By Young Sikh Association – Singapore | OPINION |

We first reached out to @sheenaphua after one of her posts on social media upset some within and outside of our community. They demanded an apology. We however feel that actions speak louder than words.

Sheena took us up on our offer to visit one of our Gurdwaras and learn more about our community. When we met, Sheena also shared about her community and some of her experiences growing up in Singapore.

By her own admission, she shared that she didn’t know much about the Sikh community. She didn’t have or know of any Sikhs who may have been at school with her. Now that we know her better, would it still be fair to say that she should have known better when she initially put up her post that some found offensive? We all have our own experiences that inform what and how much we know about others in our community.

Also, don’t we all hope that when we make a mistake and cause unintended offence or hurt, that others will show us empathy, be understanding and forgiving? Better yet, when we make mistakes, don’t we all hope that we can expect people will act on their convictions and reach out to us in friendship, as opposed to reacting based on emotions and pointing fingers to blame.

We are grateful @sheenaphua you made the time to meet us this weekend and hopefully enjoyed what we feel was a meaningful experience for all of us!

In addition to learning about the Sikh community, our Gurdwaras, we also did some Sewa together today and enjoyed some Langgar

Sheena also gave us an idea for an initiative YSA could take on in future. She felt like her, many would also appreciate a less structured visit to a place of worship and learn through conversations and sharing our experiences. We think we just might take this up next year!

[Taken from YSA Singapore Facebook page]

By Autar Singh | OPINION | SHINING TURBAN |

I was 6 years old when my father tied a turban on my head for Vaisakhi at the Gurdwara Sahib Changkat, Batu Gajah. This is the one I remember, although there may have been earlier turban moments. It gave me a grown up feeling, for all my respected elders had distinguished turbans on their heads. I felt like them. This was my #TurbanOfHappiness.

I started wearing turban daily when I was 12 years old in Bidor. From then on there was no looking back. I wore my turban with pride. This was my #TurbanOfPride.

While doing my Professional Accountancy studies in UK, I was blessed with Khande dhi Pahul at Leeds. My turban took on a new meaning, as it now became my #TurbanOfBlessings.

On my return I joined the Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia as an active member. My turban now became my #TurbanOfDuty. It continues as such as my involvement in various organisations, nationally and internationally, grew.

Then my father passed on. The family care and responsibility of my siblings, and my immediate family later, opened up another new role for my turban. It now became my #TurbanOfResponsibility.

As I grew in my role as an academician in UiTM, I used to be called Tuan Haji/Ustaz (probably due to my turban and flowing beard) by some of my Malay colleagues. My turban brought tremendous respect, not only in UiTM but everywhere. It now became my #TurbanOfRespect.

On being appointed to the 63 member worldwide Religious Advisory Committee of Sri Akaal Takht Sahib in 1995, I sat with the brains of the community. All my seniors. Being here taught me humility and my turban became my #TurbanOfHumility.

While pursuing a postgraduate course in the UK, I was first appointed to and after a year unanimously elected as the President of the World Sikh Council (WSC), European Zone made up of some illustrious Sikhs of Europe. In this capacity I spoke at the 1st AGM of the WSC at Anandpur Sahib in 1997 to an audience of dignitaries from all over the world. My turban now became my #TurbanOfService.

Over the years I have met and known many distinguished turban wearing gentlemen doing excellent work. One such is in the picture with me, Ravi Singh of Khalsa Aid. Their company makes me feel distinguished, making my turban my #TurbanOfDistinction.
When the call came for me to be a part of the Panj Pyare to initiate Sikhs into the Khalsa Panth, my turban became my #TurbanOfHonour.

Thus my #ShiningTurban has brought me feelings of Happiness, Pride, Blessings, a sense of Duty and Responsibility, Respect, Humility, Service, Distinction and Honour. I am truly blessed to wear this crown of a dastar on my head everyday…

Taken from the Facebook posting of Autar Singh, an active Sikh volunteer who is based in Kuala Lumpur. He was the former Jathedar of Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia and Secretary-General of Coalition of Malaysian Sikh Organisation (CMSO). He composes  the article at the request of Asia Samachar for the #ShiningTurban competition which ends on 30 Sept 2019. Join the challenge. 

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By Avtar Singh | DAILY EXPRESS | SABAH, MALAYSIA |

Jemadar (Warrant Officer) Ojagar Singh, is known to elder Sikhs in Sabah today as the “Lion of Sandakan.” A 6 foot 5 inch giant, Jemedar Ojagar Singh, in his distinct, traditional Sikh turban wrap, was a quiet, disciplined but proud man who served the North Borneo Constabulary Police Force loyally as a warrant officer.

The first Sikh to arrive in North Borneo was in early 1868 on the island of Labuan and that person was Bhagat Singh Sandhu, who arrived in North Borneo from Singapore, having being recruited by a coal mining company to act as a policeman in Labuan Island.

This means Sikhs have been present in North Borneo and Sabah for at least five generations for at least 150 years, working as policemen, government administrators, government officers, medical doctors or lawyers and prominent businessmen.

Ojagar was also blessed with a powerful sense of right and wrong; this sense came from his devoted parents who taught him to love thy neighbour, regardless of race or religion, and to defend those who could not defend themselves. Ojagar would take these lessons to heart and this would form the basis of his values as a human being till the very end of his life as a serving policeman.

Ojagar is fondly remembered within the community as a man who was a patriot with a deep sense of loyalty not only to the North Borneo flag, but also to the men he led and commanded in Sandakan in the North Borneo Constabulary.

His father, Pal Singh, also a constable with the North Borneo Constabulary, as was the case with his brother Chanda Singh and most of the Sikhs who arrived in Borneo in the late 1800s by ship from Calcutta to Singapore, to Labuan, and finally to Jesselton where North Borneo would not only be their home for decades to come but also ultimately, where many of them would also die as they would not go home to the Punjab after service in the constabulary as most would marry a local girl and settle down in North Borneo.

Moving from Jesselton to Beaufort, and then back to Jesselton before being posted to Sandakan, Ojagah was the father of eight children, five daughters and three sons.

The youngest survivor of the family of 8 is retired Chief Inspector Anup Singh, formerly of the Malaysian Police Force.

In Sandakan, Jemadar Ojagar Singh’s house was on top of a hill near the Police Headquarters at Bukit Metah, or where the current Sandakan Yacht club is located. He had a grandstand view of the harbour including Berhala Island.

But how and why were the Sikhs in Borneo and what was their legacy in India that made the British recruit them to serve in faraway lands as far as North Borneo and Sarawak?

When the Sikh’s were defeated in the First and Second Anglo Sikh Wars against the British in the mid-1800s, they were recruited, not only for their loyalty to the battle standard carried into battle for the Sikh army, but also to their commanders for whom, most died fighting alongside and to the end with.

They were noted for their courage and ferocity in battle as well as their size and build due to being descendants of Alexander the Great.

The most famous battle in Sikh history is not Saragarhi as many would think, but the Battle of Sabroan, in which the Sikh army was ultimately betrayed by one of their own commanders and then defeated with thousands fighting to the last man within their fortifications along the Sutlej River or drowning whilst attempting to cross the Sutlej River.

This was the Sikh’s version of the Battle of Thermopylae.

