Amandeep Kaur :Canvassing Sikh Art

Amandeep Kaur is an artist based in Birmingham,UK  who undertakes unique canvas pieces covering themes of Gurbani to impressive visuals of Sikh symbols.

Her work was featured in the  Contemporary Sikh Art exhibition in Leicester  and has been part of Art Sikh’s list of promoted artists. 

Her artwork has been on display at several exhibitions including the Contemporary Sikh Art exhibition by Sikh Art Exhibition by Sikh Museum in Leicester and Art Sikh in Leicester with Art work from all over the UK and across the world. Her Art work was also on display at the Parkash Sikh Art Exhibition at Parkash Smagam in Hayes which featured works of over 16 British Sikh artists.

Amandeep Kaur's art work consists of religious pieces, which take uplifting quotes from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib .She frequently use the portrait of Guru Nanak Devin her Art works as it brings herself  and others an element of calmness and spirituality.

She wishes to use her art to spread positivity, happiness and Chardi Kala vibes. (Positive attitude and being in high spirit).

Her artwork contains the writings of the Sikh Gurus through Calligraphy style writing and intricate floral henna type patterns.

Clients have described her artwork as inspiring  and uplifting and are amazed by the attention to detail within the intricate designs.

https://www.sikhmuseum.org.uk/amandeep-kaur-canvassing-sikh-art/#:~:text=Amandeep%20Kaur%20is%20an%20artist,impressive%20visuals%20of%20Sikh%20symbols.

https://www.facebook.com/Amandeep.kaur.bespoke.art

Dr. Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

Delhi Court Dismisses Bail Plea of Ex-Fortis Healthcare Promoter Malvinder Singh in PMLA Case

 

Malvinder Mohan Singh sought bail on the ground of parity that Shivinder Mohan Singh, his brother and co-accused in the case, had been granted bail by the Delhi High Court on July 23.

A Delhi court Tuesday dismissed a bail application of former Fortis Healthcare promoter Malvinder Mohan Singh in a money laundering case related to alleged misappropriation of funds at Religare Finvest Ltd (RFL).

The bail application of erstwhile Religare promoter, Malvinder Mohan

Malvinder Mohan Singh was rejected on Tuesday 25th August in a case filed by the Enforcement Directorate.

The District and Sessions Judge, Sandeep Yadav, South East District in the Saket Courts rejected the bail plea.

“Keeping in view the severity of offence and magnitude of amount involved, possibility of witnesses being influenced by the accused and other relevant factors as discussed above in this order, it is concluded that accused Malvinder Mohan Singh is not entitled to bail.

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-court-dismisses-bail-plea-ex-fortis-healthcare-promoter-malvinder-singh-1715017-2020-08-25

Dr. Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

John Abraham"s First Sikh Look From a “Cross-Border Love Story” Revealed

     
      John Abraham and Aditi Rao Hydari’s first look from a “cross-border love story”

The first looks of John Abraham and Aditi Rao Hydari from a “cross-border love story “starring Arjun Kapoor and Rakul Preet Singh have been revealed.

The duo plays a special role in this cross-border love story that spans generations.” The film is set in 1947 and follows the aftermath of the Partition. 

As per reports, Aditi and John will play Arjun’s grandparents and will be seen in flashback portions. The film’s shooting resumed after the pandemic-led shutdown recently and will take place over 10 days.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/john-abraham-s-first-look-as-sikh-revealed-in-cross-border-love-story-stars-aditi-rao-hydari-arjun-kapoor-rakul-preet/story

Historical Sikh Manuscript Recreated in 3D Using The Ground-Breaking 3d Technology.

  

A historical manuscript dating back to the early 19th century has been recreated using the ground-breaking 3d technology.

The manuscript dates to the first Anglo-Sikh War which took place in India in 1845-1846.A manuscript is now in the collection at the University of Leicester.

In a unique project undertaken by the Leicester-based Sikh Museum Initiative, the manuscript, which was taken from a battle between the Sikh Empire and the British East India Trading Company in 1845 has been recreated as a 3D animation.

