Sikh woman, three children found murdered in Belgium

London: In a gruesome incident, four members of a Sikh family, including three children, have been found murdered in their home in Belgium's capital city of Brussels.

All the four victims, who hailed from Punjab, had their throats cut, a report from Brussels said.

The gruesome discovery was made when the father of the children found them and his wife dead after he returned his home in the Brussels municipality of Etterbeek from work on Friday night, Belgian news portal Deredactie.be reported.

According to the report, the Brussels judicial authorities have confirmed that they are probing a quadruple murder, but have refused to comment further on the case.

The father of the children came to live in Belgium 15 years ago and his wife joined him around 5 years ago.

The report, however, did not give names and other details of the family.

with thanks : NDTV : LINK

88-year-old translates Guru Granth Sahib in Urdu

Eighty-eight-year-old Sikh Davinder Pal  Singh, a retired revenue official, who translated Sri Guru Granth Sahib in Urdu, was on Wednesday honoured in Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib by the university acting vice-chancellor Gurmohan Singh Walia. Walia said Davinder Pal Singh translated Sri Guru Granth Sahib in Urdu language so that crores of Urdu reading population across the globe may get the knowledge of the teachings and principles enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

He said the translation has been completed in 16,000 hand written pages in about 15 years.

He recognising his services towards the cause of Sikhism, the chancellor of the University and SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar has decided to hand over the work of compilation and printing of the Urdu version of the granth to the University after proper evaluation by eminent Sikh scholars having the knowledge of Urdu. He said that this task would be completed within a period of two years.

After getting it printed in four to eight volumes, it would be made available to Urdu reading and speaking population.

Davinder Pal Singh said that he was motivated to initiate this task with the blessings of Almighty and he wished to see it printed in his life time. He said that when he read somewhere that the holy Quran has been translated in 72 languages and the Bible in 120 languages, he decided to get Sri Guru Granth Sahib translated into Urdu, the language over which he has a command. It will be the fourth translation of Sri Granth Sahib.

On this occasion Pritpal Singh, registrar and Sukhdev Singh, chairman, Sikh History Research Board, SGPC was also present.

with thanks : Hindustan Times : LINK

Sikh Woman Balpreet Kaur Turns Cyber Bullying Incident into Inspiration

After someone snapped a photo of her andposted it on online, Balpreet Kaur was ridiculed for following the tenets of her Sikh faith. But instead of hiding or lashing out, she politely posted a reply—and turned a bullying situation into a inspiring example of tolerance, support, and inspiration. 

Related: Teaching our Kids Tolerance After the Sikh Temple Shootings 

The photo was taken apparently without Kaur's knowledge while she was waiting in line at the Ohio State University Library. In the photo, Kaur's hair is hidden by a large, black turban. She's wearing a T-shirt and yoga pants, glasses, and is looking down at her cell phone; her sparse facial hair is clearly visible. A Reddit user posted it to the "Funny" forum with the quip,"I'm not sure what to conclude from this." 

Comments started pouring in, making fun of her appearance, asking if she was transgendered, and taking her to task for not plucking, waxing, or shaving. 

Related: Lessons from "The World's Ugliest Woman': Stop Staring and Start Learning 

After a friend told her about the thread, Kaur decided to respond to the taunts herself—and take the opportunity to educate people at the same time. 

"Hey, guys. This is Balpreet Kaur, the girl from the picture," she wrote. "I'm not embarrassed or even humiliated by the attention [negative and positive] that this picture is getting, because it's who I am." 

As a baptized Sikh woman, Kaur—who is from Ohio—said that she is forbidden from altering her body, as it is considered a sacred gift from God. 

"The overarching principal is this body is a tool for service," she explained. "We have to maintain and take care of it while cherishing its original form." That means that going to the hospital and taking medicine is fine, because one should be healthy in order to be of service to others. But cutting one's hair or removing one's facial hair is forbidden, even if societal norms dictate otherwise. 

"My hair doesn't stop me from being normal or doing service so its not a hindrance," she said in a later post. "I've been to the doctor regarding this and it's just a side effect of my hormone levels during my teenage years. The hormones have returned to normal, but the hair is still there. That's fine :) I don't regret anything, nor do I view it as an unfortunate thing."

with thanks : Yahoo News : LINK : for detailed news story. 

Centre approves Hemkunt Sahib ropeway project

CHANDIGARH: For convenience of the pilgrims, the Centre government has given its approval for ropeway from Gurdwara Gobind Dham to Hemkunt Sahib. The project will cost around Rs 75 crore and expected to finish in 2014 before the commencement of Hemkunt Sahib yatra in summers.

In the first phase of the project, the ropeway will be operational till Gurdwara Gobind Dham which will be later extended to Gobind Ghat. At present, the pilgrims can also commute from Gobind Ghat to Gobind Dham through chopper services which cost Rs 3,500 per person.

Hemkunt Sahib is one of the most revered places in Sikhism where tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh meditated before his incarnation as the Sikh guru. Every year, the doors of Hemkunt Sahib open for the Sikh pilgrims on June 1 who can visit till October 5.

