Sikh Charity Tackles Poverty with Free Meals Initiative

 According to Daily Star “ A Sikh charity is providing free meals to those in need as part of its efforts to combat food poverty. Soul Aid, founded by Deepak Singh in 2017, partners with Ramjinder Maan Palvinder Singh, the owner and chef of Kulcha Express in Ilford, to deliver hundreds of free meal boxes throughout Essex. Additionally, they serve meals every Friday at a food collection point on Connaught Road, Ilford.

With the help of over 100 volunteers, Mr. Singh ensures the weekly meal service is open to everyone, with no limit on the number of people who can attend. The charity was created to raise awareness about food poverty and assist those in need, regardless of their race or religion. Mr. Singh explained that the rising demand for high protein food assistance was evident, which inspired him to establish Soul Aid.

Although Mr. Singh had been helping people for over two decades, he formalized his efforts through the charity. Soul Aid provides free meals, mainly traditional Punjabi cuisine, donated by Kulcha Express. They also make meal deliveries to those who request help through social media, email, or phone. Additionally, other charities inform them about people in need, and each case is carefully evaluated.

Mr. Singh has observed a 50% increase in the number of people seeking free meals due to the rising cost of living. “We’ve seen more people coming, but we’ll just serve more meals,” he said, emphasizing that they are prepared to meet the growing demand.

According to the anti-poverty charity, Trussell Trust, millions of people in the UK are experiencing food poverty, with one in five children affected. Between April 2023 and March 2024, five of the nine regions in England saw an increase in food parcel distribution, with an 8% rise in the East of England alone, amounting to nearly 350,000 parcels.

The latest data reveals that 6.3 million adults and 3 million children are living below the poverty line, and many are relying on food banks or at risk of doing so. The total figure of people facing hardship and hunger has reached a record high, with 580,000 more people needing assistance in 2023 compared to the previous year, and the number has risen by a million over the past five years.

UTM establishes Canada’s first endowed chair in Sikh studies, propelling study of Sikhism at U of T

 According to Defy Gravity “ The University of Toronto Mississauga is establishing Canada’s first endowed chair in Sikh studies, representing a major step forward in research, education and community collaboration focused on Canada’s fastest-growing religion. With $2.5 million from Dr. Davindra Singh, matched by the university for a total of $5 million, the endowment will build on the recent momentum in Sikh studies, promoting new research and advancing knowledge and outreach initiatives, including engagement with the Sikh community locally and globally. An endowed chair can attract and retain internationally recognized scholars, leading to new research collaborations and building an unmatched program that will train future generations of students and researchers who, in turn, will go on to become academic stars.“This investment reflects our commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of Sikh culture and heritage within and beyond our university community,” says Alexandra Gillespie, U of T vice-president and UTM principal. “Through innovative research and impactful community engagement, we will inspire new generations of students and scholars to explore this vital field of study.”Singh, a former chair of the Sikh Foundation of Canada, says his community has wanted to establish a chair in Sikh studies for decades. “I’ve always believed in giving back to society in whatever way you can and this may vary depending on one’s stage in life. In my earlier years, I volunteered my time but always desired to become more involved in philanthropy in my retirement years. When this opportunity to partner with a world-class university arose, I felt the need to support this financially, even though retirement is not yet on the horizon. “Students from many faiths and backgrounds want to learn about Sikhism,” he says. “Canada has the largest Sikh diaspora in the world with about 800,000 living here and nearly 14 per cent are based in Peel region. It makes sense to offer programs of study that reflect the surrounding community.” Singh is the founder and lead dermatologist at AvantDerm in Toronto, home to the country’s first ethnic dermatology clinic and rapid access clinic. He is most passionate about solving the acute care dermatology crisis the country is currently experiencing. He completed his dermatology residency at U of T after beginning his career as a family and emergency physician in Northern Ontario. Singh maintains his academic appointments at U of T and Northern Ontario School of Medicine. “Education is extremely important to me and my family,” says Singh, noting that when his father arrived in Ontario in 1956, he was among the first Sikhs in the province. “One of the definitions of Sikh is ‘learner’ and our  Gurus were huge proponents of education. Sikhs believe that learning about different religions, cultures and languages is essential to understanding and communicating effectively with others in society.” The teachings of Guru Nanak (b. 1469) gave rise to Sikhism in India’s Punjab region. There are about 27 million Sikhs globally, making it the fifth largest religion. The first Sikhs came to Canada at the turn of the 20^th century and today Punjabi is the third official language of Canada’s Parliament after English and French. 