                                  Harry Hardy Peach

The manuscript has been part of the University of Leicester collection since the early 19th century when it was donated by a collector Harry Hardy Peach (1874-1936).

                               Gurinder Mann Singh 

Sikh historian and Director of the initiative, Gurinder Mann Singh said “I came across the manuscript listed in the university’s collections back in 2013 which was when it all kicked off.”

Within the manuscript are elements from Sikh scriptures including the Guru Granth Sahib which is the most central scriptures within the Sikh faith.

Taran Singh is the artist and developer behind the 3D model .

https://www.sikhnet.com/news/digital-sikh-manuscript-ms-241-and-journey-punjab-leicester

https://www.facebook.com/gurinder.s.mann.73

Dr. Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

Happy Pub Day To The First Mainstream Children’s Book Featuring a Sikh character Fauja Singh

A ground breaking children’s book based on an equally ground breaking sports hero comes out on 25^th August: Fauja Singh Keeps Going by Simran Jeet Singh, featuring the story of the first centenarian marathon runner, is also the first children’s book from a major publisher that features a Sikh main character, according to its author.            

                   Author Simran Jeet Singh

"It's finally here! Our new kid's book, Fauja Singh Keeps Going, is story has been more than 100 years in the making. It’s also a labor of love that fulfills my own childhood dream of seeing Sikh characters in major bookstores and libraries around the world".says Simran Jeet Singh.

After running a marathon for the first time at the age of 81, Fauja Singh completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2011 at the age of 100. Singh said on Twitter that the athlete’s story “builds inclusion and equity by challenging our assumptions (e.g., racism, ageism, disability) and helping us reimagine what our heroes can look like.”

The book is published by Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, and illustrated by Baljinder Kaur.

https://lithub.com/happy-pub-day-to-the-first-mainstream-childrens-book-featuring-a-sikh-character/

Dr. Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

Manjinder Singh Sirsa :Cheap Medicines Will Be Available At Bala Pritam Davakhana (Dispensary), Gurdwara Banga Sahib From 29th August

                                  Manjinder Singh Sirsa

 

The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, which has been serving the needy in Delhi throughout lockdown period and after, has made a great effort to relieve the people from the cost of expensive medicines. Bala Pritam Dispensary is going to  start from Saturday 29^th August.

Giving this information, President  of the committee Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that this Bala Pritam Dispensary is being opened in Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Complex which is a great effort of the Sangat of Delhi. The medicines in this dispensary will be available at a much cheaper price from the market as there will be no commission of any kind is involved.. He said that whether it is general or branded medicines, all kinds of medicines will be available here.

Giving an example, he said that many medicines which are available outside for Rs 100 ,will be available in Bala Pritam Dispensary for just Rs 20.Medicines related to surgical cases have also been kept here and the dispensary is being started from Saturday, 29^th August.

This great service has been rendered by the Sikh Community  of Delhi and its main objective is to provide affordable medicines to the needy patients in this difficult  time .

Due to Pandemic,people are in need of many kinds of medicines and the opening of this dispensary will bring great relief to the people in staying healthy.

News Courtesy,
Mr.Sudeep Singh
Honorary Media Advisor
DSGMC

 

Supreme Sikh Society,Auckland,Newzealand :Demand For Food Bags is Increasing, But So Is The Generosity of Donors

                

Daljit Singh executive , of the Sikh Supreme Society, told that the demand for food bags being distributed at the Takanini Sikh Temple had increased noticeably.

Demand for food parcels has soared during the current level three lockdown in Auckland.All throughout the lockdowns across the country, the Sikh community - through the Takanini Gurudwara (Sikh temple) and other gurudwaras - has distributed more than 100,000 food bags for the needy, in addition to the cooked meals every day.

Packers at Takanini Gurudwara get ready to supply food parcels and free masks to members of the community.

"In the last lockdown, we distributed a maximum 1000 to 1500 food parcels in a day during lockdown in the two-hour distribution period," Singh said.

