| Malaysia |29 Aug 2016 | Asia Samachar |

By Kabal Singh (Penang)

SANT SOHAN SINGH JI (Ude Singh at birth) is the most venerated and revered Sikh religious personality in Malaysia. His respect and esteem among Sikhs in Singapore, Thailand, South East Asia and even in India, especially in Punjab has been in no way less.

His six—foot stature, glowing chubby countenance, flowing long beard, soft spoken speech, purportly words, benign fatherly counsel, simple, humble ecclesiastical living and saintly poise endeared him to the vast following that he always enjoyed.

Even after his demise, the multitudes of Shardhalus (followers) who gather from far and near, in Melaka, to attend the annual commemorative prayers, held in his memory, without fail in May — a function organised by the Sant Sohan Singh Ji Melaka Memorial Society, With the support and co-operation of Gurudwara Sahib, Melaka and the Sangat (holy congregation) – is testimony of the great devotion and veneration that the Sikhs, in the region, had and have for the portly Saint, Sant Baba Ji.

Sant Baba Ji was also held high in regard by Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Christian and other co—religionists. He is on record to have attended their functions and they were invited to address Sikh gatherings which they uncompellingly accepted. For Sant Baba Ji there were no social and cultural barriers. He had transcended them all!

His humble beginning (in 1902) in a small village in Bathinda, was followed by a traditional upbringing, whereby he was placed at a Dera to learn Punjabi and the fundamentals of religion. In a short time, Sohan Singh, a name popularly acquired because of his handsome features (sohana = handsome) qualified as a Pathi (reader of the holy scriptures) and picked up the basic fundamentals of Kavishari (poetry composing).

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His strapping tall physique made him a popular figure and an automatic leader among the youths. As such he took up and excelled, nay became an exponent in Gatika (an art of self— defence using a staff).

His (Sant Ji’s) advent into Malaysia (then Malaya) was not of his own choosing. It was more political, in a way. Baba Ji’s inclinations for religious reforms got him deeply involved in the GURUDWARA REFORM MOVEMENT. Many, mostly youths, suffered death or physical injuries at the hand of the oppressors and to save him a similar fate, he was hurriedly packed off to Malaysia with his sister’s son-in-law, Nanta Singh (a policeman stationed at Seremban), who had incidentally revisited Punjab.

In Malaysia, as he had hardly much to do, he started to write Kavishari and as was the practice, read his Kavishari in Gurudwaras to the delight of the Sangat (congregation). Soon he was in demand as a popular speaker at Sikh religious functions.

His fame as a Kavishar (poet) spread near and far. It reached the esteemed Sant Hari Singh, who was greatly impressed with Baba Ji’s potential. Sant Hari Singh blessed the young and budding poet and encouraged him to rise to greater heights. Example of his Kavishari can be found in the book ‘SAFAL JIWAN SANT SOHAN SINGH JI’ published in Punjabi by Sant Sohan Singh Ji Melaka Memorial Society.

Consequently, as if drawn by the Hand Of Providence, Baba Ji developed an intense desire to do SEWA (service to the Guru and mankind) and his growing piety took a firm grip on his disposition. Baba Ji emerged from then on as a completely changed personality.

What better way to serve than to be a Granthi (priest)? Apparently Baba Ji became a Granthi around 1927, at the age of twenty-five, at Gurudwara Sahib, Melaka. Besides being dedicated and imbued with Sewa, an expected lofty trait of any GuruSikh, Baba Ji assiduously pursued research and deep study of Gurbani (Sikh Holy Scriptures) and Ethaas (Sikh history) and in no time won the adorable respect of the people who referred to him as a Giani and progressively accepted him as a Mahagiani. Still later on (since sometime in 1932) Baba Ji was called Sant Baba Ji a rare honour which exonerated his expanding eminence.

Baba Ji’s spiritual and religious achievement attained such heights that he came to be truly venerated as the Saint or Maha Purkh – one who stresses unity of God and inner spiritual life, casts off vain attachments, repeats God’s Name day and night, has humility of temper, prays for the good of humanity at large, sympathises with those afflicted and suffering and loves one and all.

Evidently all these attributes, and still many more, were discernible in Sant Baba Ji, thus justifying the honorific of Maha Purkh (a great being) bestowed fondly upon him by his ardent followers.

BOOK COVER PHOTO CAPTION, p195 

The photo on the cover was taken sometime in the early 1960s, in front of the Sikh Temple, Kluang, Johore. FRONT ROW (seated) from left to right: Giani Gian Singh (Kluang), S. Mehar  Singh (Muar), Giani Gurdit Singh (Iohor Bharu), S. Amar Singh Das (Batu Pahat), Giant Dyal Singh (Segamat), Bhai Pall Singh (Kluang) Author’s father, S. Ishar Singh (Rengam). BACK ROW (standing) fiom left to right: S. Jaswant Singh (Batu Pahat), S. Ranjit Singh (Kluang), S. Tarlok Singh (Kluang), S. Jarnail Singh (Kluang), S. Kartar Singh (Kluang), S. Kahar Singh (Kluang), S. Dhana Singh (Kluang) and S. Gurdial Singh (Kluang). Kneeling down: Kaka Charan Singh (Kluang)

Such personalities are few and far between. I quote Guru Arjan Dev Ji: “If in the world the best are to be found, Very, very rare are they”.

Sant Ji never disappointed his Shardhalus and travelled from Melaka to far away places, to Singapore, Penang, Pahang, Kelantan and Perak, at the behest of his followers. He kept this practice going until in the later stages of his life when his health did not permit it. But then his Shardhalus provided Sant Ji with air tickets and he never let them down. Such was the mutual love!

His charismatic personality and love for the ordinary people acted like rennet upon milk, to kindle in the hearts and minds of Sikhs the fire of earnest devotion towards their Gurus and religion.

Baba Ji never failed to attend to the calls of his people and to take unto himself the hardships of others, gave hope and shelter to destitutes and provided unprecedented dynamic religious spiritual and political leadership to the Panth.

Wherever he went and whenever he talked his canny charisma never failed to draw huge crowds, who flocked to him and sought to touch his feet or to be blessed by him.

Baba J i was completely devoid of pride and always considered himself inadequate for the respect and honour shown to him. His foremost and sole desire was to be humble and remain a nonentity, an inconspicuous person.

When asked by biographers, intending to write his life and mission, for advice and information, Baba Ji  pleading would put them off by saying, “There’s nothing  in me or in my life which is worth penning. Only the lives of Maha Purkhs are worthy of mention”. This was  greatness in humility, a significant trait of a true GuruSikh. Sant Ji never for once deviated from this stance.

His exposition of Gurbani was generally simple and fundamentally directed at and intended to be understood by  the ordinary people. He was not pragmatical!

Baba Ji stressed the need for people in general and  parents in particular to get their children to read, write and study Punjabi (in the Gurumukhi text) for it was the only medium available to Sikhs to perceptualize and understand Gurbani written in Gurumukhi.

In his lifetime, he met and discoursed with several eminent scholarstic and spiritually matured personalities like Sant Teja Singh, Dr. Gopal Singh, Dr. Ganda Singh and several renouned Sants.

Baba Ji was patron to several institutions and played a major role in the publication and distribution of scholarstic works of esteemed Sikh poets and writers, for example, Bhai Nand Lal Goya.

When a follower expressed the desire to present Sant Ji with a car, to facilitate his mobility, Baba Ji, “Once I accept a car, I’ll cease to be what I have been all these years”. Jokingly he added, “Now people call me Sant. With a car I may be called a ‘Saahn’ (meaning a bull). “An example of Baba Ji’s astute humour. He was not always serious.

After over 45 years of Parchar and Sewa, a bout of serious illness landed Sant Ji in General Hospital, Ipoh. Despite the care and attention of expert doctors Baba Ji’s health deteriorated and became a major concern of the community. Droves of followers came to see him and yet many waited by him day and night to pray for him and to hope for his recovery. Crowds waited in suspense outside the ward contravening regulations of the hospital. The authorities granted a special concession for them.

