indeed, there is something very beautifully profound about steel and iron in our eyes.

The beginning of the Industrial Revolution had also brought these various forms of metal, particularly steel and iron, along with aluminum, zinc, copper and so forth into the realm of architecture, where these metals were being used for the first time to advance construction techniques that had never been used before. Buildings became bigger and taller. Steel and iron allowed greater spans to be built and taller structures to be constructed. As a result, we have the skyscraper, the most iconic form of building in the 21st century. 

Having looked at the advancements made in construction using steel and iron as sophisticated building components, I had wondered on what if a Gurdwara could be built using these versatile and somewhat flexible components to create truly contemporary buildings for our modern age. And so a new concept for a Gurdwara was born, where steel and iron would be experimented with virtually to create a new modern design based on the aesthetics of metal. As usual, this design is purely conceptual only and therefore is meant to only indulge in the whimsical and the playful.

The employment of metal as a method and material of construction, was the basis of this concept for the Metal Gurdwara, where instead of using the conventional system of brick and mortar to build, steel and iron were predominantly used instead for its rapid installation procedure and its lightweight structure. The usage of iron and steel on a grand scale intends to celebrate the modernity of these components in the design of this Gurdwara, while simultaneously celebrating iron and steel as invaluable elements of our religion and culture as well.

The Metal Gurdwara will be built with mostly with steel and iron as its main structure, and from corrugated steel sheets found from shipping containers as part of its walls. These steel sheets come in variety of size, colour and specifications and are recyclable as well, so they are considered as a sustainable building material and a beneficial to be used. The walls will be supported by slender steel columns and the rest of the structure will have a mix of both steel and iron as its overall super structure.

The Metal Gurdwara will highlight the usage of steel found in shipping containers as part of the aesthetic of the Gurdwaras’ main appearance. The bright red steel sheets used to cover part of the first floor, consisting of the Darbar Sahib and the offices establishes a vibrant form of visual identification for the Gurdwara complex, and creates a striking aesthetic that celebrates the usage of steel in the look and structure of the building.

The entrance to the Darbar Sahib and the offices for administration will be accessible through a main aluminum clad staircase located on the right side of the complex and covered by a steel pergola connected to a feature wall made of corrugated red steel sheets found in shipping containers. The ground floor will be an open area that leads to the Nishan Sahib Plaza and the Langgar Hall located above the Darbar Sahib.

The Langgar Hall will be totally accessible from the front and the back and will be located behind the main entrance to the Darbar Sahib above, next to the main staircase. The two areas will be separated visually, thus creating a distinct division of areas, by a feature wall that is made of corrugated steel sheets, which is the main design feature of the Metal Gurdwara supported by slended white columns.

The Darbar Sahib, located directly above the Langgar Hall above, will be protected by a sun-shading device in the form of a semi-transparent light steel mesh, which is both functional in shading the hall and providing a modern industrial look to the entire Gurdwara complex. 

The Langgar Hall will be covered with clear glass panels encompassing the whole area for communal eating while providing uninterrupted views to the outside, and will also have a soothing water feature next to its glass walls to create a pleasant and cool atmosphere around the surrounding areas of the building. The walls covering the Darbar Sahib above will have the have semi-transparent light steel mesh here as well to cover more areas to be shaded from the sun to prevent direct heat gain and excessive light exposure. 

The Metal Gurdwara seeks to celebrate the modern era not only through its dynamic, industrial look and appearance, but through the usage of iron and steel, which are truly modern building materials in its construction. 

In the German language, the term ‘Zeitgeist’ is used as an expression to define the spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time in the various forms of art and culture we practice internationally. In architecture, the contribution in construction made by iron and steel, and other forms of metal, simply cannot be denied, for using both these crucial materials in our dealings has allowed us to build skyscrapers, airports, theme parks and so forth, and so steel and iron truly are very much a part of the ‘Zeitgeist’ of our times. The Metal Gurdwara seeks to be part of the ‘Zeitgest’ ( the spirit of the times ) of our lives in this moment of human history, and its conceptual design will aspire to be a modern icon from now and beyond, where the metallic treasures of our past continue to construct important monuments to our future. 

Waheguru Bless.

The next proposal will center on the idea of building a Gurdwara that incorporates various learning facilities for our youth, conceptualized in a sleek, modern aesthetic coupled with valuable educational amenities.  