Later, the Gurdwara is kept closed during the winters as the environmental conditions are not suitable for human visit and survival as the gurdwara is located at an altitude of 4,632.96 metres (15,200.0 ft).

with thanks : Punjab Newsline : LINK

HSGPC goes to polls on Sunday

A faction of Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (HSGPC) will hold elections to form its ad hoc religious body in Kurukshetra on Sunday. Leaders elected by Sikh sangat at various Sikh-dominated areas of the state, including Karnal, Kurukshetra, Pehowa, Dabwali, Yamunanagar will gather at Yadav Dharamshala on Sunday to elect its state leadership.

The former SGPC member from Kurukshetra segment, Didar Singh Nalwi, told Hindustan Times on Saturday that a five-member gurdwara election commission headed by Sohinder Singh of Panipat would hold elections in Kurukshetra.

The former registrar of Punjabi University, Patiala, Nalwi said: "We want to have a dedicated team of Sikhs to achieve its constitutionally valid demands, including a separate SGPC, effective implementation of Punjabi as a second language and formation of a minority commission in Haryana to safeguard interests of minority communities."

He said they were preparing a list of Sikhs who support the movement for a separate body and make them join as members.

He said: "Certain elements in our community turned puppets in the hands of Haryana or Punjab government to disuse our movement, but we are determined to revive it by educating the sangat. We know it is a tough task for an independent body like us, but we will continue the process of making members for the cause of the community."

with thanks : Hindustan Times : LINK : for detailed news.

Sikh Community Celebrates 100 Years in America

Pakistan allows Indian Sikhs to visit four more gurdwaras

1. AMRITSAR: For the first time, Pakistan government will allow Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit four more historical Sikh gurdwaras. These gurdwaras will be opened in November when Sikh pilgrims visit Pakistan to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
   
   Pakistan government allows Indian Sikh devotees to visit only 16 of the 175 gurdwaras. However, the Sikhs of Pakistan and other countries can visit all the gurdwaras.
   
   The four gurdwaras which will be opened include Gurdwara Janamsthan Bebe Nanaki at Dera Chahal in Lahore, Gurdwara Babe Di Ber in Sialkot, Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh and Gurdwara Bhai Biba Singh, both in Peshawar.
   
   Dera Chahal village, about 35 km from Lahore, is the birth place of Guru Nanak Dev's elder sister Bebe Nanaki.
   
   Nankana Sahib Sikh Yatree Jatha president Swaran Singh told TOI that the Pakistan Evacuee Trust Property Board was restoring these gurdwaras for the last one year. The Board has been managing Sikh and Hindu shrines in Pakistan since the partition in 1947.
   
   Besdies these four, Indian Sikh pilgrims can visit Gurdwara Sacha Sauda, Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Gurdwara Janamasthan Guru Ram Das, Gurdwara Singh Singhania, Gurdwara Hargobind Sahib and Gurdwaa Mula Khatri, Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Punja Sahib, Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, and Gurdwara Rori Sahib.

      with thanks : Hindustan Times : LINK

FBI to examine hate crimes against Sikhs

Washington: An independent FBI advisory board is being asked to examine whether the current hate crime reporting categories should be expanded to include those against the Sikhs, a top US official announced on Wednesday.

Such a move by the Department of Justice comes in the wake of top US lawmakers and human rights bodies and Sikh organisations writing to the Attorney General in this regard. This week as many as 81 Congressman introduced a resolution to include crimes against Sikhs to be included as hate crimes.

"We will ask the FBI's Advisory Policy Board, an independent federal advisory committee that is authorised to propose changes to the Uniform Crime Reports, to examine whether the current hate crime reporting categories should be expanded to include additional categories of religious hate crimes ? particularly including hate crimes motivated by anti-Sikh bias," Deputy Attorney General James M Cole said. 

with thanks : Zee News : LINK : for detailed news.

SC: Punjab must give flats to ’84 riot victims

New Delhi, September 19

The Supreme Court today observed that it was the responsibility of the nation and the government to provide flats to all those rendered homeless in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

A Bench comprising Justices Aftab Alam and Ranjana Desai made the remarks while hearing a petition challenging the July 10, 2012 order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court directing the Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner and the Police Commissioner to evict unauthorised occupants of flats meant for the riot victims and hand these over to deserving claimants.

Arguing for the petitioners, counsel Jaspal Singh and Satinder Singh Ghulati contended that the high court order was contradictory to a December 13, 2011 judgment of the same court on the issue. In the 2011 verdict relating to the Ludhiana Sikh Migrants Welfare Board, the high court had directed the authorities to first determine the genuine and bonafide victims to whom Red Cards had been issued.

Today, the SC asked the Punjab Government to take “positive steps” on the issue within 10 days and listed the petition, filed by Dharminder Singh and three others, for further hearing on September 28.

The petitioners had “mentioned” their case before the Bench, seeking an early hearing of their petition.

Appearing for Punjab, counsel Kuldeep Singh said the state government would take a decision in one week. At this, the Bench said, “We have taken a decision. You implement it in one week. It is not only your legal responsibility, but you are also morally and ethically responsible in every sense of the word not to evict the riot victims.”

