An Evening with Suresh Singh (The Cockney Sikh) Connecting Online Via Zoom: Discussion on his Book " A MODEST LIVING, MEMOIRS OF A COCKNEY SIKH"

Suresh Singh's Book  :Modest Living, Memoirs of a Cockney Sikh 

Stefan Dickers and Suresh Singh will be in conversation on Zoom tomorrow, Friday 19th June at 6pm, showing Suresh’s family photographs and discussing his book A MODEST LIVING, MEMOIRS OF A COCKNEY SIKH. All are welcome at this free event which is part of Newham Heritage Month. 

Suresh Singh &  Jagir Kaur at 38 Princelet St,London ,UK

Suresh Singh, author of A Modest Living, Memoirs of a Cockney Sikh recalls his Bengali friends described him as “one of us”.  We join Suresh and Bishopsgate Institute’s archivist Stefan Dickers to reflect on the role of food and music in his journeys around London from childhood to where he now lives in East Ham. 

A Modest Living, Memoirs of a Cockney Sikh is published by Spitalfields Life . Born and bred in London,  Suresh became the first Punjabi punk, playing drums for Spizzenergi and touring with Siouxsie & the Banshees.

In the book, chapters of biography are alternated with Sikh recipes by Jagir Kaur. 

“A timely reminder of all that modern Britishness encompasses”

The Observer

More about your host:

                      Stefan Dickers

Stefan Dickers is the Special Collections and Archives Manager at Bishopsgate Institute and looks after its extensive material on London, Protest and LGBTQ+ History. He qualified as an archivist in 2001 and began at Bishopsgate Institute in 2005. Previous to this, Stefan worked in the archives of the London School of Economics and Senate House Library.

Link:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/suresh-the-cockney-sikh-from-east-ham-tickets-108782988848

Suresh Singh, The Cockney Sikh wearing Jazzy Tank Top for nearly half a century.

Suresh Singh ( London,UK) has been wearing this tank top since 1973

Perhaps everyone has a favourite piece of clothing they have worn for years? I always admired Suresh Singh’s jazzy tank top and I was astonished when he told me he has been wearing it for nearly half a century.

Suresh’s father Joginder Singh came to London from the Punjab in 1949 and the Singh family lived at 38 Princelet St longer than any other family in Spitalfields.

Suresh Singh aged four

In our age of disposable fashion, the story of Suresh’s treasured tank top is an inspiring example of how a well made garment can be cherished for a lifetime.

“My mum made this tank top for me in 1973 when I was eleven. She had friends who all knitted and they had bits of wool left over – what you would call ‘cabbage’ –  so mum collected all these balls of different coloured wool. Otherwise, they would have been chucked away. She kept them in her carrier bag with her needles that she bought at Woolworths in Aldgate East. They were number ten needles.

Suresh and his mum at 38 Princelet St,London,UK

Mum said to me, ‘Suresh, I’m going to knit you a tank top.’ I never asked her because dad had taught me that I should always be patient, but I think mum saw the twinkle in my eyes and she knew I wanted one. I had asthma, so it was to keep my chest warm. She knitted it over the winter, from November to January. Mum never had the spare time to spend all day long knitting, she had to do it in bits as she went along and keep putting it away.

Mum did not follow a pattern, she just looked at me and sometimes took measurements. It started getting really huge, so I said, ‘Mum, it’s going to be too big.’ She had a sense of scale, she did not draw round me and cut a pattern. Mum never did that. She replied, ‘You’ll grow into it.’ The idea was you would slowly grow into new clothes.

When my tank top was finished, it hung down to my knees and the armholes were at my waist, but Mum was adamant I would grow into it. I loved it because it was all the rainbow colours. There was red, then yellow, then black, then pink and that really beautiful green. It was so outrageous. No other Punjabi kid had one like it. They all wore Marks & Spencer or John Collier grey nylon jumpers, but I had this piece of art. To me, it was a masterpiece. It was so beautifully made, it was mum’s pride and joy. When I wore it, people would exclaim, ‘That tank top, mate, it’s classic!’ I would say, ‘Yeah, my mum made it.’ Sometimes, because it was too big, I could pull it up and tie it in a knot at the front.