"But yesterday (Sunday 23^rd August) we served 2000 to 2100 people after extending the distribution circle to around three hours."

Supreme Sikh Society New Zealand executive and Sikh community leader Daljit Singh.

Singh and his team will again be distributing food bags from the gurudwara tomorrow, August 26. He said while demand had increased tremendously, so had the generosity of donors.

"The people just kept coming, a lot of the national media people present there could not believe it, saying that sitting in their offices they never realised that people could queue for two kilometres for food in New Zealand.

"It's a huge demand now."

          Food bags and masks will be distributed on Wednesday, August 26.

Singh said their commitment to serve the community was driven by the basic rules of their religion.

"Our basic rules are that we do not ask for anyone's race, gender or need, in the gurudwara (Sikh temple) we know that whoever comes to us, should not go back empty-handed.

"If someone stands in the queue for two hours for a food bag worth around $32-$30, surely they must be in genuine need of the supplies," Singh said.

Milk supplies ready for distribution.

The food bag contains two litres milk, bread, fruits and vegetables - enough to feed a family for at least three days. The fruit and vege component has 10 of each item, be it potatoes, onions, tomatoes, fruit, and one or two cucumbers.

"There is a demand, but there are donors there as well. People come and help in all forms - physical help and also in the form of donations."

                           Food bags ready for distribution.

Singh said the work of the Gurudwara was not limited to the Sikh community, but members of all communities have been involved in the distribution.

"Even those who need food but cannot come to us can contact us on this number as well, no one should go to bed on an empty stomach."

Singh said their distribution procedure was fairly easy - entry through gate one, we tell people to remain in their cars and open the boot of their cars, and we put the food bag there, and they are then told to exit through other gates."

             Food stocks at Takanini Gurudwara ready for distribution.

Singh said the government had offered help, "but we politely turned it down as we wanted to keep it community-based".

 Food bag being distributed safely into the boot of the car at Takanini Gurudwara.

 "We are all one - we are not here to convert anyone to religion, we are here to convert to humanity."

https://www.stuff.co.nz/tarana/122558348/demand-for-food-bags-is-increasing-but-so-is-the-generosity-of-donors-says-sikh-leader?fbclid=IwAR20c7q926LeEx20zP5LNd6KK8hAzQvkdwWBQWAsiDgfFeiGmyDtIQ3qHEc

Dr. Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

Young At Heart Tripat Singh :75-Year Old Vegan Who is An Inspiration To Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma

Recently cricketer-actor couple Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma took to Instagram and shared snippets of a septuagenarian working out on his terrace. Calling him “inspirational and motivational”, the couple said they admired the man for lifting weights while being on a Vregan diet. “Hats off sir. This is so motivational and inspirational. And on a vegan diet. God bless you with more strength,” wrote Virat Kohli.

          Virat Kohli called Tripat Singh inspirational and motivational

The 75-year-old “Insta-famous” fitness enthusiast took to a vegan diet around two years ago. He works out every day for close to two hours. 

But Tripat Singh had not worked out for over 40 years as he was busy with work, family, and children. It was only in 1999 after his wife passed away and he moved to Chandigarh from New Delhi that he realised he had started to “put on weight around his stomach”.So he finally resumed running and walking.

 Anushka Sharma shared multiple stories on the 75-year-old. 

Things changed after  Tripat Singh decided to test his fitnesss level and ran a 1500 meter-marathon in 2008 in the senior citizen category. “I came fifth, and that was the first motivation to try harder because I participated without any preparation. It was after that that I consciously started running 15, 20 kilometres each day, in order to prepare for next year’s marathon, which unfortunately got cancelled.

That’s when I decided to run 10 kilometres in a Gurgaon marathon in the general category in which I came first. That was the turning point,” said Singh, who now participates only in the general category.

Over the years, he has aced half marathons, full marathons within the city and outside, including one of the toughest Shimla marathons that requires altitude running and acclimatising to the cold winds — in which he won gold.