Vishal J.Singh, an aspiring architect, holds a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur and enjoys engaging in architecture and its theories as his first love.

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

PATH DA BHOG: 28 Sept 2019 (Sat), 5pm – 7pm, at Gurdwara Sahib Sentul , Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia

ROSIE SHRESTHA

Bron: 6 April 1971

Husband: Randhir Singh Narindar Singh

Son: Ronit

PATH DA BHOG: 28 Sept 2019 (Sat), 5pm – 7pm, at Gurdwara Sahib Sentul , Kuala Lumpur

Contact: Randhir Singh 017-3399926

We would like thank family and friends who were with the family during the passing away of Rosie. Please treat this as a personal invitation. 

| Entry: 23 Sept 2019 | Source: Family

By Jagjeevan Kaur | US | OPINION |

Guru Gobind Singh Ji is always present in every minute, every second of my days, even when I fall asleep. He never leaves my side. In a world of no expectations, I always know he’s there.

He leads me to Waheguru when I’m happy and when I’m sad.

He is the fire in my eyes and the one who I bolo loud for.

He’s the reason that I stand up and move in when needed without question.

He’s the reason why I will jump into a fire for someone who is being bullied, the reason why I will fight to protect someone being discriminated for their religion as he is with me while I remember his father Guru Tegh Bahadur and his children Baba Jujhar Singh, Baba Fateh Singh, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Ajit Singh and of course his mother Mata Gujri.

He is always with me. He is my protector. If he needs an army now I hope he comes to me. I’m always safe because of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

When I’m in my lowest, saddest moments, when I think there is no one to help me, it’s Guru Gobind Singh Ji who puts both hands on my shoulders, who looks into my eyes and tells me that I am Jagjeevan Kaur and to be strong.

When I’m in my happiest moments, feeling like I have more than I could have ever thought possible, it’s Guru Gobind Singh Ji reaches his hand out to me and looks into my eyes and reminds me that I don’t need it all and to give some away.

I learned to let go of attachment and to put disappointment because of human expectations behind me and I understand love in a much deeper way because of Him.

I am much more closely connected to Waheguru because Guru Gobind Singh Ji leads me there.

Jagjeevan Kaur lives in the US. She is presently a videojournalist with Sikh Good Things

RELATED STORY:

Lessons from Wisconsin hate crime victim (Asia Samachar, 13 Aug 2019)

By Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA | 

If you’re on the Malaysian gurdwara circuit, you would have spotted this father-son pair, always in colourful and stylish turbans. Meet lawyer and kirtani Gurmukh Singh and his son Gurishver Singh.

They are part of a family jatha (group) that actively does kirtan and katha programmes in Malaysia and Singapore. Almost every weekend, you would find them doing kirtan somewhere. I’s a wonder how they make time for the kirtan engagements.

When approached, Gurmukh gladly accepted Asia Samachar invitation to become an Ambassador for the Shining Turban campaign. (Have you taken part, yet? Check out details below). #ShiningTurban2k19MalaysiaDay

Born in 1966, Gurmukh completed Form 6 schooling at SM Maxwell, Kuala Lumpur, in 1985. Four years later, he graduated with LL.B (Hons) from the University of London. Having completed the CLP in 1990, he was called to the Malaysian Bar in 1992. In practise since, he is involved mainly in civil and criminal litigation.

But his unwavering commitment to the Sikh cause is what makes him stand out. This is clearly visible with the jatha’s dotting events nationwide all through the year. And they have been at this service for years.

“I’m passionate about kirtan and steering our youth and children towards Sikhi,” he told Asia Samachar.

Gurishver Singh, 14, has a story of his own. The tabla and percussions enthusiast was part of the celebrated victory of the Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band at a world competition in Scotland recently. He was a snare drummer in the Malaysian band that took part in the World Champs Glasgow 2019, emerging champions in the entry category at the global competition.

SEE HERE: Malaysian Sikh pipe band emerge champs at world championships

The Sri Dasmesh International School student has also won at numerous national kirtan competitions in Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur. For some years now, he has been winner of the Best Tabla exponent.

Look at their shining turbans! Now, folks, time for you to shine in the turban. Just upload your photo onto Facebook and/or Instagram (check out the rules below) to be part of this unique competition open to ALL Malaysians.

