Asia Samachar

02/09/2024

Pregnant mum Veeran Kaur bags poomsae gold in Taekwondo competition

By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |

Being eight-months pregnant did not stop Veeran Kaur from displaying her talent in Poomsae, a form of Taekwondo which simulates combat – scoring on skill and technique rather than hitting an opponent.

The 35-year-old mother of two went on to win a gold for open Poomsae under 40 female in an event organised by the World Taekwondo Chanmookwan Changmookwan, one of the oldest Taekwondo organisations in South Korea.

The global organisation serves Taekwondo grandmasters, masters, instructors and students from the Changmookwan lineage.

“She’s an inspiration to our two boys and myself. She never gives up,” her husband Harachvinder Singh, a marine engineer, told Asia Samachar.

Veeran, who owns and runs Tadika Seri Rimba, a kindergarten in Sungai Siput, Perak, has always been passionate about Taekwando but did not get the chance to pursue it in her teenage years. Seeing her her eldest learning learning the martial art under Aelma Club rekindled her passion.

It got her going. Within a year, she was already a green belter.

The competition on Aug 1, 2024, was held online with participants joining from various nations.

In July, Veeran won a bronze in another international level Poomsae tournament held in Klang, Selangor.

(Asia Samachar - September 2, 2024)

02/09/2024

Event | Malaysia: Gurdwara Sahib Sitiawan is gearing up for its centennial celebration with a string of celebrations next week.

The town in the Malaysian state of Perak will hold an Akhand Path from Sept 13 to 15, 2024

They will also hold a Kirtan & Katha Darbar, Nagar Kirtan and a high tea.

In late 19th century, tin ores and rubber sheets were main commodities for commerce.

02/09/2024

KASHVINDER SINGH (KESHU) S/O GAGJIT SINGH

25.12.1965 – 27.8.2024

Keshu’s warmth and kindness touched many lives; his memory will forever live in our hearts. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Village: Dariapur; District: Mansa

Parents: Late Gagjit Singh Randhawa and
Late Mahinder Kaur
Wife: Kulwinder Kaur
Children: Gagandeep Singh, Aartipreet Kaur
Brother: Palvinder Singh
Sister: Kiranpreet Kaur / Jasdeep Singh
Nephew: Gauravdeep Singh

PATH DA BHOG
Guru Nanak Darbar Tatt Khalsa Diwan, Kuala Lumpur
7 September 2024, Saturday, from 6 to 8pm

Gagan (010 – 216 1098) | Kiran (012 – 403 0811)

In gentle light,
he finds his place,
Where dreams of peace
and love embrace.
With parents dear,
he’s now at rest,
Their hearts united,
forever blessed.

01/09/2024

01/09/2024

How nature became coopted and corrupted by organised religion

By Gurnam Singh

SOME SALIENT POINTS

1. Among other things, world religions are distinguished by their respective festivals....These transformations reveal how religions have appropriated and repurposed what were once universal, nature-based festivals.

2. In contrast to religious nationalism, nature knows no boundaries. This universal quality of nature may have inspired Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, to declare, "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim," emphasizing the oneness of all existence through the concept of Ik Oankar (Oneness).

3. However, throughout history, many festivals rooted in the natural cycles and seasons of our planet have been appropriated and transformed by religious institutions, losing their original significance in the process.

4. The religious appropriation of these festivals has resulted in their marginalization by those of different faiths, reinforcing sectarian divides. Only a few festivals, like Lohri and Basant, have managed to retain some of their non-religious, seasonal significance.

5. Similarly, Raksha Bandhan perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes by reinforcing the notion that women and girls need protection, thereby symbolizing their inherent vulnerability.

6. There is a pressing need to reclaim these festivals from religious control and celebrate them in their original context as seasonal and cultural events. For instance, Lohri should be seen as a celebration of the end of winter and the resilience of the Punjabi spirit,...

7. By stripping away the religious overlays from these festivals, we can restore their universal appeal and ensure they reflect shared human experiences rather than narrow sectarian interests.

Read the full article at Asia Samachar website.