It was a national responsibility to ensure that the victims were rehabilitated, the Bench pointed out. As the Punjab counsel pleaded for more time, the SC granted 10 days time and directed it to report back on the next date of hearing.

The petitioners said they were forced to leave their homes from different parts of the country.


with thanks : TRIBUNE : LINK

www.sohnijodi.com - a sikh matrimonial web portal

DSGMC elections !

The Supreme Court has directed the authorities concerned that election of the DSGMC should be completed before December 31, 2012. 

New Delhi, September 17

The Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi), the Shiromani Aklai Dal (Badal) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi-UK) today welcomed the Supreme Court's directions for the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee election that is due to be held after more than one year. 

Delhi unit chief of the SAD Badal, Manjit Singh (GK) said that the Supreme Court today directed the authorities concerned that election of the DSGMC should be completed before December 31, 2012. 

He said as the identity cards were not ready, the court said that photo identity cards issued by the Election Commission could be used for gurdwara election also. If the voters do not have photo identity cards, the other identity cards issued by the government could be used. 

He said that general election for gurdwara committee had been delayed for the last two years. But now it cannot be delayed after the Supreme Court's direction. 

Welcoming the court decision, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi-UK), Jasjit Singh said that it was a historic decision for the Sikh community in Delhi as they were eagerly waiting for the election but those in power were getting it delayed. 

The case in the Supreme Court was filed by him and the Dashmesh Sewa Society, Jasjit said.

President of the DSGMC, who is heading the Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi), Paramjeet Singh Sarna said that he welcomed this decision. The election would be held within the given time. The community had given him chance to work for it. If the community recognizes his work, it will give him another chance for service, Sarna said.

with thanks Link for detailed news : 
www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120918/delhi.htm#6

DSGMC is public authority, comes under purview of RTI Act: HC

New Delhi: The Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) is a "public authority" and comes under the purview of the Right to Information Act, the Delhi High Court has held.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice A K Sikri and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw also dismissed the DSGMC's appeal against the single judge order which had held it as "public authority".

"Once we read the definition of 'public authority' in Section 2(h) of the RTI Act, obvious conclusion would be that the appellant(DSGMC) is a 'public authority' as it is constituted by the Act of the Parliament. Undeniably, the appellant is a statutory body under the Delhi Sikh Gurudwaras Act. It is constituted under Section 3 of the DSG Act," the bench said.

The bench rejected the Committee counsel K T S Tulsi's argument that though the DSGMC may have been established by a law made by the Parliament but it is not a public authority as it did not receive funds directly or indirectly from government. 

"We, thus, hold that once it is found that an authority or body or institution of self government is established or constituted in any manner prescribed in the RTI Act, then there is no further requirement of such a body to be either owned or controlled or substantially financed by an appropriate government," the bench further said.

On July 22, 2007, the single judge bench of the High Court had held that the Sikh body was a 'public authority' and falls under the ambit of RTI Act . 

PTI

with thanks : Zee News : Link

Video : Sri Guru Teg Bahadar Services Training Institute : DSGMC

Another video : USA Gurudwara shooting

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2201399/Time-use-deadly-force-Video-footage-shows-police-officer-arriving-Sikh-temple-shooting.html

Video: Police release dash-cam of Sikh temple shooting

Sikhs to launch 'Forgotten Citizens' to mark 1984 riots

On the 29th anniversary of the anti-Sikh riots of 1984, a number of human rights organizations, religious and social groups will start a public campaign in the first week of November, under the banner, 'Forgotten Citizens' to create mass awareness on the struggle waged by the next of kin f those who perished in these riots. The aim would be highlight the cases of people, still awaiting justice.

Senior Supreme Court advocate HS Phoolka will be spearheading the campaign. He has been fighting the cases of riot victims in court. The campaign to be initiated from New Delhi, will commence with a 'Akhand Paath' on November 1 at gurdwara Bangla Sahib. A 'bhog' will be organised at the same gurdwara on November 3. 

 

Phoolka added that a photo exhihibtition depicting the brutal killings of Sikh men, women and children will be organised at the same gurdwara. 

On November 3, as many as 3,000 turbans, each bearing the name of a victim killed during the riots, will be displayed either at India Gate or at Jantar Mantar. 

Phoolka added that 3,000 was the official figure of Sikhs killed during the riots as per government records, though the number was on the higher side.  Phoolka, along with former Jarnail Singh, also met Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Gurbachan Singh. 

"The Jathedar has told us that he will consult the heads of the other Takhts before arriving at a decision on whether to allow such a display of the Sikh head gear or not. We respect his views and will wait for his verdict," said Phoolka. 

with thanks : Hindustan Times : LINK : for detailed news.

BJP reaches out to Sikh Community

Jammu, September 08 (Scoop News) – Two successive meetings of prominent Sikh activists were held at BJP headquarters here under the chairmanship of BJP National Executive Member & State Chief Spokesperson  Dr. Jitendra Singh, who has also been assigned by the party to coordinate with Sikh community for the redressal of their community’s problems.