Not long later, as a result of the illness, Sant Baba Ji peacefully passed away and his soul merged with the light from which it had separated. It was indeed a great loss to the Sikhs and mankind in general. It created a irreplaceable vacuum to be lamented and mourned by his faithfull followers. It significantly marked the end of a great and renouned Saint. The Sikhs shall forever cherish Baba Ji’s memories close to their hearts.

As the cortege wound its way to Melaka for the final rites, at every town people flocked in large numbers to have a last look and to pay their last respects to a man whom they loved and adored from the bottom of their hearts.

The last journey of His Holiness Sant Baba Ji finally concluded at Gurudwara Sahib Melaka and the final Mirthak Sanskar (cremation rites) was carried out a sad and weeping crowd. This was on 25 May, 1972.

Since, the Sikhs established the SANT SOHAN SINGH JI MELAKA MEMORIAL SOCIETY, who in turn arranged for the construction of its headquarters, popularly referred to as The Vidhyala after acquiring a piece of land on lease from Gurudwara Sahib Melaka.

Commuters travelling from the north to Singapore or vice versa never failed to visit The Vidhyala where they make a silent prayer in memory of Santji or make contribution in cash so that the society may continue with the mission of SANT BABA Ji!

“They who hearken to the Name of God are beyond the reach of death”. They, like Baba Ji are immortals!

Extracted from the book Sikhs In Malaysia by Dr Manjit S. Sidhu, p185-p191, Published by Sant Sohan Singh Ji Melaka Memorial Society Malaysia, 1991. This article, entitled ‘His Holiness Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji’ was written by Kabal Singh from Penang. The late Kabal, then senior vice president of the society, also wrote the introduction to the book. 

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]

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| Opinion | 29 April 2017 | Asia Samachar |

Over the past few years, I’ve written a few articles suggesting ways of bringing up my three princesses in the more liberal ways of life, infused with the beautiful essence of Sikhi where relevant. One such article, written two years ago, was about the conundrum a parent faces when their loved offspring decides to alter their religious paths for the love of another. In simpler words, when a child of ours converts into another religion through marriage.

I had suggested, so much for myself as for the reader of my article, that love and compassion should always be the answer when faced with such a challenge of divergence from our early dreams and plans for our children. I had hoped that the uncertainty of our futures to dictate how we react when faced with such challenge was also apparent in my article.

It is easier said than done when my girls are still at a very young impressionable age, and we have this arrogance that we can still stem the tide and assume it won’t happen to me and my wife. ‘We can still mold them’, we tell ourselves rather unassumingly.

But really, how much can we, as parents, effect the process of maturity that our children go through these days? These are the days of such rapid interchanges of knowledge and information, good and bad, of grey areas more than the black and white, of flux by nature. Our children are far more advanced and intelligent than we ever were, but also much more easily influenced with emotions and heart.

I had written that perhaps showing my girls the beauty and spirituality of the essence of Sikhi would grow strong foundations of their affection for Sikhi. For them to affiliate themselves as good decent human beings, first and foremost, and then to affiliate themselves as highly spiritual beings. This perhaps can damper and avoid ideas that would conflict with their ideals, averting conversions to their direct opposite ideals and beliefs. But words spoken can only be absorbed so much than the intended message. Lecturing never really worked for many of us.

We reflect what we want our children to be, like mirrors. They mimic our actions from a very young age, and those actions slowly form their thought processes, which will form their beliefs and their principles. A child will follow the father’s action of hitting her sisters. Her thought process would be of violence when she isn’t getting the attention she warrants. Her beliefs are of that violence is not a bad thing. Her principles would be that the use of brute force works. Of course, I’m simplifying this grossly while completely discrediting years of psychological studies. I apologize for that. But it’s an example to illustrate my point. Child sees, child do. Child grows up.

For my daughters to fully appreciate the humane and compassionate essence of Sikhi, they need to mimic me and their lovely mother. We both must not only exhibit outwardly what a Sikh should look like and practices, but we need to imbibe fully into the humane compassionate essence of Sikhi, complimented with discipline to preserver and not waver our principles in the face of adversity. In other words, we must be kind to one and all, always loving and always caring to another human no matter the background, and not fear repercussions for being so.

What can those repercussions be if we are only loving and caring? In life, choices are to be made all the time to which ‘side’ we belong to. If we are loving and caring to all, there are no ‘sides’ to choose from. But we are expected to, and if we don’t choose, then either or both of the ‘sides’ will take exception. And then there will be repercussions. A part of being a steadfast Sikh is to be fearless in the face of these repercussions, and remain being loving and caring to all. It’s easier said than done, even amongst our own Sikh community. Even today. Remaining neutral, brotherly to all, is a very fundamental part of the essence of Sikhi because we are to see One in All.

To live this ideal, to be this true version and not just an outwardly portrayal to my girls, we would have to be as natural as possible, within the confines of our safe home and outside interacting with society. And this is where the challenge gets a tad interesting. We have our faces to front society, developed for decades as we grew up as matured adults. And if these faces aren’t exactly the ideals that we want our daughters to have, then change is required. This change cannot be radical, because it would be disruptive to both parents and children, but change needs to happen. To ease this change, one approach may be to associate ourselves with others already imbibed with the same ideas and principals. Very much like the intellectual will have dinners with other intellectuals, or businessmen having a drink with others. Speaking the same lingo, driving behavior and slowly changing the nature of our thoughts and actions. This is also another fundamental aspect of the essence of Sikhi. This is Sanggat.

As I’ve written many times before, both my wife and I have our work cut out. We must try our best bringing up three precocious young girls to be strong willed, independent and spiritual princesses. They will grow up to be Queens in the eyes of the Sanggat, I pray.

Jagdesh Singh, a Kuala Lumpur-based executive with a US multinational company, is a father of three girls who are as opinionated as their mother

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

ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE! Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com

FROM THE SAME AUTHOR:

Being there isn’t easy (Asia Samachar, 29 April 2017)

Plight of the practical middle majority (Asia Samachar, 11 M

Giving away so willingly (Asia Samachar, 1 April 2017)

Plight of the practical middle majority (Asia Samachar, 11 March 2017)

Friends retreating, singing and chanting as a family (Asia Samachar, 1 March 2017)

My father’s greatest gift to me (Asia Samachar, 25 Feb 2017)

The mumbling granthi (Asia Samachar, 9 Feb 2017)

Weddings are way too expensive (Asia Samachar, 17 Nov 2016)

Sooner or later, we all draw our own lines (Asia Samachar, 4 Nov 2016)

| Singapore | 29 May 2017 | Asia Samachar |

Meet Gavin from Singapore. He could just be the next Michael Phelps, the swimming sensation who won 23 Olympic gold medals.

Gavin Pal Singh Randhawa is a 12-year old wonder kid from Singapore who took swimming to a new level, at least for Sikhs.

Last month (24 April 2017), he won gold in the 50 metres butterfly / 50 metres freestyle at the 58th School Nationals with a record time of 1min 6.49 secs.

“He is ranked top six in his age group in many events now. I must say he did St Andrews Junior School proud with his performance both individually and in his relay team,” his dad Kuldip Singh wrote in a Facebook posting.

But he was not always the natural swimmer. His dad, a pilot, had other plans for him. He wanted Gavin to play rugby.

“In primary 3, some three years back, when he just completed his basic swimming skills, he told me. ‘Daddy, I want to go into competitive swimming, training some six times a week.

“I was worried, as how would he complete his homework, how is he going to continue academically. He was way behind everyone in competitive swimming at that stage. He was a chubby kid then.”

In his first meet, he came up last. But it did not at all dent his spirit. “I am slow now but I will work hard prove myself,” he said after the race. Gavin trained hard and slowly progressed through many competitions.

