Yes, indeed that’s the biggest communication issue we face in our lives…- ToonistBains

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 |

#SahibzadeyMartyrdom | KUALA KANGSAR, PERAK: Gurdwara Sahib Kuala Kangsar (GSKK) will be running two back-to-back akhand paths from Dec 25-29, 2019, to commemorate the martyrdom of the four children of Guru Gobind Singh. The ‘Chaar Sahibzaadey Shaheedi Akhand Path’ will kick-start with an Asa-Di-Vaw at 6am on Dec 25. The finale is a kirtan and katha darbar on Dec 29, from 10am-12pm.

Those interested in taking part or donating can contact Tejinder Singh (+6012-3001253), according to a letter signed by GSKK management committee secretary Jagindar Singh.

By Parveen Kaur Harnam | OPINION |

Finland’s transport minister has been selected to lead the Social Democratic Party, therefore making Sanna Marin the world’s youngest prime minister. This has been taken to mean a “new dawn” of politics is upon us.

It seems that politics has turned into something of a game of youth. This is perhaps due, in part, to the rise of socially-driven politics, a stripped-down, bare-essentials form of politics and (very likely) social media.

If one were to study recently elected, young prime ministers, ministers and political representatives in general – they all seem to have similarities in that they are proponents of what appears to be “pop politics”.

With politicians now having their own brand and pull, there’s no wonder that young politicians become the go-to, as their internet literacy is far more “in trend” than older, more seasoned politicians.

They all also have something else in common – all of them are pleasing to the eye, speak with gusto and have an almost “celebrity-like” persona, a political front that seems to have been popularized by Barrack Obama. They are like the Kardashians of politics.

The very fact that Sanna Martin was formerly the Transport and Communication Minister is very telling. She was the face of communication and is now going to be the face of Finland.

There are others like her in different countries. For instance, there is Alexandria–Ocasia Cortez (otherwise known as AOC) in the US, Justin Trudeau in Canada (who has recently been re-elected despite his black-face and brown face pictures, his third world handling of a corruption inquiry, refusing to cancel the major arms deal to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia as well as his questionable policies on the environment).

Then there is Jacinda Ardern in New Zealand (who recently appeared in a viral video of “accomplishments” during her reign so far) and Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister.

It would not be a gross exaggeration to say that these politicians won because they are exactly what the public wants to see. The rise of the feminist (e.g. the “Me Too”) movement has made institutions – particularly political institutions – a subject of great scrutiny and so we see Finland’s Social Democratic Party playing the best, easiest form of politics – the politics of trendiness, of “the moment”, of emotions.

Let’s study this for a moment. AOC, for instance, has popularized socialism. Once known as an almost fringe movement, associated with history and Russia, is now on the forefront – even in Britain (with the Labour Party gaining traction after years of Conservative party’s dominance).

Millennial socialism is on the rise. It’s not to say that this is a bad thing. Socialism is an economic and social system that is important and was bound to be on the rise with the gap between the top 1% and the rest of the social sector widening. The issue is the simplified form in which it is being promulgated.

Not all socialism is positive. Look at the rise of Joseph Stalin, for instance.

Socialism itself has tranches and complexities. George Orwell, for example, was an advocate for the Trotskyist (a theory advocated by Leon Trotsky that grew and developed as a result of Stalinism and is one that was critical of the bureaucracy that developed from Stalin’s rule).

All these different forms of socialism was, or rather, diluted to a simple manifesto with a pretty face (AOC is not a stranger to controversy: she lives in a luxury apartment complex that does not offer affordable housing units, making her whole brand rather ironic).

The question is: if feminism really was the concern, why was Donald Trump chosen over Hillary Clinton? It sometimes appears as though “pop politics” is selective in its progressiveness. Perhaps we are simply moving from sexism to ageism.

In fact, all pop politics is like this. Jacinda Ardern’s 3-minute video is one great example, it reduces a whole country’s progress and policies into a soundbite, something that can be shared by millions around the web – to make New Zealand an awe-inspiring nation. This is forgetting that the Christchurch mosque shooting marked a dark chapter in New Zealand’s previously “peaceful” image, the high cost of rent and even the increase in petrol prices. Everyday issues cannot be cramped into one easy-to-watch 5-minute publicity stunt.

Justin Trudeau on the other hand could very well get away with murder, with his honey-sweet smile and charisma (a charisma that almost always cracks at the seams when questioned about his contradictory actions on the climate crisis). We have our very own Syed Saddiq, who is famed for his close-up, short videos on Twitter (simultaneously appealing to the masses and giving a stand on many different issues).

When we really look into it, pop politics is merely a farce of diversity – on the outside it looks diverse – young faces, women coming into power, but notice one thing, and this is quite apparent: there are little to no truly diverse faces. When Jagmeet Singh went against Justin Trudeau, he had support, though was not a stranger to racial discrimination. The beard and the turban, his calm responses to casual racism – all of it was simply too much for the Canadian public, and this is a country that prides itself in its so-called “diversity”. And so is the truth of pop politics. Youth. Feminism. Never multicultural, one need only look at Jagmeet Singh or the Mayor of London: Sadiq Khan; to see the reality. Diversity is selective, pop politics is selective, a mirage of progressiveness.

Pop politics though cannot be said to be something new. In the old days, there were leaders like John F. Kennedy who had the support of the public with a near-celebrity fever. It has, however, become a more dangerous game in recent times.

The rise of young leaders seems to be a direct by-product of the long-held patriarchal, “old-men” system that is in place in most Western and even Asian political institutions. It may just be an effect of growth but politics is not entertainment (no matter how much the lines have been blurred), it affects our livelihood, it affects everything from the brush we comb our hair with in the morning to the fuel we fill up our cars with.

There is no part in a person’s life that is unaffected by politics. Are we so sure that a young, 30-something newbie can understand the complexity that comes with running a country – or even a ministry for that matter?

Are we so sure that just a fresh face is all that is required? How far can trendiness really take us is the real question. Is pop politics really the answer to the decades-long, male-dominated ruling, or is it simply a quick fix, a Band-Aid on a bullet wound? A Band-Aid that might ultimately spell inefficacy in political leadership.

Parveen Kaur Harnam is a Kuala Lumpur-based lawyer. 

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

RELATED STORY:

The Rhetoric of Race (Asia Samachar, 14 Oct 2019)

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

By Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA |

A senior Malaysian judge and an enterprising physiotherapist were recognised by the Punjab government in conjunction with the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

Court of Appeal judge Harmindar Singh Dhaliwal and Balwant Singh Bains received the ‘Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Achievers Award’ at the event in Kapurthala in Punjab, India, last month (10 Nov 2019).

“It was a big event held in a brand new auditorium named after Guru Nanak,” Harmindar told Asia Samachar in a text message.

“The atmosphere was lively. It was great to meet fellow Sikhs from the world over who are doing wonders in their own fields of expertise,” said Balwant.

The awards were presented by Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. The list of recipients included distinguished officers from the Indian defence services, religious leaders and noted personalities from the field of art, culture, music and literature.

Harmindar began his judicial and legal career in 1985 at the Magistrates’ Court in Sungai Petani, Kedah. Along the way, he had served as a High Court senior assistant registrar, deputy public prosecutor at the Attorney General’s Chambers, Sessions Court Judge and a Judicial Commissioner.

In 2014, he served as a High Court judge and was elevated to the Putrajaya-based Court of Appeal in 2016.

Seremban-born Harminder holds a Bachelor of LLB (Hons) degree from the University of Malaya and a Bachelor of Law (LLM) from the University of New South Wales, Sdyney, Australia.

Balwant, a physiotherapist with 30 years in clinical practice and healthcare business, founded Bains Physio in 1985 and Aihmsa College in 2011 (Institute of Healthcare, Movement Science & Arts).

The past president of the Malaysian Physiotheraphy Association completed his bachelor’s at Nagpur University, India.

Balwant has also written occasional column piece for Asia Samachar.

By Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA |

A Sikh family from Canada for a holiday had a traumatic experience when a shoe of their 10-year-old daughter got stuck in an escalator in a Kuala Lumpur mall.

The quick reaction of her mother may have saved her from losing her toes in the incident at the Mid Valley Megamall yesterday (12 Dec 2019).

“It was a traumatic experience for the family,” business consultant Harmanjeett Singh told Asia Samachar.

Harmanjeett said the incident happened on the third floor heading up to the fourth floor at around 4pm.

He said his daughter’s shoe got stuck in the escalator before reaching the top.

“She tried to pull it out but it kept sucking her foot in. When my wife heard her scream, she had pulled her off her shoe,” he said.

At the time of writing, Mid Valley Megamall had yet to respond to queries on the incident.

