Tejinder Singh Sodhi – The First Turbaned SIKH to Graduate in 120 years from the William Allen White School of Journalism, USA

Tejinder Singh Sodhi– The First Turbaned SIKH to Graduate in 120 years from the William Allen White School of Journalism, USA

Meet Tejinder Singh Sodhi, the first turbaned Sikh to graduate in the over 120 years history of the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas. The university had no dress code for Sikhs, but the university made special amendments in its rules and allowed the first Sikh graduate of the Journalism department to graduate wearing his Sikhi Saroop.

Sodhi who became the first Sikh from Jammu and Kashmir to be awarded the International Fellowship by Foundation Fellowship, became the first civilian to study (full time) at the US Army Command and General Staff College Fort Leavenworth, he was also selected by the Department of Defense (DOD) to undergo 15 days long Media and Military workshop at two major US military bases in Kansas and Missouri.

Tejinder was have been a panelist at the National Press Club Washington DC where he delivered lectures on conflict reporting.

In 2012 Tejinder was nominated for the World Sikh Award (in Media) in London and was also nominated for the Tully Freedom of Speech award, he has been the recipient (twice) of McCormick Fellowship in the USA.

After working for several national newspapers, Tejinder these days work with one of the leading news agency in the country.

Once a White couple asked Tejinder that if he is an Afghan, so he decided to educate the Americans about Sikhs, Sikh religion and Sikh culture so Tejinder undertook series of several lectures at several places to make people aware about Sikhi.

Link:https://barusahib.org/general/tejinder-singh-the-first-turbaned-sikh-to-graduate-in-120-years-from-the-william-allen-white-school-of-journalism-usa/

Covid-19: Gurvinder Pal Singh, 27-year-old Dubai-returnee becomes Amritsar’s first plasma donor

 

A 27-year-old man, who was found positive for the coronavirus after his arrival in Amritsar from Dubai, on Wednesday became the district’s first patient to donate his plasma after having recovered from the disease.

The plasma of Gurvinder Pal Singh, a resident of the Chheharta area in the city, was successfully used on two Covid-19 patients at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Amritsar.

He was tested positive for Covid-19 on May 20 and underwent treatment at the isolation ward of GMCH for 15 days.

“We are extremely thankful to Gurvinder for donating his plasma, as it can prove helpful in treating critically ill patients. The blood group of Gurvinder is ‘A’ negative and his plasma could be used for treating patients of the same blood group. None of the critically ill patients admitted in GMCH, however, has the matching blood group,” said GMC Amritsar principal Dr Sujata Sharma.

“We sent his plasma to Ludhiana and took plasma of ‘B’ positive blood group in return. Using the ‘B’ positive blood group, the plasma therapy has been successfully given to two Covid-19 positive patients who are admitted here. One of the patients is a resident of the city while the other belongs to Pathankot,” Dr Sujata said.

Under the treatment called convalescent plasma therapy, antibody-rich blood plasma of patients, who have recovered from Covid-19, is preserved for transfusion into critical patients. The GMC Amritsar got approval from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to treat Covid-19 patients with the therapy on June 19.

So far, the Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, had conducted the state’s only and successful convalescent plasma transplant.

Link:https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/covid-19-27-year-old-dubai-returnee-becomes-amritsar-s-first-plasma-donor/story-z1i6GtI4Ftb1dAXpe8thtL.html

Amritsar Interantiona Airport Emerges as Third Busiest in India amid lockdown

Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport ,Amritsar,India

The suspension of international commercial flights during the coronavirus induced lockdown has revealed the full potential of the Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport in Amritsar.

As per recent traffic report released by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) for April, Amritsar recorded a total of 5,972 international and domestic passengers, leaving behind all major airports in India, except Delhi and Mumbai.

 Delhi was on the top with 20,624 and Mumbai second with 9,051 passengers. Of total 5,972 passengers, 5,011 are international and others domestic. With 5,011 passengers, the Amritsar airport has achieved the third place among all international airports in country.

A complete suspension of flights in late March left thousands of foreign nationals and residents stranded across country, including Punjab. The biggest number of UK and Canada residents stranded in India was recorded in Punjab. To repatriate its citizens, their consulates in India arranged special chartered flights operated by leading airline carriers, including the British Airways.

                 Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport ,Amritsar,India

Amritsar handled the biggest number of flights from India to London’s Heathrow airport by UK and by Canadian foreign office to Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal to fly back Britons and Canadians. These overseas flights started in April and continued to operate till mid-May.