In 1942, Sandakan, being the administrative capital of North Borneo, contained most of the key European administrators and clerks who oversaw the administration of North Borneo

With the arrival of the Japanese in early 1942 and the surrender of the British in North Borneo including Labuan, Sarawak and Brunei, the island of Borneo saw many prison camps built to not only intern these European administrators but civilians as well. In Sandakan, Berhala Island became the primary staging area for prisoners before a larger camp was built Batu Lintang in Kuching , Sarawak and they were moved there in 1943.

The North Borneo Constabulary also saw them falling under the directions of the Japanese as the commander of the Constabulary, Major Rice Oxley, was interned by the Japanese on Berhala Island along with European civilian internees from Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Tawau.

With the absence of European officers, the leadership of the police force in Sandakan fell under the command of local policemen Inspector Samuel Guriaman, Sergeant Major Yansalang and Warrant Officer Ojagar Singh.

The Japanese allowed the local police force to maintain law and order, and appointed the three men to continue their roles of keeping the peace but under the directive of the Japanese leadership of Sandakan. However, unknown to the Japanese, whilst interned on Berhala Island, Rice Oxley, ordered the three junior officers to corporate with a Dr. James Taylor, the chief medical officer of Sandakan who worked at the Sandakan hospital. Once the new Prison of War camp at Mile 8 in Sandakan was built to house the 3000 strong prison of war prisoners captured in Malaya, Singapore and Java, Rice Oxley also instructed his three men to try to begin communicating with the leadership of the prisoners and to build a network of information and to assist them in whatever means possible.

Thus in mid-1942, began the “Sandakan Underground” activities of smuggling letters out of the camp as well as sending in food and what little medicine was available to the Berhala interns which included a large network of Dusun’s, Malays, Filipino, Chinese and European’s in Sandakan who became a part of this underground movement. Led by Dr. Taylor, the underground movement becomes active late 1942.

Aware that there existed Japanese informants within their ranks of the police force, Guriaman, Yansalang and Singh decided to limit the number of people who knew about the Sandakan Underground movement and to restrict all knowledge about their activities to a small group of policemen they knew they could trust.

Building a communication network into the Prison of War camp and to Captain Lionel Colin Matthews, an Australian who was tasked with carrying out underground activities on behalf of the prisoners in the Mile 8 prison camp.

The goal for the Sandakan Underground movement were initially for humanitarian purposes but slowly expanded into smuggling food and medicine, radio parts, collecting and distribution of money, the gathering and sharing of intelligence on the Japanese and eventually the smuggling of weapons into Sandakan and into the prison camp.

Part of the escape plan was the building of a transmitting radio; this would be used to contact Filipino guerrillas in the Philippines and submarines with a view to obtaining more arms and other support. This development was not just about escaping; it was a challenge to the Japanese position in North Borneo, and one that inevitably would invoke most violent Japanese response.

Matthews had the idea that because the Japanese presence in Sandakan was limited in numbers, there was a possibility of a successful prisoner’s insurrection to either seize the camp and town or undertake a mass escape of all prisoners and become guerrilla fighters.

It is from Berhala Island in June 1943 that we see the first two groups of prisoners successfully escape internment; these were not the first of many attempts by prisoners to escape. Several failed attempts prior to the Berhala escape had been attempted at the Mile 8 prison of war camp but all failed with all the escapees captured or betrayed. .

At this juncture, it is important to understand the Japanese views on prisoners and the treatment prisoners would receive from guards and soldiers of the Japanese Forces in Borneo; According to Lieutenant Colonel Suga Tatsuji, commanding officer of Borneo Prisoner of War Internment Area to his prison staff, “…rewards must be uniform and punishment relentless. Let there be no half-measures.”

He further adds “…to show Maudlin sympathy or to lapse into sentimental indulgence, thus creating the impression that you can be influenced like a little child, is extremely reprehensible.”

The underground movement was eventually betrayed to the Japanese; in mid July 1943, Singh, Matthews, Taylor and many police officers, agriculture and forestry staff as well as local businessmen, many who were members of the Sandakan Underground were arrested and brutally beaten and tortured by the Japanese secret police or “Kempetai.”

Ojagar Singh, being one of the senior members of the Sandakan Underground was pin pointed as the man most likely responsible for helping the Australian prisoners escape from Berhala Island and a man of great interest to the Kempetai.

He were taken to a bungalow house outside of Sandakan town near Jalan Tanah Merah where he was beaten and tortured for several days. During the violent interrogation, Ojagar’s jaw was broken and his elbow shattered.

Despite attempts by Dr Taylor to seek permission from his interrogators to treat Ojagar’s broken jaw and limb, these requests were denied; he could only watch as Ojagar stood alongside other prisoners, all beaten and tortured and all in severe pain and distress from either standing for hours or squatting for hours and staring down at the floor. In Ojagar’s case, he was also bleeding from the intense torture he had gone through with skin missing from his back and blood and infection from the wounds.

Eventually, like most prisoners, he was broken after days of torture and told the Japanese about secret letters he had smuggled out of the Mile 8 prison camp and hidden under a chicken cage at his home, was taken back to his home where he was forced to show the Japanese where he had hidden the letters. He did not reveal who had passed him the letters, except to say he collected them himself.

With his pregnant wife and young children watching, Ojagar’s last words to his wife were “take care of the children and look after yourself.” This would be the last time a young Anup Singh and his siblings would see their father ever again as he was then brought back to the house of torture and beaten some more.

Police officers from the nearby police station would also move her and the children to the Police Barracks as they did not feel it was safe for her to be on her own with the children, and being pregnant as the Japanese had also confiscated all her jewellery, personal belongings and money, leaving her and the children penniless and without any income.

After being transferred to Kuching on 19th October 1943, Ojagar and his colleagues underwent further interrogation before they were put on trial. Records show 52 civilians were arrested along with 20 prisoners of war and together were all shipped by sea to Kuching.

On the 29th February 1944, Warrant Officer Ojagar Singh alongside his men which included Sergeant Abin of Ranau and Detective Ernesto Lagan along with businessman Heng Joo Ming, Sandlewood trader Wong Mu Sing who was a lieutenant in the Philippine Guerrilla Force under the command of US Forces, Alex Funk, a member of the Borneo Volunteer Force, radio shop owner Felix Azcona, Dusun farm manager Matusup bin Gungau and Captain Lionel Matthews were sentenced to death by a firing squad.

The rest of the prisoners are sentenced to prison for terms ranging from 15 years to six months.

Matusup had been instrumental in smuggling information and medicines and food into the Sandakan prison camp at Mile 8 whilst Azcona and his brothers had smuggled radio parts to the camp. The dashing and handsome Alex Funk was the son of the first non-European magistrate of North Borneo and was a smart, intelligent young man and from a prominent family in Sandakan who was actively assisting the Sandakan Underground and was one of the key leaders.

Heng Joo Ming, sympathetic to the prisoners smuggled food to the prisoners and is betrayed by two friends over money and blackmail over the sale and purchase of rice on the black market.

He had previously assisted in the escape of the prisoners from Berhala Island and was betrayed because he refused to pay money as a bribe and was subsequently arrested along with his father, tortured and then sentenced to death.