Despite all this, Singh noticed how his abdomen fat wasn’t “decreasing much”. “It was in 2013 that someone suggested I join a gym. And within a year, I was able to control the fat around my waist with the help of the instructor,” he said. And then he brushed up his skills and also took on the push-up challenge in Chandigarh in 2016-17.These competitions gave him recognition at the community level and motivated him to further challenge himself.

                 Tripat Singh with famous Bollywood singer Alka Yagnik

Tripat Singh wakes up at 5 am every day and does deadlifts, push-ups for 1½ -2 hours. His diet includes quinoa and oats among other foods.

What keeps him going at an age when most would choose to retire, he said, “One grows old when he has no future plans. I am young at heart and I have only recently started with Instagram,” chuckled Singh, who has earned himself a fan and a follower in Kohli.

“I was glad. That was encouraging and inspiring for me too. Both of them are the epitome of fitness, and Virat is also a vegan. It was kind of them to share the message,” said Singh, adding, “With the desire to die fit and fine, my next goal is to further the cause of fitness and inspire more people and generations”.

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/fitness/tripat-singh-fitness-vegan-diet-plant-protein-sources-virat-kohli-anushka-sharma-instagram-6561519/

Dr. Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

Jaspreet Singh Kalra :Boneless Superhuman Rubber Man of India

Jaspreet Singh Kalra aka Rubber Man of India hails from Ludhiana. He is the most flexible man in India.

The poster boy of his school, he has his name registered in the Limca book of records as the ‘boneless man’. To add to his achievements Jaspreet hold the title of ‘World’s Youngest Flexible Boy’ in Unique world records and ‘Rubber man of the world’ in Miracles world records.

Young Jaspreet  Singh has an interest in studies, sports and likes to hang around with his friends. His school mate and friend Kunal Sahi talking about Jaspreet’s ability says, "I think he is superhuman.” 

 

Jaspreet Singh said, “my yoga teacher selected me for a yoga competition. After that i started participating in more tournaments and then even started winning prizes. Within a few months he could do a complete 360 degree rotation with his hands.

Gradually with more practise he achieved more complicated techniques like shoulder dislocation technique. The Rubber Man can also rotate his neck 180 degrees and can touch his shoulders with his feet.

Feeling proud of himself, Jaspreet Singh said,”there was a time when  I used to get inspired by others. Now it feels good that I have become an inspiration for all.” When the whole world is sleeping Jaspreet Singh wakes up just as the Sun rises to practice yoga for two hours. With his sheer dedication and hard work, he has achieved this superhuman ability.

Even his yoga teacher Sandeep Kaur is shocked by the flexibility the Jaspreet possesses. Even doctors are surprised to see him doing such movements with his body. They say this kind of mobility and movement is very unusual and unique.

Dr, Gurneet Singh, Radiologist, said,”I had x-rayed him multiple times at normal position and also in hyperextended position. We could not find any radiological abnormality. I have never seen anyone with such kind of flexibility in my years of medical practice.”

Jaspreet  Singh dreams of taking India to glory by showcasing his talent to the world. He said, “I want to represent head rotation in such a way that it becomes a record, so currently I am practising to achieve this in order to set a record in the Guinness Book of Worl Records. It feels really good representing India. People know me as an Indian. I’m the Rubber Man of India.”

https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/boneless-man-meet-superhuman-jaspreet-singh-kalra-aka-rubber-man-of-india/747085/

Dr. Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

 

 

Demand For Direct Amritsar-London Flight Ramps Up

London: Lobbyists battling for direct flights between Heathrow and Amritsar have leapt on news that a direct flight will be introduced one day a week under the Vande Bharat Mission starting Monday 24^th August.

From August 24 till September-end, Air India will operate Vande Bharat Mission (VBM) direct flights once a week between Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport, Amritsar and London Heathrow. When India started Vande Bharat Mission flights on May 6 to bring back Indian citizens, flights to Punjab went via Delhi.

Now, under VBM phase 5/6, flights will leave London at 9.45am on Mondays and reach Amritsar at 10.25pm that evening. Flights will then depart from Amritsar at 2.40pm on Tuesdays and reach Heathrow at 7pm the same day. On the remaining days, passengers will have to travel via Delhi.