Bringing together a growing diaspora

The endowed fund made possible by Singh’s gift will enable UTM to establish the chair in Sikh studies while also supporting knowledge translation and engagement with the local, national and international Sikh communities. The endowed chair is a university-wide initiative, with undergraduate studies at UTM and graduate studies on the St. George campus. UTM has committed to a repository of Sikh literature within its library.

“Not only does UTM have a growing number of Sikh students, but Sikhs play a vital role in the cultural, political and social life of Peel region and Canada,” says Ajay Rao, UTM’s vice-dean of graduate studies and postdoctoral affairs and associate professor in the department of historical studies. “This chair will attract a leading scholar who will work closely with communities near the university and beyond. Instead of approaching Sikhism as an archaic topic, students will see it as a lived religion in their own environment.” Community collaborations could include public lectures, internships, student visits to gurdwaras and projects with UTM’s Sikh Student Association.

One of the definitions of Sikh is ‘learner’ and our  Gurus were huge proponents of education. Sikhs believe that learning about different religions, cultures and languages is essential to understanding and communicating effectively with others in society.

“We extend our gratitude to Dr. Davindra Singh for his commitment to broadening academic discourse on Sikhism,” says David Palmer, U of T’s vice-president, advancement. “His extraordinary gift will serve as a beacon for other philanthropists who want to help elevate an academic field to new heights. Dr. Singh’s generosity embodies the spirit of Defy Gravity: The Campaign for the University of Toronto, which is fuelling U of T’s mission as one of the world’s largest engines of social mobility and progress.”

Singh is committed to sharing his time, lived experience and connections in Ontario’s Sikh community with the incoming chair holder and future Sikh studies students. His long-term hope is that this will be the first of many such chairs. “I’d like to see it serve as a source of inspiration and motivation to other universities across Canada, the U.S. and globally.”  

Proposed NJ bank would focus on Sikh-American needs

 According to the Bank Slate "A group of Sikh-Americans is looking to form a bank in New Jersey that would serve their community.

The proposed Five Rivers Bank in Paramus, N.J., would be state-chartered, according to organizers’ application with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. The group plans to raise $33.5 million to $43.5 million in initial capital.

While Five Rivers would have a focus on the needs of Sikh-American individuals and businesses, it will also “develop a service culture and roster of products that will attract business customers of all backgrounds.” The initial focus would be northeast New Jersey.

Sikhs originated in Punjab India. The proposed bank’s name comes from the Persian words that mean Punjab – “panj” for “five” and “aab” for “water” – the filing said.

The filing said that Five Rivers Investment had raised nearly $2.8 million by selling shares to 32 initial investors. Those funds will count toward the initial fundraising target.

Mark Campbell is expected to serve as the bank’s chairman, president and CEO. He was president and CEO of Freedom Bank from 2009 to 2014.

SGGS College unveils museum dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh with a research corner for scholars

 According to Indian Express “ The museum has been built in collaboration with Panjab Digital Library. Some rare artefacts exhibited here include Guru Gobind Singh’s swords, arrows used in warfare, currency/ coins, and original manuscripts.

Inaugurating the museum, Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig lauded it as an essential step in preserving the Sikh heritage and India’s wider cultural legacy.

The centre features rare artefacts, manuscripts, and multimedia exhibits chronicling the tenth Sikh guru’s life and teachings, as well as significant historical events in the Sikh faith.

Principal Dr Navjot Kaur said the museum was completed in three and a half years.

The walls at the museum highlight various aspects of Guru Gobind Singh’s life, including his battles and journeys.