Australian prisoner of war and radio operator Lieutenant Rod Wells, also arrested after transcripts of radio communications are found in his possession in the Sandakan prison of war camp recalls hugging the beaten and tortured Ojagar Singh in one final embrace before the Sikh policeman was led out of court limping from his injuries to face a firing squad on the 2nd March 1944.

The 8 men were led to a clearing in a jungle area some 5 kilometres from the prison at a rubber estate in the Batu Kawa area outside of Kuching where they are lined up in front of a Japanese firing squad before they were all shot to death without a chance to write a final goodbye letter to their families.

Hearing rumours of the death of one of their own, the local Sikh community in Kuching marched to the Japanese headquarters and demanded the release of Ojagar’s body so he could be cremated according to Sikh burial rites. This request was denied and the party were chased out of the headquarters by armed Japanese guards.

Anup’s eldest brother Hercharan Singh assumed the responsibilities at the age of fourteen years old as the sole breadwinner for the family including including that of his baby sister, born two months after Ojagar had been taken away to Kuching.

As Hercharan had a working knowledge of Japanese, he was employed for a while as translator, and as a fresh water fishmonger. The family grew their own vegetables and relied on tapioca as their staple diet till the end of the war and also sold oil extracted from coconuts to survive.

In late 1943, Ojagar’s brother-in-law, Sergeant Dial Singh from the Lahad Datu Constabulary arrived with his wife and two children with the intention to take the entire family back to his home outside of Lahad Datu. Their journey was however stopped by the Japanese who refused to let the family board a ship for Lahad Datu, allowing only Sergeant Dial to board the ship.

Dial returned seven months later with eight local porters to help the family move on foot to Lahad Datu, walking over land through virgin jungle. The adventure of escaping Sandakan was truly remarkable; after exiting Sandakan on foot with their porters, the family boarded sampans to get to Kampung Bikang, outside of Lahad Datu.

About sixteen kilometres from Lahad Datu the family left the vastly swollen Segama River and all perils of crocodiles behind and continued on foot along the road, wading through knee deep floodwater for the first three kilometres before reaching the Tengah Nipa Estate where relatives lived. It was during this time that the youngest sister of Anup passed away due to malnutrition and illness.

Arriving at Dial Singh’s property, he led them to a hut he had built secretly for them to hide and live in which was in the jungle to ensure their safety from the Japanese. There, the family remained in hiding until the end of the war, living off vegetables they grew and tapioca they planted, catching fresh water fish and crabs as well as salt extracted from sea water.

Unknown to the family at the time, Sergeant Dial Singh had been meeting Americans who came to Lahad Datu by submarine from Tawi Tawi to gather intelligence and to share information on Japanese forces in the area.

Dial Singh too was betrayed by a fellow police sergeant who learned about his clandestine activities with the American’s and seeking a reward from the Japanese, decided to write a letter for the Japanese secret police which he requested Dial Singh to personally deliver, unaware that Dial Singh had already been suspicious about this Sergeant’s loyalties and instead opened the letter given to him and read the contents. Dial Singh had doubts about the Sergeant loyalties and opened the letter and discovered he was to be betrayed.

He had no choice but to escape into the jungle and to hide out for the reminder of the war.

It was during this time that young Hercharan Singh fell ill and the two baby girls in the family, weakened by malnutrition and illness, died after accidently eating poisonous mushrooms.

Till today, there has been no acknowledgement by the Australian government nor the Sabah State government or Malaysian government of the bravery and courage of Warrant Officer Ojagar Singh, Sergeant Abin and Detective Ernesto Lagan contributions in saving the lives of prisoners of war or their bravery as North Borneo Constabulary officers.

In trying to preserve the lives of so many, they made the ultimate sacrifice not only for the prisoners of war at the Sandakan Prisoner of War camp but also for the people of Sandakan and were never remembered for their great sacrifices, even today.

The compensation paid via the Widow’s and families pension fund was very little and could not support Anup, his mother and brothers and sisters. Promises were made from the Australian government but those promises were never fulfilled and they were eventually all but forgotten about not only by the Australian’s, but also about by the North Borneo government and the Sabah government.

Their positions in the constabulary prevented the Australian government from providing financial compensation to the families of Singh, Abin and Lagan. There was an understanding after the war that the government of North Borneo would provide pensions for the families of its administrative staff who lost their lives during the war, based on their term of service.

The great sacrifice and courage of these men have all but been forgotten about. There is never any mention each year during the Sandakan Memorial services about “The Lion of Sandakan” and the men of the North Borneo Constabulary. If anything, the services are generally focused only on the sacrifices of Australian and British prisoners whilst the Sandakan Underground has all but been forgotten about, and this is a very sad aspect of the memorial services being carried out. No memorials exist in Sandakan to remember these fallen men either, except for a tomb in Kuching.

Author’s Note: During the course of my interviews with Inspector Anup Singh (Rtd), son of Ojagar Singh, one name that keeps coming up during the interviews is the name Koram bin Anduat, who was Ojagar’s most trusted aide on Berhala Island and who was part of the group of policemen who successfully carried out and assisted the escape of the Australian prisoners from Berhala Island on the orders of Ojagar Singh.

Not enough recognition has been given as well to the activities of Koram who not only suffered terrible torture by the Japanese secret police, but remained steadfast in protecting Ojagar and the rest of the policemen in the Berhala Island group arrestd.

The sad part of this story is that it was another prisoner who eventually broke during interrogation and torture and who told the Japanese everything which would lead to the trial in Kuching and the death sentences imposed on Ojagar and the Sandakan Underground members.

It is important to point out that no man (or woman) would have withstood the type of torture and brutality of interrogations carried out by the Japanese and that everyone, regardless of size, build and intelligence breaks during torture. It is not a question of how, but when.

The pain and suffering is unbearable and at some point in time, the Japanese would have eventually found out about who did what and what activities were going on within the Sandakan Underground and the group was doomed anyways once they were betrayed and arrested.

This article was co-authored together with Mr.Shari Jeffri in September 2019.

1. Prof. Danny Wong – Historical Sabah “The War” (2010)

2. Arkib Negeri Sabah – World War Two: “The Sabah’s Story (2010)”

3. Paul Ham – “Sandakan” (2012)

4. Interview with Inspector Anup Singh (Rtd), Son of Jemadar Ojagar Singh, August, 2019.

5. Avtar Singh Sandhu-”The Lions of North Borneo: The forgotten Sikhs of Malaysia.” (2020)

The article, Ojagar – the forgotten ‘Lion of S’kan’, was first published at Daily Express (22 Sept 2019). 

By Gurmukh Singh | OPINION |

The aim of the so called blacklist of Sikhs kept by the various Indian state agencies, including Indian Missions abroad, is to discourage separatist Sikh political activism. However, the criteria for inclusion of individuals in this kaali soochi or Averse List and its legality in a true democracy, is questionable. Who decides what sort of political activism is averse to a democracy? Yet, the impression abroad is that this secretive blacklist of Sikh activists in the diaspora has been used to harass genuine community sevadars and human rights activists seeking visas to visit India.