“High demand for direct repatriation flights between Punjab and the UK during the lockdown is evidence that a flight between Amritsar and Heathrow is needed permanently,” said Sameep Singh Gumtala, global convener, FlyAmritsar Initiative and overseas secretary of Amritsar Vikas Manch (AVM).

“This is a welcome step that should have been taken earlier. It will save many hours of time for people to reach Punjab,” he said, adding, “We are thankful to civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Air India and request them to continue to operate the flights to Heathrow after resumption of regular international commercial flights to India.”

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/demand-for-direct-amritsar-london-flight-ramps-up/articleshow/77710943.cms

Dr. Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

Sikhs in the City Running Club Hosts Socially Distanced Marathon in Redbridge, London

Runners are asked to donate £10 to cover costs and to help build a clubhouse in honour of Fauja Singh MBE (centre).

The Sikhs in the City running club is hosting a socially distanced marathon after the cancellation of the London Marathon.

Charity runners who can no longer participate in October’s London Marathon are being encouraged to join running club Sikhs in the City for a socially distanced marathon.

The club is offering slots for 100 runners who had a charity place in the London Marathon to join them on Sunday, October 4.

The race will begin at 10am and finish at 6pm at the junction of Woodford Bridge Road and Roding Lane South.

They have limited it to 100 runners to follow social distancing guidelines set out by Parkrun.

Runners will need to run 21 laps of the loop of Woodford Bridge Road, Woodford Avenue and Roding Lane South.

https://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/news/running-club-sponsoring-run-after-london-marathon-cancellation-1-6805648

Dr. Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

Youth Welfare Telangana: Faith No Bar For A Hyderabad Based Organization In Performing Last Rites

COVID-19 has posed several challenges before the country among which performing the last rites of the patients who succumb to the disease is the major one. 

In many cases the family of a deceased is in quarantine itself, while in few the family may not be willing to accept the body of the patient as the contamination levels are too high and there are even chances of fatal infection if not handled with care. 

In such a situation, volunteers of Youth Welfare Telangana, a charitable organization based in Hyderabad have taken up the daunting task of performing the last rites of the COVID-19 dead bodies across various districts of the state. They perform the funeral rites as per the religion of deceased and till date they have given a dignified send off to 147 people in 14 were Hindus, one Christian, one Sikh and the remaining were Muslims.

https://www.aninews.in/videos/national/faith-no-bar-hyderabad-based-organization-performing-last-rites/

Dr. Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

 

All-Religion Meeting By Khera Khap Panchayat : Vows to Work For Uniting Society

Jind: In a unique initiative, Khera khap of Jind district organised on Monday a panchayat of representatives from Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian communities at Jat Dharmshala here to kick off a movement to unite people from every section of the society.

The members of all religions presented their views at the meeting and decided to work together in future. They condemned the communal incidents taking place in the recent past in the country and expressed their desire to spread the message of unity among all sections of the society.

Satbir Pahalwan, head of Khera khap, said, “We met people from different religions before holding the panchayat and learnt that everyone wants to live with peace, love and unity. People from the minority communities were worried over being targeted in the name of religion. So, we decided to extend our support to unite all on one platform in the state and then take the movement to national level. Earlier, we had announced within our khap’s jurisdiction to not use surnames to spread a message of equality and oneness.”

Manphool, a Muslim community member, said, “We have faced discrimination in the society and now people of different communities don’t meet each other. Every person from this community is dedicated for the nation. We appreciate the movement launched by khap and will work together in future as well.”

Gurvinder Singh, a Sikh, said, “People have been divided in the name of caste and religion. But today we need to have this kind of initiative to escalate fraternity and love which will help unite the society.”

A Christian community member Sukhdeep said, “We have the will to stay peacefully and united, and everyone participating in the panchayat said it in so many words. No religion teaches us hatred.”

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/all-religion-meeting-by-khap-vows-to-work-for-uniting-society/articleshow/77710709.cms

 

Dr. Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi