Sikhs start a health centre for poor at Ameerpet

 According to Deccan Chronicle “ The Moni Babaji Health Centre (MBHC), a charitable medical facility, is set to be inaugurated this Sunday near Gurudwara Saheb Ameerpet. Operated by a non-profit organisation, the centre aims to serve economically disadvantaged sections by offering high-quality medical care at subsidised rates.

Equipped with modern infrastructure, the facility will provide services in pathology, orthopaedics, cardiology, dental care and more. Advanced dental care, cutting-edge X-ray and digital radiography (DR) imaging systems are among the key features of the centre.

The initiative is the brainchild of Dr S. Khuswant Singh, who said the centre was inspired by 108th Sant Baba Joginder Singh Ji, revered for his life of seva (selfless service) and simran (meditative remembrance of the divine). “Our mission is to provide high-quality, cost-effective healthcare to all, regardless of caste, creed or religion,” Dr Singh said.

Sikh Heritage Month Exhibition

 According to Global News “ The Military Museums is proud to celebrate Sikh Heritage Month this April with a temporary exhibition in the Atrium that highlights the rich history, contributions, and legacy of the Sikh community in the Canadian Military and beyond. To mark this special occasion, a grand opening event will take place on April 6, 2024, featuring Dr. Hajeet Singh Grewal as the distinguished guest speaker. The event will also include food and refreshments graciously provided by the Sikh Society of Calgary.

Sikh heritage month recognized with prayer and art at Legislature

 According to The Winnipeg Sun “ Sikh Heritage Manitoba will mark the province’s official recognition of April as Sikh Heritage Month with its annual Ardaas ceremony on April 4 at the Manitoba Legislative Building.

The ceremonial prayer will take place in the Rotunda from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will include a display of Sikh artwork and formal greetings from elected officials.

This year marks the seventh anniversary of Manitoba’s recognition of Sikh Heritage Month. The designation was established in 2019 through Bill 228: The Sikh Heritage Month Act. The law acknowledges the historical and ongoing contributions of the Sikh community in Manitoba.

The Sikh population in Manitoba has been active for more than sixty years, with involvement in sectors ranging from business to education. Manitoba was among the first provinces to pass such legislation, followed by other provinces and a federal designation later in 2019.

In addition to the Ardaas ceremony, Sikh Heritage Manitoba is organizing a seminar and workshop titled Human Rights & Inclusion in Sikhi on April 26. The session will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Judy Silver Commons, Maples Collegiate, 1330 Jefferson Avenue.

Harinder Singh, a Sikh scholar and educator, will be the keynote speaker. The session will examine Sikh teachings on justice, identity, and the role of spiritual values in public life.

Organizers say the goal is to provide educational opportunities and encourage civic engagement.

“We aim to connect generations through the stories of our community and reflect on the path forward,” said Sheena Kaur Gurm, President of Sikh Heritage Manitoba.

More information and updates about events can be found at sikhheritagemanitoba.ca.

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.”