Religious, social and political activism under the broad heading of seva is an integral part of Sikhi living. There are hundreds of community areas in which Sikhs can serve for the wellbeing and betterment of society. So, for example, Sikhs engaged in charity work can easily get into trouble for doing genuine Sikhi seva as did Bhai Ghanayia in the battles of Anandpur. We can say that Bhai Sahib was blacklisted by the Sikhs and reported to Guru Gobind Singh ji!

One can never be sure what exactly is anti-Indian State activism which risks inclusion in the blacklist criteria. Who are the gatherers of such intelligence about individuals? What sort of guidance do they have for reporting activism averse to state interests?

Next, it is a question about the honesty and work ethic of the intelligence gathering personnel who earn their keep by doing such important work, allegedly to defend the integrity of the Indian State. Do they put in the time and effort to get accurate information about individual activists? Regarding work ethic and accuracy of information, one Indian example comes to mind: the Europeans who climbed Mount Annapurna in the Himalayas in 1951, found that the Indian surveyors had drawn fiction maps of the higher altitude areas while sitting at home! The climbers found deep ravines where there were supposed to be mountains!

Someone wrote on a forum: In early 1950s to 1960s for any protests by the Sikhs, thousands of Sikh protestors were arrested illegally! Slowly few were released in many instalments! This list was created by the Congress administration illegally and pruning had been going on. A great good-will gesture []]by Modi administration] must be recognized but one should not forget the illegal creation of the list originally!

The point is that such a politically motivated and arbitrarily collated blacklist can be periodically shortened to please some gullible Sikhs. It becomes a political ploy which serves the interests of officials, the so called interlocutors (middlemen or vicholas!) and the State government.

An Indian reporter wrote that it is never too late to undo the wrongs of the past for the sake of a better future. Yes but the question is the extent to which the wrongs of the past are undone! It will take much more to right the wrongs of 1984 and the following ten or so years of extra-judicial killings of thousands of Sikh youth than the abolition of some doubtful Sikh black list. In any case, the harm done to relations between the Indian state and the Sikhs by keeping a blacklist far outweighs any perceived security advantage.

Conferment citation by University of Sciences Malaysia’s School of Physics dean Prof Dr Azlan Abdul Aziz for the Conferment of Emeritus Professor to Dr Chatar Singh at the university’s 57th convocation on 24 September 2019

EMERITUS PROFESSOR

YBHG. DATO’ DR. DATO’ DR. CHATAR SINGH A/L BERIAM SINGH

B.Sc.; B.Sc.[KepujianKelas Pertama]; M.Sc.[U.M. S’pore]; Ph.D. [Cambridge]; F. Inst. P. [UK]; F.I.P.M. [Malaysia]; Hon. F.I.P.M. [Malaysia]; F.A.Sc. [Malaysia]; D.P.M.P. [Perak]; J.S.M. [Malaysia]; P.K.T. [Penang]

1. Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh is the founding father of Universiti Pulau Pinang and Universiti Sains Malaysia. He is fully responsible for the establishment of the School of Physics and Mathematics, beginning with staff recruitment, planning and organising of the academic curriculum for bachelor’s honours degree for the School of Physics and Mathematics, and providing guidelines, rules and regulations for the University to meet all aspects of the newly established academic institution in 1969.

2. Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh was born in Taiping, Perak on 9 September 1929 to a self-employed private taxi driver and a housewife. He is the oldest of seven siblings. He regularly changed schools during his early education, from Nibong Tebal to Kamunting and Tanjong Rambutan to Anderson School Ipoh, Perak, before pursuing his studies at University Malaya, Singapore. After obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree (First Class Honours) and a Master of Science (Plasma Physics) from the same university, he was a recipient of the Queen’s Scholar scholarship to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in X-ray Crystallography at the University of Cambridge in 1957.

3. Upon completion of his Ph.D in 1961, Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh joined University Malaya in Kuala Lumpur as a lecturer in Physics until his promotion to a Reader in Physics in 1968.

4. In 1969, he was invited by the late Tan Sri Hamzah Sendut (USM’s first Vice Chancellor) to be in-charge of the development of studies in Physics and Mathematics at Universiti Pulau Pinang. He was later appointed as the Foundation Professor of Physics at the School of Physics and Mathematics, Universiti Pulau Pinang in April 1970 and as the Professorial Dean of the School of Physics and Mathematics, Universiti Sains Malaysia until 1977.

5. He retired in 1984 on attaining the mandatory retirement age of 55, but still rendered his services to USM on a contract basis until 1990. Throughout his service, he was involved in leading various national and international organisations, such as the President of the Institute of Physics Malaysia and President of the Asian Physical Society. In 1985, he was conferred the honorary title of Dato’ Paduka Mahkota Perak (DPMM) by Sultan Azlan Shah, which carries the title ‘Dato’.

6. The role and contribution of Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh in the history of USM’s establishment is immense. Together with the late Tan Sri Hamzah Sendut, the late Dr. Francis Morsingh and the late Dr. E. Balasingham, Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh was responsible for helping to design USM’s common academic and administrative infrastructure structure for the 3 main schools of study: the School of Physics and Mathematics, the School of Chemical Sciences and the School of Biological Sciences. He was also responsible for introducing the concept of ‘School’ instead of ‘Department’ with multidisciplinary subjects related to each discipline with the late Dr. Morsingh and the late Dr. Balasingham. This multidisciplinary approach enables USM to create several positions for academic staff who have demonstrated excellence in research and teaching to be promoted without having to wait for vacancies. USM is the first Malaysian university to introduce appropriate disciplines with specialised group research laboratories to encourage active group research in place of the +traditional individual research.

7. Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh has played a role in the history of USM by establishing the University Staff Golf Club. For the record, the diplomacy in golf has played a minor role for USM to be based at the magnificent Minden Barracks military base camp which overlooks the sea instead of at Sungai Ara. The story of the land transfer at a ringgit remains an anecdote in conversations about the Minden campus to this day.

8. Since the establishment of USM, the university has been renowned for its innovative approach to higher education and administration. Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh was directly involved in several USM ‘brainchild’ initiatives. The Geophysics and Biophysics Studies program (currently known as Medical Physics) at the School of Physics is the first in Malaysia. Both programs received tremendous response from students and related industries. USM produced the first Ph.D graduate in Physics in Malaysia (Dr. Donald Chuah Guan Siong, supervised by Dr. Ratnalingam) who pioneered the study of solar cells in USM; thus, leading USM to become the first university in the region whose staff member was awarded by the French government with the Chevalier of the Ordre des Palmes Academiques (Knight of the Order of Academic Palms). Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh is also responsible for establishing the X-ray Crystallography Research Lab, which is an integrated research center for USM and international research groups of various fields.

9. Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh has a special ability in identifying the potential of a staff. During his tenure as the Dean at UPP / USM, he guided several individuals in the process of self-development. For example, Dr. R. Ratnalingam, a Rhodes Scholar from Oxford University, is the first full-time staff member of Universiti Pulau Pinang. He rose to be Professor of Solid State Physics and Dean of the School of Physics, who then retired as the Director and President of Penang Medical College. Another notable figure is Prof. Emeritus Dr. Fun Hoong Kun, a Ph.D graduate of Purdue University, who led the Crystallographic Research Group which achieved ‘top and most productive scientist’ status in USM, Malaysia as well as other OIC member state countries according to the reports released by MASTIC MOSTI and COMSTech OIC. In recognition of Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh’s role and contribution in crystallography and his career as a researcher, Prof. Emeritus Dr. Fun made a special dedication to Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh in a press release on 9 September 2009, in honour of his 80th birthday.

10. Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh was an exemplary model of cooperation with external parties, both government and industries in establishing a foundation for outcome-oriented research. A notable achievement is his cooperation with the Penang State Government in determining the best quality of sand in Kedah that assisted Schott Glass in establishing a plant in Penang, providing employment opportunities to state residents and research opportunities for USM.

11. His passion in the study of Physics and in the development of USM did not end upon his retirement in 1990. As a sign of his unending support and dedication to USM and the field of Physics, he willingly presented the gold medal award to the best achiever in Physics. In fact, he is the only Founding Dean to award a gold medal at every USM convocation ceremony. Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh has also set up a Penang Sikh Education Fund which provides financial assistance to poor students of Sikh descent and as a recognition and reward to outstanding students in major public examinations in Penang schools.

12. He continued to serve the nation when he was appointed as the Royal Commissioner of the Royal Commission of Inquiry from 1991 to 1993 by Sultan Azlan Shah to investigate the tragedy of fire and explosion of Bright Sparklers Sdn. Bhd. fireworks factory which killed 26 lives and damaged property within 7 km radius.

13. In 1995, Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh was appointed as a Foundation Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM). He was appointed by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohammed. Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh later served as ASM Council Member until 1999.

14. Since 2000, Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh has been focusing on helping the Penang state government and the community, in particular the Sikh communities. He has served as a Member of the State Unity Advisor, State Government Consultative Forum and member of Audit in RLKA USM Program. He has held various positions such as Chairman, President or Advisor of the Association of Residents, Sports and Sikhs of Penang as well as Malaysia. He also served as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Silicon Technology Institute, Penang.

15. In 2010, the School of Physics celebrated with Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh at an appreciation ceremony for donating his books collection of Physics, Mathematics, Computers and Crystallography to the Physics Resource Center (Physics Mini Library), hitherto used by undergraduates and postgraduates.

16. Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh’s persistence in his unending contribution to USM and the local community would not have been possible without the support of his wife Datin Kewal Rattan Balwant Singh. The beautiful couple was blessed with 4 children. With the upbringing and guidance of both Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh and his wife, all of the children have become medical doctors. One of his children followed her father’s footsteps and took up the position as a lecturer of USM and is now Professor Gurjeet Kaur.

17. The buildings currently occupied by the School of Physical Sciences and the Workshops were designed and supervised by Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh and are based on ideas he gave to the university appointed architects. The floor-loadings of the research laboratories were from his research findings of British standards for university buildings. Even the Biophysics laboratory needing radiation protection were built to those specifications. He was guided by the recommendations of the Royal Institute of British Architects, RIBA. These buildings have stood the test of time and are a testimony to a physicist’s contributions to the university.

The Dean of the School of Physics,
Professor Dr. Azlan Abdul Aziz,
57th Convocation of University of Sciences Malaysia,
24 September 2019.

RELATED STORY:

Dr Baljit inducted into prestigious Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (Asia Samachar, 25 Sept 2018)

Jasjit made dean at Rutgers School of Public Health (Asia Samachar, 25 Jan 2015)

Former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh seems to be the preferred person for the opening of the Kartarpur corridor as Sikhs globally prepare to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi today (30 Sept) announced that Pakistan has decided to extend an invitation to Manmohan for the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor, which is scheduled to be opened in November.

“Kartarpur corridor is an important project, the prime minister has a personal interest in it,” said Qureshi in a video message, reported The Dawn. “After consultations, Pakistan has decided to invite Manmohan Singh to the inauguration, who we hold in high regard. He will represent the Sikh community.”

“On behalf of the government, as the foreign minister of Pakistan, I invite him to attend the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor,” said Qureshi, adding that the government also intends to send Singh a formal written invitation.

The invite comes at a time of heightened war of words between neighbouring India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.

The Pakistan newspaper also added that the foreign minister also invited Sikh yatris in his message, saying: “We also await the Sikh yatris […] to come and take part in the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.”

Pakistani project director Atif Majeed had earlier said the visa-free border crossing from India to Kartarpur, Pakistan, would be inaugurated on Nov 9, just ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism founder Baba Guru Nanak on Nov 12.

It was also announced that Pakistan has agreed to allow 5,000 Sikh pilgrims from India to visit on a daily basis the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Narowal through the Kartarpur corridor.

Pakistan has kept the corridor project insulated from the recent tensions with India over annulment of Article 370, subsequent repressive actions in occupied Kashmir and intensified ceasefire violations on the Line of Control. The project had also remained unaffected by the previous episode of escalation between the two sides following the Pulwama attack in February, the report added.

On 29 Nove 2018, Paksitan Prime Minister Imran Khan had performed the groundbreaking of the long-awaited corridor connecting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur area of Narowal district to Dera Baba Nanak in India’s Gurdaspur district.

A large number of Sikh yatris ─ both local and Indian ─ along with Indian Minister for Food Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister for Housing Hardeep S. Puri, Indian Punjab Minister of Local Government, Tourism, Cultural Affairs, and Museums Navjot Singh Sidhu, and Indian journalists and foreign diplomats are attending the ceremony.

Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed, and Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi are also in attendance.

RELATED STORY:

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

By Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA |

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) recognised the lifetime contribution of scholar Dr Chatar Singh when it appointed him an emeritus professor, making him the second Sikh in Malaysia to be conferred the coveted title.

The 90-year old retired academician was the backbone of the university’s School of Physics and Mathematics which he helped establish in 1969.

Born in Taiping, Perak, in 1929, the conferment last week (24 Sept) was the icing on the cake for the son of a self-employed private taxi driver and housewife who have made many valuable contributions to the Penang-based university.

“I am extremely happy and I feel extremely lucky,” he told Asia Samachar when asked how he felt on the conferment.

In the conferment citation, Dr Chatar was recognised as the founding father of Universiti Pulau Pinang and USM as well as ‘fully responsible’ for the establishment of the School of Physics and Mathematics.

“The role and contribution of Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh in the history of USM’s establishment is immense,” USM School of Physics Dean Prof Dr Azlan Abdul Aziz said in the citation. “Since the establishment of USM, the university has been renowned for its innovative approach to higher education and administration.”

Dr Chatar was noted for his direct involvement in several USM ‘brainchild’ initiatives, including the Geophysics and Biophysics Studies program, currently known as Medical Physics, which was the first in Malaysia. The program led to USM producing the first Ph.D graduate in Physics in Malaysia.

“He was a dedicated scholar,” said Dr Manjit Singh Sidhu, author of Pride of Lions: Eminent Sikhs in Malaysia, which also featured Dr Chatar.

The eldest of the seven siblings, Chatar joined University Malaya, Singapore, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree (First Class Honours) and a Master of Science (Plasma Physics). He then won the Queen’s Scholar scholarship to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in X-ray Crystallography at the University of Cambridge in 1957.

When he completed his Ph.D in 1961, Dr. Chatar joined University Malaya in Kuala Lumpur as a lecturer in Physics. In 1969, he was invited by the late Hamzah Sendut, USM’s first Vice Chancellor, to be in-charge of the development of studies in Physics and Mathematics at Universiti Pulau Pinang.