Apart from the fun of seeing yourself in turban, you stand a chance to win a newly released iPhone 11 or an air ticket to Vietnam!

Hurry! Competitions ends on 30 Sept. You don’t have too many days left to be a #ShiningTurban star.

HOW TO JOIN THE COMPETITION:

1. Post a picture or a video of you in turban on your Facebook or Instagram page, with a caption or story (what turban means, something heartwarming incident involving the turban or anything that comes to mind).

2. Add these hashtags to your post:

#ShiningTurban2k19MalaysiaDay

#st2k19md

#ShiningTurban2019AsiaSamachar

3. You must tag 3 friends who might be interested in joining

4. Follow us @asiasamachar Facebook or Instagram & tag us

5. Like this post (at Facebook or Instagram)

6. For an extra chance, share Asia Samachar post on your Facebook or as story at Instagram

7. Make your Facebook and/or Instagram profile public

8. Competition open to MALAYSIANS only

9. Closing Date: 30 Sept 2019 (2359, Malaysian time)

ROUND ONE: We will choose the top 30 entries based on the number of ‘Likes’ you get. (If you join at both Fb and Insta, we will take the higher number)

ROUND TWO: Our panel of judges will pick the winners based on number of ‘Likes’, photo or video and your story/caption. Results will be announced in October 2019.

ALL THE BEST. TIME TO TURBAN UP!

PRIZES:

1. iPhone 11
2. One return-ticket to Phu Quoc, Vietnam
3. One return-ticket to Can Tho, Vietnam

SUPPORTING PARTNERS:

• Malaysian Gurdwaras Council (MGC)
• Khalsa Diwan Malaysia (KDM)
• Malaysian Punjabi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MPCCI)
• Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM)
• SikhInside

RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Prizes may not be redeemed for cash. They must be picked up from Kuala Lumpur.

2. All prizes are used/taken entirely at the risk of the winner in all things, and Asia Samachar excludes all warranties in connection with any prize to the extent permitted by law.

3. Asia Samachar, its agencies, affiliates, sponsors and representatives are not responsible for defective prizes or misuse of any prize, or for any claims, liability, loss or damage arising out of or in connection with any contest promoted by Asia Samachar

4. If a specified prize becomes unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, Asia Samachar may substitute a similar prize or one of equivalent value.

5. The winner may also be required by Asia Samachar to participate in a photo, video and/or film session and acknowledges that Asia Samachar has the right to use such publicity photos, videos and/or films in any medium and in any reasonable manner it deems fit.

6. Contest entries and material submitted in connection with the Shining Turban 2019 Malaysia Day contest (whether in written, audio or visual form, or a combination of these) or any photographs, video and/or film footage or audio recording taken of the contestants become the property of Asia Samachar. Asia Samachar may use the material in any medium and in any reasonable manner it sees fit. Copyright in any such material becomes and remains the sole property of Asia Samachar

7. Asia Samachar may publicize, broadcast or otherwise disclose a winner’s or competitor’s name, character, likeness, statements or any recording of their voice in advertising or promotional activities concerning winning of the contest. Asia Samachar may promote or advertise that a winner won a competition. All winners hereby agree to the use of his/her name for the purpose of advertising, trade or promotion by Asia Samachar without additional compensation.

8. Winners are responsible for any and all taxes payable as a result of a prize being awarded or received.

9. Asia Samachar reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify any individual that it determines to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or site, to be acting in breach or potential breach of these Rules and Regulations. No correspondence shall be entertained. Asia Samachar further reserves the right to cancel, modify, suspend or delay the contest in the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond its reasonable control

10. Disclaimers: By entering the contest, each contestant agrees that Asia Samachar subsidiaries and representatives (“Contest Sponsors”) shall not be liable or responsible for damages, losses, injuries, rights, claims or actions of any kind in connection with the contest, or resulting from acceptance, possession, use/misuse of prizes, or participation in the contest, including without limitation, personal injury, death, property damage and claims based on publicity rights, defamation or invasion of privacy. Each contestant further agrees that the contest sponsors will not be responsible or liable for any entries that are late (including delayed data transmissions), tampered with, garbled, incomplete, misdirected, lost, mutilated, delayed, corrupted, duplicated or otherwise not in compliance with these Rules and Regulations.