Festivals: Vaisakhi, Raksha Bandhan, Lohri and Diwali By Gurnam Singh | Opinion | While dates may vary, it is an undeniable fact that all major world religions have their origins within the last 3,…

01/09/2024

In Memoriam | Malaysian Sikh activist Dr Jasbir Singh - Path Da Bhog at Shah Alam gurdwara today (Sept 1, 2024)

01/09/2024

Ipoh photographer Sandeep Singh chosen for Merdeka commercial shoot

By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |

Sandeep Singh made a splash for himself when he was chosen for the BMW Motorrad commercial shoot.

Hailing from Ipoh in the Malaysian state of Perak, Sandeep who rides a BMW S1000RR, is a wedding and corporate photographer as well as a track racer.

“My mission is to ensure our Sikh brothers and sisters observe safety when on the roads, wearing proper safety gears. If they want to experience the exhilaration of speed, then I would urge them to go to the tracks,” he told Asia Samachar.

(Asia Samachar - September 1, 2024)

https://asiasamachar.com/2024/09/01/ipoh-photographer-sandeep-singh-chosen-for-merdeka-commercial-shoot/

01/09/2024

Merdeka, Merdeka at Gurdwara Sahib Greentown (Ashby Road), Ipoh in Malaysia.

(Video submitted by Amandeep Singh)

01/09/2024

Miracles still exist to date. The lame walks!

31/08/2024

Merdeka song, kirtan-style.

PS: This came to Asia Samachar, but original source unknown. Can anyone confirm the gurdwara and when this was captured?

31/08/2024

Merdeka: Contributions by Malayan police officers Pritam Singh Grewal and Ching Chee Ming

By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |

Police officers Pritam Singh Grewal and Ching Chee Ming played significant roles in the struggle, especially during the Malayan Emergency. Thier stories are captured in a short documentary, Remembering our fathers and their love for the country, released by The Star as Malaysia celebrates the 67th year of Merdeka or independence.

Chief Sub-Inspector Pritam first served in Ipoh and then in Sitiawan form 1946 to 1967. He was awarded the AMN medal by Malaysia’s first Yang di-Pertuan Agong or King in 1957.

(Asia Samachar - August 31, 2024)

Chief Sub-Inspector Pritam Singh Grewal – Photograb from The Star documentary Remembering our fathers and their love for the country By Asia Samachar | Malaysia | Police officers Pritam Singh…

31/08/2024

SURJIT SINGH A/L BEANT SINGH

30.12.1935 - 31.08.2024

Executive Accounting officer (EAO), in General Hospital Ipoh, State of Perak

Late wife: Rajinder Kaur a/p Balwant Singh

Children / Spouses:
Renajit Kaur a/p Surjit Singh (daughter)
Belinda Kaur a/p Surjit Singh (daughter)
Ashley Anju a/p Surjit Singh (daughter)
Rene Claude Vytialingam (son in law)
Rajender Singh a/l Balbir Singh (son in law)

Grandchildren:
Lara Nikhita Vytialingam (granddaughter)
Dylan James Vytialingam (grandson)

SASKAAR / CREMATION:
11.30am, 1st Sept 2024 (Sunday)
Kek Look Seah Crematorium, Ipoh

Cortège leaves from No. 2, Jalan Perkins, Canning Garden, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, at 10.30am

PATH DA BHOG:
7, September 2024 (Saturday), from 10am to 12pm
Gurdwara Sahib Ashby Road, Ipoh

Contact:
010 220 2265 (Belinda Kaur)
012 506 0949 (Ashley Anju)

To my father in heaven. We miss you. You were a wonderful husband, a great brother & friend and a loving father. The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you papa. If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to God. We long to see mummy and you someday. Until that day, we love you and miss you dearly.

31/08/2024

DR. HARDEV SINGH GILL S/O LATE GURCHARAN SINGH GILL

28.9.1966 - 9.8.2024

Passed away peacefully on 9th August 2024 in Cincinnati, USA,

Leaving behind:

Beloved Wife: Dalvinder Kaur

Beloved Mother: Sarjit Kaur

Beloved Siblings and Their Spouses:
Jagjit Singh / Garmail Kaur
Sukhdarshan Singh / Amarjeet Kaur
Paramjit Kaur / Parmindar Singh

Also mourned by his nephews, nieces, cousins, grandnephew and a large circle of relatives and friends.

