30 ridings, 5 questions: Sikh Federation of Canada tests political will before federal election

 According to City News “ As Canada gears up for the April 28 federal election, the Sikh Federation of Canada has launched an initiative to engage political candidates in 30 Sikh diaspora-heavy ridings across the country. 

The organization has sent out a detailed questionnaire to candidates, aiming to clarify their positions on critical issues affecting the Sikh community, particularly in areas like Surrey, B.C., and Brampton, Ont., where Sikh voters hold significant sway.

Moninder Singh, the national spokesperson for the Sikh Federation, emphasized the urgency of the initiative in an interview with OMNI News. 

SASKATCHEWAN PROCLAIMS APRIL SIKH HERITAGE MONTH

 According to The Wakaw Recorder “ The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed April as Sikh Heritage Month. This month is dedicated to recognizing and honouring the rich culture, history and contributions of the Sikh community.

“Our government values the cultural richness, hard work and community spirit that the Sikh community contributes to Saskatchewan,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “That is why I am pleased to announce that today the Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed the month of April as Sikh Heritage Month.”

Sikh Heritage Month provides opportunities to learn about Sikh culture and traditions while educating future generations. It is also a time to recognize the contributions the Sikh communities have made to our province in various fields such as business, arts, education and public service.

“Sikh Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the rich history, culture and contributions of the Sikh community,” Guru Nanak Free Kitchen Regina and Calgary Founder Sandeep Sandhu said. “It reminds us of the values of equality, service and compassion, and celebrates the resilience and strength of a diverse community that continues to shape our shared future.”

Throughout the month, various events and activities will take place in communities across the province.

Tour of Sikh museum highlights proclamation of Sikh Heritage Month in Timmins

 According to My Timmins Now “ Sikh Heritage Month has been proclaimed in Timmins. Instead of Mayor Michelle Boileau signing the proclamation at City Hall, it was done at the Gurdwara — or Temple – on Cedar St. S.

That’s where a museum has been established by Kanwaljit Kaur Bains, known as “Daisy”. She and her husband, Bahadur Singh Bains, are co-founders of the Gurdwara.

At the proclamation event, she gave Mayor Boileau a tour of the museum, outlining the arrival of the first Sikhs in Canada in the late 19th century, through their service in the Canadian military and their life in Timmins today.

Bains says Sikhism isn’t only a religion, it’s a way of life that includes helping anyone who needs it.  Plans are in the works to offer two-hundred free meals a week. 

Caledon school finds unique way to support Sikh students. And it’s all thanks to a Caledon educator’s nifty idea

 According to Caledon Enterprise “ A handful of times when students needed help with retying their patkas (a head covering worn by Sikh boys) has prompted a Caledon elementary school to educate its staff about the Sikh article of faith. Palgrave Public School principal Lindsay Taylor told Caledon Enterprise that she wants her Sikh students to “feel supported.”

“It’s probably just been a handful of times, but I think the one time we’re not able to respond to the kids in our community is too many,” said Taylor.  To train staff on how to assist students, the school will be purchasing two Patka Boxes created by a Caledon educator.

Rosey Kaur, who owns a local private homeschool in Caledon, developed the educational resource to ensure “no child felt left out or lacked the assistance they needed.” Each Patka Box contains two head coverings, an informational pamphlet with retying steps, a story book and a wooden craft.

According to the principal, the school’s decision to support Sikh students goes beyond purchasing the boxes. So, Kaur will conduct “a full professional learning session” at the April 9 staff meeting, which will include a demonstration of how to use the materials in the box. Taylor said “all staff” will have “the knowledge and understanding” of the Sikh head covering, but a specific team will be created to assist students with retying the patka.

The principal will be on the “front lines” (the team) along with the vice-principal, office manager, office assistant and other staff members.

“So, if one person is busy (when assistance is required), we know who to call,” Taylor explained, adding the school has been relying on an older student, teacher or community member to help so far.

The principal contacted Kaur after a conversation with a parent directed her to the Patka Box.

“When I spoke to Rosey, she was really focused on the education piece for our staff,” said Taylor. “Now we’re moving forward with it.”