And now he not only won the gold medal, but broken the record for the event. When asked what is next, he told Asia Samachar: “I want to carry on swimming competitively.”

With this meet out of the way, his dad noted: “Well done Gavin. Time to study for PSLE now! Thank you coaches Sunny and Li Fei.”

PSLE, short for Primary School Leaving Examination, is normally taken by 12 year old students in Singapore. He is studying at St Andrews Junior School.

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]

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| Malaysia | 30 May 2017 | Asia Samachar |

“Think big, work hard, and be willing to learn.” – Harban Singh Randhawa

Mention a Sikh of our forefathers’ time, and you’d most likely imagine a tall turbaned man in a police uniform, or someone who is busy herding cows in a grassy field. Undoubtedly, these two professions are synonymous with the Sikhs who came to Malaya. Historically, the limelight has always been on our courageous men in uniform. But let’s not forget the hard work and contribution of our dairy farmers, or the “Gaiyan Wale”, as they are fondly known.

Harban Singh Randhawa is one such man, whose journey is sure to break your stigma about dairy farming. Brought up in the quiet town of Bidor, he had initially enrolled himself in the Royal Malaysian Air Force. However, he had a dream of expanding his father’s dairy farm. Eventually, he left the armed forces to pursue this dream. Mind you, he was an above average student in school who also excelled in sports.

In 1980, he had a vision and wanted to prove that dairy farming was a lucrative industry. He realised there was a huge demand for milk both locally and internationally. He decided to take advantage of this. He invested in quality animals and even imported cows from overseas.

After much toiling, his big break finally arrived. The government established a dairy colony in Bidor, where he received five acres of land and fifteen cows. To further expand his business, he got more cows, bought milking machines, hired more workers and set up a barn.

Like any success story, nothing comes without hard work and patience. A man of perseverance, Harban Singh has come a long way from selling milk door-to-door. Believe it or not, he is now a major supplier for Dutch Lady Purefarm. On average, his farm produces 450 litres of milk per day! The extraordinary quality and standards practised in his farm has garnered a lot of attention, namely from the Dutch Agricultural Minister, Dutch Ambassador, and the General Manager of Dutch Lady Purefarm. In fact, researchers from Japan have also made numerous visits to his humble farm.

Undeniably, there is so much that we can learn from this successful man. If we put our mind to it, anything is possible. As Guruji says, “Man Jeethai Jag Jeeth”. So the next time you are drinking your hot sweet cha in the Gurdwara, remember you have our lovely “doodh wale” to thank!

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]

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| Malaysia | 30 May 2017 | Asia Samachar |

Sunita Kaur

Managing Director for Asia, Spotify
Former Director for Asia, Facebook

Sunita Kaur, Spotify’s Managing Director for Asia, drives the strategic direction of the service as it continues to reach out to a rapidly growing audience of music fans across the region.

| London, UK | 31 May 2017 | Asia Samachar |

Harjeev Kandhari, a former Sikh banker who has built a formidable type business from his base in Dubai and London, has formed a joint venture with a major Chinese tyre manufacturer to grab a slice of the European market, including the high-performance passenger tyre segment.

The newly formed joint venture, Doublestar Europe, will be responsible for the sale, marketing and distribution of Doublestar commercial and passenger tyres in key European territories, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.

The JV – bringing together China-based Qingdao Doublestar and the Zenises Group which is led by Harjeev as its CEO – has been described as a ‘solid step’ in Doublestar’s aspirations to strengthen its position in the global tyre industry, reports industry portal Commercial Tyre Business.

Harjeev has been named as the vice chairman of the new company.

The UK-headquartered Zenises UK, now operates 20 countries, with offices in Germany, Italy, Spain UAE, China and South Africa.

Doublestar, the sixth biggest of China tyre manufacturer, has recently established an ‘Industry 4.0’ production plant in Qingdao in an effort to establish itself among the technological leaders. It is also currently engaged in talks to acquire South Korean global manufacturer, Kumho Tyre, reports Tyrepress.com.

In the same report, Doublestar Europe stated: “We are very fortunate to have Mr Kandhari as a guiding hand on the Doublestar Europe board. We believe that he is one of the leading thinkers in the European tyre industry and with his experience both in China and in the tyre industry, this will take the joint venture to new heights in building Doublestar into one of the leading brands in Europe.”

On his new role, Harjeev said: “Doublestar is one of the leading tyre manufacturers in China. Having seen their new factory and met their new management I can confidently say that they will remain as one of the top five manufacturers in China when the inevitable consolidation comes in the Chinese tyre industry. I am proud to be associated with a company that shares our values both in terms of the provision of quality products and in the creation of positive social impact.”

Harjeev has previously worked with Merrill Lynch in investment banking and with New Media Spark in technology venture capital where he was said to be instrumental in setting up EO.com, one of the first platforms to do IPOs online. He currently lives between Dubai and London and sits on numerous boards in a non-executive capacity.

In June 2016, Harjeev was appointed a non-executive chairman of London-based venture capital firm Walpole Capital.

Harjeev is also Founder/Chairman of Zenises Foundation, to which he will be donating all his proceeds from Doublestar Europe, as reported in Tyrepress. Harjeev had retweeted yesterday (30 May 2017) the Typrepress report.

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]

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| Announcement | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 31 May 2017 | Asia Samachar |

UPDATE (1 June 2017, 0900): Sukvinder Kaur, who was reported missing from her home in Kuala Lumpu on Monday (29 May 2017), has returned to the family safe and sound. The family thanks members of the public for their assistance.

Thirty-two year old Sukvinder Kaur has been reported missing since leaving her home in Brickfields in Kuala Lumpur on Monday (29 May 2017).

She was said to have left her apartment at around 1.30pm on to visit Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya, but has not returned home since.

Her father Dan Singh, 77, has lodged a police report, a copy of which was sighted by Asia Samachar.

Anyone who may have see are requested to call Serjit Singh at 017-8855805 or Dalbir Kaur at 016.9855433.

[Asia Samachar will update this report as we receive new developments from the family]

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE! Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]

| Selayang, Malaysia | 31 May 2017 | Asia Samachar |

Selayang Sikhs came together for a fun-filled Family Day on Sunday (28 May 2017), running the theme ‘Ekta – We’re One’.

Held at the Metropoliton Park Kepong, they held a host of events, including netball and tug of war.

“Everyone came out in full force,” Gudwara Sahib Selayang Baru committee secretary Sharanjit Kaur tells Asia Samachar.

The team also presented sirapao (honorary gift) to the seniors in the community, some of whom were represented by their children.

The organising team members included Gurmeeth, Sarjeet, Mlinder, Harjit, Charan, Saranjeet, Kiran Chouhan, Sarbjit, Nermaljit, Taranjeet, Harvin, Amrit, Komey, Sonia, Perdip, Sharanspice, Salvinder, Inderjit, Gurmit (GSSB president), Keshminder, Davinder Maan, T.J., Harbinder, Kuldip, Harjit, Baljit, Jesmesh Singh Jassal and Sherhinder.

Medical volunteers from the Naam Medic were also on standby at the event.

MORE PHOTOS AT ASIA SAMACHAR FACEBOOK PAGE

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE! Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]

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| Announcement | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 1 June 2017 | Asia Samachar |

Sukvinder Kaur, who was reported missing from her home in Kuala Lumpur on Monday (29 May 2017), has returned to the family safe and sound. The family thanks members of the public for their assistance.