Mum made it with such love that I have always kept it. Eventually, my children wore it, but I am claiming it these days. It is a one-off. What made the tank top special for mum was that she was making it for her son. People often say it is a work of art but mum never went to art school. She picked up the tradition of making something for your child. She put so much love into it and I wear it today and it is still really nice. It gives me comfort and it keeps my chest warm.

It has got swag, you know what I mean?

It fits me now.”

Suresh Singh & Jagir Kaur at 38 Princelet St,London,UK

Link:https://spitalfieldslife.com/2020/06/18/suresh-singh-the-cockney-sikh-on-zoom/

Delhi ACP’s husband dies of Covid: My husband didn’t step out of the house when the lockdown started, but I went out daily because of my job… I will never be able to forgive myself.

ACP Surender Jeet Kaur with  husband Charan Jeet Singh

“My husband didn’t step out of the house when the lockdown started, but I went out daily because of my job… I will never be able to forgive myself,” said Assistant Commissioner of Delhi 

Police Surender Jeet Kaur on Tuesday, a day after her husband Charan Jeet Singh, 54, succumbed to Covid at a hospital in Delhi.

Singh, a resident of Lajpat Nagar and a businessman, is survived by his wife and their 26-year-old son who lives in Canada.

Kaur, 57, ACP (Crimes Against Women) in the South-East district of the Delhi Police, is also ACP (Covid Cell) of the district. On May 20, five days after Kaur tested positive for the virus, her husband Singh tested positive, followed by the ACP’s 80-year-old father on May 24. All of them had symptoms and while Kaur and Singh were admitted to Indraprastha Apollo hospital, her father was admitted to Max hospital in Saket. On May 26, Kaur returned home after recovering from the virus.

Kaur told The Indian Express  “I last spoke to my husband on May 22 night, when we were both admitted in the hospital in different wards. The doctor called me and said that my husband needs to be put on ventilator support. I had a video call with my husband. He was breathless and told me that his oxygen level was dropping. He showed me the monitor, the doctors in the room, and then said he was having trouble speaking and that he would send me WhatsApp messages.”

A day after he passed away, Kaur recalled the messages that Singh sent her just before being put on ventilator support. “He started sending me details of our finances, accounts… I told him to stop and asked him why he was telling me all this. He said I needed to know… Maybe he feared he wouldn’t come back. I prayed every day, at temples, mosques, churches and gurdwaras for him. I am devastated that he’s gone. We were to move to Canada to live with our son in 2023 after my retirement. We had so many plans.”

Kaur’s brother Maninder Ahluwalia said the hospital tried plasma therapy but Singh didn’t respond to the treatment.“He had diabetes and high BP, but those were always under control. We were hopeful,” he said.

The couple’s son joined on video call from Canada to watch his father’s last journey from the ambulance to the entrance of the crematorium. “My son couldn’t attend his father’s last rites because there are no flights… It’s so unfortunate,” said Kaur.

Friends and family remember Singh as a “jolly, disciplined and brave man”, while Kaur said he was the “perfect partner”. She said, “When I was an SHO-rank officer, I would work for 36 hours straight some days, and he would handle the house and our son who was growing up. I would miss family functions and important occasions but he would always go and make up for my absence. I was able to do this job for decades because of his support.”

On Tuesday afternoon, Singh was cremated in the presence of close family and members of the police fraternity. “The DCP and the Joint CP called me daily to enquire about my husband, other police officers too. I am grateful for their support. They didn’t let me feel alone for a single day,” said Kaur.

      ACP Surender Jeet Kaur with  husband Charan Jeet Singh


Link:https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-acp-husband-dies-of-covid-6462491/

UP villagers launch attack on Sikh youth; Throw his turban in sewerage

CHANDIGARH, Punjab—A painful video has emerged over social media in which a mob of Hindu residents could be seen attacking an innocent Sikh youth while disrespectfully pulling his hairs. The incident occurred in village Sherpur of Uttar Pradesh on June 14.