11. Please allow 90 working days from winning date for prizes to be processed.

12. Asia Samachar reserves the right to at any time, change, amend, delete or add to the Terms and Conditions and other rules and regulations including the mechanism of the Contest at its absolute discretion.

RELATED STORY:

New turban style to battle haze in Malaysia (Asia Samachar, 20 Sept 2019)

Win iPhone 11 at #ShiningTurban competition. Hurry, competition ends Sept 30 (Asia Samachar, 15 Sept 2019)

Malaysian Sikh pipe band emerge champs at world championships (Asia Samachar, 18 Aug 2019)

By Jagdesh Singh | OPINION |

The restaurant was packed, the chatter was loud, the aroma from vegetarian pizzas wafted between laughter and smiles. I sat there in a daze, with a silly transfixed smile on my face, almost bewildered in nature.

I had just realised a life long dream of witnessing my boyhood football club play and win in Liverpool. I’ve been a Reds supporter, almost fanatically, since I can remember. But to finally watch them play, right before my eyes with thousands of other supporters, singing along anthems, was something I’ve only imagined from afar.

So, that bewildered look I had was because I felt that I was in a dream that I never wanted to wake up to. A large part of my journey was shared with a few friends I’ve made over the years. Our friendships can’t ever be typical because (bear with me here…) I’ve never met them before in my whole 4 decades and more on this planet.

Social media has had a bad rep for years now, with many from my generation being unable to see the whole point of it. Selfies and sharing your life to the rest of the world is way overrated, we say. But because of my passion, my acquaintance with a few who shared the same passion through the social media platform, blossomed to friendships, to the point where we got to know family and more.

The three smiles behind their thick beards sitting with me at the table in Mr. Singh’s, somewhere in Wolverhampton, were genuine. One had taken me in like a family member, drove for hours from his home in Cobham to Liverpool, with a passenger he’s only talked to on Twitter over the past 8 years.

The one opposite me owned the restaurant, too busy minding his clientele before we arrived at his doorstep. We hugged like old friends that grew up in the same village. We laughed and talked about the game like we’ve been doing it for years.

Not a single cent was asked, not a single expectation was said or signalled. Part of my bewilderment was because of the kindness I got from these friends. It was overwhelming. Apart from the football in common, all of them were Sikhs, proud and sincere in all words and action. Their boisterous nature, giving and caring, epitomised the image our past generations have worked hard to build. Within those few hours, a trust was built and the bond became stronger.

Our traditions of being welcoming to others, especially of the same ilk, have diluted over years. Diaspora Sikhs in many countries have had to work hard, for their families and for their future, that it diverted our attentions from this tradition of taking care of one another. Being big hearted and treating our brothers and sisters like our own was a cornerstone brick in our Punjabi and Sikhi foundations.

I can safely say, that these friends sitting with me at the table in Mr. Singh’s, even the ones that had to go back early, dispelled the thought that the caring and giving tradition we were so proud of is weaker than before. They’re living proof that it’s alive and kicking, by any means possible, even if on social media.

It was a good reminder that we’ve got a sense of duty ourselves, in our countries we call home, to be as caring and giving as these, to whoever that appears at our doorsteps for help. Give first, question later.

Thank you, my brothers. Up the Reds and Sat Sri Akal!

RELATED STORIES:

A tip to unite the youth (Asia Samachar, 10 Aug 2019)

Football, for many women, is life (Asia Samachar, 11 July 2019)

By Anandleen Kaur | MALAYSIA |

A Malaysian federal minister today flagged off a five-nation charity ride to assist cancer patients.

Minister of Communications and Multimedia Gobind Singh Deo lauded the riders from Santana Riderz Mc who are raising funds for the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM).

“They are riding for a noble cause,” Gobind told Asia Samachar after the early morning press conference and flag-off at Gurdwara Sahib Parliament, a Sikh gurdwara just a few kilometres from Malaysia’s Parliament building.

It will go towards running the Children’s Home of Hope, a halfway home for children undergoing cancer treatment at hospitals nationwide, said NCSM medical director Dr M Murallitharan.

Five bikers will be travelling some 16,000 covering Malaysia, Thailand , Myanmar, India and Pakistan. About a dozen other bikers will join them in India.

The ride is also in conjunction with the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, with a major celebration to be held at Kartarpur, Pakistan, where Guru Nanak spent the last leg of his life after passing the guruship to Guru Angad.