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE! Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]

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IN MEMORY, Path Da Bhog: 4 June 2017 (Sunday), 9.30am -12.00pm, at Gurdawara Sahib Ulu Kelang, Ampang | Malaysia

Balkar Singh s/o Bhan Singh

Police Pensioner No: 6114

Village: Kambo Dhaiwala, Tarn Taran, Amritsar

Wife: Late Mata Saran Kaur d/o Harnam Singh

Children & Spouses:

Dial Jit Singh & Rawinder Kaur

Ranjit Kaur & Harvendhar Singh

Lakbeer Singh & Jassharmash Kaur

Manjit Kaur & Manjit Singh

Gurmeet Singh & Ravinderjeet Kaur

Path Da Bhog: 4 June 2017 (Sunday), 9.30am -12.00pm, at Gurdawara Sahib Ulu Kelang, Ampang, Selangor, followed by Guru Ka Langgar

Message from Family: Greatly missed and forever in the hearts of family members and
loved ones.  Please treat this as a personal invitation from the family.

Contact: Dial Jit 013-3948568, Gurmeet 012-2015705

Asia Samachar | Entry: 1 June 2017 |

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]

| United States | 1 June 2017 | Asia Samachar |

Currently, there are approximately 215,000 women serving in active duty in the military, 15 percent of all branches. When it comes to Sikh women serving in the military that number falls to … well, so small that it’s not a statistic.

Below is a conversation with two of the first Sikh women to ever serve in the U.S. Military. It might be surprising, as the Sikh tradition emphasis the role of military service as well as the importance of gender equality; historically Sikh people have been disproportionately represented in armed forces throughout the world.

But as Petty Officer Guldeep (Geena) Kaur Sidhu and Staff Sargent Balreet (Bree) Kaur Khaira relate, they are breaking barriers in the military and in their communities.

INTER: The Sikh tradition has a long history of valuing military service and the “saint-soldier”. Can you tell me a little bit about why that is and what military service means to Sikhs?

Geena: The term “saint-soldier” resonates very deeply within the Sikh community. All of our leaders, in some way, fought for people who could not fight for themselves, whether that was in peaceful protest or by sacrifice or by actually picking up a weapon and fighting on the battlefield. It has been a longstanding tradition from our gurus to the earliest of our Sikh men and women to today.

It means a lot more than being a solider. It means to stand up for what is right and to stand up against injustice. Some people perform that responsibility through military service or public service as police officers or firefighters. Then you have people who are doctors or nurses and for them that is being a saint-soldier. But at the end of the day, it has that deeper meaning of protecting those around us.

Bree: Sikhism is a way of life, not only a religion. I think it is understood around the world that Sikhs are meant to be protectors. It is embedded into the religion and the way of life. When you see someone in a turban, or know they are Sikh, know that they will be looking out for you.

Geena: Yes, as Bree says, our gurus and Sikh men and women have sacrificed themselves, sacrificed their lives, for the sake of other religions. It isn’t just that we protect our own. Our duty is to protect humanity.

INTER: How do you feel the Sikh tradition of military service and the saint-soldier has inspired you in your life?

Geena: Growing up I heard about the 1984 Sikh genocide that took place in India and Punjab. It was during that time that my family immigrated to the United States. For me, when it came to service and serving in the U.S. armed forces, it was a repayment to this country for saving my family’s life. That’s what it was.

But then as I got older and learned more about my religion and significant Sikh warriors, one stood out to me. It was a female warrior known as Mia Bhago from the early 1700s. Her husband was one of the Sikhs that fought with our 10th guru. After a while fighting got to be too much and he returned to his village along with 40 other men and said he wasn’t going to fight anymore. Mia Bhago told him he could either go back and fight or he could take care of the house and she was going to take his armor and fight alongside the Guru, which she did. To see those pictures of her riding on horseback with a sword in her hand – that was someone I always looked up to as a girl.

Bree: For me, the medical field is something I’ve always been passionate about and something I wanted to pursue. So, my proposition to my parents was that if I joined the military it would pay for my school and I would learn more than I could at any medical school. The plan was not to stay in, but to do the bare minimum, get out and move on with my life. But, before I knew it I totally fell in love with the Army.

INTER: Sikhism also emphasis gender equality. Geena and Bree, you are two of the first Sikh women to serve in the U.S. Military. What does that mean to you and why is that significant?

Geena: I believe there is a major difference between our culture and our religion. So, our religion promotes gender equality and tells us our women are just as fierce and just as much warriors as men are, but when it comes to modern day Punjabi culture, we still tell our daughters that they need to stay home and learn to make dinner for their husbands one day.

My biggest issue was telling my very Indian family that I was going to go serve in the military. They had a different view of what they wanted their eldest daughter to do. They wanted me to get a degree, get a good paying job, find myself a husband and raise a family.

What helped me prove to my family that I was just as capable of military service as my brother would be, were those fearless Sikh women of the past. I’ve been in the Navy for almost seven years. And my field is still very male dominated. Military service is still hard for women no matter what religion or culture they come from. As cliché and as hallmark as it sounds, it was remembering the history of my people and how they never gave up, that is what pushed me forward and helped me to continue my efforts to serve.

Bree: When I joined the Army in 2006 there was only one other Sikh female in the military. She was the first in the Army, and I was the second. I would go on this page, it’s basically a big address book for the military, and I would type in “Core + Sikh” to see who else was in the service and there were not that many people. It was a select few. And even now, only 1 percent of the U.S. population joins the military and Sikh Americans are a fraction of that.

It is something we should all be very proud of. But when I first enlisted, I was the first one in my community. And no one really understood why I did it. As Geena said, there is a difference between the culture and the religion.

Geena: As far as I know I am the third Sikh female in the Navy. But, because a lot of our Sikh men and women who joined the military didn’t say, “Hey guys, I’m Sikh, I’m one of the first ones, turn the spotlight on me,” we are just now uncovering prior Sikh vets and just now meeting people who have served before us. In 2013, I did an interview with the Facebook page Portrait of Sikhs and a number of Sikh news sites took that and launched it all over the place. After that I got a bunch of messages from other Sikhs saying, “I also served.” We are still finding more people.

INTER: Thinking you were the only one or one of very few Sikhs and Sikh women in the military, how did you that make you feel?

Geena: There is a Sikh website called Sikhnet.com. It is one of the largest and most well-known websites for Gurbani and Sikh history. They published the interview I did with Portraits of Sikhs, and I also got a bunch of messages from women in the Punjabi community that said, “I’ve always wanted to serve, but I’ve never had anyone to look up to or use as an example.”

To hear that was nerve-racking, because I felt like I had to hold myself to an even higher standard. And also, to be someone others can use as an example to pursue their dreams is an incredible feeling. Like I said, I didn’t have anyone like that. When I joined, it wasn’t necessarily for the Sikh community, but I realize now my service means just as much to my country as it does to my community.

Bree: I did feel a little isolated at certain points because I never had anyone to talk with about things like our religion, culture, and beliefs. I remember the first time I had beef, I was emotional but it wasn’t something I could bring to the surface. The men around me wouldn’t understand why I was balling my eyes out while eating beef. Not all Sikhs are vegetarian, but my family is. And my mom, she asked me, “Why do you eat that?” I told her I have an option, either I will starve or I will eat it.

There are no religious accommodations when it comes to food. I think that is one of the biggest things that the military has not figured out yet: how to serve vegetarians. I don’t know how many there are, and bless their hearts, but I know they don’t get fed well. Even though we are all one and we all wear the same uniform, we all have different upbringings that mold us into who we are so when there is something a little out of the norm, that is when you feel it. You can’t accommodate everyone individually, but there are people with many different backgrounds that serve.

INTER: Since 1980, there have been regulations that restricted things like beards and head-wear worn by military personnel in uniform. This created a barrier for observant Sikhs to serve. Just a few months ago, in January, these regulations changed. Has this change affected your service at all? Have you seen it affect other service members? What do you think this might mean for the future of Sikhs in the U.S. Military?

Bree: Since the change happened, I’ve had my leaders come to me and ask me what I think about the change, because they know I am Sikh. The biggest thing is no one really understands the history of Sikhism and the military. People don’t realize that many Sikhs have served and have worn the turban and had beards. This hasn’t been a forever ban. As you said, it was implemented in the ‘80s. These things were allowed at one time. We are just allowing it again. But there has been a lot of initial animosity. There are a lot of people that just like things to be the same, they don’t want any changes.