In the loving memory of Hardev Singh Gill. The family will hold Sukhmani Sahib Paath & Prayers on Sunday, 8th September 2024, from 9.30 am-11.30 am, at Gurdwara Sahib Tatt Khalsa (24, Jalan Raja Alang, Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) followed by Guru Ka Langgar.

"Our cherished Hardev Singh Gill, a devoted son, a loving husband, a dedicated brother, a caring uncle, a supportive brother-in-law, a loyal cousin, and a steadfast friend, will forever be remembered as a beacon of light and strength, guiding us through every trial and tribulation. His spirit will continue to shine in our hearts, a reminder of the love, resilience, and unwavering support he brought into our lives.”

For any enquiries kindly contact:
Jagjit Singh: 012 383 5868
Sukhdarshan Singh: 012 292 1341
Paranjit Kaur: 012 983 0393

31/08/2024

Aunty Pam: A mighty stalwart of the community

By Harmit Singh | In Memoriam |

I can’t remember when I first met Aunty Pam. Her loud voice filled the rooms of the old Sabha House along Jalan Maarof, Bangsar in Kuala Lumpur [the headquarters of the Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia, SNSM]. Her presence never in question.

The Akaal Purak Ki Fauj in Bangsar remained a women-led operation. I could have promised the group of women running the show looked identical, and I often mistook some of them for my mother. That’s how the community felt at least, all one tribe looking out for one another.

But like pylons that hold a building together, you may have missed the contribution of this group of beautiful women. They made sure their families turned up, all dressed up and ready to participate. And unlike the previous generation of women leaders, they also led the Sikhi inspired youth development programs.

They sowed the seeds of education and empowered us to believe in ourselves as agents of progress. They showed us what it meant to be Sikh and made us understand that it’s our responsibility to work hard, include others, and contribute to the community.

With service as our primary objective, we also managed to dodge potholes of ideological dogma and moved past community programs as merely means of bolstering the egos of a few.

Being one of the youngest participants in the Bangsar Fauj circa 2000, I naturally received ample hugs and attention, but never more so than from Aunty Pam. You could easily mistake her loud voice as aggressive, but talk to her and you’d soon find the most gentle and caring of personalities.

Alongside her husband Uncle Harbinder Singh (SNSM jathedar between 1997 to 2000) and son Meharvan Singh, her small family infected us with the joys of community. Uncle Harbinder epitomised the concept of a gentleman while Aunty Pam expressed her affection both through being sweet and stern. Being a teacher herself, she naturally led the Fauj’s classroom sessions.

Like I said, these women didn’t stick to traditional gender roles. Aunty Pam in particular felt rock-and-roll, best described by her go-to-threat “if you don’t behave, I’ll hang you upside down.”

I remember the Fauj’s frequent outings as well, including to hiking trails or camp sites (these were a precursor to the Adventure Camps). Being a child in these spaces, observing my community create and share joy filled me with wonder. Here, breaking free from everyday norms, it was the adults that led the pangay (mischeif).

I remember my father wrestling Uncle Pheji while Aunty Pam pushing my mother into the river. These experiences revealed to me the exact nature of being a valuable community member. Why would you want to sit in a room holding a mala when you could be outside sharing your life with one another?

Unfortunately, as often happens, internal politics led to the disbanding of the Bangsar Fauj. These women, however, continued the struggle and many of them went on to form the backbone of the Sikh Women’s Awareness Network (SWAN).

Although Aunty Pam will always remain my Might Khalsa penji [one of the three birgades that made up the Fauj along side Miri Piri and Sant Sipahi], I also enjoyed the privilege of developing a relationship with her as an adult. Alongside my mother, she thought at SpringGate Academy, a private education institute and remained an educator into her 70s.

As expected, her voice continued to fill classrooms as she shaped yet another generation under her gentle guidance.

Aunty Pam passed away on the 30th August 2024, leaving behind her husband and lovely son. She is dearly missed by her colleagues, friends, and community.