The prominent Sikh leaders who attended these meetings included S. Charanjit Singh Khalsa, S. Varinderjit Singh, S.Gurdyal Singh Bali, S. Harvinder Singh , S. Pritam Singh Nirdosh and S. Kulwant Singh.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said that this was part of an initiative to reach out to the neglected sections of Sikh community in the state so that they feel physically as well as psychologically a part of the Jammu and Kashmir mainstream and do not feel alienated in any way. He said the Sikh community has traditionally been known for its uncompromising patriotism, nationalist commitment and uprightness. It is ironic that even when the country’s Prime Minister belong to Sikh community, repeated pleas from Sikh leaders and their organisations in J&K to the Prime Minister have failed to yield any results, he added.

Dr. Jitendra Singh informed that in the last six months, there have been a series of group meetings with Sikh members of different backgrounds which has helped identify certain major problems faced by the community in the state. He said, irrespective of political affiliations, the main issues of concern for the community include plight of Sikhs living in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Kashmir valley, the problems of Sikh refugees from PoK and other parts and security concerns of Sikh families living in the Kashmir valley. He said the party plans to draw a long term roadmap for redressal of sikh communities issues and as a part of this effort, a Sikh sammelan is also planned in last week of this month.

BJP State Press Secretary Balbir Ram was also present in these meetings.   

with thanks : groundreport : LINK   

Sikh doctor leads stir against Toronto gurdwara membership freeze

 

A Sikh doctor hailing from Windsor in Ontario has gone on a hunger strike along with his supporters to protest membership freeze by the executive committee of the Sikh Cultural Society of Windsor. Dr Sukhdev Singh Kooner, who previously headed the committee, alleged that the executive committee is freezing the membership of 400 persons, including him, to take control of the gurdwara. The charges have been rubbished by the committee members.

Accompanied by a large number of supporters, Kooner started his strike on Sunday at Gurdwara Khalsa Parkash, and is since surviving only on water. "Everyone has the right to be a member; we did not have any other choice left," he said.

 

The Windsor police are minutely watching the protest to save any untoward incident and to keep an eye upon the doctor's health. In a news release, supporters of Kooner said he and some of his followers are suffering the effects of not eating and he has "already lost eight pounds". 

with thanks : hindustan Times : LINK : for detailed news.

Gravestone of Duleep Singh's son restored

On a solemn occasion marked by cloudy skies and a piper playing the lament, Sikhs, Scots and others came together at a church in Perthshire in Scotland to commemorate one of Maharaja Duleep Singh's children, who died there in 1865. 

Duleep Singh, the last ruler of the Sikh empire, was exiled to Britain in 1854, aged 13, after the British annexation of Punjab.

Known for his lavish lifestyle, he moved to Scotland and came to be known as the Black Prince of Perthshire.

Duleep Singh's child was born in Perthshire on August 4, 1865, but died within hours. The child was buried in Perthshire. 

The gravestone where the child was buried was restored and consecrated at the ceremony organised by the Anglo-Sikh Heritage Trail (ASHT) in Kenmore Kirk on Thursday.

with thanks : Hindustan Times : LINK : for detailed news.

California schools to teach about Sikhs

California governor Edmund Brown has signed into law the two legislations protecting the rights of the Sikhs in the State and including information about the religion in high school curriculum. One of the legislations updates the California high school curriculum so that every student in the state learns about the about the history, tradition and theology of Sikhism and California Sikhs. The other legislation clarifies the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) to ensure that employees receive equal protection under law, specifically protecting religious observances such as the turban, hijab and yarmulke.

with thanks : Hindustan Times : LINK : for detailed news.

Sikhs applaud as Brown signs 2 anti-discrimination bills

Blue, green, saffron, red, pink and black turbans crowded around Gov. Jerry Brown on the north steps of the Capitol on Saturday when he signed two bills designed to battle anti-Sikh discrimination.

"Breaking down prejudice is something you've got to do every day, and to help us do that, I'm going to sign a couple of bills," Brown told an enthusiastic crowd of 500 Sikhs from as far away as Texas and Colorado. "Sikhs everywhere can see in California they are a powerful presence."

The Workplace Religious Freedom Act, Assembly Bill 1964 by Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada, D-Davis, ensures that employees receive equal protection under law, protecting workers who wear turbans, hijabs and yarmulkes. In California, employers faced over 500 cases of religious discrimination in 2011.

Brown declined to wear a turban, saying, "I've worked hard to get my head cleared," but honored the thousands of Sikhs who have given their lives in a long history of struggle for religious freedom both in India and the United States.

Brown also signed Senate Bill 1540, sponsored by Sen. Loni Hancock, D-Berkeley, changing how history and social sciences are taught in schools so that students learn about the history, tradition and theology of California Sikhs. Education can blunt hatred, prejudice and fatal misunderstandings, such as the massacre of Sikhs outside a Wisconsin temple, Brown said. Since the Gold Rush of 1849, California's been built by waves of immigrants including Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, Mexicans, Punjabis and Europeans Brown said.