The policy applies both to males and females. And that is probably the thing I am most excited to see, the first turbaned woman to join.

INTER: What is the Sikh tradition for women and the turban? Is it optional?

Geena: It is optional. Women generally don’t wear it, but some do. It’s just not as common as it is for Sikh men. But, my entire life I’ve known Sikh women who wore the turban.

I honestly think a lot of women don’t know that the new policy is not gender specific. Up until a few weeks ago, I thought it was just being allowed for Sikh men. I’m sure there is a Sikh woman somewhere in our community that wants to be the first turbaned Sikh woman service member. I know for a fact there is someone itching to be able to set that example. And we need to let her know she can do it.

The other misunderstanding is that the policy change is only for the Army. It isn’t available to all branches. There was a Muslim woman who wanted to join the Navy and a recruiter from my hometown called me and asked, “Who do I contact for this accommodation?” and I had to tell her that it is not available for the Navy yet, that policy is only for the Army. If the woman chooses to serve in the Army she can wear the Hijab, but in the Navy, it is not an option.

INTER: Why do you think it is important to have men and women of different faiths serve together in the U.S. Military?

Geena: I think it is so important. Absolutely important. When you have a certain type of person and that is the only type of person you are promoting to have in our military, you only have one type of mindset and one way of thinking and one set of experiences. And with our changing times and with conflicts around the world, I think it is very important to incorporate all faiths, all cultures, and all religions. Not only does it bring a different viewpoint and history to the table, but I also think it promotes more open-mindedness. It helps us not shut people out just because they are different.

Faith is important for military service. Because we do face situations where we don’t have anything other than faith. You are so isolated at some points and all you have is that conversation with God. Promoting diverse faiths is only going to strengthen us as a military. When you have people who are so strong willed because of their faith and you shut them out only because of that faith, you are losing out on a phenomenal opportunity to work with someone with tremendous passion. Once we get away from this mindset that just because someone is different they don’t belong, that is when we become a better military.

Bree: That is beautifully said. I agree word for word. Religion drives people. Deep down inside a lot of us live our daily lives based on our faith and what we believe is a righteous way to live.

Honestly, I took my religion for granted and didn’t think that much about it. But as I grew older in the military, I began going to Gurdwara a lot more, more than I ever thought I would and really looking into the Gurbani to give me what I was looking for when I had no one to turn to. I feel like the military allowed me to get closer to my religion rather than my religion allowed me to get closer to the military.

When you are taking away the comforts of home and saying I’m going to sign on this dotted line and serve my country, you are practicing selfless service. Even though there are different religions, everyone has a common goal and that is to serve their country.

Balreet (Bree) Kaur Khaira is a service member in the California Army National Guard. She enlisted as a combat medic in 2006 and has been serving for 11 years, with an 18 month deployment to Iraq. Her assignments include serving as the Platoon Sergeant in Charlie Medical company, 40th BSB. Balreet Khaira has a B.A. in Business Economics from University of California, Riverside and will continue her education in Physicians Assistance studies with the goal of serving as a provider in the Armed Forces.

Petty Officer Guldeep (Geena) Kaur Sidhu is an Aviation Ordnanceman and works on weapons systems and ordnance on naval aircraft. She has been on active duty in the Navy for seven years and plans to remain in service. Currently, she is stationed at the Training Support Center Great Lakes where she works as a LifeSkills instructor in the new student indoctrination building.

INTER is a digital magazine of ideas and art from a new generation navigating unprecedented religious diversity in America. It is a project of Interfaith Youth Core, a national non-profit organization working to make interfaith cooperation a norm in American life. See original story here.

ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE! Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com

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| Opinion | 2 June 2017 | Asia Samachar |

By Taranjit Kaur

Life is increasingly moving at a fast pace. The day passes in a breeze, and 24 hours appears to be hardly enough, at least for me. Quality time with loved ones is a luxury, and sleep is like indulging in a 5-star holiday. Sounds familiar, you bet!

Despite a demanding schedule, it is funny how the gush of energy suddenly appears to belittle and demean varying viewpoints, regardless of the subject-matter. This gets especially exciting when it involves communal matters. The question I often asked myself was, does blowing matters out of proportion connote power? The concept of agreeing to disagree is elegant, well I think so!

In this day and age, simple matters are made complicated. Emotions are flared up. Respect is compromised. The act of clarifying or validating accuracy is discounted, jumping on the bandwagon to freely pass distasteful judgments. Excuse me, but social media has an etiquette too, whereby it discourages spamming.

As Sikhs, our role of a *Leaner* entails a continuous effort to be equipped with evolving knowledge, in doing so, demonstrating leadership in our capacity as individuals. Often, this is conveniently forgotten. Instead, countless hours are spent, putting harmonious relationship among members of a larger community at stake. How does this make a positive difference?

Time spent on debating a myriad of community-centric issues will result in wider benefits if diverted towards discussing fruitful initiatives. For example, leveraging on shared strength to develop a solid youth development programme for Malaysian Sikh Youth.

Simply said, it is time we unite on the back of values which define us as a Sikh. We must appreciate that the external landscape is changing rapidly, with competition at its peak. It is time to accelerate discussions focusing on grooming young Sikh leaders who are spiritually enlightened, politically savvy and street smart. Most importantly, imbuing in individuals the need to always uphold peace, regardless of the circumstance.

Time to refocus our priorities as Sikhs of the 21st century, whilst staying true to the fundamentals of Sikhi. We must come together, contributing tirelessly towards the growth of our community, and our country alike! Let’s be driven by the desire to explore opportunities for personal and professional development.

Taranjit Kaur is a Kuala Lumpur based executive who gets involved in Sikh activities. 

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

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]

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| Shah Alam, Malaysia | 2 June 2017 | Asia Samachar |

Malvinder Singh, a final year medical student at a local Malaysian university, had recently led a team to break the Malaysia Book Of Records for organising the largest health screening session.

Malvinder and fellow students from the Management and Science University (MSU) managed to atttact 10,983 people to the 24-hour health screening session at its campus in Shah Alam, Selangor, and a number of other locations. The activity was held in conjunction with World Health Day together with MSU World Health Day 2017.

Malaysia Book of Records senior officer Nurasyikin Ramli presented the certificate to MSU founder and president Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid.

The theme of the programme was Fight Against Depression, alongside the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) World Health Day – a year-long global campaign against depression.

“The number of people suffering from depression in the country is increasing, so this programme helps create awareness of the problem,” project head Malvinder Singh was qouted in a report in The Star.

The health screening included checks on Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, as well as glucose and stress levels.

“Depression is mostly related to youths as they may face problems with family, as well as financial and education issues,” said Malvinder.

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]

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| Malacca, Malaysia | 2 June 2017 | Asia Samachar |

Malacca hosts the largest annual Sikh gathering in Southeast Asia in the memory of Baba Sohan Singh, the former granthi of Gurdwara Sahib Malacca and a well-respected Sikh preacher.

Some 50,000 to 70,000 people descent the town city, hailing from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and beyond.

Malacca Sikhs hosted the 45^th Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji Salaana Yaadgar Semagam, a programme commonly referred to as the ‘Malacca barsi’, on 18-21 May 2017.

Dillon Singh releases a 8-minute video capturing various moments of the programme. The video, 45th Commemorative Prayers; 18-21 May 2017 [FULL CLIP], can be viewed here.

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]

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| Malaysia | 2 June 2017 | Asia Samachar |

Bangkok Sikhs have approached a manufacturer who is believed to have produced slippers badged with the khanda, a popular Sikh symbol, after being alerted by Sikhs in Malaysia.

Sri Guru Singh Sabha Bangkok, the largest gurdwara in the capital city of Thailand, is expected dispatch a letter to the manufacturer to formalise the request.