(Asia Samachar - August 31, 2024)

Paramjit Kaur Pam By Harmit Singh | In Memoriam | I can’t remember when I first met Aunty Pam. Her loud voice filled the rooms of the old Sabha House along Jalan Maarof, Bangsar in Kuala Lump…

31/08/2024

Event | Malaysia: Q&A with Giani Jaspal Singh Pandhi at Gurdwara Sahib Subang on 31 Aug 2024

30/08/2024

BIBI HARVINDER KAUR D/O BHAI SARMOK SINGH

Passed away peacefully on 30th Aug 2024

SASKAAR (CREMATION)
Date: 31st Aug 2024 (Saturday)
Time: 11.00am
Venue: Hindu Crematorium, Jalan Templer, Seremban

Cortege leaves residence at 10.15 am
(Address: No 237, Lorong Saujana Prima, 5/2 Saujana Prima, Seremban 2 Heights, 70300 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan)

PATH DA BHOG & ANTIM ARDAS
14th September 2024 (Sat), 10.00am - 12.00pm
Gurdwara Sahib Seremban

Contact: Vaginder Kaur 013 299 5114

30/08/2024

SUKHDEEP KAUR A/P KARTAR SINGH

Aged 79. Born: 30 June 1945

Loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who will be dearly missed by all

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our mother, Sukhdeep Kaur on the evening of 29.8.2024.

Spouse: Pirthipal Singh (Late)

Children / Spouses:
Harvinderjit Kaur Saran (Late) / Manjit Singh
Dr Harmeet Kaur Bhullar / Pritpall Singh Bhullar
Dr Mohinder Pal Singh Saran / Harvinder Kaur Gill

Grandchildren:
Avneet Kaur Bhullar
Gurtaj Singh Saran
Pranveer Singh Bhullar
Simrath Kaur Saran

FUNERAL: Saturday, 31st August 2024
2pm-4pm: Antim Sanskar (cremation) at Shamshan Bhoomi Hall (Jalan Loke Yew Crematorium), Lot 294, 295, Jalan Loke Yew, Pudu, 55200 Kuala Lumpur
After the funeral, congregation will go to Gurdwara Sahib Ampang, Jalan Ulu Kelang for start of the Sehaj Path.

SEHAJ PATH DA BHOG: Saturday, 7th September 2024
9.30 a.m. to 12 noon
Gurdwara Sahib Ampang

Contact: Mohinder Pal Singh / Ajit Singh (+6011-2327 7140)

30/08/2024

Event | Malaysia: Kirtan programmes at Kangar and Gurdwara Sahib Police Penang on Sept 1, 2024 (Sunday)

30/08/2024

Event | Malaysia: Subang gurdwara launches ‘Sis And Bro Circle’

Saturday | 31 August 2024 | Starting at 2pm

————-

Gurdwara Sahib Subang

We’re excited to invite you to the launch of the SIS and BRO Circle this Saturday, 31 August 2024. Starting at 2pm, we have a range of engaging talks/demo planned to celebrate this new initiative.

The SIS and BRO Circle is designed for young adults who are eager to be empowered and inspired. Our mission is to foster personal growth, build lasting friendships, and create positive change within our community. Through monthly events and activities, we aim to bring together like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an inclusive community that supports and uplifts one another. We look forward to seeing you there!

To register please scan the QR code or click in tbe message

30/08/2024

First Mithi Yaad

MATA GURCHARAN KAUR A/P KARTLAR SINGH

(4.3.1934 – 15.10.2023)

Bibi, Life is not the same as it was while you were here with us. There are no words to express the anguish of losing you. There is an emptiness left by your absence that cannot be filled. However, your kindness, generosity, and insight endure as a legacy that we will never be able to forget. You are gone but your memories reside in our heart. Bibi, you will always be cherished and loved.

First Barsi In loving memory of our Late Mother Mata Gurcharan Kaur A/P Kartlar Singh, (4.3.1934 – 15.10.2023). Village: Sarhali Kalan, Punjab District: Amritsar, W/O Late Sardar Inder Singh of Kampung Pandan / Taman Maluri.