Kaur told Caledon Enterprise that she is in conversation with six other local schools who have also expressed interest in her resource. The Caledon resident, who was born and raised in Brantford, said Sikh Heritage Month (April) is a great opportunity for schools to have advocates like herself come in and speak about the faith, but the learning must go on. 

“One month through the entire year doesn’t do justice,” Kaur said. “It should be an all-year educational initiative.”

“I’ve heard about a lot of incidents in GTA schools where students wearing patkas have been made fun of,” Kaur said. “We need to make sure that teachers and friends are educated on what the Sikh identity looks like.”

She said Caledon councillors Dave Sheen (Ward 2) and Christina Early (Wards 1, 2, and 3 regional councillor) have been very supportive of her initiative.

Early introduced a motion at general committee meeting last June about bringing the boxes to Caledon’s recreation programs, facilities and customer service.

The Patka Box is currently available in program areas at all three recreation centres.

According to Jason Schildroth, manager of recreation and culture, there are plans to expand the resource to the main service counters at these centres (this year) as well as department training sessions and customer service desks in the future.

Last year, the town also trained some staff on the use of the Patka Box and shared a YouTube video on the inclusivity initiative.

In an email, Early described the Patka Box as “a remarkable initiative.”

“Through this project, she (Kaur) has helped countless individuals gain a deeper appreciation of identity and tradition in a way that is both accessible and meaningful,’ she wrote. Kaur also conducts empowerment workshops to help Sikh boys “stand up for themselves“ and deal with any questions that may arise.

“My goal is to have these children walk anywhere in this world and know that what keeps them strong is their Sikh identity,” she said.

 Sheen believes her work is making a real difference. “Rosey is not just creating educational tools — she’s promoting cultural understanding, breaking down barriers, supporting mental health and self confidence in Sikh boys, as well as building inclusivity in schools everywhere,” Sheen wrote in an email.

The idea for the Patka Box came after a non-Sikh educator reached out to Kaur for assistance when a student’s head covering came off during class. She used one of her students to show the teacher what to do via video call.

According to Kaur, more than 5,000 boxes have been distributed across Canada, the United States and United Kingdom since the initiative began two years ago. She has also expanded her initiative into a movement.

“Through Project Patka, I am expanding this work to ensure Sikh children, parents, and educators have the tools to build confidence, understanding, and leadership, “ said Kaur who has also written books about the head covering.

According to Kaur, her project focuses on empowering leaders to create inclusive environments in schools, workplaces and communities. It also supports students in embracing their identity with confidence and guides parents on how to help their children.

“Diversity and inclusion are so important living in this country,” she said. “If we have education and the resources to back that up, it would be easier for everyone to be empowered to learn about different faiths.” 

Mayor and Council proclaim April as Sikh Heritage Month in Vancouver

 According to the Voice “ Mayor Ken Sim and Vancouver City Council on Tuesday at City Hall officially proclaimed April as Sikh Heritage Month. Members of Vancouver’s Sikh community joined the Mayor and Council in Council Chambers for the proclamation ceremony.

This proclamation highlights the City’s dedication to celebrating the vibrant Sikh community that continues to enrich Vancouver’s cultural, social, and civic life. Sikh Heritage Month is an opportunity to honour the contributions, history, and resilience of Sikh Canadians, and to reflect on the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion that strengthen our city, the City said.

Sim said: “It was an honour to stand with the Sikh community today to proclaim Sikh Heritage Month at City Hall. Vancouver is stronger because of the values, leadership, and contributions of Sikh Canadians, and we’re proud to celebrate that together.”

Message from the Governor General of Canada on the occasion of Sikh Heritage Month

 According to News Wire “ April marks the beginning of Sikh Heritage Month, and I am honored to recognize the profound contributions of the Sikh community across Canada—home to the second-largest Sikh population in the world.

Diversity is one of Canada's greatest strengths, and the Sikh community exemplifies why through their commitment to selfless service and building more empathetic communities. As part of our rich national tapestry, Canadian Sikhs play an important role in fostering a more inclusive country. Throughout the month, let's celebrate their countless achievements and contributions to our society.