Sameep Singh Gumtala, global convener of the Fly Amritsar initiative, said, “The demand for direct repatriation flights from Amritsar to UK and Canada was raised by stranded passengers with their governments. This proves that majority of the international traffic at Delhi airport from UK and Canada comes from Punjab.”

“Punjabi diaspora prefer to travel directly from Punjab instead of Delhi, if more international flights are started from Amritsar. The airport is within three-hour reach from all major cities in Punjab and this distance will be reduced to half after the completion of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway,” he said.

Yogesh Kamra, Fly Amritsar convener and secretary Amritsar Vikas Manch, said the airport has all infrastructures to handle traffic even during extreme crisis situations.

Link:https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/amritsar-int-l-airport-emerges-as-third-busiest-in-india-amid-lockdown/story-gHdhS17Yw6PfqDsCKqOaDO.html

Rare books on Sikhism, Punjab emerge in London sale

A London-based uncommon books supplier on Wednesday launched a group of uncommon books, unique manuscripts and paintings on India that features a number of first editions of labor on Sikhs, Sikhism and Punjab relationship from early eighteenth century.

The 40-item assortment from supplier Peter Harrington consists of the primary translation of the Adi Granth into English and a number of other journey narratives set within the kingdom of Ranjit Singh, and navy handbooks devoted to Sikh customs – hailed in them as ‘the bravest and steadiest of troopers’.

Others providing glimpses of life in India beneath British rule embrace a e book by Captain Lakshmi, who was appointed by Subhash Chandra Bose as commander of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment within the Indian nationwide Military, and three elusive monographs on the ruling households of Punjab, written or impressed by Lepel H. Griffin, a vibrant official in nineteenth century British India.

Glen Mitchell, senior e book specialist at Europe’s largest anquarian e book supplier, stated: “We have now seen an elevated curiosity within the final 20 years from collectors of works from the Indian sub-continent, and the demand for 19th and early 20th century British accounts of this fascinating interval in colonial historical past continues to draw a core group of collectors based mostly each within the area and diaspora within the UK and past.”

“Subjects that stay enduringly collectable embrace these targeted on navy exploits, colonial exploration, seminal non secular texts, ethnographical, geographical, botanical and zoological accounts, and naturally administrative, historic and political works,” he added.

Highlights of the gathering embrace an eyewitness account of Ranjit Singh’s kingdom written by Shahamat Ali, the expedition chief’s Indian-born munshi and inscribed by him to the earl of Shaftesbury; The Lifetime of Robert Lord Clive, Baron Plassey by Charles Caraccioli – the primary biography of Clive, thought of one thing of a personality assassination by his enemies inside the East India Firm; and I.N.A. Defence. Topic Individuals’s Proper to Combat for Freedom – two up to date publications of the tackle delivered by J. Bhulabhai Desai in defence of members of the INA on trial for treason.

Link:https://www.morningupdates.com/rare-books-on-sikhism-punjab-emerge-in-london-sale/

"Mere Naal Hai" :a message of comfort to everyone during the COVID-19 pandemic by Sikh Youth Australia

Sikh Youth Australia launches Shabad video mosaic collaboration 

A collaboration initiated by Sikh Youth Australia has brought together musicians, singers and families living in various parts of the world. Titled ‘Mere Naal Hai’, it provides a message of comfort to everyone during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What started as a simple idea some weeks ago, soon took shape as a soothing yet powerful rendition by several families living across the continents. 

Claiming it as “a world first”, volunteers at Sikh Youth Australia have arranged a video collaboration involving 21 families to record “Mere Naal Hai”. Simply translated, it means “He is With Me”, and “it serves as a message of comfort and support to everyone to keep their faith and know that everything will be OK.”

Acclaimed world music exponent, Dya Singh

Acclaimed world music exponent Dya Singh, who is based in Melbourne, was among the key collaborators. 

Speaking to SBS Punjabi he said, “Whilst the pandemic has posed many challenges, it has been wonderful to see the Sikh community helping out in almost every country. Not just that, the online platform has suddenly emerged as a new way of reaching out to people – which is something we hadn’t even contemplated earlier.” 

He says the brief from SYA was to produce a five-minute composition and to bring people together, especially the youth.  Within three weeks, “Mere Naal Hai” was recorded, involving 40 singers and musicians in a virtual recording. 