He was later appointed as the Foundation Professor of Physics at the School of Physics and Mathematics, Universiti Pulau Pinang in April 1970 and as the Professorial Dean of the School of Physics and Mathematics, Universiti Sains Malaysia until 1977, according to the conferment citation.

He retired in 1984 on attaining the mandatory retirement age of 55, but still rendered his services to USM on a contract basis until 1990.

The title Emeritus/Emerita Professor is bestowed upon an eminent retired academic in recognition of their work and distinguished service.

Historian Dr. Ranjit Singh Darshan Singh was the first Sikh to be conferred the title emeritus professor which he received from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). He was the first in the field of humanities while Dr Chatar was the first in the sciences.

RELATED STORY:

Emeritus Professor conferment citation for Dr Chatar Singh Beriam Singh (Asia Samachar, 30 Sept 2019)

Dr Baljit inducted into prestigious Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (Asia Samachar, 25 Sept 2018)

Jasjit made dean at Rutgers School of Public Health (Asia Samachar, 25 Jan 2015)

SASKAAR / CREMATION: 12pm, 1st Oct 2019 (Tuesday), at Kampung Tunku Crematorium. Cortege leaves No 47, Jalan SS 7/8, Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya at 11am | Malaysia

Madam Par Kaur d/o Santa Singh

With a heavy heart, I wish to inform that Madam Par Kaur d/o Santa Singh ( Beloved sister and aunt) has left us this afternoon , 30th Sept 2019

Saskaar / Cremation: 12pm, at Kampung Tunku Crematorium. Cortege leaves No 47, Jalan SS 7/8, Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya at 11am

Contact: Jagjit Singh 017-8852641

| Entry: 30 Sept 2019 | Source: Family

By Asia Samachar Team | UNITED STATES |

“All I know is I lost my hero…He take (sic) care of me after his mother passed away last year. After that, he take care of me like he’s my dad.”

These were the words of Pyara Singh Dhaliwal when asked by the media to comment on the loss of his son Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal.

The 41-year old police officer, 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 on 27 Sept.

The family of slain deputy visited the site of his makeshift memorial yesterday (Monday) for a prayer.

Traffic was shut down Monday afternoon for a half-hour on West Road near Willancy Lane, the area the deputy was fatally shot Friday. Sirens were blaring as several Harris County deputies escorted Dhaliwal’s family and friends to the site of his makeshift memorial, reported a local media portal.

Outpouring of grief and and admiration for the deputy is flooding the social media, a sign of how much the local community cherished Sandeep’s role.

“Harris County Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal was a hero and a trailblazer who selflessly served his community every day. @DrBiden and I are keeping his family and loved ones in our hearts,” tweeted Joe Biden, a US presidential candidate for the 2020 elections, who served as deputy president under President Barrack Obama.

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

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

RELATED STORY:

Sikh deputy sheriff shot dead left legacy of service and giving back (Asia Samachar, 28 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)

By Shah Alam Naujawans | REPORT | MALAYSIA |

Sewa is not something that needs to be done in the Gurdwara alone. It can also be done outside the Gurdwara’s ground. Alone or in a group, sewa (selfless service) can be done anytime, anywhere. What better way to do something for the charity is to show some love and kindness to the community.

The Shah Alam Naujawan’s visited St Jude’s Old Folks Home a recent Saturday (21 Sept 2019). A couple of parents, too, went along to support the visit. The Naujawans (youth) served food made at the gurdwara to the elderly occupants at the old folks home.

Established in 2006, this home currently has 38 occupants, mostly due to old age. Some of them have various illness and require attention and special care.

The home may not many facilities, but it provides a roof and food to the occupants. Even though the occupants have their own problems, they help each other, making the home a better place to live in.

While we were there, we saw them helping to feed fellow occupants who were unable to move. It surely takes a strong person to do a job like this.

The Shah Alam Naujawan leader Dr Thesdave Singh said: “The concept of sewa should not be about doing sewa for the Guru Ji, but for all. It serves to remind us of the values being passed on through generations. We call upon Shah Alam youth to join in and support us in future events. Together, let’s make a difference.”

By Asia Samachar Team | INDIA |

The highest two ranking Sikh officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF) were involved in a change of command.

Air Marshal Harjit Singh Arora on Tuesday (1 Sept 2019) took over as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, the second-highest-ranking officer in the IAF.

The day before, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa retired. Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria took over as 26th chief. Birender, a Kargil war veteran and first-rate fighter pilot, took office on 31 Dec 2016.

In October 2018, Harjit was made Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), South Western Air Command at Gandhinagar.

He was commissioned in the IAF as a fighter pilot in December 1981.

Harjit has rich and diverse experience of accident-free operational flying which includes MiG 21, MiG 29 and other aircraft in IAF inventory, including helicopters. He is a meritorious graduate of Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment, Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College. He is also Master of Philosophy in Defence and Strategic Studies.

RELATED STORY:

Air Marshal Harjit takes over command as India’s SWAC (Asia Samachar, 3 Oct 2018)

Indian air force chief visits Malaysia (Asia Samachar, 6 Sept 2018)

Air Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa appointed as Indian Air Force chief (Asia Samachar, 18 Dec 2016)

550th Parkash Divas of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji

By Jagir Singh | STATEMENT | MALAYSIA |

The Malaysian Gurdwaras Council with the strong support of Gurdwaras is organising programmes in conjunction with the 550 Years Parkash Divas of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji which falls on 12th November 2019. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the founder of Sikhism. Guru Ji had planted the seeds of Sikhi which were then nurtured by the 8 Gurus that followed culminating in Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji completing the Sikhi mission by creating the Khalsa Panth in 1699 by administering Khande De Pahul Da Amrit.

The following programmes have been carried out or will be carried out beginning on 23/11/2018 and ending on 12/11/2019:

1. The 550 years Parkash Divas of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Semagam was launched at the National level at Gurdwara sahib Subang, Petaling Jaya and at the same time in most Gurdwaras in Malaysia at 11.00 AM nationwide where all the congregation recited JAPJI SAHIB DA PAATH before doing the Arambhta ARDAS. The THEME for the One Year celebration beginning 23/11/2018 is:

[Satgur Nanak Pergetiya Mitee Dhund Jag Chanan Hoa]
– Banee Bhai Gurdas Ji.

2. JAPJI SAHIB Viakhia classes were launched in about 40 Gurdwaras from middle December 2018. These Viakhia classes were successfully completed by end of June 2019. There was tremendous response from Sanggat for this “Dhur Ki Banee” JAPJI SAHIB classes and to understand the message of enlightenment contained in it.

3. Due to many requests from Sanggat, the JAPJI SAHIB Viakhia classes were then continued as Gurbani Viakhia classes. The 2nd phase was launched in the 2nd week of August 2019 covering Ang 8 to 13 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, topics being “SO DAR, SO PURKH, SOHILA”. This Gurbani classes are ongoing now and are expected to be completed by November 2019.

4. Grand Semagam from 7/11/2019 to 10/11/2019.

In conjunction with the 550 years Parkash Divas of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji a grand Semagam is being organised jointly by MGC and Tatt Khalsa Dewan Selangor with support of all Gurdwaras from 7/11/2019 to 10/11/2019. The venue for the programme is GURU NANAK DARBAR, TATT KHALSA DIWAN SELANGOR.