“We have spoken to the gurdwara committee and they are getting in touch with the manufacturer,” Malkith Singh, an active Sikh volunteer and a former jathedar of Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM), told Asia Samachar.

It is understood that SNSM had also approached members of the Bangkok Sikhs on the same matter.

The issue was widely shared over the social media in Malaysia when some Sikhs found the slippers on sale in Alor Star, Kedah.

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]

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Saskaar: 8am, 3 June 2017 (Saturday) at Jalan Templer Hindu Creamatorium Centre in Seremban, Negeri Seremban | Malaysia

Parminder Kaur d/o Late Giani Darbara Singh Daler

Ex Manager, Economics Department, Bank Negara Malaysia

Birth: 31 Dec 1957

Departed: 2 June 2017

Saskaar / Cremation: 8am, 3 June 2017 (Saturday) at Jalan Templer Hindu Creamatorium Centre in Seremban

Contact: Prabhdial Singh Daler 017.2124650

Asia Samachar | Entry: 21 May 2017 |

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]

| Singapore | 3 June 2017 | Asia Samachar |

Football Association of Singapore (FAS) coach Manjit Singh died on Wednesday (31 May 2017) after he fell from his bicycle while on his way home. He was cremated at Mandai Crematorium on Friday.

Manjit, 41, the head coach at the Junior Centre of Excellence (JCOE) East Centre 1, had coached about 40 students over four age groups. The JCOE programme is a weekly training session for youths to improve their technical abilities, reports The New Paper.

His family believes he had a heart attack, but the cause of his death is still being investigated. Speaking to The New Paper, his older brother, Hardeep Singh, 50, a facility supervisor, said he was shocked by the sudden death as Manjit was fit.

“He is an active person, so of all the people, I never expected that this would happen to him. When I received the call, my heart dropped and I was totally lost. We just celebrated his birthday on May 13,” he told the newspaper.

Manjit, who has a three-year-old son, often commuted by bicycle and visited their parents’ home twice a week, the report added.

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]

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| Opinion | Malaysia | 3 June 2017 | Asia Samachar |

It was a nice late afternoon as the Panda residence somewhere in the woods was preparing for tea time, a time the Panda family enjoys to catch up on any issue or topic that they find interesting.

Pio Panda, the head of the Panda family is an intelligent highly educated scholar who knows much about religions and works as a psycho-religious therapist. Pott Panda, his teenage son is a smart student who is ever so inquisitive about things around him and life itself. [In Punjabi, pio means father, pott means son].

Pio Panda was just getting into his favourite seat at the patio when the much expected Pott Panda walks in and joins the dad. The ensuing part is the chat of these father-son pair while they sip through their hot cha in the cool evening breeze.

Pio Panda: Hi Son, how has your day been?

Pott Panda: It has been good Dad and I have so much to ask you.

Pio Panda: Ask me? (as he laughs because he knows his son and his ever inquisitive mind boggling, hard-hitting questions). Go ahead son.

Pott Panda: Well Dad…I was with my friend Singha today and we chatted for quite a while.

Pio Panda: Oh, Singha…the lion cub?

Pott Panda: Yes Dad. He was a bit distressed as he related to me that his relatives and others in his faith are having issues and situation is getting tensed. Singha looked like he was really worried and he was like our uncle, Sochha Wich Panda, who thinks too much and gets worried over things.

Pio Panda: Oh…you mean the Sikhs? Yes..yes…your uncle is always worried and in deep thoughts.

Pott Panda: Yes Dad, the Sikhs. I am sure you know Sikh religion well. The Sikhs seem to be having some religious issue that is breaking them apart and creating disunity. Singha looked quite distrubed as he related the situation to me.

Pio Panda: Yes Pott…the Sikhs who are known as a beautiful group of people are indeed having some issues and seemingly bogged with disunity. They are actually a monotheist religion, just like our Pandaism.

Pott Panda: I was told that it’s got to do with their religion and how some quarters are at odds regarding their holy scripture. Dad, didn’t you tell me that this is a very brave race which is loyal and loving.

Pio Panda: Yes son, they still are very responsible people who are ever willing to help no matter what the circumstances. They have a history of valour and bravery in face of atrocities in the formation years of the religion, and even after that era. Their Gurus challenged the ritualistic beliefs of the masses, mostly caused by some twisted religious understandings, to bring the Sikhs to a path of righteousness and their strongest asset is their holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib.

Pott Panda: Why do they call their holy scripture Guru? Isn’t the holy scripture just that, a book with holy scripture just like any other books?

Pio Panda: Well, they have this holy scripture since their first Guru, Guru Nanak. The Guru then passed on the scripture to the next guru and it went on until the last physical guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The gurus never portrayed themselves as extraordinary humans with extraordinary powers. They were steadfast in confronting anything at all with the clear allegiance to the scripture and One creator. Their strength was the scripture as they abide by the ordain and take it as God’s own words. Human form was important but more than that was the will of God, the hukam. They are easily the group with most sacrifices done by their gurus and their families as well as other Sikhs or disciples.

Pott Panda: Oh, so the scripture was passed on from a guru to the next?

Pio Panda: Yes Pott. It was passed down and added from one guru to another, with six of the 10 gurus having their own composition in the granth. The granth also contains hymns from Muslim and Hindu saints and scholars of that era. It is also interesting to note that the Gurus passed down the guruship in their lifetime, except for one guru who passed over unexpectedly at a young age. So, even at any time there were two gurus, one predecessor and one successor, the faith was clearly in the scripture, the Gurbani or Shabad-Guru. Guru Granth Sahib has been the guide of the Sikhs since the first guru, but put in order by their fifth Guru and called Adi Granth. It was then carried on as the primary guide until the last physical guru, Guru Gobind Singh conferred guruship on the holy scripture as the eventual and eternal guru for the Sikhs in 1708. The Adi Granth was then known as Guru Granth Sahib.

Pott Panda: Wow that is fascinating. So what happened then?

Pio Panda: The Sikhs took the Guru Granth Sahib as their sole revered scripture and got their guidance from it.

PARALLEL GRANTH

Pott Panda: So, why is there a problem today as I was told that there is parallel holy granth to the Guru?

Pio Panda: There is not a parallel guru as the Sikhs have been ordained to take the Guru Granth Sahib only as the sole guru. There are other scriptures but the Sikhs have not really installed a parallel guru as such.

Pott Panda: Then, what about the scripture they call Dasam Granth? I was told that it is at parallel with the Guru Granth Sahib and a large part of the Sikh community is upset with this.

Pio Panda: That is what a part of the community thinks and believes – that the Guru has been given a parallel granth next to it. This is compounded by the fact that some of the 5 highest thrones of the Sikhs are doing it.

Pott Panda: So, are the Sikhs really interested in having another holy scripture? Isn’t there a guideline or control over this matter?

Pio Panda: The Sikhs came up with the by-laws called Sikh Rehat Maryada (SRM). The SRM advises the Sikhs on ceremonies, conduct and the upkeeeping of the faith in a proper manner. This document too has been evolving and the Sikhs from both the so-called divide are using the SRM to their advantage and understanding, often interpreting it to support their stand.

Pott Panda: Well, I also heard that there are hidden hands trying to divide the Sikhs and disintegrate their unity.

Pio Panda: To be honest son, it’s always easy to blame others and find a scapegoat. But again, there are reportedly so-called enemies of the faith out there trying to break up the community. There might be some truth in it as some quarters are envious of this brave and strong race which makes its mark wherever they are around the world. They are in small number and minorities everywhere, except in Punjab, but their presence is always felt and other races acknowledge what a brilliant race these Sikhs are. Their unique appearance also truly makes them stand out no matter wherever they are. These are the people others can rely on as they will not hesitate to give up their lives for righteousness. So, some people are envious and would like to see this race in disunity. Well that is also true if you look at any other religion and the followers somehow believe that their religion is under siege, including our own Pandaism. Having said all these, it has to be the race itself who allows others to disunite them. This is more so when there is a rift right in the religion itself with various factions, all believing that their ideology is the truth.