“Apart from families in Australia, we had the renowned Veer Manpreet Singh from UK (of Tuhi Tuhi fame), Bhavdeep Singh from USA and families from New Zealand.” 

              Biba Arvindpal Kaur

“All of our musicians are members of SYA living in various parts of Australia. Our table player was in Perth, the young ladies who played the piano and vibrophone were from Sydney, my sound engineer who mastered it all lives in Adelaide, and the project was put together by my daughter Jamel, who is in Melbourne.” 

Mr Singh says “This is the first composition, and there will be more. And I hope this world first inspires others to collaborate this way too.” 

He believes the quarantine period is also brings immense opportunities. 

“This is a time for families to come together, to spend more time with each other and to interact far more then ever before.” 

“The restriction is only on physical isolation – not social interaction. Most importantly we must ensure there’s no spiritual isolation during these challenging times.”

Link:https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/sikh-youth-australia-s-world-first-project

‘Sikhs represent best of Australian values’: Queensland Senator Paul Scarr thanks Sikh community in Parliament for COVID aid

Senator Paul Scarr thanks Brisbane Sikh community for their "selfless service" during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Acknowledging the “selfless” efforts of the Sikh community, Senator Paul Scarr thanked the members of the Brisbane Sikh Gurudwara for providing free meals and groceries to people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senator Scarr said it is extremely important to recognise and appreciate the efforts of the Sikh community in Queensland and across the country "because reaching out to people in times of need represents the best of Australian values.”

Queensland Senator Paul Scarr helping Sikh volunteers with distribution of COVID aid in Brisbane.

“The Brisbane Sikh Gurudwara has provided approximately 20,000 free cooked meals and 2,000 free grocery hampers to people in need during the coronavirus pandemic. In providing that assistance, members of the gurudwara have volunteered their time continually over the last three months,” the LNP Senator from QLD said in his speech in the Senate last week.

Speaking to SBS Punjabi, Senator Scarr said he was “astonished to the see the boxes of food and generous donations during his recent visit to the temple.

“The Brisbane Sikh Temple should be extremely proud of their work during COVID-19. This is a wonderful group of people who is helping those struggling and in times of need. It was great to witness first-hand the hard work of the Sikh temple and the positive impact they are having in the community," he said.

Senator Paul Scarr with the volunteers at the Brisbane Sikh Gurudwara

In his speech, Senator Scarr said he has made three reflections from his experience of visiting the Sikh temple and volunteering with the members of the community.

“The first is on the dignity and respect with which members of the gurudwara treated every person they assisted. 

“Secondly, I note that the assistance has been provided to Australians and visitors to Australia irrespective of race, religion or nationality. That is a reflection of the Sikh religion, a belief that we as humans are all equal and part of the oneness of humanity.

“Third was the importance for assistance to be given in a selfless way, not looking for anything in return, just wanting to help someone, just wanting to give,” he said.

He also spoke highly about the moral significance of making donations at the Sikh gurudwara and the practice of preparing and serving langar (community kitchen service).

“As at many gurudwaras, the Brisbane Sikh gurudwara has a langar, a community kitchen providing free meals, prepared by volunteers, to all the visitors of the gurudwara, without distinction related to religion, gender, economic status or ethnicity. They all sit on the floor together, representing their common humanity and their equality," said Senator Scarr.

Link:https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/sikhs-represent-best-of-australian-values-queensland-senator-thanks-community-in-parliament-for-covid-aid

'Angels from Heaven': People thank Sikh volunteers helping feed families, international students during COVID

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Sharing a message that Jasbir Singh recently received from an Indian-origin student who called him an 'angel', Mr Singh said while his emotions warmed his heart, "he was just following the teachings of the Sikh Gurus."My religion tells me that all people are same; Jasbir Singh

floor.

"Angels from Heaven"

Hailing them as "Angels from Heaven," people receiving help from volunteers of the Australian Sikh Association and International Students Help Organisation thank them for their selfless service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Australian Sikh Association has been distributing cooked meals and grocery kits ever since coronavirus started disrupting lives of Australians earlier this year.

Jasbir Singh, a volunteer with the Sydney-based charity group says people who receive help through them have been sending them overwhelming messages of thanks and gratitude.

 "My religion teaches me to be kind and generous towards all without any discrimination and that is exactly what we have been doing through our efforts," he said.