We humbly invite you and your family to join us for Akhand Path from 6th September 2024 (Friday) to 8th September 2024 (Sunday) at Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Kampung Pandan, Jalan Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur.

Programme Details:
Akhand Path commences at 8.30am on 6th September 2024 Friday
Guru Ka Langgar will be served throughout the programme
Path da Bhog will be at 8.30am, 8th September 2024 Sunday
Diwan and Kirtan Programme commences at 9am follow by Ardaas and Guru Ka Langgar

DEEPLY MISSED BY

Children / Spouses:
Kelawant Kaur / Late Kaka Singh
Paramjit Kaur
Amargi Kaur / Tirlok Singh (USA)
Dalvinder Kaur
Ranjit Kaur

Grandchildren / Spouse:
Gurpreet Kaur / Govingeet Singh

Great Grandchildren:
Jaiveer Singh Kler
Ranvir Singh Kler

For any further inquiries please contact:
Paramjit Kaur 012-6396747
Dalvinder Kaur 016-2839487
Gurpreet Kaur 016-2321871

29/08/2024

Future of Sikhs as British Citizens

By Gurmukh Singh | Opinion |

One suggestion from a prominent Sikh Indian, shared by many, is that British Sikhs should keep a low profile. That demonstrations, public lobbying and religious celebrations do more harm than good. Rather that Sikhs should show how they have integrated successfully and contributed to the plural British society and way of life (also the main thrust of the British Sikh Manifestos). On the face of it, this sounds like sensible advice. However, part of it goes against the British Sikh experience since early 1960s when those in my generation came to this country.

It is not possible for some visible ethnic communities, including the Sikhs, to keep a low profile. In fact, I recall a study by the UK Policy Studies Institute many years ago which concluded that, unlike the Jewish people, communities unable to hide identities have been more successful in securing their democratic rights by standing out. They can integrate successfully by showing that they share universal human values with British pluralism.

In fact, lawful activism like lobbying, taking up cases through law courts, demonstrations as part of the democratic process and sharing celebration of key events in their community history bring about better understanding of their way of life. The onus is on each community to show how they contribute to the British way of life. In this respect, the Sikhs have an impressive long-standing record of Anglo-Sikh relations.

Immigration seems to be out of control and is threatening multicultural harmony in the UK. Not only a significant percentage of the white majority but also well-established minority communities in the UK are concerned. British values which attracted us to this country, are under threat.

FULL ARTICLE AT ASIA SAMACHAR WEBSITE

British ar right hate protestors – Photo: BameedNetwork By Gurmukh Singh | Opinion | One suggestion from a prominent Sikh Indian, shared by many, is that British Sikhs should keep a low …

29/08/2024

27/08/2024

Talk to your girls

By Jagdesh Singh | Opinion |

When a close friend departs from his life on this earth, especially in a very unexpected and shocking manner, you tend to recall the times together. It’s a very natural reaction. When I got the news that Dr. Jasbir Singh had passed away early Friday morning, I didn’t have this reaction because I was still suspended in disbelief. Only after visiting his beloved wife later in the day that it dawned very heavily into my mind.

Being a mainstay in everything Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM) does, it’s not easy to avoid this man and his service. You must’ve been shipwrecked somewhere for years to not know Father. Everybody knew him. Not just because he was such a likeable person, but because he genuinely was a true servant, ever sincere in his motivations for the Panth and for Sabha.

We’ve had so many lunches together, by virtue of being in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, where ribbing each other was par for the course. I mean we could get really out of hand giving each other a hard time, making fun of each other like teenagers. All while having our favourite Roti and then cha. If not that, we would gossip like old housewives about the odd scandal going on, just for the fun of it.

It was also during these conversations that I would get golden nuggets of advice about the upbringing of my children, and how I should be caring for them. He gave me these nuggets out of his own experience of bringing up such outstanding children of his own. So, it wasn’t fluff or just academic. It was practical because he himself practised what he preached.

One of these nuggets that I can share with you is this – “Have conversations with your children constantly. When you do it often, even your lectures will be like conversations that your children will accept.” I can vouch that this is true and is very applicable for me personally. Even though I think I raise my voice much far more often than Father ever did with his kids. He was gentler and kinder, but the premise remains the same and his advice was most useful for me throughout the years.