Last month, local newspapers reported that a man broke his leg after it got trapped in an escalator at a shopping complex along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

In that incident, the Fire and Rescue Department had dispatched a team to assist, reported The Star.

By Asia Samachar Team | UK |

Two Sikh MPs who created history in the 2017 snaps elections are back in the Parliament, now firmly under the firm control of the Conservation Party, after yesterday’s general elections.

Preet Kaur Gill made history for being the first Sikh female to be elected as a Member of Parliament while Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi became the first turban-wearing Sikh MP.

Both are from the Labour Party which was unable to dethrone Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservatives which won 364 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons, giving the Tories their biggest majority held since Margaret Thatcher’s win in 1987. Labour won 203 seats.

Preet won Birmingham Edgbaston with 27,217 votes, fending off Tory challenge of Alex Yip, with 15,603.

Tanmanjeet retained the Slough constituency with 29,421 votes, almost double that of Tory contender Kanwal Toor Gill (15,781).

“‪Immensely grateful to the good people of #Slough for having once again bestowed their faith in me. I won’t let you down and will be a strong, solid voice for you in Parliament and beyond,” said Tanmanjeet in a Facebook entry.

In another entry later, he says: “Sought blessings at local Gurdwara this early morning, for having been bestowed once again the honour and privilege to represent the fine people of Slough.”

Other Labour candidates who won included veteran MP Virendra Sharma, Lisa Nandy, Seema Malhotra and Valerie Vaz who another Indian-origin Tory candidate Gurjit Bains.

All the Indian-origin MPs from the previous Parliament were successful in clinching their seats, with Gagan Mohindra and Claire Coutinho for the Conservative Party and Navendru Mishra for Labour among the first-timers, reports PTI.

Other big-wig winners from the Conservative included Priti Patel, Rishi Sunak and Alok Sharma – all having held ministerial positions.

By Gurnam Singh | UK | OPINION |

Like most other developed countries, in the UK we have a census every 10 years. The next census in England and Wales will be in 2021. According to the UK National Office of Statistics (ONS), the purpose of the census is to provide an accurate estimate of all the people and households in order that public policies and provisions can be developed to meet the diverse needs of the population.

Information gleaned from the census enables various governmental, both central and local, to develop policies, plan and run services, such as schools, health services, roads and libraries, decide how to allocate funds to make sure public funds get to where they are needed most.

In the UK, various Sikh organisations have been fighting a campaign for greater recognition of Sikhs, who they feel are largely ignored when it comes to allocation of services.

Historically, it is true that UK Sikhs have tended to be subsumed within a broader ‘South Asian’ or ‘Indian’ category, and it has been the contention of some Sikhs that we deserve to be classified as a separate ‘ethnic group’. Their primary arguments are that Sikhs meet all the necessary criteria to be defined as an ethnic group and that already in UK law there is recognition of this fact.

KEY JUSTIFICATION

The key legal justification centres on The Mandla v Dowell Lee judgement in the House of Lords in 1983 which asserted that within the terms of the 1976 Race Relations Act Sikhs, given their sense of ‘shared history’, ‘cultural traditions’, ‘common geographical origin’, ‘common language’ and ‘common religion’ Sikhs, like the Jews, can be considered both, a religion and an ethnic community. Such a conception, it is argued, is consistent with the ‘miri piri’ concept that Sikhs are both a ‘dharam’ (religious community) and ‘Kwom’ (Nation).

Over the years, particularly in the post 1984 period, Sikhs in the UK and arguably across the world, have become more politically active, especially around the issue of Sikh human rights, discrimination and Sikh identity.

In the UK this has led to various concessions by the UK government, one being that a separate tick box to record Sikh identity was introduced in the 2011 Census, though this was placed under the category of religion/faith. Within the ethnic category, there is no reference to Sikhs and this forms the crux of the argument made by the Sikhs Federation.

The 2011 UK Census recorded about 430,000 Sikhs based on a question about religion, which it was not compulsory to answer. However, though it is unclear how they arrived at this figure, the Sikh Federation claim that the actual figure of Sikhs living in the UK is between 700,000 to 800,000.

After going through a series of consultations with Sikh groups, the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) decided that there was not a case for including a Sikh box in the ethnicity category. Clearly unhappy with this outcome the Sikh Federation launched a campaign arguing that this was in fact illegal, given historic precedent and appealed to the High Court. Lawyers representing the federation argued in the court that because not all Sikhs identify as being religious, but as ‘ethnic Sikhs’ the census would in fact be disenfranchising them. Moreover, they argued that the Government had already acknowledged in writing that Sikhs were experiencing “significant disadvantage” in terms of employment, housing, health and education, and that having data on the ethnically Sikh population would help public bodies to “better meet the needs of the Sikh population”.

In the light of the above arguments, it needs to be noted that, though there is a significant groundswell of support for the Sikh Federation position, it is not universal and significant individuals from various sections, such as Lord Indarjit Singh, have made arguments, ranging from ‘there was no need for a separate box because we are already counted under the religion category, to it would be misrepresentation of the teachings of the Guru of ones to become separated off.

POLITICAL MOBILISATION

I will come back to these arguments later but there is a need to consider the broader context of this struggle for recognition which, within political theory, can be understood as a case for of ethnic mobilisation, which has been widely documented by the British Sociologist, John Rex. For Rex the key issue is not authenticity of identity but political mobilisation, where identification is simply a proxy for organising people with a shared interest.

Coming from a cultural theory perspective, this mobilisation around a sense of shared identity for political purposes, is, what Indian literary critic and theorist Gayatri Spivak terms a strategic essentialism. This refers a political tactic in which a specific group mobilises on the basis of shared cultural and/or political identity to represent themselves. Though major differences may exist between members of these groups, and amongst themselves, they engage in continuous debates, this concept, enables such groups temporarily “essentialize” themselves and to bring forward their group identity in a simplified way to achieve social justice. However, what has transpired over the past 30 years is that rather than promoting general human and social rights, as Spivak herself acknowledges in her 2008 book Other Asias, it became deployed in nationalist enterprises to promote ‘non-strategic’ essentialism. This unleashed all kinds of dangerous ethno-religious nationalism across the world, with Hinduva and Islamist fascism being the most obvious examples.

In much of my writing and research on racism and anti-racism, I have constantly argued against the dangers of this kinds of identity politics, and I see the clamour for religious recognition as an example of this. In India and much of the Middle East, religion-based identity politics has and is tearing the people apart. And for centuries in Europe religion has been an excuse for all kinds of horrors, the Nazi Holocaust being the most notable example. And so, though I recognise the rights of all people and groups to choose whatever labels they wish, I do feel that religion generally is an unhelpful category for developing social policy and can be divisive.

NANAK’S MESSAGE

We have all this year been celebrating the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak, and arguably the most powerful messages to come out has been is that Nanak was opposed to religious divisions and labels that ended up dividing people. When he said there is “No Muslim, No Hindu”, I believe he was highlighting the dangers of creating binary identities. And it is a fact that the followers of Nanak came from all traditions and none. Even today, especially in West Panjab, we see many Muslims and Sindi Hindus claiming Nanak as one of theirs.

Ethnically, no doubt Nanak was a Punjabi, but his teachings were advocating a universalist philosophy. And so as a Sikh or follower of Nanak I feel blessed to have been given the responsibility and honour of both adopting this philosophy and sharing it with the world.

Sikhs are neither a religion nor an ethnic group. They come in all shapes, colours and sizes and Sikhs are spread across the world. Sikhi is a philosophy, a technology and a way of life. It is an invocation to fight for social, environmental justice, human rights and equality. It is a belief system that promotes a social life, honest living and redistribution of wealth.

Because Sikhi rejects the idea of a God sitting in judgement dishing out punishments, it is NOT a religion. Sikhi advocates the belief that all of nature is divine and the our purpose is to live a life in balance with the laws of nature. Sikhi advocates healthy eating and exercise for the body and education and reflection for the mind (naam simran). Sikhi is an invitation for anybody who believes in these ideals to work together for the betterment of the planet.

To classify Sikhi as a religion or ethnic category is to insult the universalist expansive philosophy of Nanak. Panjabi is a culture, Panjabis are an ethnic group and Panjab is a nation.

So, if we need a tick box, then perhaps we should ask for a Panjabi tick box. We are NOT Indians but Panjabi. Those who live in the UK are British Panjabi’s. Our mother tongue is Panjabi. Ask yourself, what was Guru Nanak’s ethnicity?

The answer is simple, he was a Panjabi, but his philosophy had no limits.