The group which has been joined by volunteers of the International Students Help Organisation also delivers free cooked meals to returning travellers in mandatory hotel quarantine.

"We also deliver food at hotels in Sydney four days a week where people spend 14 days in quarantine after returning from overseas. They call us for vegetarian Indian meals usually," said Mr Singh.

Link:https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/angels-from-heaven-people-thank-sikh-volunteers-helping-feed-families-international-students-during-covid

Sikh-owned Indian restaurant in the Sante Fe City vandalised with hate messages in US' New Mexico; damage worth $1,00,000 caused

The Restaurant walls were full of hatred messages;Tables were overturned,glassware smashed into piles on the floor.

Washington: An Indian restaurant owned by a Sikh in the Sante Fe city in the US state of New Mexico was broken into and vandalised with hate messages scrawled on its walls, according to a media report.

The damage caused to India Palace restaurant is estimated to be worth USD 1,00,000, local Santa Fe Reporter newspaper reported on Tuesday. The vandalisation is being investigated by local police and the FBI, it said.

The Sikh American Legal Defence and Education Fund (SALDEF), a non-profit civil rights organisation, has condemned the incident.

"This kind of hate and violence is unacceptable and swift action must be taken to ensure the safety and security of all Americans," said SALDEF executive director Kiran Kaur Gill.

According to the local daily, tables were overturned, glassware was smashed into piles on the floor, wine racks were emptied, a statue of a goddess was beheaded and computers were stolen.

The vandals also turned over and destroyed food warmers, while the front desk area was gutted, plates smashed and the kitchen rendered completely unusable, it said.

 “I walked into the kitchen, I saw everything and I was like, hold on, what? What is going on here?” owner Baljit Singh told Santa Fe Reporter. “White power,” “Trump 2020,” “go home,” and far worse were spray-painted on walls, doors, counters and any other available surface. “Some phrases contained threats of violence and derogatory racial slurs,” the daily said.

Link: https://www.firstpost.com/india/sikh-owned-indian-restaurant-vandalised-with-hate-messages-in-us-new-mexico-damage-worth-100000-caused-says-police-8519181.html

‘ Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal’ : one will be blessed eternally who says that God is the ultimate truth.

 

The Chinese don’t like the Sikhs, their war cry ‘ Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal’ ( which means one will be blessed eternally who says that God is the ultimate truth) frightens them , their huge frames with long hair and beard frightens the clean shaven slick looking Chinese. 

On the night of 15th June, as the 16th Bihar troops faced a murderous and treacherous unprovoked Chinese assault , taking heavy casualties, they found critical support from the gunners of the 3 Medium Field Regiment.

The valiant Khalsas launched a barehanded counter-attack with their trademark blood curling war cries about an hour after the Bihar troops had got embroiled in the savage hand-to-hand combat , having to fight with sticks , bare hands, rocks and with weapons snatched from the Chinese.

The Sikhs went straight for the jugular, attacking a ‘senior looking officer ‘ protecting by six Chinese guards.

“They killed all the six guards and dragged  the senior officer by the scruff of his neck in a bloody fight lasting for 30 minutes,” said an eye-witness of the 16th Bihar Regiment. ” They fought like men possessed, smashing Chinese heads with rocks and slashing them with swords snatched from the Chinese.” 

Other Chinese troops in the vicinity fled or stayed away , in sheer fright .  Two Sikh gunners died when struck by swords but one of them strangled a Chinese to death in the squeeze of his massive biceps , all along shouting ‘Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal.” 

The angry , bloodied Sikhs were about to thrash the senior officers when the JCO leading them glanced at the stars on his epaulets and stopped them, imagining he must be colonel.  The JCO was right — this was the Chinese colonel who had planned the treacherous attack  on Colonel B.Santosh Babu, CO, 16th Bihar.

This CO greatly helped fast tracking of GOC level negotiations* held between the two sides on 17/18 Jun, leading to quick exchange of 10 Indians against the lone captured Chinese  Commanding Officer. 

 That the ten Indians including two majors were released without torture and torment might owe itself to the Chinese Colonel being in the custody of Sikh gunners.Down India’s medieval and modern military history , the burly and fearless Sikhs have turned the fate of many a battles with sheer bravery.They ---and their corps commander Lt Gen Harinder Singh — again proved they are peerless warriors on the night of 15th June.

 Link: https://theeasternlink.com/bole-so-nihal-sat-sri-akal/