I invite all Canadians to take advantage of Sikh Heritage Month and learn more about the rich diversity of cultures that shape our nation. By learning about and celebrating each other's differences, we weave a united and resilient nation.

New exhibit and free admission coming to PAMA for Sikh Heritage Month in Brampton

 According to Insauga “ You can enjoy free admission and take in new exhibits celebrating Sikh Heritage Month at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives in Brampton.

The celebrations start in April as PAMA is teaming up with the Sikh Heritage Month Foundation to offer free admission all month long.

And there’s a new exhibit and special programs running in April to reflect on Sikh culture around the world and in Canada.

Here are some of the events happening at PAMA in April for Sikh Heritage Month:

Challenging the Darkness by Jaswant Singh Khalra

Running from April 5 until June 29, Challenging the Darkness examines the disappearance of Shaheed Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra, a Sikh activist who exposed human rights abuses in 1990s Punjab.

“Through rare documents, testimonies, artwork, and photographs, this exhibition honours his legacy and serves as a beacon of justice, shining through the darkness he once challenged,” the exhibit description reads.

Sikh Heritage Month Opening Event

This event on April 5 will see the debut of the Challenging the Darkness Exhibition.

Calligraphy Workshops

Practice the ancient technique of handwriting Gurbani, passed down for centuries since the time of Guru Arjun Dev Ji. Workshops will run on April 6 and 19.

Seminar: Gurmat Sangeet

This session will explore the origins, history, and evolution of Sikh music from Guru Nanak Dev Ji to the present day. The seminar runs on April 12.

Youth Seminar

This youth seminar will focus on activism and community leadership, drawing inspiration from Sikh leaders like Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra Ji. The seminar runs on April 20.

Closing Event

The final event of Sikh Heritage Month will feature a series of discussion panels and performances on April 26.

For a full list of programming available at PAMA you can visit www.pama.peelregion.ca or visit PAMA at 9 Wellington St. East in Brampton.

Balvir Singh becomes first Sikh member of New Jersey legislature

 According to the American Bazaar "Balvir Singh, a public school educator, mathematician, and public servant, who spent his early childhood in a small village in Punjab, India, has made history as the first Sikh member of the New Jersey legislature.

Singh, 40, was sworn in as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 7th Legislative District in Burlington County, on Jan. 30 by Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. Singh is a staunch advocate for education, economic opportunity, and equitable access to essential services, and strives to build a better future for all New Jersey residents, according to a media release.

“I will remain committed to ensuring the voices of everyday people in Burlington County and across New Jersey are heard in Trenton,” said Singh (D-Burlington). “I am excited to work alongside my new partners in the Legislature as we continue to build on efforts to make New Jersey a more equitable and prosperous place for all residents.”

“Balvir is a stellar example of dedication to both community and state, and we are fortunate to welcome him into the General Assembly,” said Speaker Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “His background in education and public service, combined with his strong commitment to improving lives, will undoubtedly make him a powerful advocate for his constituents and a key voice in the Caucus moving forward.”

Singh previously served on the Burlington Township Board of Education from 2015 to 2017, before his election to the Burlington County Board of Commissioners.

As a Burlington County Commissioner in his 3rd term, Singh worked to address affordable housing, economic development, and public health, supporting initiatives such as distributing over $13 million in rental assistance, launching zero-interest loans for businesses, and supporting efforts to construct a 60-bed emergency shelter for the county’s most vulnerable residents.  Singh immigrated to the United States in 1999 at the age of 14, settling in Burlington City where he attended Burlington City High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from The College of New Jersey, a Master of Science degree in Mathematics from Rutgers University, and a supervisory certificate from Rowan University. With nearly two decades of experience as a public-school educator and a passion for shaping the next generation, Singh brings a unique perspective to policymaking, according to his profile.

Beyond his political and educational achievements, he is deeply engaged in his community. He enjoys playing pick-up soccer on the weekends and is an avid fan of all Philadelphia sports teams. In his free time, he finds solace in nature through hiking, camping, and road trips with his family.