[Gurnam Singh is an academic activist dedicated to human rights, liberty, equality, social and environmental justice. He is a Visiting Fellow in Race and Education at University of Arts London and a Visiting Professor of Social Work at University of Chester as well as a presenter at UK-based Akaal channel]

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

The need to recognise Sikh ethnicity (Asia Samachar, 31 July 2019)

SASKAAR / CREMATION: 2pm, 15 Dec 2019 (Sunday), at Jalan Loke Yew crematorium, Kuala Lumpur. Cortège leaves from 60 Jalan Tasik Indah 4, Taman Tasik Indah Batu 5, Jalan Ipoh 51200, Kuala Lumpur, at 1pm | Malaysia

DALJIT KAUR D/O INDER SINGH (KALJUG)

Also known as Daliah / Lia Sidhu

Village: Malia, Tarn Taran Amritsar

Born: 29 March 1959

Departed: 14 December 2019

Husband: Kuldip Singh Sidhu

Children: Gulshan Raj Singh, Monisha Raj Kaur, Sharon Kaur Sidhu

Saskaar / Cremation: 2pm, 15 Dec 2019 (Sunday), at Jalan Loke Yew crematorium, Kuala Lumpur

Cortège timing: Cortège leaves from 60 Jalan Tasik Indah 4, Taman Tasik Indah Batu 5 Jalan Ipoh 51200, Kuala Lumpur, at 1pm, 15 Dec 2019 (Sunday)

Path da Bhog: To be announced

Contact:

Kuldip (016-3552288)

Gulshan (018-2228759)

Sharon (0166790146)

You were our livewire and have touched the lives of so many, and will be deeply missed and cherished by all of us

She ran the biggest multiracial matchmaking bureau ‘Cupid’s Touch’ in Malaysia for over 20 years

| Entry: 14 Dec 2019 | Source: Family

By Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA |

The Indian spy machine is alive and kicking when it comes to keeping tabs on the Kashmiris and other minority communities like the Sikhs all around the world. An Indian-engineering spying case in Germany provides some insights into the workings of the Indian agency.

On Thursday (12 Dec 2019), a German court sentenced a married Indian couple living in Moenchengladbach after they admitted to spying on Sikhs and Kashmiris for the Indian secret service.

Manmohan S. was handed a suspended prison sentence of 18 months for acting as a foreign intelligence agent, while his wife Kanwal Jit K. was fined 180 days’ wages for aiding him, reports AFP.

The report quoted a courts statement as saying that Manmohan was recruited by the Indian foreign intelligence agency Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW) at the beginning of 2015, and asked to spy on the Kashmiri opposition movement.

“The accused reported on the internal affairs of the Sikh temples in Cologne and Frankfurt, as well as on protest events in the Sikh community,” the statement said.

The 51-year-old was paid 200 euros ($223) a month for the information he provided, and attended regular meetings with an Indian intelligence officer from July 2017.

On top of the suspended sentence, S. was also ordered to a pay 1,500 euros to a charitable institution. The couple now have a week to appeal the decision, the report added.

RAW was founded in 1968 primarily to counter China’s influence. Over time it has shifted its focus to India’s other traditional rival, Pakistan, and the Indian diaspora communities overseas. It is said that it has agents in virtually every major embassy and high commission.

By EKTA NZ | NEW ZEALAND |

The real learning from the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar is that rightful protest by public cannot be put down state oppression, says a New Zealand based history professor.

When launching the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Photo Exhibition in Wellington last month, Prof Shekhar Bandyopadhyay said General Reginald Dyer’s use of brute force to break the morale of the people resulted in the start of the crumbling of the mighty British Empire.

Prof Bandyopadhyay, director of the New Zealand India Research Institute at the Victoria University of Wellington, was one of the speakers at the launch of the photo exhibition of the 1999 massacre.

The one-week exhibition, organised by the charitable organisation Ekta New Zealand Inc, was curated by the Partition Museum of Amritsar.

It was officially launched on 21 November 2019 by the New Zealand chief Government whip Michael Wood and the Indian High Commissioner Muktesh K. Pardeshi in the St Peters Church.

The launch was attended by approximately 100 Wellingtonians, including local Members of Parliament, members of the Diplomatic Corp, Race Relations Commissioner, community and faith leaders.

Exactly a century ago, hundreds of people peacefully protesting colonial rule were shot dead on the orders of a British general, resulting in the bloodshed at Jallianwala Bagh, a walled garden in the northern Indian city of Amritsar in Punjab, India.

The launch kicked off with a Karakia in the church garden led by the Rev Canon Donald Rangi. The Jallianwala Bagh story was told through videos of Nanak Singh’s poem ”Khooni Vaisakhi” and a cultural performance. Many in the audience were visibly moved by the presentations and were trying hard to hold back tears.

Wood, in showing how he felt, won the audience heart by producing a photo of the Archbishop of the Anglican church prostrating at the memorial of the Jallianwala Bagh. An Anglican himself, Wood said he identified completely with the regret that the Archbishop expressed.

All guests who were at the event found the exhibition very informative, the launch very moving and the program professionally delivered.

Exhibition curator Ganeev Dhillon, who is based in Amritsar, said it was very encouraging to see the level of interest that the audience was shown in the subject.

“We are glad that the Partition Museum was able to bring the exhibition to Wellington through Ekta” she said.

Ekta’s Sunita Musa and Charanjit Singh, who co-chaired the project, said that the community has the responsibility towards the 400 or so people who were killed that Vaisakhi Day to tell their story.

“We should not forget these Shaheed’s nor their sacrifices. We had a Remembrance ceremony on 12 April and have now brought the photo exhibition. Wellington is the second city in the world to host this exhibition outside India,” said Sunita.

This is the Jallianwala Bagh massacre entry in the Encyclopaedia of Britannica:

“Soon after Dyer’s arrival, on the afternoon of April 13, 1919, some 10,000 or more unarmed men, women, and children gathered in Amritsar’s Jallianwala Bagh (bagh, “garden”; but before 1919 it had become a public square), despite a ban on public assemblies. It was a Sunday, and many neighbouring village peasants had also come to Amritsar to celebrate the spring Baisakhi festival. Dyer positioned his men at the sole, narrow passageway of the Bagh, which was otherwise entirely enclosed by the backs of abutted brick buildings. Giving no word of warning, he ordered 50 soldiers to fire into the gathering, and for 10 to 15 minutes about 1,650 rounds of ammunition were unloaded into the screaming, terrified crowd, some of whom were trampled by those desperately trying to escape. According to official estimates, nearly 400 civilians were killed, and another 1,200 were left wounded with no medical attention. Dyer, who argued his action was necessary to produce a “moral and widespread effect,” admitted that the firing would have continued had more ammunition been available.”

By Sarabjeet Singh | SINGAPORE |

Haven’t done something like this before. I feel, because I’ve seen similar posts before, I must offer that obligatory warning that this is a long post. Jump right to the end to understand my motivations for this. If you feel compelled to then come back to the start, I hope you feel some of the emotions I felt stringing this together 

Some of you among my family and friends have asked me how I learnt to tie my Phag (Turban). Let me say off the bat it hasn’t been easy, still isn’t. I keep at it because it fills me with love and pride for my identity as a Sikh. My father is the first reference point for what a beautiful Phag, to me, looks like. I wanted to be able to tie a Phag just like Papa  Also because Papa takes a lot of pride, too, when he ties his Phag. It makes him look neat and dignified. He has mentioned to me previously, and also recently over the phone, that it must be done “ਪਿਆਰ ਨਾਲ” (lovingly). You mustn’t rush it.

Unfortunately, Papa spends extended periods of time away. I haven’t had the chance to learn from him and didn’t observe carefully when he is around and ties his Phag. Also, on my part, I just didn’t get round to asking him to teach me. In hindsight, I should have. I will be sure to ask when we meet next.

The first few Veers (brothers) who helped me were Sewadars (volunteers who serve) and Giani Ji’s (men learned in Sikh religious scripture) from Khalsa Dharmak Sabha Gurdwara. I always went to them to ask for help to tie a Phag. No matter how busy they were, they never turned me away. Also, like Papa, they did so for me “ਪਿਆਰ ਨਾਲ” (lovingly).

They told me that I could always come for help to tie a Phag. If I had the time, they would also be most happy to teach me. They did not impose this on me but offered out of brotherhood, kindness and love. This was not expressed through words. It was what I felt. Their gesture also made me fall in love with the Phag, the way I look wearing one, and I wanted to learn how to tie one.

Next steps. I watched many videos online on Youtube and tried to make time after work on some weekdays to tie a Phag. I knew where to get the cloth and materials and bought my first Phag from Khaira’s Shop, the one-stop-shop for almost all things Punjabi in Singapore! All members of the Khaira family also guided me and shared knowledge on different materials for ”Phagga” (plural for Phag).

After my first purchase, I’ve gone back for several more Phagga in different colours to try. I recently showed Uncle Khaira and Veerji (his son who helps at the shop) a picture of me wearing a Phag for a @ysa.sg event. They both smiled, and Veerji patted my shoulder to say, “You make me proud! Come to the shop wearing your Phag next time”. I have given him my word and will do so.