"My own great-grandfather came here in 1852 from Germany and didn't speak English," Brown said. "He was driving a stagecoach from Placerville, then called Hangtown. ... There's always new and different people coming around they speak 113 languages in California," Brown said.

with thanks : sacbee : LINK : for detailed news.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/09/08/4800993/sikhs-applaud-as-brown-signs-2.html#storylink=cpy

California governor to sign into law to protect Sikhs rights in state

California governor Edmund Brown would sign into law the two legislations protecting the rights of the Sikhs in the state and including information about the religion in high school curriculum. 

One of the legislation updates the California high school curriculum so that every student in the State learns about the about the history, tradition and theology of Sikhism and California Sikhs.

The other legislation clarifies the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) to ensure that employees receive equal protection under law, specifically protecting religious observances such as the turban, hijab and yarmulke.

In a statement, the governor's office said that Brown would give remarks and sign both the legislations at the North American Punjabi Association's peace and unity rally on Saturday, held to celebrate religious coexistence and recognize the victims of the Sikh temple shooting in Wisconsin.

with thanks : Hindustan Times : LINK : for detailed news.

Guru Teg Bahadar Services Training Institute by DSGMC

Sikhs in Gujarat's Kutch fear displacement

CHANDIGARH: They have created a little Punjab in the arid Kutch region of Gujarat. Now, a number of these Sikhs - who have made Gujarat their home over a period of almost five decades now - are faced with the fear of displacement.

The Gujarat government has put a "freeze" on the land-holdings of hundreds of farmers by invoking the Bombay Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act, 1958, disabling the Punjab agriculturists from selling, buying or taking any loan or subsidy on their land.

"After working hard for so many years, we turned the barren land of Kutch into an oasis and now the Gujarat government wants us to go," Surender Singh, 61, said here on Tuesday. "We are being treated by the Gujarat government as if we don't belong there. It's almost the same way as Biharis are being treated in Maharashtra," added Singh, who originally belongs to Fazilka district of Punjab and is now a cotton farmer in Kutch.

A group of farmers from Kutch have met Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and asked him to intervene in the matter.

Punjabi farmers began settling in Kutch, along the border, after the India-Pakistan war of 1965 on the insistence of then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, who had felt that courageous men were needed close to the international border.

"The Gujarat high court has already given a decision in our favour, but the Gujarat government has moved the Supreme Court. We are poor farmers and can't afford high fees required to fight the case in the apex court," said Prithavi Singh, 43, who originally belongs to a village in Sangrur district of Punjab.

with thanks : Times of India : LINK : for detailed news.

Best wishes to all the nominees of Sikh Awards in UK : SikhsIndia

Sikhs in Business

BUSINESS MAN - MR HARDEEP SINGH BEDI VSM - INDIA Hardeep Singh served in the Indian army for over 22 years, before he took a voluntary retirement and started his own company at the age of 42. Under his leadership, Tulip Telecom has established itself as one of the leaders in the enterprise data services market, with a network spreading across 2000 cities it has most of the Fortune 500 companies in India as its customers. With 3800 employees and an annual turnover of $600m, Tulip has received numerous national and international awards. Hardeep Singh is a well-known philanthropist was recently awarded the Vishist Seva Medal (VSM) by the President of India for his role in the computerisation of the Indian army. BUSINESS MAN - MR JINDY SINGH KHERA - UNITED KINGDOM Jindy Singh is the Co-founder and Managing Director of KTC Edibles Ltd. Set up in 1973, KTC is one of Britain’s largest manufacturers and distributor of oils and fats with a turnover in excess of £220m. Operating from Wednesbury and Liverpool, they now offer their customers over 1,000 different products. Jindy has previously been a board member of Birmingham and Solihull Learning Skills Council, Chairman of Walsall Primary Care Trust and Chairman of the Institute Of Asian Businesses for over 2 years. He is currently a trustee of Sangat TV and a Fundraiser for CLIC Sargent where he ran the London Marathon in 2012 and raised in excess of £35,000. BUSINESS MAN - MR RAJINDER SINGH BARYAN - KENYA Rajinder Singh is a respected businessman and philanthropist. He is the Co-founder and Managing Director of Multiple Hauliers (East Africa) Ltd, which is the flagship of the ‘Multiple Group of Companies’. The Group has an annual turnover of over $200m, employs 3000 individuals and operates a fleet of over 1,300 trucks. Multiple Hauliers are market leaders in the Transport Industry. Rajinder also assembles and distributes renowned franchises like RANDON Trailers and VW Trucks and Buses, imports petroleum products, owns a Construction Company, operates Inland Container and Warehousing Terminals, Clearing and Forwarding, Plastics and Polypropylene Industries and has recently invested in a Port Facility which will be East Africa’s largest private infrastructure development this decade. BUSINESS WOMAN - MRS ARINDER KAUR BHULLAR - UNITED KINGDOM Arinder moved from a career in legal publishing to set up her own business providing exquisite, bespoke and tailored outfits for all occasions. After a decade of continual hard work, dedication and innovation within the Asian fashion scene, Arinder Bhullar was presented the Best Wedding Designer Award in 2010 at the International Asian Fashion Awards for her unique contribution to the industry. She is an active committee member of Action for Children’s Charity, for which she has participated in several fund raising projects.  Recently she became a committee member for LOROS a local hospice. BUSINESS WOMAN - MRS GURJIT KAUR CHAHAL - UNITED KINGDOM In 2003 Gurjit Kaur set up Charles & Co Solicitors. The firm has steadily grown over the years and now has four Partners to add to her ever growing team. Gurjit was the first Sikh female lawyer to appear live on radio and television to raise awareness of family law issues in the UK. Giving to the community is very important to Gurjit and she will regularly undertake work for distressed members of the Asian community which includes spending time at community advice centres and undertaking international child abduction cases as well as publishing regular articles in newspaper publications. BUSINESS WOMAN - MRS SUKHINDER SINGH - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Sukhinder began her career in investment banking, media and online services while working at Merrill Lynch, British Sky Broadcasting and Amazon. She started her first company Yodlee Inc in 1999, based in Silicon Valley she was the Co-founder and Vice President of business development, Yodlee is a leading software provider. Sukhinder then served as President of Asia Pacific and Latin America at Google for over six years. More recently she was Chief Executive Officer of Polyvore.com, a leading fashion community website. With the wealth of experience behind her she is now the Founder and Chairman of Joyus.com, the first premium online video shopping destination. ENTREPRENEUR - MR ASH SINGH - SINGAPORE Ash is one of Asia's up and coming serial entrepreneurs. While a student at the Chinese University in Hong Kong, he conceived and launched Social Network Business Systems, a business network development company which was he acquired when he was just 22 years old. His entrepreneurial escapades have led to him receiving several awards including being named one of Asia’s Top Young Entrepreneurs in 2009 by Business Week. In his free time, Ash promotes his favourite hobby, ‘Turbans’.  His mobile application Turbanizer is on track for one million downloads this year. He is also the creator of Sikhiwiki the largest online repository of Sikh information. ENTREPRENEUR - MR SUNEET SINGH TULI - INDIA Suneet is the founder and CEO of DataWind Ltd, he has 22 years of experience as a serial entrepreneur having previously launched two successful companies that conducted Initial Public Offerings on the Nasdaq stock market. Suneet has patented many technologies which were created to develop scanning, printing and imaging products that have set world records in both price and performance, these ventures have received numerous awards and accolades, including recognition by the Guinness Book of Records. DataWind has received awards from CNBC TV 18, Mercedes Benz, The Young Turks Innovation Award and earlier this year DataWind was awarded the UK’s Most Innovative Mobile Company for 2012. ENTREPRENEUR - MR TEJPAL SINGH JHEETA - UNITED KINGDOM Tejpal started his career in India as a trainee pilot. He immigrated to London in 1996 and soon after gained a merit in post-graduation from the Central School of Fashion. He went on to perfecting the art and craft of cutting, fitting and making ladies and men's hand-made garments. In 2008 he launched his own label 'Paul Jheeta', he is the first and youngest Sikh designer and master tailor at Savile Row. Tejpal has an in-exhaustive list of clients from mega industrialists, cricketers to Bollywood stars like Siddhartha Mallya, GMR Group, the Mittals, Sachin Tendulkar, Farhan Akhtar to name but a few.

Sikhs in Charity

MR HARPAL SINGH KUMAR - CANCER RESEARCH UK - UNITED KINGDOM Harpal Singh studied chemical engineering at Cambridge and an MBA at Harvard, he worked in scientific research and management consultancy, before taking on a number of CEO roles in both the commercial and charity sectors. Harpal managed the ‘Cancer Research Trust’ where he was responsible for discovering new cancer drugs. Today he is Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Research UK, the world’s leading cancer research charity. He is responsible for a £500m annual budget and for driving the strategy that ensures survival rates improve for every type of cancer. He advises senior ministers on cancer and tobacco control and is a regular media spokesperson. MRS SUKHVEER KAUR - HIMMAT SUPPORT GROUP - MALAYSIA The Himmat Support Group was formed in 2008 while Sukhveer Kaur was recuperating from surgery, a cancer survivor herself. The organisation provides emotional support, counselling, hospital visits, educating carers and patients. She does a lot of outreach work with cancer patients and their families, accompanying patients to hospital appointments and visiting patients at home. She is a full time volunteer with various NGO's such as the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Mitta For Life, The Women’s Centre For Change and The Lighthouse Group. She has helped organise many successful medical camps and talks. The charity received the International Hero of Hope award from the American Cancer Society. MS TRISHNA SINGH - SIKH SANJOG - UNITED KINGDOM Born and raised in Glasgow in 1989 Trishna Singh and a group of other women came together and founded the charity Sikh Sanjog. This organisation was primarily setup to promote the needs of Sikh women while remaining within the boundaries of the culture of the community; it empowers women to assume their own identity in life. Sikh Sanjog has helped countless Sikh women to move on from the confines of their homes where they felt they were isolated and disempowered. In 2004 Trishna was given the opportunity to do a degree in Community Learning and Development at Glasgow University and she graduated in 2007.