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 | MYANMAR |

There is something beautiful taking place in Myanmar. A number of gurdwaras have come forward to distribute free food as they gear up to celebrate the 550th birth of Guru Nanak.

It’s happening in at least six cities: Yangon, Mandalay, Taunggyi, Mogok, Monwyar and Pyawbwe.

“We want the larger population to know a little bit more about who are the Sikhs. This is one way to reach out to them,” Mandalay-based entrepreneur Rajeev Singh told Asia Samachar in a telephone conversation.

On 13 Sept, the Sikhs in Lashio hosted lunch at orphanages at Wa orphanage and Lin Aein.

The food is prepared in the respective kitchens of the gurdwara in what is known as Guru Ka Langgar, an integral Sikh practise introduced by the Sikh Gurus.

In August, Myanmar Sikhs planted 550 tree saplings near a famous Buddhist temple in Nay Pyi Daw, an event that was attended by three union ministers.

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

At the same event, the Sikh community donated 5.5 millon Kyats to Thatta Thattaha Maha Bawdi Pagoda May Pwy Taw and the same amount to the victims of the recent flooding.

The donations were received by Minister of Religious Affairs Thura U Aung Ko and Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement minister Dr Wim Myat Aye, respectively. Also present was Forestry Minister U Owm Wim.

Myanmar Sikhs are also in the midst of finalising some programmes for Guru Nanak’s 550th birth, including a major event towards the year-end.

RELATED STORIES:

Myanmar Sikhs paint earth green with 550 tree saplings (Asia Samachar, 26 Aug 2019)

SASKAAR / CREMATION: 2pm, 26 Sept 2019 (Thursday), at Kalumpang Crematorium, Kalumpang. Cortege leaves No 15, Gurdwara Sahib Kalumpang, 44100, Selangor at 1pm | Malaysia

ਘਲੇ ਆਵਹਿ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਸਦੇ ੳੁਠੀ ਜਾਹਿ।।

Ghalea Aave Nanka Sedheh Udhi Jayee.

JAGAR SINGH S/O LATE SDR JAGH SINGH

With grief we inform that Sardar Jagar Singh S/O Late Sdr Jagh Singh has passed away peacefully this Morning .

Saskaar / Cremation: 2pm, 26 Sept 2019 (Thursday), at Kalumpang Crematorium

Cortege Timing: Cortege will be leaving the residence No 15, Sikh Temple Kalumpang 44100 Selangor at 1pm

Contact:

Senjit – 012 9137196

Karan – 010 7121074

Kerwin – 017 8727314

Arwin – 017 3210525

| Entry: 26 Sept 2019 | Source: Family

By Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA |

Remember the Panjabi baby that was badly scalded in a hot water accident at her home in Kuala Lumpur last year? Back then, Malaysians gallantly came forward to raise close to RM127,000 to provide her the medical assistance she required.

So, what had happened to Ravneet Kaur who was 11 months old when the accident took place in incident in February 2018?

On Sunday (22 Sept 2019), Ravneet and her mother finally returned to Punjab, India, to continue the next phase of their life. Baby Ravneet will seek the next stage of her medical needs in Punjab.

“Baby Ravneet and the mother will be staying with a family member in Amritsar. We will liase direct with the hospital where she will undertake her next surgery before disbursing the funds,” Sikh Welfare Society Malaysia (SWSM) secretary Charanbir Singh told Asia Samachar.

The society is holding some RM85,000 from the balance of the funds raised in a fund raising drive held along with Santana Riderz Mc and Asia Samachar. Within 48 hours, the Sanggat had raised close to RM127,000.

“We will continue to monitor her progress and pay the medical bills accordingly,” he said.

Ravneet and her mother visited the SWSM members who were holding their annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

The baby underwent a number of surgeries, including a couple of rounds of round of skin grafting.

RELATED STORIES:

Baby Ravneet discharged, mum plans to return to India for further treatment (Asia Samachar, 30 April 2018)

By Amreet Kaur | SHINING TURBAN | OPINION |

“YOU ARE A PRINCESS, THAT IS WHY YOU CARRY THE TITLE KAUR WITH YOU.”

These were the words I was told when I was a child. True, indeed. I am a princess. And I am proud of it. However, what bothers me was the visibility of my crown on my head.

I had always believed that Sikhism is all about the beauty we had on the inside. Respect and care for every other human being, regardless the age, colour or gender. Sikhi is about learning to live and accepting the beauty of God’s creation, in its every unique way.

However, what confuses me is the enforcement on the outer look. As how I see it today, only those with the 5 Ks (kakkars) is given much respect in the community, regardless on how brutal that person could be towards those around him or her. What happened to the inner beauty of a human being?

I am not saying that our 5ks should be an issue here, but just that, I wished we would have cared more about us being human first from the inside.

I wished that every time I would step into a gurdwara, people would quit judging and accept me the way I am. I wished we give more importance on Kirt Karni, Wande Shakena, and Naam Japna. I wished all we do is learn, and accept the flaws around us.

Am I a Sikh? If you ask me that question, my answer is ‘yes’. I was born a princess, and would remain a KAUR for the rest of my breath. Because Sikhi does not define me who I am from the outside, but it loves me from the inside.

Amreet is one of the Ambassadors for #ShiningTurban2019. She was the Miss Earth Malaysia Penang  and first runners-up of Miss Malaysia Earth 2015 

HOW TO JOIN THE COMPETITION:

1. Post a picture or a video of you in turban on your Facebook or Instagram page, with a caption or story (what turban means, something heartwarming incident involving the turban or anything that comes to mind).

2. Add these hashtags to your post:

#ShiningTurban2k19MalaysiaDay

#st2k19md

#ShiningTurban2019AsiaSamachar

3. You must tag 3 friends who might be interested in joining

4. Follow us @asiasamachar Facebook or Instagram & tag us

5. Like this post (at Facebook or Instagram)

6. For an extra chance, share Asia Samachar post on your Facebook or as story at Instagram

7. Make your Facebook and/or Instagram profile public

8. Competition open to MALAYSIANS only

9. Closing Date: 30 Sept 2019 (2359, Malaysian time)

ROUND ONE: We will choose the top 30 entries based on the number of ‘Likes’ you get. (If you join at both Fb and Insta, we will take the higher number)

ROUND TWO: Our panel of judges will pick the winners based on number of ‘Likes’, photo or video and your story/caption. Results will be announced in October 2019.

ALL THE BEST. TIME TO TURBAN UP!

PRIZES:

1. iPhone 11
2. One return-ticket to Phu Quoc, Vietnam
3. One return-ticket to Can Tho, Vietnam

SUPPORTING PARTNERS:

• Malaysian Gurdwaras Council (MGC)
• Khalsa Diwan Malaysia (KDM)
• Malaysian Punjabi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MPCCI)
• Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM)
• SikhInside

RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Prizes may not be redeemed for cash. They must be picked up from Kuala Lumpur.

2. All prizes are used/taken entirely at the risk of the winner in all things, and Asia Samachar excludes all warranties in connection with any prize to the extent permitted by law.

3. Asia Samachar, its agencies, affiliates, sponsors and representatives are not responsible for defective prizes or misuse of any prize, or for any claims, liability, loss or damage arising out of or in connection with any contest promoted by Asia Samachar

4. If a specified prize becomes unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, Asia Samachar may substitute a similar prize or one of equivalent value.

5. The winner may also be required by Asia Samachar to participate in a photo, video and/or film session and acknowledges that Asia Samachar has the right to use such publicity photos, videos and/or films in any medium and in any reasonable manner it deems fit.

6. Contest entries and material submitted in connection with the Shining Turban 2019 Malaysia Day contest (whether in written, audio or visual form, or a combination of these) or any photographs, video and/or film footage or audio recording taken of the contestants become the property of Asia Samachar. Asia Samachar may use the material in any medium and in any reasonable manner it sees fit. Copyright in any such material becomes and remains the sole property of Asia Samachar

7. Asia Samachar may publicize, broadcast or otherwise disclose a winner’s or competitor’s name, character, likeness, statements or any recording of their voice in advertising or promotional activities concerning winning of the contest. Asia Samachar may promote or advertise that a winner won a competition. All winners hereby agree to the use of his/her name for the purpose of advertising, trade or promotion by Asia Samachar without additional compensation.

8. Winners are responsible for any and all taxes payable as a result of a prize being awarded or received.

9. Asia Samachar reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify any individual that it determines to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or site, to be acting in breach or potential breach of these Rules and Regulations. No correspondence shall be entertained. Asia Samachar further reserves the right to cancel, modify, suspend or delay the contest in the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond its reasonable control

10. Disclaimers: By entering the contest, each contestant agrees that Asia Samachar subsidiaries and representatives (“Contest Sponsors”) shall not be liable or responsible for damages, losses, injuries, rights, claims or actions of any kind in connection with the contest, or resulting from acceptance, possession, use/misuse of prizes, or participation in the contest, including without limitation, personal injury, death, property damage and claims based on publicity rights, defamation or invasion of privacy. Each contestant further agrees that the contest sponsors will not be responsible or liable for any entries that are late (including delayed data transmissions), tampered with, garbled, incomplete, misdirected, lost, mutilated, delayed, corrupted, duplicated or otherwise not in compliance with these Rules and Regulations.

11. Please allow 90 working days from winning date for prizes to be processed.

12. Asia Samachar reserves the right to at any time, change, amend, delete or add to the Terms and Conditions and other rules and regulations including the mechanism of the Contest at its absolute discretion.

RELATED STORIES:

Father & son in shining turbans (Asia Samachar, 24 Sept 2019)

Win iPhone 11 at #ShiningTurban competition. Hurry, competition ends Sept 30 (Asia Samachar, 15 Sept 2019)

Amreet wins Penang beauty pageant (Asia Samachar, 25 Aug 2015)

By Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA |

Malaysian small business financier Knight Capital Sdn Bhd is opening an office in London, its maiden venture abroad after serving the Malaysian small businesses for more than two decades.

The expansion to the United Kingdom (UK) is in response to its observation that the UK economy is facing a huge funding gap for small and medium enterprises (SME’s). Its UK offshoot Knight Credit will begin operating on 1 Nov, the day after the Brexit deadline.

“Knight Credit will apply Knight Capital’s lending model in the UK to replicate the holding company’s success in Malaysia,” Knight Capital operations head Samreet Singh Randhay, who will be running the London office, said in an email to Asia Samachar.

Over the last 10 years, its turnover has been in excess of RM450 million, according to information at its website. It is led by Kiranjit Kaur as its CEO.

Incorporated in 1997 with a RM10 million paid up capital, Knight Capital is a licensed lending institution registered under Malaysia’s Ministry of Housing & Local Government. Its core business is the fast approval of short and mid-term loans to individuals, businesses and projects.

The Kuala Lumpur-based financier hopes to lend around £1.5m to around 15 to 25 small businesses in its first year in the UK with products like term loans, bridging loans and working capital with no minimum amount.

The implication is that it will be lending between £60,000-£100,000 a time to small businesses, although Knight Credit says it can go as high as £3m, according to a UK news report.

Samreet noted that the challenges present in the UK lending scene was far less than Malaysia, hence the opportunities that present itself would be a better focus point.

“It’s really compliance based in the UK thus creating an environment that is fair to the lenders and the borrowers hereby mitigating any potential challenges faced by the lender. We at Knight Capital pride ourselves on transparency that adheres to the global standards,” he said.

He also added that the UK economy was facing a huge funding gap for SME’s that was increasing year on year coupled with low loan approval rates for SME’s.

“This provides ample of opportunity for us to positively impact the market as our business model is suited to address such challenges as faced by the UK SME market. This is where Knight Capital’s management experience and previous success cases will present to be a great asset.

“We will not immediately reject a loan application based on below acceptable levels of credit scoring and will in fact perform further due diligence on their business model to assist them with the best loan package to ensure their goals are met,” he said.

For the SME’s that do not consider other providers due to the hassle and time, he said Knight Credit will provide clients with an unparalleled customer services experience that ensures they do not face any hassle while also being able to disburse a loan in under 12 days.

Our goal is to seek a listing in the UK in due time as we have already been working on it for the past 12 months. On an ending note, Knight Credit will seek to give back to the UK economy by providing employment in every city we have a physical presence and also by injecting a substantial amount of liquidity into the SME markets,” he said.

RELATED STORIES:

Win iPhone 11 at #ShiningTurban competition. Hurry, competition ends Sept 30 (Asia Samachar, 15 Sept 2019)

Punjabi powered Malaysian logistics firm bags Frost & Sullivan award (Asia Samachar, 16 Aug 2019)

Veteran banker Malkit Singh joins Hong Leong Bank as CFO (Asia Samachar, 22 July 2019)

By Asia Samachar Team | UNITED STATES |

Sikhs serving in the United States (US) armed forces can hail yet another milestone when a Sikh airman passed with flying colours his training while retaining his turban and beard, a religious requirement for observant Sikhs.