Back to the online videos though. After several searches I came across Veerji Sargun Singh @sikhmodel on Instagram and Youtube. I knew I was at the right place when in one of his videos, he said exactly what Dad tells me, and a little more: “You must do all steps properly from (ਪੱਗ ਦੀ ਪੂਣੀ) preparing the folds of the cloth for your Phag, adding some water if needed, and tying your Phag. Don’t rush it. You must do it “ਪਿਆਰ ਨਾਲ” (lovingly).“

I watched his videos whenever I could and I did not learn everything at once. Each time I watched any of his videos I would learn something new and apply it when I next tied a Phag. Sometimes it even got a little frustrating. Sargun Veerji in almost all his videos, I can’t recall one where he doesn’t stress the point, always mentions that preparing the Phag is the hardest but most important step. I realised this with some frustration. Sometimes, if I felt I hadn’t tied a “good enough” or satisfactory Phag, I would unravel it and start again. The most number of times this has happened trying to tie a Phag is five! More recently, I feel I’ve gotten it right by the second try 

This is a long post. Don’t feel obliged to read all the paragraphs but if you choose just one, read this. I wanted to share my experience and story tying a Phag because actually, it is a story of love and support I have been blessed and privileged to have received from my community and including of course my family. So that’s the shorter answer to the question “How did you learn to tie your Phag”. More on my family perhaps in future because my wife Diana is Chinese and some of you have also asked how she is responding to her husband wearing a Phag. I will just say, it has grown on her, she thinks I look handsome  and she now helps me too 

On that note, if this post helps any Sikhs – boys, girls (yes they wear Phagga too ) and adults, it would be a bonus. Another bonus is if this helps my non-Sikh friends understand a little more about the people in my community. Even better, if reading this made you feel curious enough to act on it, feel free to reach to anyone from the Young Sikh Association (Singapore) @ysa.sg for our new “Culture, Community & Conversations” initiative. We will be humbled and privileged to host you, speak to you, and I have no doubt also learn from you, because you care enough to find out more!

Sarabjeet Singh is the president of Young Sikh Association (Singapore), YSA. Check out Sarabjeet’s Facebook original posting, here, where he has left some captions to accompany the photographs

SASKAAR / CREMATION: 10am, 17 December 2019 (Tuesday), at Simpang Lima Crematorium Klang. Cortège leaves from 95 Jalan Kampung Pandan, Kawasan 1, 41000 Klang at 9.30am | Malaysia

NAUCHHATTAR SINGH S/O KARAM SINGH

Nauchhattar Singh (1932-2019), Klang

Village: Moosa

Born: 12 December 1932

Departed: 16 December 2019

Wife: Late Madam Surjit Kaur d/o Ujagar Singh

Children / Spouses:

Kuldip Singh & Kulwant Kaur

Late Sewak Singh

Harvinderjit Kaur Aujla & Karamjit Aujla

Gurminder Kaur Gill & Tejinder Singh Gill

Late Arjan Singh & Rachhpal Kaur

Grandchildren:

– Late Tervindip Singh
– Harpreet Singh & Jasvin Kaur
– Revinpreet Kaur & Jagvinder Singh
– Mandip Singh & Preya
– Simrandeep Aujla
– Raymandeep Aujla
– Hartej Gill
– Harmanpreet Singh

Great Grandchildren:
– Taneesha Kaur
– Kaeesha Kaur

Saskaar / Cremation: 10am, 17 December 2019 (Tuesday), at Simpang Lima Crematorium Klang

Cortège timing: Cortège leaves from 95 Jalan Kampung Pandan, Kawasan 1, 41000 Klang on 17th December 2019 at 9.30am

Contact:

• Kuldip Singh 011-16292453
• Harpreet Singh 016-2984698
• Gurdip Singh 012-699497

He will be dearly and deeply missed by family, relatives and friends. God bless his soul.

| Entry: 16 Dec 2019 | Source: Family

By Asia Samachar Team | US |

Something unique is happening out of Washington and it is making India go green.

A group of Sikh environmentalists has been actively pushing forward the idea of planting up the Guru Nanak Sacred Forests in Punjab and other parts of India.

The idea is catching fire, and support. To date, EcoSikh said it has planted 120 mini forests of 550 trees of native species in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujrat, Delhi, Jammu and in Chandigarh.

Key to the whole idea is raising funds and drumming up support. And it did just that last week with a fundraising dinner in Washington. Sikh community members in Washington pledged their support for the project.

Over 250 people joined the EcoSikh 7th Gala event to celebrate EcoSikhs’ tenth anniversary and support its agenda to combat climate change by planting forests in Punjab and elsewhere in the world.

Guests enthusiastically donated and pledged to fund the planting of 100 Guru Nanak forests to help EcoSikh reach its target of planting 1 million trees in honour of Guru Nanak’s 550th birth-anniversary, according to its statement.

The message has resonated with Sikhs globally. In August, for example, Sikhs in Myanmar planted 550 tree saplings near a famous Buddhist temple in Nay Pyi Daw. Sikh communities globally have taken up tree planting as part of their celebration of Guru Nanak’s 550th birthday of Guru Nanak.

In the keynote address, ‘forest-maker’ Shubendhu Sharma said India and many other parts of the world were facing a pollution crisis impacting the health of the children.

“Planting a forest is the best investment for our collective future,” he said.

Shubhendu is the founder/director of Afforest, a Bangalore and New Delhi-based service provider for creating natural, wild, maintenance-free, native forests. He was earlier an industrial engineer by profession before founding Afforest in 2011, a for-profit social enterprise on a mission to bring back our native forests.

The other guests at the event were Tarlok Singh Chugh who’s witty and funny jokes had people burst into laughter and Dallas-based singer Gurleen Kaur Chhabra.

American Forests, the oldest environmental organisation in the United States, was also present at the event.

EcoSikh’s global president Dr Rajwant Singh said climate change was the greatest threat facing the world and world religions have a great role to play to solve this crisis.

He said EcoSikh was committed to carrying on the vision of Guru Nanak and will work with the world community on climate issues.

“We feel that planting a forest in our backyard, schools, colleges, and gurdwaras can go a long way to purify our surroundings and make a dent in carbon sequestering,” he said.

He said the organisation has had seven fundraising events in Washington to support the environmental work.

EcoSikh Washington team member Ameeta Vohra was thankful to the local community for coming on board with EcoSikh’s message that climate was a major issue and that the organization needed the support for the critical work.

In a statement, EcoSikh Washington coordinator Dr. Gunpreet Kaur said: “We are overwhelmed by the response of the community. We are very hopeful that we will be able to reach our target by November 2020 when we would celebrate Guru Nanak’s 551st birthday.”

Members of Sikhs of America, Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, Gurdwara Gyan Sagar and individuals stepped forward to sponsor five forests each.

EcoSikh’s South Asia program manager said the trees planted in the 10 months in the Guru Nanak Sacred Forests were thriving.

“These forests have become the seed banks for the native species and we have been able to preserve the disappearing species of trees in Punjab and other parts of India,” said the India-based official.

(Below is the EcoSikh media statement in Punjabi)

ਵਾਸ਼ਿੰਗਟਨ ਦੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਇੰਡੀਆ ਵਿੱਚ 100 ਪਵਿੱਤਰ ਜੰਗਲ ਲਗਾਉਣਗੇ

ਸਿੱਖ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਦੇ ਮੈਂਬਰਾਂ ਨੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਰਤ ਦੇ ਹੋਰਨਾਂ ਹਿੱਸਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਈਕੋਸਿੱਖ ਸੰਸਥਾ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਵਿੱਤਰ ਜੰਗਲ ਲਗਾਉਣ ਦੇ ਕਾਰਜ ਦਾ ਸਮਰਥਨ ਦੇਣ ਦਾ ਕਦਮ ਚੁਕਿਆ।  ਈਕੋਸਿੱਖ ਦੇ 7 ਵੇਂ ਗਾਲਾ ਡਿਨਰ ਸਮਾਗਮ ਵਿੱਚ 250 ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਲੋਕ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹੋਏ ਅਤੇ ਸੰਗਠਨ ਦੀ ਦਸਵੀਂ ਵਰ੍ਹੇਗੰਡ ਮਨਾਉਂਦਿਆਂ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਅਤੇ ਵਿਸ਼ਵ ਦੇ ਹੋਰ ਥਾਵਾਂ ਤੇ ਜੰਗਲ ਲਗਾ ਕੇ ਮੌਸਮੀ ਤਬਦੀਲੀ ਦਾ ਮੁਕਾਬਲਾ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਇਸ ਸੰਸਥਾ ਦੇ ਏਜੰਡੇ ਦਾ ਸਮਰਥਨ ਕੀਤਾ।  ਮਹਿਮਾਨਾਂ ਨੇ ਬੜੇ ਉਤਸ਼ਾਹ ਨਾਲ ਦਾਨ ਦਿੱਤਾ।

ਈਕੋਸਿੱਖ ਨੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ ਦੇ 550 ਵੇਂ ਜਨਮ ਦਿਵਸ ਦੇ ਸਨਮਾਨ ਵਿੱਚ 10 ਲੱਖ ਰੁੱਖ ਲਗਾਉਣ ਦਾ ਉਪਰਾਲਾ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਇਹ 550 ਦੇਸੀ ਜਾਤੀ ਦੇ ਰੁੱਖਾਂ ਦੇ ਮਿਨੀ ਜੰਗਲ ਲਗਾਏ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ। ਇਸਨੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ, ਹਰਿਆਣਾ, ਰਾਜਸਥਾਨ, ਮਹਾਰਾਸ਼ਟਰ, ਗੁਜਰਾਤ, ਦਿੱਲੀ, ਜੰਮੂ ਅਤੇ ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ ਵਿਚ 120 ਜੰਗਲ ਪਿਛਲੇ ਦਸ ਮਹੀਨਿਆਂ ਚ ਲਗਾਏ ਹਨ।

ਐਫੋਰੈਸਟ ਦੇ ਸ਼ੁਭੇਂਦੂ ਸ਼ਰਮਾ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਸੂਝਵਾਨ ਭਾਸ਼ਣ ਨਾਲ ਸਰੋਤਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਿਤ ਕੀਤਾ। ਤਰਲੋਕ ਸਿੰਘ ਚੁੱਘ ਦੇ ਮਜ਼ਾਕ ਭਰੇ ਚੁਟਕਲਿਆਂ ਨੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਮੋਹਿਆ। ਡੱਲਾਸ, ਟੈਕਸਾਸ ਦੀ ਇਕ ਗਾਇਕਾ ਗੁਰਲੀਨ ਕੌਰ ਨੇ ਸ਼ਾਮ ਦੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ‘ਪਵਨ ਗੁਰੂ, ਪਾਣੀ ਪਿਤਾ’ ਨਾਲ ਕੀਤੀ ਅਤੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਗੀਤਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਦਰਸ਼ਕਾਂ ਦਾ ਮਨੋਰੰਜਨ ਕੀਤਾ।

ਇਸ ਸਮਾਰੋਹ ਦੇ ਮੁੱਖ ਭਾਸ਼ਣਕਾਰ ਸ਼ੁਭੇੰਧੁ ਸ਼ਰਮਾ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ, “ਮੈਨੂੰ ਵਿਸ਼ੇਸ਼ ਅਧਿਕਾਰ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਮੈਂ ਇਸ ਪ੍ਰਾਜੈਕਟ ਨਾਲ ਜੁੜ ਕੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਰਤ ਦੇ ਹੋਰਨਾਂ ਹਿੱਸਿਆਂ ਵਿਚ ਪਵਿੱਤਰ ਜੰਗਲਾਂ ਲਗਾ ਕੇ ਕੁਦਰਤ ਦੀ ਅਸੰਤੁਲਨ ਨੂੰ ਬਹਾਲ ਕਰਾਂਗਾ।  ਸਾਡੇ ਸਾਂਝੇ ਭਵਿੱਖ ਲਈ ਇਹ ਸਰਬੋਤਮ ਨਿਵੇਸ਼ ਹੈ। ”

ਈਕੋਸਿੱਖ ਦੇ ਗਲੋਬਲ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਡਾ: ਰਾਜਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ, “ਮੌਸਮ ਵਿੱਚ ਤਬਦੀਲੀ ਹੋਣਾ ਵਿਸ਼ਵ ਦਾ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਡਾ ਖ਼ਤਰਾ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਇਸ ਸੰਕਟ ਦੇ ਹੱਲ ਲਈ ਵਿਸ਼ਵ ਧਰਮਾਂ ਦੀ ਵੱਡੀ ਭੂਮਿਕਾ ਹੈ।  ਈਕੋਸਿੱਖ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਉਪਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਜਾਰੀ ਰੱਖਣ ਲਈ ਵਚਨਬੱਧ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਵਿਸ਼ਵ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਨਾਲ ਜਲਵਾਯੂ ਦੇ ਮੁੱਦਿਆਂ ‘ਤੇ ਕੰਮ ਕਰੇਗਾ।  ਅਸੀਂ ਮਹਿਸੂਸ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਾਂ ਕਿ ਸਾਡੇ ਵਿਹੜੇ, ਸਕੂਲ, ਕਾਲਜ ਅਤੇ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਿਆਂ ਵਿਚ ਜੰਗਲ ਲਗਾਉਣਾ ਸਾਡੇ ਆਲੇ-ਦੁਆਲੇ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ੁੱਧ ਕਰਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਹਾਈ ਹੋ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਕਾਰਬਨ ਵੱਖ-ਵੱਖ ਥਾਵਾਂ ‘ਤੇ ਘਟਾ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ ਜਿਸ ਕਾਰਨ ਤਾਪਮਾਨ ਵੱਧ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ। ”

ਉਸਨੇ ਅੱਗੇ ਕਿਹਾ, “ਅਸੀਂ ਪਿਛਲੇ ਦਸ ਸਾਲਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਈਕੋਸਿੱਖ ਦਾ ਸਮਰਥਨ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਵਾਸ਼ਿੰਗਟਨ ਦੇ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਦੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਸ਼ੁਕਰਗੁਜ਼ਾਰ ਹਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਇਹ ਇਕੋ ਇਕ ਅਜਿਹਾ ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਹੈ ਜਿਥੇ ਵਾਤਾਵਰਣ ਦੇ ਕੰਮਾਂ ਦਾ ਸਮਰਥਨ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ 7 ਵਾਰ ਫੰਡ ਇਕੱਠਾ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਸਮਾਗਮ ਹੋਏ ਹਨ।”

ਈਕੋਸਿੱਖ ਵਾਸ਼ਿੰਗਟਨ ਟੀਮ ਦੀ ਮੈਂਬਰ ਅਮੀਤਾ ਵੋਹਰਾ ਨੇ ਹਾਜ਼ਰੀਨ ਲ਼ੋਕਾਂ  ਦਾ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ ਕਰਦਿਆਂ ਕਿਹਾ, “ਈਕੋਸਿੱਖ ਵਾਸ਼ਿੰਗਟਨ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਨੂੰ ਯਕੀਨ ਦਿਵਾਉਣ ਚ ਸਫਲ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਕਿ ਕਲਾਇਮੇਟ ਇੱਕ ਵੱਡਾ ਮੁੱਦਾ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਤੇ ਵੀ ਇਸਦਾ ਮਾੜਾ ਅਸਰ ਪੈ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ।”

ਈਕੋਸਿੱਖ ਵਾਸ਼ਿੰਗਟਨ ਦੇ ਕੋਆਰਡੀਨੇਟਰ ਡਾ. ਗੁਣਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਕੌਰ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ, “ਸਾਨੂੰ ਬਹੁਤ ਉਮੀਦ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਅਸੀਂ ਨਵੰਬਰ 2020 ਤੱਕ ਆਪਣੇ ਟੀਚੇ ‘ਤੇ ਪਹੁੰਚਣ ਦੇ ਯੋਗ ਹੋਵਾਂਗੇ, ਜਦੋਂ ਅਸੀਂ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ ਦਾ 551 ਵਾਂ ਜਨਮਦਿਨ ਮਨਾਵਾਂਗੇ। ”

ਈਕੋਸਿੱਖ ਟੀਮ ਦੀ ਮੈਂਬਰ, ਰਸਨਾ ਕੌਰ ਲਾਂਬਾ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ, “ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੇ ਪ੍ਰੋਗਰਾਮ ਨੂੰ ਪਸੰਦ ਕੀਤਾ ਜੋ ਕਿ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਭਰਪੂਰ, ਪ੍ਰੇਰਣਾਦਾਇਕ, ਅਨੰਦਮਈ ਸੀ ਅਤੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਮਨੋਰੰਜਨ ਭਰਪੂਰ ਵੀ ਸੀ। ਇਸ ਯਾਦਗਾਰੀ ਸ਼ਾਮ ਦਾ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਬਣਨ ਲਈ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੇ ਦੂਰੋਂ ਤੋਂ ਯਾਤਰਾ ਕੀਤੀ। ”

ਸਿੱਖਸ ਆਫ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ, ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਫਾਉਂਡੇਸ਼ਨ, ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਗਿਆਨ ਸਾਗਰ, ਅਤੇ ਕਈ ਵਿਅਕਤੀਆਂ ਨੇ ਪੰਜ ਜੰਗਲ ਲਗਾਉਣ ਨੂੰ ਨੂੰ ਸਪਾਂਸਰ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਅੱਗੇ ਆਏ। ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਰਾਜ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਅਤੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਹਿਯੂਮਨ ਡਿਵੈਲਪਮੈਂਟ ਫਾਉਂਡੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਮੈਂਬਰ ਈਕੋਸਿੱਖ ਦੀ ਹਮਾਇਤ ਕਰਨ ਪਹੁੰਚੇ।

ਈਕੋਸਿੱਖ ਟੀਮ ਦੇ ਮੈਂਬਰ ਮੀਨੂੰ ਨੰਦਰਾ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ, “ਬਹੁਤ ਸਾਰੇ ਵਲੰਟੀਅਰਾਂ ਦਾ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੇ ਇਸ ਸ਼ਾਮ ਨੂੰ ਇੱਕ ਵੱਡੀ ਸਫਲਤਾ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਦਿਨ ਰਾਤ ਮਿਹਨਤ ਕੀਤੀ।  ਅਸੀਂ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਜੰਗਲਾਤ, ਜੋ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਦੀ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਪੁਰਾਣੀ ਵਾਤਾਵਰਣ ਸੰਸਥਾ, ਵੱਲੋਂ ਈਕੋਸਿੱਖ ਨੂੰ ਸਮਰਥਨ ਦੇਣ ਲਈ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦਾ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਾਂ.”

ਰਵਨੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ, ਈਕੋਸਿੱਖ ਦਾ ਦੱਖਣੀ ਏਸ਼ੀਆ ਪ੍ਰੋਗਰਾਮ ਮੈਨੇਜਰ, ਵਿਸ਼ੇਸ਼ ਤੌਰ ‘ਤੇ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਲੈਣ ਲਈ ਭਾਰਤ ਤੋਂ ਆਏ ਸੀ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਸਰੋਤਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਦੱਸਿਆ ਕਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਪਵਿੱਤਰ ਜੰਗਲਾਂ ਵਿਚ ਦਸ ਮਹੀਨਿਆਂ ਵਿਚ ਲਾਏ ਸਾਰੇ ਰੁੱਖ ਪ੍ਰਫੁੱਲਤ ਹਨ।  ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਕਿਹਾ, “ਇਹ ਜੰਗਲ ਮੂਲ ਜਾਤੀਆਂ ਲਈ ਬੀਜ ਦੇ ਬੈਂਕ ਬਣ ਗਏ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਅਸੀਂ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਰਤ ਦੇ ਹੋਰਨਾਂ ਹਿੱਸਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਲੋਪ ਹੋ ਰਹੀਆਂ ਕਿਸਮਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਬਚਾਉਣ ਦੇ ਯੋਗ ਹੋ ਗਏ ਹਾਂ।  ਸਾਨੂੰ ਸਾਰਿਆਂ ਦਾ ਸਮਰਥਨ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ ਤਾਂ ਜੋ ਅਸੀਂ ਇਸ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਕੰਮ ਨੂੰ ਜਾਰੀ ਰੱਖ ਸਕੀਏ। ”

ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਜੰਗਲਾਤ ਦੇ ਸੀ.ਈ.ਓ. ਜਾਡ ਡਾਲੇ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ, “ਅਸੀਂ ਧਰਤੀ ਦੇ ਵਾਤਾਵਰਣ ਨੂੰ ਬਚਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਈਕੋਸਿੱਖ ਨਾਲ ਸਾਡੀ ਸਾਂਝੇਦਾਰੀ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਤਿਆਰ ਹਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਅਸੀਂ ਅੱਜ ਰਾਤ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਾਨਦਾਰ ਪ੍ਰੋਗਰਾਮ ਤੋਂ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਿਤ ਹਾਂ।”

By Asia Samachar Team | EUROPE |

On Saturday, Sarpreet came onto the pitch for the final eight minutes of Bayern Munich’s 6-1 win over Werder Bremen.

It was history in the making for the football for Sarpreet who joined Bayern in the summer from Wellington Phoenix in Australia’s A-League.

The German football club’s Facebook page also ran photos of Sarpreet, with a caption: “Welcome to the Bundesliga, Sarpreet!”

He had replaced hat-trick scorer Philippe Coutinho.

Sarpreet was named on the bench due to a personnel crisis which left the German champions without the likes of injured duo Kingsley Coman and Corentin Tolisso, and the suspended Javi Martinez, reports AFP.

Although he was given little chance to impress with the match already wrapped up, the New Zealander has been tipped for big things. Having been on Munich’s radar since the age of 11, Singh’s performances for Wellington in the 2018-19 A-League season convinced the Bayern hierarchy to sign him, the report added.

The attacking midfielder in the mold of Mesut Ozil is the second New Zealander to play in the Bundesliga after striker Wynton Rufer -– who carved out an eight-year career in the Bundesliga for Werder Bremen and Kaiserslautern between 1989 and 1997.

In March 2018, Sarpreet made his debut with the All Whites, the New Zealand national football team. He played a role in the New Zealand U-20s side to a Round of 16 tie in the FIFA U-20s World Cup in Poland.

He was also instrumental in the Wellington Phoenix side that reached their first Hyundai A-League finals position in four seasons in the Hyundai 2018/19 season.

Sarpreet has been nominated for the International Player of the Year Award at the upcoming annual New Zealand Football Awards in Auckland.

RELATED STORY:

Bayern Munich eye signing NZ youngster Sarpreet Singh (Asia Samachar, 25 June 2019)

1st YEAR BARSI: 5 January 2020 (Sunday) at Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya. Sahej Path Da Bhog from 5pm to 7pm followed by Guru Ka Langgar | Malaysia

In Loving Memory of Our Beloved

MADAM NASIB KAUR W/O LATE GURDIAL SINGH KAMALPURA (1934-2019)

1st year Barsi on 5th January 2020 (Sunday) at Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya.

Sahej Path Da Bhog from 5pm to 7pm followed by Guru Ka Langgar.

Please accept this as a personal invitation from the family.

No longer in our life to share, but in our hearts, you’re always there…. Dearly missed by family, relatives and friends.

Contact:

Devinder Singh Hansra: 017-8865195 / 03-78034224

Amerjit Kaur Sra 017-6521694

| Entry: 17 Dec 2019 | Source: Family

By American Sikh Council | PRESS RELEASE | UNITED STATES |

Playing with religious passions has always been the dirty game of politicians in India of all hues, but to have not just any judiciary but the Supreme Court of India stoop that level is shocking.

Dragging the Sikh Faith through the muck of religious power politics in reference to the Ayodhya issue is simply sickening but not surprising considering the ‘brahminical’ puppeteers at the helm continue to hold the Sikhs hostage through their devilishly ingenious laws.

Ever since the Indian regime deceitfully connived and (il)legally brought the distinct and independent Sikh Faith under the “purview” of Hinduism through Article 25 (b) of the Indian constitution, the Sikh Faith has been put on the defensive. According to Article 25 (b), “in sub-clause (b) of clause (2), the reference to Hindus shall be construed as including a reference to persons professing the Sikh, Jaina or Buddhist religion, and the reference to Hindu religious institutions shall be construed accordingly.” This clause is very clear and makes three independent world faiths into sects/denominations of so-called Hinduism. No wonder the premier Sikh body, the SGPC cannot even hold their own election, as it requires the Indian government to give permission and the Commissioner of Amritsar, a government bureaucrat who presides over the election.

The Indian government and especially the Judiciary clearly understand and are aware of the Sikh Faith, but unfortunately is hard-pressed not to take a jaundiced view, because according to the law which they enacted without the full consent of the Sikhs, will always be inclined to be prejudiced against the Sikhs. No wonder the usage of the words “Sikh cult” in the unsigned addendum to the Supreme Court verdict issued on November 10, 2019 on the Babri Masjid, Ayodhya case.

It is incredible that a court case of a centuries-old religious site (Babri Masjid in Ayodhya) was contested so vehemently at the national level, which has absolutely nothing to do with the Sikh Faith, yet has somehow managed to inject the Sikh perspective into it.

The entire issue is so convoluted that it may cause insanity in the sane. Hindu mythology is being given credence as reality and history is being cooked up on a whim to simply appease a rabidly fundamentalist Hindu right.