Sources have informed that two Sikh youths were passing through village Sherpur on June 14 when their car suddenly touched the car of another youth who is learned to be a resident of the same village.

Following this, heated exchange of arguments occurred between the duo sides after which the local village youth called his clan members to dominate over Sikh youths.

At this, one of these Sikh youths took out his Kirpan to defend himself, but the locals called up police cops.

When police cops reached there, another Sikh youth went for verbal talk to settle down the quarrel, but the villagers launched attack on him in the presence of cops. The attackers removed his turban and threw it in nearby open sewerage. They also pulled hairs of Sikh youth during this attack.

After this incident, a wave of outrage spread across the Sikh community living in nearby areas. On June 15, local Sikhs of Gajraula and Dhanaura staged a protest outside the local police station seeking indictment of attackers.

Till date, there is no information about any action against these attackers.

Link:https://www.sikh24.com/2020/06/17/up-villagers-launch-attack-on-sikh-youth-throw-his-turban-in-sewerage/#.XunhIZozbIV

Haryana: Amid corona restrictions, gatka contest goes online :Dedicated to Miri-Piri Diwas to be celebrated on June 30.

 In the times of Covid, when sports activities have taken a hit, the Haryana Sikh Mission of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is organising an online gatka (Sikh martial arts) competition from June 18 to 24, dedicated to Miri-Piri Diwas to be celebrated on June 30.

The participants would be teenagers in two categories of Class V to VII and Class VIII to X, and the entry and registration can be done up to June 18, said Haryana Sikh Mission in-charge Mangpreet Singh

The competition is being organised with the efforts of SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal, SGPC dharam prachar (religion propagation) committee secretary Manjit Singh, Gurdwara Panjokhra Sahib manager Sukhdev Singh and Mangpreet Singh.

“Participants would have to register themselves on the mobile numbers8059121580 and 9416361984 via WhatsApp and send their videos of 2-3 minutes tenure of gatka performance up to June 24. The results will be declared at 6pm on June 30 and judges will be gatka experts and coaches,” said Mangpreet.

“The concept of Miri-Piri was introduced by Guru Hargobind Sahib, who wore two swords — one symbolising worldly (political) authority and the other spiritual authority,” said Mangpreet.

“The online competition has been conceived to indulge youth in traditional martial arts for physical fitness. Participants may send videos of performance from their respective places and no one will have to visit anywhere and the same will be judged,” added Mangpreet.

Registration in-charge Satnam Singh said they had gotten 72 entries and more were expected in remaining two days. “In both categories, top five participants will be selected. They will be awarded with mementos and certificates. In the final stage, the general knowledge of participants regarding Sikh history will be checked and winners will be selected on the basis of answers,” he said.

 Link:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/amid-corona-restrictions-gatka-contest-goes-online/articleshow/76414598.cms

Yorkshire Sikh Alliance and other faith groups pledge to stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter protesters

Jatinder Singh Mehmi, the co-chair of The Sikh Alliance Yorkshire

Representatives of the city's Sikh and Muslim community have put their voice behind the Black Lives Matter movement and say it is time to stand up and say enough is enough.

The Sikh Alliance Yorkshire has stood with the Black Lives Matter Movement and co-chair Jatinder Singh Mehmi said enough is enough.

In a statement, The Alliance said: “As Sikhs it is our duty to challenge oppression and injustice wherever it exists and to stand beside those who are discriminated against because of their race.

The Sikh Community across Yorkshire is Backing the Black Lives Matter Movement 

“When the colour of your skin still determines how you are treated and viewed, it is time to stand up and say enough is enough. Change will only come with unity, when we all stand together and say we will not tolerate this behavior, prejudice and injustice.

“It is disheartening that we have not yet achieved the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King that one should not be judged by the colour of one's skin, but the content of their character.

“We have to build a momentum that will see justice, equality and compassion for all.