“We are also making a research corner, which will be connected digitally to the library at the Golden Temple, Guru Nanak Dev University and Punjabi University for interested scholars to access the entire range of books on Guru Aahib,” Dr Kaur said.

The walls at the museum highlight various aspects of Guru Gobind Singh’s life, including his battles and journeys. (Express Photo)

“There are so many facets of the Guru which have not been explored as the focus has largely been on his persona as the saint-soldier. But he was also a gifted poet, proficient in many musical instruments. He was a polyglot who was well-versed in Persian and several other languages. These are some of the lesser-known facets of the Guru we want to highlight to the younger generation,” said the Principal.

The museum also underlines the importance Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave to women soldiers. “Mai Bhati was a warrior in his army.”

The inauguration was attended by retired bureaucrat Gurdev Singh Brar, president of the Sikh Educational Society (SES), and Devinder Pal Singh, executive director of the Panjab Digital Library.

Gurdev Singh Brar praised the efforts of the college and Panjab Digital Library, describing the museum as a valuable homage to the Sikh heritage that would promote a global understanding of Sikh culture.

Devinder Pal Singh noted that Virasat is a tribute to the Sikh community and the enduring values of equality, courage, and sacrifice taught by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

New Facility And Vehicles For Sikh Volunteers Australia

 According to Mirage News “ The Allan Labor Government is supporting individuals and families in need with a new kitchen facility and three new vehicles for not-for-profit organisation Sikh Volunteers Australia.

Member for Hastings Paul Mercurio, representing Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence, attended the opening of the kitchen facility and unveiling of the vehicles at the premises of Sikh Volunteers Australia in Langwarrin today.

Sikh Volunteers Australia is a volunteer-run organisation that provides free food for Victorians in need and supports communities in Victoria and nearby regions in times of crisis such as bushfires or floods.

In 2023 Sikh Volunteers Australia distributed more than 28,000 free meals from their vans, and they also provide free food, water and necessary items to a range of communities during disaster relief operations.

The Labor Government invested $500,000 to fund the purchase of two new vans, as well as the purchase and fit out of a brand new food truck which Sikh Volunteers Australia will use to deliver food relief and community outreach to Victorians during disasters.

The Labor Government also contributed $250,000 for a new kitchen at Sikh Volunteers Australia's base in Langwarrin, alongside an investment of $700,000 from the Albanese Labor Government.

The upgrades ensure Sikh Volunteers Australia is better equipped to swiftly respond during periods of crisis such as bushfires or floods.

As stated by Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence

"We are continuing to invest in organisations like Sikh Volunteers Australia who are helping Victorians in need."

"We're pleased to have supported the purchase of these vehicles which will enable Sikh Volunteers Australia and its dedicated team of volunteers to reach even more Victorians." 

As stated by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt

"We are proud to have contributed to this new kitchen facility for Sikh Volunteers Australia which is a fantastic organisation that has such a positive impact for all of those they help."

"Our investment will support Sikh Volunteers Australia to build on their incredible work distributing more than 28,000 meals last year - enabling more Victorian families to access the support they need during times of crisis."

As stated by Member for Hastings Paul Mercurio

"Many Victorians are doing it tough which makes investments like this so important." 

"I'm pleased that we have been able to help Sikh Volunteers Australia provide even more food relief for people in local communities."

3rd International Sikh Research Summit: September 28-29

 According to Voice Online “ THE International Sikh Research Summit is being held on September 28 and 29 by the Guru Nanak Institute of Global Studies at Dhaliwal Banquet Hall at #230 8166 128 Street in Surrey.