The real question is why and what does the Sikh Faith have to do with this particular case? Absolutely nothing, yet the Indian Supreme Court has dragged three of the Sikh ‘Gurus’, Guru Granth Sahib and the Sikhs into this because there is multi-pronged strategy afoot; one of which is to remind the Sikhs of who are the ‘masters’ of their destiny, while outright lying about our history.

It is not simply a coincidence that Sikhs at large, especially Sikhs in India are euphoric at the recent opening of the ‘Kartarpur corridor’ (aka peace corridor) to visit the historic Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib which ended up making the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan a hero. An alternate snub had to be readied by the Indian regime to make sure the Sikhs are brought back to earth by throwing a monkey wrench in the positive steps being taken towards Sikh-Muslim amity.

The Indian Supreme Court judgement issued on November 10, 2019 in reference to the Sikh Faith is outrageous and seriously flawed, historically inaccurate in many portions of the verdict. It is shocking that an unknown Sikh named Rajinder Singh has been used as a crutch who appeared as a witness. His statement was recorded by the trial court more than 25 years ago is in the addendum of the verdict to add a completely flawed history about Guru Nanak’s travels to Ayodhya.

The esteemed judges of the Indian Supreme Court need to be reminded that Guru Nanak Sahib outright denied and rejected the existence of the various gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. Trying to stick a square peg in a round hole will not work, except make the judiciary look foolish by unnecessarily dragging the Sikhs and their faith into an anti-Muslim narrative.

It is utterly shameful that the Indian PM Modi has made the judiciary a servant of the legislative, while creating suspicion and distrust between Sikhs and Muslims but simultaneously consigning the Sikh Faith to the status of a Hindu cult.

Unless and until the SGPC and other Sikh parties in Punjab who truly stand for the Sikh Faith take a firm stand on the immediate ratification of Article 25(b) and many other related issues, with the help of a team of expert lawyers, these types of attacks on the Sikhs will continue into the foreseeable future.

The American Sikh Council (ASC) calls upon all Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, Dalits, and all oppressed people of India to condemn these underhanded duplicitous acts by the ruling party in India in order to make the supposedly world’s largest secular democracy into a unitary Hindu state.

(This press release, dated 11 Dec 2019, was emailed to Asia Samachar)

By Dya Singh | OPINION | 

Sikh Youth Australia (SYA) prides itself on presenting Sikhi to Sikh youth as a means to self-improvement and progress in this life. At this year’s Sikh Family Camp (Jan 1-6, 2020), youth are urged to consider their plan for action into the new decade, the 2020’s, with a first Sikhi-based personal 5 Year Plan. Well, adults too!

Most envisaged personal 5-year plans are naturally of a selfish nature where the total focus is all on personal well-being and progress, physically, emotionally and materially, rather than a more Sikhi-based holistic thrust. The focus here is to consider where Sikhi principles fit into such powerful visualisation for one’s future.

Even though we call Sikhi a ‘way of life’, yet when it comes to plan our future, there is a tendency to leave Sikhi out! We still end up treating Sikhi as a ‘religion’ rather than a useful tool not only for our spiritual progress but our materialistic future, too. They should go hand in hand.

I am bemused when I sneak in to listen to some ‘talks’ by experts, (I like doing that) Sikhs themselves, to Sikh youth and young adults, giving very well thought out inspirational discourses on self-improvement and future financial planning for personal growth and progress, yet leaving out all aspects of Sikhi from their thrust! They will quote Anthony Robbins, Stephen Covey, Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle and Kiyosaki, amongst others, to back their views. Yet, they ignore simple messages of our humble Baba Nanak, or even his three very basic principles of Kirt Karni, Naam Japna and Vand Shekena.

Maybe these three principles have yet to be addressed in a self-improvement mode, rather than a religious urging. In fact, why don’t we treat Nanak as a self-improvement ‘guru’?

I believe all of us should always plan ahead. New year resolutions by themselves do not last. But new year resolutions as a means to reviewing and strengthening one’s longer-term 5-year plan prove may be effective. Such a longer-term plan engenders powerful visualization virtually on a daily basis attached to one’s daily prayer or nitnem routine or as western ‘self-improvement gurus’ like to say – ‘put it out there’. Here are some further pointers.

‘Putting it out there’ for a Sikh simply means – ‘telling Waheguru’. And that can only happen if your channel with Waheguru is open and serviced daily through naam – nitnem, gurbani and greater Waheguru awareness.

Vin bolean sabh kich janedha kis agai kichai ardaas. (SGGSp1414)

(He knows your innermost thoughts – there is no need to do special prayers for what you desire!)

I like to thank those who wrote in with suggestions, especially Dr. Chani Pangali of USA who saw my initial article on the subject a week ago and sent in some very useful pointers. Dr. Pangali, a scientist (quantum physicist, I think) by profession has been involved in self-improvement and progress workshops in the corporate sector mainly in US since I have known him – 30 years. He also edited my first book – ‘Sikhing Success & Happiness‘.

Here are some wider issues to consider about one’s future planning besides all the basic pointers I have mentioned in Part 1. (There are, by necessity, some repetitions.)

1. GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

A global perspective must be considered when working on a plan of visualisation for one’s future. Millions in the workforce will lose their jobs due to automation, robotics and Artificial Intelligence (or Machine Learning). Even retail shopping threatens to fully become an online activity.

Fossil fuel is predominantly going to be replaced by other means of energy. Electric cars, for example, are set to replace cars using fossil fuels. Concern and alarm over the deteriorating environment are going to force the corporate world and governments to factor in budgets and innovative ideas towards environmental care opening up new employment opportunities.

Future housing and council planning will take into consideration energy saving, effective waste management, old age facilities, childminding and even on-line medical services.

Handphones are replacing laptops, cameras, closing down conventional postal services and even conventional telecommunications. Imagine the huge corporations associated to all these now obsolete services and closing down unless they reinvent themselves leading to vast redundancies but perhaps also opening up new opportunities!

During my teenage days, it was normal to get basic conventional education and then, if one wanted to be safe, and have a guaranteed future, one joined the police force, the armed forces, the government services, semi-government corporations and other such safe corporations and large companies. One worked for about 40 years and settled back with a pension at the end. All that ‘security’ barely exists today. Governments are privatizing and armed forces are becoming stepping-stones for future changes in career.

2. EDUCATION FOR GROWTH

Education as we know it is getting outdated. Education, as it is, will not secure jobs into the future. The pedagogy has to evolve. Instead of education for information collection (which is available at the press of a button), education will have to be future career orientated. What you learned in the fields of technology and science just two years ago, for example, is likely to be out of date today. The same is going to happen in this decade. Are you constantly learning and growing to keep pace with the new knowledge being discovered? Virtually daily advances in technology are changing the course of many industries. Giant corporations of yesteryear are being ground into oblivion and new ones like Google becoming global giants, even controlling economies.

We are moving into a very uncertain decade, but a decade teeming with potential and great excitement. Even the position of the US dollar as a standard for all other currencies is threatened. Fiat currencies are being threatened by crypto-currencies. China is on the verge of replacing US as the No.1 global power.

Those who will succeed and thrive in these times are people who commit to a “Growth Mindset”, of continuous learning (i.e. being a Sikh!), having a plan to reinvent themselves, and being flexible.

So, in this changing world which is going to accelerate into the new decade, the Sikh is the one who is not only a student but also the first to adapt to change and ready and able to re-invent, refashion, remodel and redesign oneself. One who is able to change direction in one’s thinking and learning – not just a survivor but a winner, and not afraid to stand out – be a trend-setter not a trend-follower. A Sikh is one who responds to change, initiates change and does not react to change.

The trait, or if I may say so, the ‘gene of adaptability’, is already ingrained in us as Sikhs. Sikhs are now a global community. We have faced persecution at home in India and also overseas as a minority and we work even harder to succeed, learn foreign languages, adapt to new cultures and yet retain our Sikhi life philosophy and identity.

Sikhs have not been afraid to go to distant lands and have dared to succeed. We are adaptable to a changing world. In fact, we are the change. There are large numbers of Sikh IT pioneers, entrepreneurs and progressive innovators not only in western countries but globally, let alone in India. Yet we are proud of our life philosophy, which has played a very important part in our overall success, with a rich history, full of struggle and triumph. And it is our collective responsibility to pass on this life philosophy to our younger generations.

I know of far-sighted Sikh friends who are ensuring that their youth are learning Mandarin and Japanese, not German or French! They can see the writing on the wall and are responding accordingly. (We just need to ensure that we teach our younger generations Punjabi/Gurmukhi not for commercial or economic purposes but to keep close to the Guru and our elders and in so doing, our background).

We must be fully aware and conversant with the tremendous change which is going to happen in this coming decade, and we are spiritually, physically and mentally equipped for that.