Renowned Raagi Jathas from India are being specifically being brought in for this final programme. All Sanggat must make every effort to attend this Grand Finale Semagam.

JAGIR SINGH

President, Malaysian Gurdwaras Council (MGC)

RELATED STORIES:

Guru Nanak Parkash 550 series: True Leadership in Sikhi (Asia Samachar, 22 Sept 2018)

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

Singapore Sikhs target 550,000 volunteer hours to mark Guru Nanak 550th birthday (Asia Samachar, 30 Nov 2018)

ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. Facebook | WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 | Email: editor@asiasamachar.com | Twitter | Instagram | Obituary announcements, click here |

By Dylan McGuinness and St. John-Barned-Smith | HOUSTON CHRONICLE | US |

One of the common refrains from those attending memorial services for fallen Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal: His importance to younger Sikhs growing up in Houston and America generally.

“I think he was a hero to the next generation,” Sartaj Singh Bal said moments before the services Wednesday morning for Dhaliwal, a 10-year veteran of the sheriff’s office who was killed Friday in an ambush after a routine traffic stop.

As thousands of people filed into the Berry Center in Cypress to pay their respects to Dhaliwal, the Sikh community called on police agencies and the military to carry his legacy.

Dhaliwal was Harris County’s first Sikh deputy and garnered national attention for winning approval in 2015 to wear his turban and beard on duty. The religious accommodation policy was a tremendous feat of visibility and honor for Sikhs in Houston and across the nation.

Gurvinder Singh, a New York Police Department officer who traveled to the memorial service, said Dhaliwal’s actions inspired him to seek similar approval in New York.

“He was a motivation to a lot of guys here,” said Singh, president of the Sikh Officers’ Association. “Even though we lost an officer, you’re going to see a lot more Sikh officers out there, and serving our community.”
The memorial on Wednesday included a Sikh service, and then one held by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Army Capt. Simratpal Singh said at the Sikh ceremony that Dhaliwal would want them to “keep pushing.”

“Our lion may be gone physically, but his legacy of selfless service and of breaking down barriers will continue to live on,” Simratpal said.

MORE PHOTOS HERE

At the law enforcement service, about an hour and a half later, former Sheriff Adrian Garcia, who hired Dhaliwal, spoke directly to the slain deputy’s father.

“All he wanted to do was make you proud. And he did so, beautifully,” said Garcia, now a Harris County commissioner. “When you were watching, when you couldn’t see him. He was carrying your heart, your values, your name, your respect, into this incredible community.”

Current Sheriff Ed Gonzalez added, “Sandeep has brought this entire community together, in a very powerful way, in a way only Sandeep could do.”

Others who spoke at Dhaliwal’s memorial also emphasized the deputy’s commitment to service.
“Service to other human beings was center to his life,” said Hardam Singh Azad, the chairman of the Gurdwara Sikh National Center.

Amy Lasko, a community member and friend of Dhaliwal’s, urged unity and friendship that the deputy exemplified.

“He would not want us to give in to the darkness,” she said.

Singh, the army captain, said the thousands there to mourn Dhaliwal’s loss were drawn by his “warm embrace, his contagious smile, and his unrelenting and unwavering high spirits.”

“He was humble, fearless, not dissuaded by negativity,” Singh said. “He truly saw the human race as one, he spoke the language of love.”

Azad grew emotional at times in saying Dhaliwal’s legacy would be etched in hearts and minds forever.

On Friday, in the hours after Dhaliwal’s death, Azad said the deputy embodied the Sikh values of service.
It’s one thing to wear the turban and beard, he said. It’s another to live through and through as a Sikh. Dhaliwal did that, be said.

“Even in his death, he has brought a tremendous sense of pride among Sikhs, Americans, and people worldwide,” Azad said.

Sen. Ted Cruz said Dhaliwal was emblematic of the best Houston has to offer.

“He leaves behind an unmistakable and beautiful legacy of a life marked with service and devotion to others,” Cruz said.

In the wake of Dhaliwal’s death and at a candelight vigil Monday in his memory, friends and those who knew him remembered him as a strong-willed leader, a devoted Sikh and an eternal optimist.

Dhaliwal’s alleged killer, Robert Solis, is in jail on a capital murder charge and will likely face a death sentence if convicted.

Solis had a violent past and active arrest warrants when Dhaliwal pulled him over Friday for running a stop sign. After what appeared to be a casual conversation, authorities said Solis ran up and shot him from behind.

PATH DA BHOG: 13 Oct, 2019 (Sun), 10am – 12pm, at Gurdwara Sahib Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya | Malaysia

BASANT SINGH GILL 

s/o Late Sardar Swaran Singh Gill (Mehna) & Late Sardarni Bachan Kaur Dhaliwal

Age: 62 years old

Born: 30 June, 1957

Departed: 30 September, 2019

Brothers/ Spouses:

Awtar Singh Gill (Motorola) / Jas Bir Kaur Sidhu

Nirmal Singh Gill (TNB) / Harcharan Kaur Sidhu

PATH DA BHOG: 13 Oct, 2019 (Sun), 10am- 12pm, at Gurdwara Sahib Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya | Malaysia

Contact:

Savin Gill 016-2964670

A.S. Gill 012-3112091

We sincerely thank family members, relatives and friends who were with us during the last rites of Basant Singh Gill. Please treat this as a personal invitation. 

| Entry: 4 Oct 2019 | Source: Family

By Asia Samachar Team | INDONESIA |

A Sikh family actively involved in a Medan gurdwara seva (service) lost their only family home in a fire on Tuesday (1 Oct).

The 8pm fire raged through a densely populated housing area in Jalan Gang Pasir in Medan.

Penji Manney, as she is commonly known amongs the Medan Sikh Sanggat, regularly helps out in cooking the Guru Ka Langgar in gurdwaras in Medan.

The single mother lost her only home and all her belongings that was completely burned to ashes. While the source and cause of fire is not known yet, the fire is believed to have spread from a neighbour’s house. As many as 44 houses were destroyed in the fire.

“I lost the only home I had. The raging fire spread so fast that we could not save any belongings,” she told Asia Samachar.

A group of Sikhs have launched a donation drive to assist Manney. The cost of building back her house is estimated to be between Rp250 million to Rp350 million (approximately between RM80,000 to RM100,000 or S$24,000 to S$34,000)

For more information on how you can help, please call Dill Raaj Singh/Harbinder Singh from Jakarta (+62-8118891993) or Kirpal Singh from Penang, Malaysia (+6016-4145848).

Asia Samachar has verified the incident through Kirpal Singh, an active Sikh sevadar with Sikhs Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM) Penang. We will publish updates on the response to the appeal at an appropriate juncture.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 3pm on 10 Oct 2019 (Thursday) at Heysen Chapel Centenial Park, 760 Goodwood Park, Pasadena, SA 5042, Australia. PATH DA BHOG: Oct 2019 (Saturday), 9am-12pm, at Wada Gurdwara Sahib Adelaide | Australia

RAJBANS SINGH GILL (RTD BRIG GEN)

8 April 1931 – 1 Oct 2019

Passed away peacefully on 1st Oct 2019 in Adelaide, Australia.