BABADOM

Pott Panda: Isn’t religion meant to be a good thing and a uniting factor? Why would people want to create factions?

Pio Panda: That is the very paradoxical fact about religions. They unite but they also divide. It all boils down to the followers of the faith. As Baba Karl Marx once said, “Religion is the opium of the masses.” It can be a double edged sword; it can unite you and if not used carefully can be used as the very weapon that destroys you.

Pott Panda: Hahaha… Baba Karl Marx?

Pio Panda: Yes son, why not? Baba is a revered term used by the Sikhs as well as others and Karl Marx was revered and is still revered until today by all the ideology followers. The Sikhs, too, have their Babas and there are lots of them. Some learned Sikhs believe that Babadom is another problem plaguing the Sikhs.

Pott Panda: But the Babas are religious people who guide the followers to the right path, or do they not Dad?

Pio Panda: It is again complicated. Many Sikhs are aligned to Babas and many of the Babas have their own way of doing things. There are certain ideologies that differ from one another.

Pott Panda: So, the Sikhs must be having so many different practices and different from each other.

Pio Panda: Yes, that might seem the case but thankfully they have the SRM as a guideline and that assures standardisation in the practices of the Sikhs, no matter where they are around the world.

DASAM GRANTH CONTROVERSY

Pott Panda: Back to the problem now Dad, why is the Dasam Granth (DG) such a controversy?

Pio Panda: Its simple. A faction is saying that it’s the writing of the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh while another group claims that it is not authentic. In fact they also say that it was not known as Dasam Granth, but rather the Bachiter Natak which means a wonderful play. According to the SRM, there are three compilations of hymns, what the Sikhs called Bani, in the DG that are accepted in the daily prayer of the Sikhs and accepted as the composition of the tenth Guru. So, a group is saying the whole scripture is the work of Guru Gobind Singh while another group is saying it is not – and they claim to have the proof that the hymns are picked up from various ancient Hindu scriptures. So, the argument is also that the whole compilation of DG should not be totally discarded, akin to throwing the baby with the bath water.

Pott Panda: Dad, is it true what Singha told me…that the faction that propagates the authenticity of the DG is trying to install it at the same level as the Guru Granth Sahib and many Sikhs are upset while some are supporting their move?

Pio Panda: Well son, I think it is mostly hearsay and suspicion by each faction. Those for DG are saying that is not their intention but those not for DG as a wholly authentic scripture by the tenth Guru are saying this is the intention.

Pott Panda: So Dad, what is the problem, isn’t it normal to have difference of opinion?

Pio Panda: Yes, I suppose so. But the problem of the Sikhs is that they have resorted to violence at times and it’s getting more rampant now. Sikhs are fighting in the very hall, called Darbar Sahib, where they have their Guru Granth Sahib. They all say very strongly that they adhere to GGS and its teaching but in the same breath whack each other in front of the Guru. All in the name of upholding the truth! This is called Raula Panda in our language, Son.

Pott Panda: Wow, isn’t that a contradiction? You believe in the Guru but you fight each other in the very presence of the Guru. It’s like children saying they listen to their parents who taught them to be peaceful and loving but fight right in front of the parents.

Pio Panda: Yes, Pott, that is the mishap befalling the Sikhs right now. They pray and hold their Guru as the King of the Kings but do exactly what the Guru forbids – degrade, insult, physically attack each other; ironically all in the name of the Guru. They believe that they are doing so to safeguard the faith but do not realise or just too egoistic to accept that their very action is bringing the faith to shame. The sanctity of their worship halls are being compromised, often times with the law enforcement officers storming in to restore order. What a Sikh upholds as sacred- the covering of heads and removal of footwear, to name a few, is totally compromised with the law enforcement officers coming in without covering their heads or removing their footwear – something regarded as blasphemy by the Sikhs. But the sad part is, they are the very people who break all decorum and insult their own Guru. There seems to be no more consideration for Sikh brotherhood as they go in with such fury as to just destroy their own brothers. One wonders what has become of the Sikhs – the most respected people who are adorned for their respect and love for their Guru! These are the same people who are religious but at the same time forget all love and humanity just to show their ugly side.

Pott Panda: Yes, Dad. Singha told me there’s a lot of mud-slinging in the cyber space. There is name calling and insulting each other has become the norm it seems. That’s really a shame. So, what exactly are the factions trying to achieve Dad? What will they achieve in the end? Are they vying for paradise with all the beautiful accompaniments in the hereafter?

Pio Panda: That’s another interesting part – Sikhs do not believe in paradise or look for all that in the hereafter. They believe that they are to live a life in the path of righteousness and meditate upon the name of the Lord. Their basic principle is simple actually – meditate in the name of God, truthful living and sharing with the needy. Unfortunately some of them seem unfazed with all these as they spend most of their time in degrading and insulting each other – and at the slightest opportunity or reason, physically attack each other.

MAKING PEACE

Pott Panda: Why can’t they agree to disagree? Those who are proponents of the controversial GGS and DG should do whatever they like in their own space.

Pio Panda: Ah..ha…but you must understand son that GGS is never controversial. It is accepted by all without an iota of doubt or controversy. All Sikhs accept the GGS as their rightful Guru. It is so perfectly compiled by the Gurus that no one can create any doubt in it. It is just a masterpiece. The controversy is only in the DG. But agreeing to disagree is only possible if all quarters start by respecting each other and sit down with cool heads to find an amicable way around this controversy. But again, there is so much distrust among the factions that sitting together and respecting the decisions afterwards is rendering almost impossible. On doing whatever each group likes to do might be a rational way but that is good as far as the group level is concerned. The Sikhs must have a united stand on certain aspects and should adhere to standard practices for the sake of the whole faith. Having disintegrated groups of factions give rise to sects and this is where many controversial figures are striving, each with their own unique practices. So, there is personal or small group level practices and the standard Sikh practices adhered to and respected by all for the sake of unity.

Pott Panda: What a pity! Such a good faith befallen by such misfortune.

Pio Panda: Quite the contrary, son. The Sikhs have been given such tests from time to time. Maybe that’s the will of God. They have had so much of atrocities on them for centuries now but each time something like that happens, there is a somehow unity and the Sikhs faced their problems strongly, together. They become stronger from each incident. Alas! This time the problem is from within and they seem to be getting divided by their own doing, albeit with the suspicion of hidden powers behind the issues.

Pott Panda: What are they looking for eventually, Dad? Will there be a winner?

Pio Panda: How can you win by destroying a part of you? What some perceive about winners or losers could be a fallacy. There will most likely be no winners as one faction will always try to beat the other in one instance and the other becomes more furious and comes back even stronger to create even a bigger rift. It’s like my hands don’t like my legs and the limbs are trying to destroy each other, so as to uphold my sanctity and for my sake! If the hands win, I will be left without legs and vice versa. How will any of these so-called victories bring me good?

This animosity now will go on and on and the end result can be catastrophic to say the least. The sooner the top influential figures understand and acknowledge this, the better it will be. Calm heads without prejudice against each other is the only way out as the warring factions are gaining traction on each side by having more and more supporters or sympathisers to fight their true cause. Ironically they are blind to the fact that the true cause is the united Sikh faith. I cannot really say what they are looking to achieve eventually at the moment, Pott. Perhaps they do not know too. At the moment there are too many hot heads and unless they realise what atrocity they are doing to their very own faith, matters will not be resolved.

Pott Panda: So, Dad…I also heard that the youngsters like Singha is being disillusioned by this controversy and many are shunning away from the faith. That will be really terrible, wouldn’t it?

Pio Panda: That might be true to a certain extent but it is not totally true to say that the youth are only shunning away from the faith because of this controversy. For years now, the very practices of the Sikhs have shunned the youths away. They don’t understand what is being preached and there seems to be not much discussion offered for the youths in the places of worship.