3. ENGAGE COMMUNITY

In this decade, engaging with the community will become increasingly important. It means you don’t measure yourself simply in terms of personal material gain or even family. Rather you derive joy from giving and receiving from a much larger group. In turn, the community can and will open opportunities for contributions and rewards for you. One needs to embrace that at a young age. I believe it is unethical for any one of us to expect all the benefits of a close-knit community yet give nothing back or not contribute positively towards its wellbeing and growth.

For this, the community too will need to change to be more adaptable. Rather than just being a gurdwara-based community immersed in religion, rituals and langgar (all very important aspects), the community needs to be pro-active to the coming change, with internet hubs within gurdwara complexes, courses pertaining to oncoming changes and more dialogue-based services discussing and disseminating current affairs and future trends. YOU will have to play a greater part in bringing about such a quantum shift in our community affairs and especially within gurdwaras.

I know of Sikh organisations like Sikhs Helping Sikhs (SHS) and one WhatsApp-based group helping other Sikhs and especially Sikh youth to give them direction and even find jobs for them. More such community activity is needed especially through gurdwaras.

4. THE PLAN

Long terms vs short term view. Back to the 5-year plan. People who live in the short term, with little long-term planning and with little or no community service, are usually nervous and afraid of what change might bring. Is their job safe? Or, is the course of study they are pursuing, relevant for the future? Will they have enough for retirement? Do they have a good support system. People with a medium to long-term view and immersed in community activities are happier, because they know their plan is working for them. They plan for contingencies. They derive support from the community. Their faith is further strengthened by the good deeds and sewa that they carry out.

5. TIME

Time is the most precious commodity. Spend it wisely. Develop good habits that take you to your goals. Watch out for detractors, other distractions and actions that derail you. Carve out time on your calendar for downtime, for your relations, for the community, for reading, growth, spirituality, for a proper amount of sleep and cut back on television, cable and social media.

Read about the change occurring around you through magazines, newspapers, books, audio books. Be informed. Avoid if possible, or at least minimise, social media. When you get an opportunity, write, e.g. for a class or school newspaper, blogs. Write stories. Discuss science and spirituality with your family and friends. Explore and discuss with close ones and friends what spirituality means to you. There are so many opportunities to help yourself and others. Take others along on the journey of your spirituality, learning and growth, especially your own family.

6. INNER PARENT

Understand why your mind may be telling you to go in a different direction. One would have heard about reaching for the “Inner Child” within. But the inner child seeks pleasure and gratification, and short cuts. Instead, the new buzzword now is – learn to listen and live by the “Inner Parent” – that inner voice of reason that knows right from wrong. Make that a habit. It is the only way to achieve your long-term goals.

Understand that if you live one way now, listening to the Inner Child, and you want to switch over to listening to the Inner Parent, you will encounter resistance. It will take time and sustained effort. Visualize your goals. Develop a Vision Map. They will keep you going.

7. KEEP TRACK

Like any planning, track your accomplishments against your goals. At regular intervals peruse your 5-Year Plan. Tweak it accordingly but keep visualising the positive end-result at all times.

8. HUMILITY

Be humble. Humility is the cornerstone of our ‘way of life’. Keep your plans to yourself. Others will discourage you, mock you, derail you. As you get little bits of success, become even more humble, and revisit your goals. Are they big enough? Do they need adjusting?

9. VISUALISE

Visualise yourself as an honest, honorable, truthful, upstanding, giving adult, doing good in society and being the best in your chosen field. Put in the planning, effort, dedication, and regular course corrections.

10. YOUR FRIENDS

You are the average of 5 of your best friends. (This is a claim by a number of self-improvement ‘gurus’. I see merit in mentioning this here.) Do you need to change your friends, so you can be in a better company? Thinking outside the box – perhaps one of your best friends needs to be your Guru Ji. This is a further elaboration of what ‘sangat’ means. You ‘are’ the kind of ‘sangat’ you gravitate to. We normally associate sangat with those inside a gurdwara. But sangat simply means the company we like to keep. Are your best five friends helping to gear you towards materialistic and spiritual success and happiness? Or are they just your leisure, good time mates?

11. FAMILY

Include your immediate family in your 5-Year Plan because they play a very important part of your development. A comfortable and peaceful home life is important for personal well-being. Family satsang (perhaps just Rehras in the evening) and eating at least one meal together are very strong old fashioned, family-time activities which lead to family harmony and a love for the home, and happiness.

12. VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering at the gurdwara brings humility and satisfaction. Make it an important part of your routine. If you are an older person, then teach classes at the gurdwara, mentor younger children and help them to start their development journey.

In conclusion, when planning ahead for your next five years, do not forget your Sikhi which is the base of all your self-progress and success. That is why – ‘Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh’. (All success, happiness and achievements are by His Grace.)

NOTE: The SYA Family Camp (Sydney, Australia) is from 1-6 January, 2019. Dya Singh is contactable on Whatsapp +61403181818 (messages only) for further information or refer SYA website. We encourage families to come. Bring your family for a week of Sikhi living. This is the best way to start the new year and the 2020 decade.

Our guest facilitator this year is Guruka Singh, a founding member of Sikhnet.com (USA) besides Dr. Jaswant Singh (SikhRI, Texas, USA), Hari Singh (NZ), Sukdaiv Singh Gurpuri (M’sia), Manpreet (UK) and myself.

Malaysian-born Dya Singh, who now resides in Australia, is an accomplished musician and a roving Sikh preacher. The Dya Singh World Music Group performs full-scale concerts on ‘music for the soul’ based on North Indian classical and semi-classical styles of music with hymns from mainly the Sikh, Hindu and Sufi ‘faiths’. He is also the author of SIKH-ING: Success and Happiness. He can be contacted at dyasingh@khalsa.com

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

PATH DA BHOG: 22 December 2019, 10am, at Gurdwara Sahib Puchong | Malaysia

MATA PERWAN KAUR @ JENDER KAUR

D/O GUJAR SINGH & W/O SHANGARA SINGH

(17 October 1939 – 11 December 2019)

Village: Gurdaspur

Path da Bhog: 22 December 2019, 9.30am to 12pm, at Gurdwara Sahib Puchong

Children / spouse:

Capt. Ravinder Singh and Harpreet Kaur

Beena Kaur and Bakshish Singh Sachdev(Bangkok)

Kiran Kaur and Hardeep Singh Jessy(Penang)

Grandchildren:

Komal Preet Kaur, Dheiya Simar Kaur

Eshnaa Kaur, Sahildeep Singh

Renika Kaur, Sajan Singh Sethi

Rishika Kaur Sachdev

Great Grandchildren: Meher and Manav Sethi

Kiran 0127501607

Swaran 0122967005

| Entry: 18 Dec 2019 | Source: Family

KIRTAN VIDEO | JUST RELEASED: The dedication of warriors from Sikh-based humanitarian outfits like Khalsa Aid and United Sikhs was beautifully captured in a video produced by a New Zealand based father-daughter kirtani duo.

Amrita Kaur and Yadvinder Singh sang the shabad ‘Sab Te Wadda Satgur Nanak’ to accompany the video capturing the humanitarian workers in action at various parts of the world.

They said the video was dedicated to the amazing souls who have dedicated their lives to serving humanity in the spirit of “Sarbat Da Bhalla” or Goodwill to All.

The video was produced by Harvin Hans while the music was arranged and composed by Haider Ali and Amarpreet Singh.

Go here for the video.

RELATED STORY:

Tu Mera Pita: Amrita Kaur & Yadvinder Singh (Asia Samachar, 12 Sept 2016)

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 Kevin Shea | NJ.COM | UNITED STATES |

One of the first to wear a turban in the U.S. Air Force serves in N.J.

Jaspreet Singh cut his hair when he joined the U.S. Air Force. He knew the rules and complied with the military’s regulations.

For Singh, though, that did not mean just a close haircut. It also meant not being able to wear his turban – a central part of his Sikhism religion.

Now, the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst airman first class, who works on the base’s fire service, is the third member of the Air Force granted a religious accommodation to wear a turban with his uniform. (The prior two were granted earlier this year.)

“It’s more about identity for me,” Singh said in a story posted on the base’s website. “When I got that first haircut [in basic military training] I felt like I lost everything. Losing that made me realize that I don’t want to lose who I am.”

Singh was born in India and moved to the United States as a child. His family name Singh comes from the Indian word for lion, and many baptized male Sikhs who take the name – after Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final human guru – are considered to be bold warriors, like a lion, the story said.

By wearing the turban, a camouflage one, Singh says he’s building cultural awareness in and out of his Air Force uniform.

“People are learning; it’s diversifying the Air Force itself,” Singh said. “Me wearing a turban will make people more aware of what a Sikh is.”

Read full story, ‘One of the first to wear a turban in the U.S. Air Force serves in N.J.’ (NJ.com, 17 Dec 2019), here.