“We stand with all that have been subject to racial abuse and discrimination. We all need to raise our voices and be heard for change to happen. We all have a role to play in fighting prejudice and racism.

Link:https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/people/yorkshire-sikh-alliance-and-other-faith-groups-pledge-stand-solidarity-black-lives-matter-protesters-2885614

COVID-19: Calgary Sikh temple ready to welcome back weddings as Stage 2 allows for more guests

Calgary Sikh Temple,Canada

Places of worship in Calgary are welcoming more guests now that Stage 2 rules are in place.

Stage 2 of Alberta’s relaunch strategy amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic took effect on June 12.

There is no cap on the number of people attending worship gatherings if physical distancing measures are in place. For outdoor events and indoor seated and audience events that are not worship gatherings, including wedding and funeral ceremonies, a maximum of 100 people are allowed.

Dashmesh Culture Centre in northeast Calgary,Canada

At the Dashmesh Culture Centre in northeast Calgary, there are taped markers on the floor to remind people to keep their distance. The huge prayer hall that used to allow for 500 Sikh faithful can now fit a maximum of 110.

“It brings everyone together and through all this, it’s been hard to be sitting at home and it just gives you a chance to reconnect and be able to clear your mind and enjoy getting out,” said Dashmesh Culture Centre volunteer Raj Sidhu. He said he has no safety concerns about attending services again since COVID-19 regulations shut down the gurdwara in March.

The gurdwara was quick to reopen at the start of June at when Stage 1 of Alberta’s relaunch went into effect.

Now, with Stage 2 rules allowing for 100 people maximum at indoor seated events, there has been a surge of interest in rebooking the dozens of cancelled weddings at the Sikh temple.

“It is a great impact because people have been waiting for years to get married, and with all this COVID-19 situation, everything is changed and weddings were cancelled so they are very excited and happy and lots of parents are excited,” said Dashmesh Culture Centre president Amanpreet Singh Gill.

Link:https://globalnews.ca/news/7072961/calgary-sikh-temple-weddings-covid-19-coronavirus/

Mr.Manjinder Singh Sirsa : DSGMCTO RUN 850 BEDDED COVID CARE CENTRES TO SERVE HUMANITY

Mr.Manjinder Singh Sirsa

DSGMC TO RUN  850 BEDDED COVID CARE CENTRES
TO SERVE HUMANITY : MANJINDER SINGH SIRSA
New Delhi June 16,2020: Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management
Committee today decided to create, run and operate 850  bedded
COVID care centres in premises of its Gurdwaras set up in
various locations in the national capital Delhi   to cater to those
with low-grade fever, sore throat, malaise and another such mild
symptom  to meet the growing demands of  hospital beds in
National Capital  said Manjinder Singh Sirsa President DSGMC
here today.

The decision was conveyed today in a letter sent to Delhi Chief
Minister Mr. Arvind Kejriwal signed by  Mr.Manjinder Singh
Sirsa President and Mr. Harmeet  Singh  Kalka General
Secretary DSGMC in which DSGMC requested the state govt to
accord necessary permissions and sanctions for immediate
operation of COVID care centres by DSGMC authorities  to
provide relief to patients at the earliest.

Mr. Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that these centres will provide 
  best medical care, oxygen and laboratory services  to COVID
patients  at these Covid Care Centres . He told that  DSGMC
took this initiative following the steep surge in COVID 19
patients in the national capital.

Mr. Sirsa said that DSGMC will take care of the breakfast, all
meals, drinking water, general medicines, oxygen,
haematological and biochemistry laboratory services for the
admitted patients.