Day 1: September 28

7:30am          Registration & Continental Breakfast

8:30am            Opening Remarks
                        Summit Co-Chair: Dr. Baljit Singh, VP Research, University of Saskatchewan,                              Canada

                        Greetings
                        Prime Minister of Canada, Premier of British Columbia, &                          the Mayor of Surrey

9:00am            Keynote: Building an Excellent University from Scratch
                        Dr. Alastair Summerlee, Former President & Vice-Chancellor, University of                                   Guelph & Carleton University, Canada
Currently Adjunct Professor, Carleton University, Canada

10:00am          Break

10:30am          Panel: Internationalizing Higher Education: Challenges and Best Practices

• Victor Ramraj, Professor of Law & Chair, Asia-Pacific Legal Relations, University of Victoria, Canada
• Pooja Parmar, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Victoria, Canada
• Tricia Best, Director, International Centre for Students, University of Victoria, Canada
• Sharanjit Kaur Sandhra, Faculty, GNI Canada
• Jaskaran Singh Benipal, Co-Founder, “We Care Canada”, An International Student Organization

12:00pm          Lunch

1:00pm            Sikh Scientists’ Contribution to Global Wheat Production
Dr. Kulvinder Singh Gill, Washington State University, USA

                        Energy Sustainability in Built Environments: Path from Policies to                                         Implementation
Dr. Kuljeet Singh Grewal, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada

                        Food and Nutritional Security: Contributions by Sikh Researchers
Dr. Jaswinder Singh, McGill University, Canada

Panel: Sikh Institutions’ Contributions to Equitable Global Food Security

• Chanpreet Kaur, President & CEO, Sandhu Fruit Farm & Mangal Capital, Canada
• Maninder Singh Sandhu, Chief Operating Officer, Crown Nut Company Inc., USA
• Kulvinder Singh Gill, Washington State University, USA
• Kuljeet Singh Grewal, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada
• Jaswinder Singh, McGill University, Canada

3:15pm            Break

3:30pm            Canadian Political Landscape (Democracy, Polarization, Global/National/Local)

• Baljit Singh, VP Research, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
• Charlie Smith, Editor Pancouver Media, B.C, Canada
• The Hon. Wally Oppal K.C., former Justice of BC’s Court of Appeal, Attorney General & Minister of Multiculturalism of BC, Canada
• Rumneek Kaur Johal, Associate Editor, Press Progress, Canada
• Anupreet Sandhu Bhamra, UBC Faculty, Canada

4:45pm            Break

6:30pm            DINNER – Fireside Chat Guest: Harjit Singh Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of EmergencyPreparedness of Canada, Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
Moderated by Neesha Kaur Hothi, GNI Marketing & Communications

Day 2: September 29

7:30am          Registration & Continental Breakfast

8:30am            Opening Remarks
Summit Co-Chair: Dr. Satpal Singh, Professor Emeritus, State University of New                          York, Buffalo, USA

                        Greetings
BC Conservative Party Leader, Mayor of Langley

8:45am            Keynote: Decolonizing Education – Spaces of Inclusion, Innovation and                                Creative Thinking
Dr. Manjeet Kaur Ramgotra, Faculty Member, University of London, UK

9:30am            Reconstructing the Zafarnama with Contemporaneous Manuscript                                         Evidence
Dr. Harpreet Singh, Research Scholar, Harvard University, USA

10:00am          Break

10:15am          Virtual Convocation

10:45am          Overcoming Barriers: Struggles and Solutions for Bagri Sikhs in Pakistan
Dr. Sagarjeet Singh, Practicing Physician & Research Scholar, Pakistan

11:15am          Silent Struggles: Addressing the Rise of Mental Health Issues in the UK’s                             Sikh Community
Nimrita Kaur Bahia, Psychologist & Faculty Member, Coventry University, UK

11:45am          Lunch & Group Picture

12:45am          Panel: Family Mental Health: Everyone Matters

• Prabhleen Kaur Sandhu, D. Clin. Psy (UK) & Supervised Psychology Practitioner, Canada
• Gurvinder Singh Warrya, UBC Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Faculty, VCHA, Canada
• Lavleen Kaur Walia, UBC Student & Founder, Project Mind Foundation, Canada
• Tejinder Singh Gill, Youth Worker, Options Community Services, Canada
• Nimrita Kaur Bahia, Psychologist & Faculty Member, Coventry University, UK

2:15pm            Youth Voices (TED Talk format)