The youths are different today than when they were decades ago. We the older generation used to strictly follow the instruction by parents and did not question most of the orders. Youths nowadays are different – they want to understand what they are doing and want to understand their faith. The act of following the faith without asking why certain practices are done is not the norm for many youths today. They disregard age old practices as rituals that they do not understand and demand that they get explanation on every matter. They want to be engaged more and allowed to ask the questions they would like to. Some of them say that following without any understanding is blind faith and they seem defiant to normal routines. You are a good example of that, are you not Pott?

Pott Panda: Hahaha…I definitely am, Dad. But I am also told that many Sikhs are not involved in this controversy. They are either not bothered or trying to maintain the unity of the faith. I was also told by Singha that the factions are trying to make others aware or influence others to join their cause. Is that true Dad?

Pio Panda: The influencing part is another matter but I am sure Sikhs are discerning enough to choose what is right. But again, there might be truth in that as it’s just normal for groups to gain more support for their cause. Yes, many Sikhs are not bothered and are staying away from this controversy. It’s just like Ki Farak Panda in our community. But many others are in fact disturbed by the controversy and the on-going squabbles. Many would like to see peace restored and Sikhs back to respecting fellow brethren.

Pott Panda: So, do you see any hope in the Sikhs regaining their pride as a united faith?

Pio Panda: Yes, of course. As I have said just now, they are a strong people with unwavering faith in righteousness and upholding justice and truth. They will have to eventually find a way out of this divisive controversy. The opposing factions are made up of giants of the community and there is just too much to lose in losing any side. It will leave a void and the whole community will have to pay the price. They will have to come together in face of the younger generation and in making sure their faith will not wither away in oblivion. All they will need is to agree on standard community practices to keep the community united. Of course they might be some differences but these have to be practiced individually or in small groups rather than in society as a whole. Utmost respect should be given to one and only Guru Granth Sahib while some can read extra scriptures as they like in their own space.

Pott Panda: I’m curious. Are these Sikhs who are arguing well versed with Guru Granth Sahib and DG?

Pio Panda: Well…that is also interesting. I am pretty sure some of them would not have really comprehended the GGS and DG is another matter altogether. Just like in other religious feuds, some have little knowledge but tend to make the most noise. Some have no knowledge but are ready to fight at any time. So even if it’s true that no knowledge is sometimes better than little knowledge, in this case both are equally dangerous. The Sikhs must first embark on understanding their gurbani and the starting point has to be the GGS, their Guru. It is then appropriate to read complimentary scriptures to add to their understanding.

But respecting fellow humans and God’s creations is just common sense, which unfortunately many are not able to grasp. Hopefully cool heads will prevail. That will to unite must come from every Sikh and it can surely help if those making so much noise in cyberspace can just ceasefire and let things cool down while looking for the much awaited peace through intellectual engagement where everyone learns from each other and respect each other enough to hear them out. Shutting people up will only create more problems. Let everyone present their views supported by proof and backed up by what the Guru is saying. Have enough respect to allow the people to choose after they are given all information pertaining to the matter.

Pott Panda: I hope too, Dad, as I will like to see Singha happy again and his faith back to being the uniting factor and not the divisive one. There is so much to lose for this community of brilliant people if the issues are not resolved and allowed to escalate. I am sure they realise that the community needs development in other aspects as well and this is taking its toll on them. We wish them the best, Dad and hope they will also attain what we most value in our Panda land, Pyaar Panda.

The conversation soon ended as both the Pandas got off the patio and moved into the house looking hopeful about an amicable agreement for unity for this wonderful faith, Sikhi.

[Gurcharan Singh Bishen Singh, EdD, is the Programme Director MEd / Senior Lecturer at Open University Malaysia. He is an educationist who feels strongly the need to unify Sikh organisations in Malaysia.

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]

FROM THE SAME AUTHOR:

SGGS-DG Discourse: Another stumbling block towards Ekta of the Sikh panth? (Asia Samachar, 4 Aug 2016)

EKTA: A distant dream amongst Sikh organisations in Malaysia? (Asia Samachar, 5 July 2015)

| Bangkok, Thailand | 3 June 2017 | Asia Samachar |

A Thai slipper manufacturer has agreed to stop making slippers badged with the khanda, a popular Sikh symbol, after being approached by some Sikh groups.

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]

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| Opinion | Ipoh, Malaysia | 3 June 2017 | Asia Samachar |

By Darshan Singh

Malaysia is a rich multicultural country inhabited by people from various racial and religious backgrounds. We Sikhs are typically a sub-ethnic minority segment of the larger Indian group, predominantly represented by the Tamils. It would not be exaggerating to say that Sikhs are close to becoming an independent ethnic minority group.

For many years the Sikhs stayed and operated from behind the scenes, legitimising our socio-political existence in Malaysia, almost neglected by the very party which was entrusted to represent our interest.

When the political landscape post 2008 general elections altered, our honourable Prime Minister launched the 1Malaysia slogan to unite us, bridging the gap of race and religion. While the strategy was commendable, its implementation was somewhat flawed, but nevertheless, credit goes to the Prime Minister for his noble intention. The direct outreach initiatives for the first time involved participation of the Sikh community, following which Sikhs too began to receive direct recognition, accorded with government financial aid in support of socio-religious empowerment initiatives. The Sikh community to-date has received funding in the tune of millions from the federal and state governments, undeniably, imperative for maintenance purposes of our Gurdwaras. A big thank you to the PM. Such a support system was clearly non-existent in the past.

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It is incumbent that we continue to demonstrate a united front which is to be reckoned with, whether socially or politically, to continuously enjoying such assistance and support. We must organise more large-scaled community events, ensuring the participation of those who walk in the corridors of power. While “Dharmik Semagams” elevates us spirituality, cultural events like Vaisakhi open houses will help us stay afloat politically.

It is very sad that Malaysian Sikhs, once exalted for their unity, are now featured in the international hall of shame for demonstrating disunity which threatens to divide us. For the first time we have allowed the police to step into our Gurdwaras to stop our dispute. We slug mud at each other using social media, exposing our domestic affairs to the masses. The predominant cause of conflict being differences in religious opinion. Fuelling the dispute are a handful of Gurdwara Parbandaks (management committee members) who play politics using the sacred Gurdwara platform.

The Dasam Granth (DG), as opposed to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, is deemed to be a controversial compilation. If there are proponents of this controversial text, there are also equal number, if not more, of its opponents. Of late, dispute in any Gurdwara is highly likely to be caused by this ongoing saga, causing severe friction and damage within our beloved community.

Knowing this fact, why pursue a matter which is capable of destroying our unity, one which has even propagated violence in the Holy Darbar Sahib? Why cannot Gurdwaras be left to give sole authority to our eternal Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji? Why cannot we simply abide by established principles of the Sikh Rahat Maryada (SRM), aimed at standardising our religious practices? Does propagating the DG make one a better Sikh than another?

It was unfortunate that the Malaysian Gurdwaras Council (MGC) had to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to call for unity. While the results were obvious, to me, my beloved community lost on that day as we successfully alienated our brothers and sisters from the other side of the divide. But, was it necessary? Yes, for the sake of our unity and future stability of the Panth!

I aim to uphold harmony and this objective bears utmost precedence, even if my words and viewpoints are distorted by a handful. My humble request to all is for us to collectively work towards progressing Sikhi. Clearly, if dispute of belief is dangerous, it is even worse when it involves religion. Let us not allow our affiliation to tear us apart. Today we stand at a front where Sikhi is being diluted, and such issues among others, will only turn away young Sikhs as greater confusion unfolds. It’s now, more than ever before that we demonstrate unity!

Gurfateh!

Darshan Singh is the Malaysian Gurdswaras Council (MGC) Exco Member, Perak. He is also avid writer on consumerism

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

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE! Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]

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