Sikhs in Education

DR JAGIR SINGH - INDIA Dr Jagir Singh is a rare combination of teacher, researcher and kirtankar. He has served as a lecturer at The Guru Gobind Singh College in Chandigarh, he was a professor and chairman of the Gurmat Sangeet Department at The Punjabi University in Patiala and as Deputy Director of The Punjab School Education Board, he introduced the subject of Gurmat Sangeet at senior secondary level. He has spread his knowledge of Kirtan and Gurbani through his well-known magazine called ‘Amrit Kirtan’. Jagir Singh’s academic research and practical achievements in the world of music are well known and among contemporary professionals, he is seen as an academician of exclusive eminence. MR HARINDER SINGH - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Harinder Singh traded his roots as an Aerospace engineer in 1997 to embark on community building via education. He has been globe-trotting to ignite the revival of Sikh spirit as inspired by the Infinite Wisdom of the Sikh Gurus. Spearheading the revival worldwide are two organizations co-founded by him. Sikh Research Institute has trained over 300,000 Sikhs to revitalise Sikh values and build institutions to continue the Sikh revolution. Panjab Digital Library is preserving the rich culture through the digitization of 6.5 million pages, making it the world's largest repository of Sikh and Panjabi heritage. An educator and an activist, he is leveraging the original freshness of Sikhi as a fulcrum for social change. PROFESSOR KIRPAL SINGH KAZAK - INDIA Kirpal Singh is a professor of Folklore and Punjabi studies at the Punjabi University in Patiala, India. His journey to this point is an emotional one. He was disowned by his parents, lived as a nomad, struggled in life and did not complete school. He found comfort among the tribes of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. During this period Kirpal wrote about his experiences and was a known name among Punjabi literary circles. When he returned to his hometown in the early 80s, he was an established man within the education arena. It is said, whatever roles he may don, all those who know Kirpal unanimously agree that he is a ‘fine example of a human being’.

Sikhs in Entertainment

MR GURPREET SINGH - INDIA Gurpreet played the lead role of Sardar Baghel Singh in first feature film on Sikh History ‘Baba Deep Singh Ji’. He has since starred in various movies and soaps with leading roles like great general Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgariah. When not filming he worked for IBN 7, MH 1 and India News as a journalist. On the channel Zee Punjabi he hosted the series ‘Ek Onkar’ and later became head of the religious programs division. Currently Gurpreet is the Managing Editor at the channel 7 Sea and hosts programmes such as ‘Eknoor’, ‘Daso Leader Ji’ and Prime 7 Talk. MRS MANPREET SINGH - AUSTRALIA Manpreet migrated to Australia in 1991 and has been working with the Special Broadcasting Service since 1993. She broadcasts nationally across Australia, and maintains a significant presence on television, radio, print and on many websites. Her radio broadcasts are becoming the front-runner in setting the agenda for most mainstream media in Australia, India and the rest of the world. She was recently recognised by the state government of Victoria with the award for Excellence in Media. She was a finalist at the UN Media Peace Awards on four separate occasions. Manpreet was one of the torch–bearers for the Queen’s Baton Relay at the XIX Commonwealth Games. MS BALJEET KAUR JOHAL Baljeet is a well-known television personality and model living in Amritsar, India. She has presented a variety of shows and recently covered The Commonwealth Games, The World Cup 2012 and The Gali Cricket. She has hosted more than 100 shows of the series Pindan Vichon Pind on the channel Zee Punjabi. Baljeet, throughout her career has received several awards including The National Sports Award, Hind Sangram Parishad Award, Rotary Club Award and the Big Punjabi Rising Female Star Anchor Award. In her spare time she volunteers and holds classes for young children to learn Punjabi.

Sikhs in Media

MR GURUKA SINGH - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Guruka Singh is the original founder of SikhNet. He is co-founder of the computer consulting firm Sun & Son. He served as Senior Producer at a major entertainment software company and now serves as President and C.E.O of SikhNet. Guruka Singh is a teacher, writer and inveterate punster. His love of poetry and Gurbani has led him to translate Yogi Bhajan's Gurmukhi poems in several publications like Furmaan Khalsa, The Game of Love, Heros, Saints & Yogis and the Path of Sikh Dharma. His writings and videos are a source of inspiration to the Sikh community throughout the world. MR SIRMUKH SINGH MANKU - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Sirmukh is a well-known journalist who covers major events throughout America on television channels such as Jus Punjabi and TV Asia and newspapers like India Times and India Abroad. He worked on Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs visit to The White House, Pope Benedict’s visit to Washington, the Vaisakhi Celebrations at the Maryland Governor’s House and many Interfaith Conferences at The Washington Cathedral. Sirmukh Singh is the first Sikh to receive an official White House media pass. Sirmukh is known for his selfless voluntary service which he does for the local community by designing and consulting with the local places of worship. MR TEJINDER SINGH SODHI - PAKISTAN Tejinder is one of the youngest and the only Sikh accredited journalists in Kashmir, Pakistan. He has worked with a number of prestigious national newspapers like The Hindustan Times, The Tribune and Press Trust of India. He was awarded the prestigious Ford Foundation International Fellowship and is currently at the University of Kansas, he is the only Sikh to achieve such a feat in India. Tejinder has also set up a website gurbani.info which has a daily live broadcast from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. This website reaches out to Sikh’s throughout the world.