He said that DSGMC  has offered  200 beds at  its  fully air
conditioned marriage hall at Gurdwara Nanak Piao Sahib, G.T.
Karnal Road, Near Rana Partap Bagh, Delhi-110033, 110 beds
(55 rooms)125 beds (4 halls) at  Guru Harkrishan Yatri Niwas,
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, New Delhi-110001 with facilities of
Split AC and lift  ,60 beds,(30 rooms) at  Guru Arjan Dev Yatri
Niwas, Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, New Delhi-110001 having
air conditioner facilities ,50 beds (Ground Floor),50 beds (First
Floor),15 beds (Basement) at Guru Hargobind Institute of
Management & Information Technology, Plot No.133, Road
No.72, Hargobind Enclave, New Delhi.110092 ,50 beds
(Ground Floor) 50 beds (First Floor) with air conditioned
facilities at Guru Harkrishan Public School, MS Block, Hari
Nagar. Delhi-110064 , 40 beds  Centrally Air-conditioned at
 Gurdwara Damdama Sahib, Near Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah,
New Delhi-110013.,25 beds (Ground Floor)  25 beds (First
Floor)  at  Guru Tegh Bahadur Polytechnic Institute, Poorvi
Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-110057, 50 beds with Lift
facilities at  Guru Nanak Sukhshala, Block 'R'. Old Rajinder
Nagar, New Delhi-110060.

Mr.Manjinder Singh Sirsa also  requested Chief Minister Mr.
Arvind Kejriwal to  kindly grant  necessary permission to
Gurdwara Authorities to  set up the Covid-19 Care Centres on
the  above said locations with the provision of required doctors,
nurses and paramedical staff by Delhi Govt  where people with
low-grade fever, sore throat, malaise and other such mild
symptoms can be  admitted  and added that  If patient  condition
becomes critical, the patients can  be referred to the Covid-19
hospitals under Delhi Govt he added.

Mr. Sirsa disclosed that he had taken up the matter with the
Delhi Chief Secretary Mr. Vijay Kumar Dev who has assured to
take up the matter with the government and get it examined so
that these centres can be used at the earliest.

He also informed that he has also discussed the matter with
Member Parliament Mr. Sanjay Singh who was very positive
about the issue and he also has assured to take up the matter
with the CM and use these facilities for the welfare of people.

With Thanks :Mr. Sudeep Singh
 Honorary Media Advisor
DSGMC

DSGMC is creating 850-beds Covid-19 Care facility at various locations in Delhi

DSGMC is creating 850-beds Covid-19 Care facility at various locations in Delhi as per the list attached where patients will be given best medical care, oxygen and laboratory services as well

Urging Arvind Kejriwal Ji to grant necessary permissions

With Thanks: Sd. Vikram Singh ji,DSGMC 

 

First Postal Stamp on Golden Temple,Amritsar

Guru Nanak Gurdwara, in Smethwick (UK):Sikh Temple Features in England’s Most Important Faith Buildings

Guru Nanak Gurdwara, in Smethwick (UK)

A new listing of England’s most important faith building features Europe’s largest Gurdwara features alongside iconic locations such as Stonehenge and Canterbury Cathedral.

Guru Nanak Gurdwara, in Smethwick, has been chosen alongside nine other places of faith to feature in A History of England in 100 Places which is being run by campaign body Historic England.

A citation by Historic England said the Gurdwara, which was built in the 1990s, housed one of the largest congregations in the UK and was the biggest in Europe.

“It continues to expand with Smethwick’s growing Sikh population,” it added.

“Community is at the heart of the Sikh faith and Gurdwaras are a focal point for communities to come together and get closer to God.”

The faith and belief category was judged by Reverend David Ison, dean of St Paul’s Cathedral in London, and narrowed down dozens of nominations from members of the public into a final ten.

Rev Ison said: “Sikh communities are an important and valued part of our social fabric.

“This particular Gurdwara shows the geographical spread of different faiths in our country and represents how different communities and cultures come together to enrich British society.”

Historic England’s chief executive Duncan Wilson said: “The history of faith and belief in England is rich and complex.“They tell us about dissent, conflict, tolerance and kinship between believers, as well as how the practice of faith has influenced and been influenced by the landscape.

“They show how England has a long history of people from different faiths leaving their mark in a legacy of special buildings and places which still make a strong spiritual connection today.”

Link:https://www.theasiantoday.com/index.php/2018/04/05/sikh-temple-features-in-englands-most-important-faith-buildings/