Sunjit Singh Rathour of the U.S. Air Force became the first Sikh airman to complete U.S. Air Force basic training and the Security Forces Apprentice Course with religious accommodations.

“Went from #A1CRathour to #DefenderRathour today. Pops (BIG OG) has to pin my shield on me,” Airman First Class (A1C) Sunjit shared writes on his personal Facebook page, accompanied by some photographs.

Sunjit has become the first Sikh American to complete both Air Force basic training and advanced technical training while wearing a turban, beard, and unshorn hair, in compliance with his Sikh religious beliefs, according to a statement (dated 26 Sept 2019) released by American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Rathour obtained a religious accommodation with assistance from ACLU and the Sikh American Veterans Alliance (SAVA), it said.

After successfully completing Basic Military Training in June, it said Rathour immediately enrolled in the Air Force’s Advanced Individual Training (AIT) School, where he studied to become part of the Air Force’s Security Forces.

“Today, after an additional three months of training, he graduates from that program,” it said.

Rathour is the first recruit authorized by the Air Force to adhere to Sikh religious grooming and dress principles immediately upon enlistment, including during the Air Force’s rigorous training programs, the statement added.

“As Sunjit’s experience demonstrates, recruits with religious accommodations are able to undertake the same training as other airmen,” said Heather L. Weaver, senior staff attorney with the ACLU. “We hope that the other branches of the military will follow in the footsteps of the Army and the Air Force by granting similar accommodations to those who request them.”

Lieutenant Colonel Kamal Singh Kalsi (US Army Reserve), president of SAVA and one of the first Sikh service members to receive a religious accommodation from the Army, added: “Being able to serve your country is a point of pride for many Sikhs. It was an honor to attend A1C Rathour’s basic training and AIT graduation ceremonies and to see him make history as the first Sikh to complete basic and technical training in the Air Force while wearing a turban, beard, and unshorn hair.”

In the same statement, Sunjit said: “I’m thrilled that the Air Force gave me the opportunity to complete both basic and technical training with a religious accommodation. My fellow airmen and superiors have been nothing but supportive, and I look forward to continuing my service for years to come.”

The story was picked up by television station KSAT 12, see here.

By Asia Samachar Team | UNITED STATES |

Lt. Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, the first ever Sikh officer to wear a turban in Texas who doubled up as humanitarian warrior, was shot and killed in the line of duty today.

Dashcam video shows the Harris County Sheriff’s deputy walking back to his patrol unit when the suspect shot him in the back of the head while conducting a traffic stop on Friday afternoon (27 Sept), according to a local news report.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez described Sandeep, a 10-year veteran of the department who leaves a wife and three children, as a ‘trailblazer’.

“He wore the turban. He represented his community with integrity, respect and pride. He was a leader,” he said, adding that they will continue his ‘legacy of service and a legacy of giving back’.

Sandeep also acted as the homeland security director of humanitarian agency United Sikhs.

“UNITED SIKHS fallen brother, Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal was a gift to the world. He is a legend, a hero, a devout #Sikh #American that spread #Seva (selfless service) in all walks of life. Sandeep Veerji was a wonderful role model to the community, the nation and a world ambassador of Seva. Wherever there was misery, a call for help, the need to give back – we would find Sardar Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal leading the way forward championing for all communities,” the agency shared in a social media update.

It noted that he had proudly served HarrisCounty Texas as a 10 year veteran, his country and the world as a sheriff and humanitarian.

In the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Maria, United Sikhs said Sandeep had led a team of volunteers to provide disaster relief to those in need across Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. In Punjab India, he led the effort to help the body to provide humanitarian aid for farmers working to survive a record drought.

UNITED SIKHS established this fund for Deputy Singh’s wife and three young children to help support their educational needs at this time. Go here.

RELATED STORY:

Win iPhone 11 at #ShiningTurban competition. Hurry, competition ends Sept 30 (Asia Samachar, 15 Sept 2019)

Malaysian-born Baltej retires from Canada’s mounted police (Asia Samachar, 12 Aug 2019)

Another US police department allows Sikhs to don turban, keep beard (Asia Samachar, 3 July 2019)