Sikhs in Profession

MR GURMANT SINGH GREWAL - CANADA Gumant was elected an MP within six years of immigrating to Canada and was the first minority to serve as Deputy House Leader, Foreign Affairs Shadow Minister and Chair of a Joint Committee of both Houses. He has raised many issues including the right to wear a Turban rather than a hardhat and the recognition of Sikh 5 K’s. He organises the annual Vaisakhi celebration in Parliament and all political leader’s visits to Amritsar. He has delivered more speeches than any other MP and presented over 50 Bills in Parliament. The Prime Minister of Canada called Gurmant “the Ironman of the Canadian Parliament”. He was awarded Queens Golden Jubilee Medal. MR SIMMARPAL SINGH BHURJEE - ARGENTINA Simmarpal Singh is an Agricultural Sciences graduate from Amritsar, India. He joined Olam in 2001 where he got to work in multiple geographies of Africa. In 2005 he was mandated to startup the operations in Argentina. He was first Indian most Argentines ever met. He pioneered and spearheaded the business to grow from 29th position to 6th in the global peanut industry. Today, Simmarpal is the better known as ‘The Peanut Prince’ and is now the Country Head for the Argentina Operations of Olam International. The Argentine Government recently awarded him with a Certificate of Gratitude for his contribution to the local economy. MS JAGDEEP KAUR RAI - UNITED KINGDOM Jagdeep has worked for Barclays since 1995 having joined its graduate management training programme. Since then, she has undertaken a number of wide ranging roles including strategic, client facing and leadership positions within the Retail and Corporate environment. Jagdeep is currently a Director, responsible for the Corporate Banking division of Barclays which looks after businesses operating with a turnover of over £5m in the Heathrow and Slough area. She was previously the 2011 winner of the Asian Who’s Who Leadership in Diversity Award, and a shortlisted candidate in the business category for the 2012 Asian Women of Achievement Awards.

Sikhs in Seva

MR BAWA SINGH JAGDEV - AUSTRALIA In 1975 he established the first ever Gurudwara and then two Punjabi schools in Sydney. In 1998 he was responsible for the amendment to the Weapon’s Bill so that Sikhs could legally wear their Kirpan. Bawa Singh established the Sikh Council of Australia, this organisation got Sikhs in Australia recognised as a denomination. He setup a Senate Committee which received fair compensation for the Sikh farmers in Woolgoolga. Recently he started a help line for women victims of domestic violence. Bawa Singh has been awarded the Lifetime Community Services Award from NSW Government, Australian Sikh of the year and the “Order of Australia” award for his services to the community. MR BHUPINDER SINGH KOHLI - INDIA Bhupinder Singh lives in Mumbai and works for the State Bank of India in Belapur. He participated in relief efforts during the Gujarat Earthquake 2000, the Tsunami and Mumbai floods in 2005, and the Surat floods in 2006. He helped the victims of the 2011 Mumbai train blasts and Mumbai terror attacks by taking them to hospital in his own private car which he converted into an ambulance once he noticed officials were struggling with the numbers needing medical attention. He ensures that his private car is always available for the free emergency ferrying of "patients" to and from hospital. He is a member of numerous charitable causes and organisations. MR SURENDER SINGH KHANDHARI - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Surender Singh was the youngest President of the Automobile Association of Andhra Pradesh and the youngest Captain of the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai. He is now the Chairman of Al Dobowi Group, one of the largest tyre distribution companies in the world. Contributing a total of 65million Arab Emirate Dirhams he has helped to build the first legal Gurudwara in the United Arab Emirates. Built on land donated by the ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the structure is over 100,000sq foot and has served over 40,000 worshippers in a single day. The Gurudwara had its opening ceremony in 2012 and many VIP’s attended.

Sikhs in Sports

MR PARANVEER SINGH SETHI - UNITED KINGDOM Paranveer is extremely passionate about football and has been always praised on his skills when playing football at county level, at the David Beckham Academy and semi- professional. His skills and passion have been recognised allowing him to represent clubs such as West Ham, Leyton Orient and Watford. Aged 18 he made his debut for a non-league first team who appeared in the FA cup. Paranveer was shortlisted to carry the Olympic torch to represent the East London Area for his achievements. He continues to work hard and progress with determination, dedication and commitment to achieve ambitions of becoming a professional footballer. MS AMRIT KAUR BHINDER - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Amrit has been fencing for eleven years.  Her father, Ranjit Singh is her coach and has also coached her two sisters. She has competed on a collegiate, national and international level. Some of her most notable accomplishments are when she came 5th in the 2008 Cadet World Cup Bonn in Germany, she came 2nd in the Division 1 National Championships 2009, 1st in Division 1 Team at the National Championships in 2009, NCAA All-America 2011 and 2012, All-Ivy 2010, 2011 and 2012. She is also currently Captain of University of Pennsylvania’s varsity fencing team.