When they were babies, especially my youngest, he would swoop in from some corner of my eyes, pick her up and walk away comfortably, with both laughing happily. Young children gravitated toward him, and he loved them all just like his own. Even at that age, he would have conversations with them. They’d chat about something nonsensical, but there was conversation.

But it wasn’t just his affinity with children whom he knew personally, Father was genuinely always thinking about our community’s youth. He was constantly pushing through his ideas about giving the best for the youth to grow and to be the best of their potential. Just like how he and his wife had brought up such beautiful caring Sikhs and outstanding citizens, Father had an innate sense and belief that every child and teenager in our community can be and should be beautiful caring Sikhs and leaders of the community in their own right.

Even while chewing a morsel of the roti during lunch, we would discuss ways to engage with the youth, through camps and through programs that he was constantly planning for. Enkaurage and RiSingh are two brainchildren of Father’s, amongst many other ideas and programs he personally drove himself.

These are the conversations that have been streaming in my mind over the past couple of days after receiving the devastating news. My memories of him will be of these lunches, and of the jokes we would make of each other whenever we met. Even during Samelans, we would meet during our meals and the making fun of each other never subsided while passionately talking about the participants and the youth. The roti won’t taste as good as it used to, Father. When we do meet again, I’ll still give you a hard time lah, old man.

(Asia Samachar - August 27, 2024)

27/08/2024

KASHVINDER SINGH (KESHU) S/O GAGJIT SINGH

25.12.1965 - 27.8.2024

Village: Dariapur; District: Mansa

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Keshu, fondly known to all. Keshu was a kind and humble soul whose warmth and generosity touched everyone he met. His unwavering compassion and gentle spirit will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of kindness and humility will forever remain in our hearts.

Parents: Late Gagjit Singh Randhawa and Late Mahinder Kaur

Wife: Kulwinder Kaur

Children: Gagandeep Singh, Aartipreet Kaur

Brother: Palvinder Singh

Sister: Kiranpreet Kaur / Jasdeep Singh

Nephew: Gauravdeep Singh

FUNERAL: 28th August 2024 (Wednesday)

Shamshan Bhoomi Hall (Jalan Loke Yew Crematorium)
(Lot 294, 295, Jln Loke Yew, Pudu, 55200 Kuala Lumpur)

Last Respects: 10.30am till 12.30pm

Saskaar (cremation): 1pm

For further inquiries, please contact:
Gagan (010 - 216 1098)
Kiran (012 - 403 0811)

27/08/2024

Event | Malaysia:

‘Who is Guru? Body or Word?’

Facebook Live Talk by Giani Jaspal Singh Pandhi, former head granthi at Gurwara Sahib Subang. Date: 27 Aug 2024, Tuesday, starting at 8pm (Malaysia/Singapore time)

https://youtu.be/rvk5YSHQr0s?feature=shared

27/08/2024

AVTAR SINGH BHULLER

S/O LATE SARDAR JAG SINGH BHULLER & LATE MAATA BHAGWAN KAUR BHULLER

(Ex Dusun Nyior, Rahang Kecil, Seremban)

1959 - 2024

Passed away peacefully on 24 Aug 2024

Wife: Sukhdeep Kaur (Ex-Johor)

Children: Ajitpal Singh, Pearldeep Kaur

SASKAAR (CREMATION)

Funeral at Heritage Complex Ottawa,Canada 29 August 2024 (Thursday), 11am - 1pm.

SAHEJ PATH BHOG

Malaysia
Gurdwara Sahib Seremban on the 7th September 2024 from 9.30 am to 11.30 am.

Canada
Gurdwara Sahib Ottawa, Canada on 29th August 2024 from 1pm to 4pm.

Dearly missed by Brothers and Sisters-in-law, Sisters and Brother-in-law, Nephews & spouses , Nieces & spouses & Friends.

Contact: Balveer @ Bebbi: +6016 645 4318 (Malaysia)

27/08/2024

Event | Malaysia: Thursday Istri Satsang at Tatt Khalsa Darbar, Kuala Lumpur