• Jasmine Kaur Sidhu, Student, University of British Columbia
• Harman Singh, Student, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
• Simar Kaur Shoker, Student, Simon Fraser University
• Mankanwar Singh, Student, University of British Columbia 

2:40pm            Break

3:00pm            Panel: Imagining Guru Nanak University in Canada

• Satvir Singh, Associate Professor, Angelo State University, Texas, USA
• Zora Singh, Chancellor, Desh Bhagat University, India
• Baljit Singh, VP Research, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
• Satwinder Kaur Bains, Director SASI & Senior Faculty Associate, University of Fraser Valley, Canada
• Gian Singh Sandhu, President & CEO, Guru Nanak Institute of Global Studies, Canada

4:30pm            Summit Closing Summary

4:45pm            End of Summit

Neglected for decades, Sikhs vote for development

 According to Rising Kashmir “ In a significant turnout, the Sikh community of Dharamshala Singhan, now part of the Chari Shareef assembly constituency in Budgam, cast their votes in large numbers today, expressing hope that years of neglect would finally come to an end.

The village, previously under Chadoora Tehsil, was recently aligned with Chari Shareef following a constituency reorganisation. This shift has raised hopes among residents that their long-standing issues might now be addressed by the new elected representatives.
Kuldeep Singh, a 62-year-old farmer and resident of the village, shared that the community consists of 103 households, with 80 Sikh families and 23 Muslim families. He voiced frustration over being ignored by previous representatives for nearly two decades.
“Our Sikh community makes up just 1 percent of the population in Kashmir, and we’ve been demanding a minority quota since the 1980s,” Kuldeep told *Rising Kashmir*. Despite repeated promises over the years, the demand for a fair minority quota remains unmet.
Beyond the minority quota, the residents are also calling for infrastructural improvements. Kuldeep highlighted the need for renovations at the historic Chatti Padshahi Gurdwara in the village, citing the urgent requirement for a new entry gate and additional rooms to accommodate pilgrims traveling from far distances.
Another pressing issue is road connectivity. The road linking their village to Newa in Pulwama district has been under construction for 18 years. While the road is complete up to Wanpora, the stretch from Wanpora to Dharamshala remains unfinished due to the lack of a 10-foot bridge. “Construction materials were arranged for the bridge, but the project was abandoned,” Kuldeep said.
Darbari Singh, another villager, spoke about the challenges faced by local farmers, particularly with irrigation. He explained that around 300 kanals of farmland depend on the Khanchi canal, which is in dire need of desilting. “Without proper water supply, farming has become increasingly difficult,” Darbari said.
The community remains hopeful that the reorganisation of their constituency and their votes will bring much-needed development and attention to their village, addressing these long-standing concerns.

Gurdial Singh Bajwa first Sikh candidate in Austrian parliamentary poll

 According to Tribune “ Gurdial Singh Bajwa, a 51-year-old Sikh man of Indian origin, is set to contest the Austrian National Council elections. Representing the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ), Bajwa will run for the Gaenserndorf and Bruck an der Leitha constituencies in the elections scheduled for September 29.

Bajwa’s candidacy is a proud moment for Austria’s Indian and Sikh communities, highlighting the increasing diversity in the country’s political landscape. Originally from Mudowal village in Punjab’s Bholath, Bajwa moved to Austria with his family at the age of seven. Since 2020, he has served as a city councillor in Deutsch-Wagram and has also held the position of Deputy Chairman for Transport and Traffic at the Vienna Chamber of Commerce.

Bajwa’s dedication to public service and social causes has earned him widespread respect. “My candidacy is not just a personal milestone, but a victory for diversity and inclusion in Austria’s political landscape,” he said. His campaign centres on economic growth, equality and fostering a brighter future for all Austrians, resonating with the Indian diaspora and the wider Austrian population.

Despite facing challenges, including racist attacks targeting his Sikh turban, Bajwa remains committed to his mission. “If elected, I will make history as the first Sikh in the Austrian parliament, scripting a new chapter in Austria’s political history,” he added.