(Served with the Malaysian Armed forces with dedication from 1953-1984)

Deeply missed by beloved:

Wife: Matinder Kaur (Indra)

Children / Spouse:

Shreen Khera / Jasbir Khera

Aneetha Kaur / Yurgen Kammler

Ranjit Singh Gill

Grandchildren: Harveen, Tareena and Vincent

Funeral service to be held at 3pm on 10 Oct 2019 (Thursday) at Heysen Chapel Centenial Park, 760 Goodwood Park, Pasadena, SA 5042, Australia

Path Da Bhog: 12 Oct 2019 (Saturday), 9am-12pm, at Wada Gurdwara Sahib Adelaide

| Entry: 4 Oct 2019 | Source: Family

By Kiranjit Kaur | EVENT REPORT | MALAYSIA |

The EKTA Club of Kuala Lumpur & Selangor recently led a team to share on legal matters with the Sanggat (congregation) of Gurdwara Sahib Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

EKTA lawyers Amarjit Kaur and Harwinder Kaur spoke on Wills, Probate and Advance Care Planning in Peninsular Malaysia. They were joined by Ram Singh, a Sabahan legal expert, who expanded on Sabah law for wills and probate matters.

The event on 15 September 2019 was the first joint project between EKTA and the Sikh Community and Gurdwara in Kota Kinabalu, which was built in 1924.

The programme, held in a function room at the gurdwara, was attended by a lively Kota Kinabalu sanggat, which included several members who were born in Peninsular Malaysia and had families and properties in Peninsular Malaysia.

We also observed mixed marriages among the sanggat where the native Sabahans such as Kadazans, have assimilated into the Sikh community. The natives have their customary laws governing them.

The talk involved discussions on the application of the relevant Sabah Ordinances and their impact on those members of the sanggat who were considered natives and who had Bumiputera status. It was indeed a lively and interesting discussion, and a learning experience for all.

Kota Kinabalu gurdwara secretary Amarjit Kaur said the gurdwara committee and sanggat were very happy to meet and interact with the EKTA sisters.

She found the talks beneficial and the session on Advance Care Planning thought provoking. She also mentioned the gurdwara sanggat looked forward to more programmes with groups from Peninsular Malaysia.

By Asia Samachar Team | INDONESIA |

A coordinated fundraiser has been launched for the Sikh family that lost their home and belongings in a fire incident in Medan on 1 Oct.

The house belonged to Penji Manney, as she is commonly known amongst the Medan Sikh Sanggat, who regularly helps out in cooking the Guru Ka Langgar in gurdwaras in Medan.

“She’s a single mother who did catering from her home on weekdays, and joins Langgar seva on weekends,” Gurdwara Guru Nanak committee president Sarban Singh Kalem told Asia Samachar. “She and the family needs help.”

The gurdwara, located on Jalan Teuku Umar, is the oldest among the four gurdwara in Medan. Sarban has joined a fundraiser monitoring team coordinated by Asia Samachar.

The cost of building back her house is estimated to be between Rp250 million to Rp350 million (approximately between RM80,000 to RM100,000 or S$24,000 to S$34,000)

ACCOUNT NUMBER TO SEND FUNDS TO/WITHIN INDONESIA

Bank: Bank Mandiri

Account No: 117 0010689 008

Name: DILL RAAJ

Whatsapp: Harbinders +62811-889-1993

Please Whatsapp your transfer slip to Harbinder (Dill Raaj’s brother). Please indicate your name, location and message you would like to convey to the family.

Full Disclosure: Dill Raaj, a nephew to the fire victim, is a Jakarta-based architect. This account has been opened specifically for this fund raising. He will provide full and proper timely updates.

ACCOUNT NUMBER TO SEND FUNDS TO/WITHIN MALAYSIA

(funds will be transferred in one lump sum to save on cross border transaction cost):

Account to be listed soon.

Bank: Maybank

Account No: 101271104504

Name: Amarjeet Kaur A/P Karamjee Singh

Whatsapp: +6018-393-4226 (Jasvinder Singh)

Full Disclosure: Amarjeet Kaur is the wife of Jasvinder Singh who comes from Jakarta and knows the family. They will provide full and proper timely updates of the account. The account is being used to collect Malaysian donations which will then be transferred at one-go. This saves on cross-border transaction costs.

SASKAAR / CREMATION: 2pm, 8 Oct 2019 (Tuesday), at Cheras Crematorium, 318, Jalan Kuari, Cheras. Cortege Leaves 156, Jalan Kenanga, Taman Uda Jaya, Ampang Jaya at 1pm  | Malaysia

MR JOGA SINGH DHALLIWAL

S/O LATE SARDAR BACHAN SINGH DHALIWAL & LATE MATA HARNAM KAUR

(Lawyer)

Passed Away Peacefully on Monday 7th October 2019

Deeply Missed and Always Remembered By:

Wife: Gian Kaur d/o Sohan Singh

Brothers & Sisters:

1. Bhagwan Kaur Dhaliwal

2. Late Arjan Singh Dhaliwal

3. Late Babu Amar Singh Dhaliwal

4. Late Joginder Kaur Dhaliwal

5. Late Sarban Singh Dhaliwal

Children / Spouses:

Kiran Kaur

Dr Ranjit Singh Dhalliwal

Manjit Singh Dhalliwal / Pravin Kaur Jessy

Dhanjit Singh Dhalliwal / Jasvinder Kaur Chima

Granchildren: Jasleen Kaur Dhalliwal, Nerissa Kaur Dhalliwal, Jesszara Kaur Dhalliwal

Brothers in Law, Sisters in Law, Nephews, Nieces and a Host of Relatives and Friends

Saskaar / Cremation: 2pm, 8 Oct 2019 (Tuesday), at Cheras Crematorium, 318, Jalan Kuari, Cheras

Cortege Timing: Cortege Leaves 156, Jalan Kenanga, Taman Uda Jaya, Ampang Jaya at 1pm,  8 Oct 2019 (Tuesday)

Contact:

012 -5035003 (Dr Ranjit)

019 -4191313 (Manjit)

019 -3143599 (Dhanjit)

| Entry: 8 Oct 2019 | Source: Family

By Asia Samachar Team | INDIA |

The Sikh bikers undertaking a charity ride for children with cancer has reached Takht Patna Sahib, the first of the five Sikh key religious places in India.

The bikers, led by the Santana Bikerz Mc, reached Patna yesterday and they visited the takht this morning (8 Oct).

The ride, flagged off by Minister of Communications and Multimedia Gobind Singh Deo on Sept 25, is raising funds for National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM).

The initial team of 5 riders rode through Thailand and Myanmar before crossing into India. Here, they were joined by the second batch of riders.

After visiting the five takhts, the bikers will cross into the Pakistan. They will head for Kartarpur, Pakistan, where Guru Nanak spent the last leg of his life after passing the guruship to Guru Angad.

Here, they will join fellow Sikhs and people of all faiths to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

To donate, click here.

RELATED STORY:

Malaysian minister Gobind Singh flags-off Sikh riders 5-nation cancer charity ride (Asia Samachar, 25 Sept 2019)

Mother and Baby Ravneet return home 19 months after hot water incident (Asia Samachar, 26 Sept 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 |