Floods kill 30 and submerge 1,400 villages in Punjab

 According to BBC “ At least 30 people have died and more than 354,000 have been affected by heavy rains and floods in the north Indian state of Punjab. 

Authorities have declared all of the state's 23 districts flood-hit, after rivers and reservoirs swelled to near-danger levels.

Some 20,000 people have been evacuated from low-lying and flood-affected areas, with hundreds of relief camps set up to provide shelter and essential facilities to the affected families.

Appealing to the country to "stand by the state", Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said these were the worst floods the state had seen since 1988. Punjab is often referred to as the "food basket" of India and is a major source for agricultural production, particularly of staples like wheat and rice. 

The government says there has been extensive crop damage on some 148,000 hectares of agricultural land, which has been submerged under water. 

A quarter of Punjab's 30 million people depend on agriculture, raising immediate concern about rural livelihoods.

Torrential downpours have caused water level in the state's Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers to rise to dangerous levels, putting hundreds of low-lying areas at risk. Many reservoirs are also reported to be nearing full capacity.

People living on the banks of the Sutlej river told the BBC they are keeping vigil on the water levels throughout the night to ensure their safety. 

"The water is high. The dam is seeping... Wherever it breaks, we fix it with sacks," Jasveer Singh, a resident of Sabra village told BBC Punjabi. Multiple disaster response teams, along with the Indian army, airforce and the navy, are helping with the rescue operations. Some 35 helicopters and more than100 boats have been pressed into service. 

On Tuesday, chief minister Mann toured the flood-hit Ferozepur district by boat. He said the situation was grim and sought funds from the federal government to deal with the crisis. 

India's weather agency said the floods are being caused by the repeated interactions between monsoon currents and weather systems like westerly disturbances. 

This has also brought unusually heavy rains to several other parts of northern India, it said. 

Across the Indian border, floods have also devastated Pakistan's Punjab province, affecting some two million people over the past few weeks.

Sikhs from Malaysia and Singapore compete in MASPORE Games

 According to NST “ The MASPORE Games were inaugurated in Ipoh in 2014 to bring together the Sikh community from Malaysia and Singapore to particpate in sports and recreational events.

It also serves as a platform to strengthen bonds while promoting fitness, teamwork and community pride through sports activities.

The MASPORE Games were first held at the Andersonian field in Ipoh 11 years ago with only one sport — football. About 100 players and officials participated then.

Over the years, it has flourished, the games were held in Kuala Lumpur (2016 and 2019), Ipoh (2017 and 2022), Penang (2018 and 2024) and Melaka (2023).

The ninth MASPORE Games, held in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 7-9, attracted about 800 participants and officials.

Hosted by Kelab Sukan & Rekreasi Kuala Lumpur, it featured football, hockey, badminton, netball, pool, darts, bowling, pickleball, volleyball and futsal.

The teams from Malaysia and Singapore that participated were Kelab Sukan & Rekreasi, Khalsa Kinta, Kelab Sukan &amp, Rekreasi Sikh Pulau Pinang (United Bro's), Negri Sembilan Sports Club (N9SSC), Sentul Hockey Club, Soti Squad Singapore and 3J Badminton Club.

THE WINNERS - Football: Khalsa Kinta; Hockey:KSRPKL; Badminton: KSRPKL; Netball:KSRPKL; Pool: KSRPKL; Darts: N9SSC; Veteran football: N9SSC; Veteran hockey: KSRPKL; Volleyball: N9SSC; Pickleball: N9SSC; Bowling:Khalsa Kinta.

Most Promising Young Talent awards were also handed out at an appreciation dinner held at Wisma Tatt Khalsa on Aug 9.

THE RECIPIENTS - Pickleball: Jaidev Singh Pannu (Khalsa Kinta); Hockey: Jaideep Ryan Singh (Khalsa Kinta); Netball: Khusalini Kaur (Khalsa Kinta); Badminton: Mannluckvynnder Singh (3J Sports Club); Football: Mahinder Singh (N9SSC).

* N9 Sikhs Sports Club will host the 2026 edition in Seremban and Kelab Sukan Rekreasi Khalsa Kinta will host the 2027 edition in Ipoh.

Cariboo Sikh Temple celebrates 50th anniversary in style

 According to the Williams Lake Tribune “ After five decades, the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara (Temple) community gathered to celebrate the Cariboo's first Sikh temple.

With multiple generations returning to Williams Lake to mark the occasion, there were people from as far away as California, Ontario and Alberta coming back to the Sikh temple many grew up at. 

"It was like family," said Kulvinder Kang, who returned with her family to mark the 50th anniversary of the Sikh temple she has fond memories of while growing up.

"I wouldn't have missed this for the world," she said.

Kang is the daughter of Baldev Sangha, one of the men who helped make the gurdwara happen. Kang remembers her father travelling around the region with others to collect donations to raise funds to build the gurdwara for the Cariboo Sikh community. 

Most of Sangha's family made the journey from Richmond and California to reunite with old friends and help to celebrate the gurdwara's anniversary. Sangha, who moved to Williams Lake in the 1960s, had two sons and two daughters, his eldest son was the first Sikh to graduate in Williams Lake wearing a turban. He now lives in California and works in Silicon Valley as an electrical engineer.

Jit Saini, who was a past president and also one of those who helped establish the gurdwara, returned for the anniversary, bringing 30 family members with him. Saini lived in the lakecity for 42 years, raising his children here, but has since moved to the Lower Mainland. 

Gurbux Saini, MP for Fleetwood-Port Kells, was also back in Williams Lake for the festivities, which would continue on Sunday, July 20 with dignitaries and a lunch open to the entire community.

Saini said when he came to Canada in 1970, he recalled West Fraser Mills having a contract with the society raising funds to help build the temple. Men would work on weekends doing mill cleanup and the funds would go to the society for the gurdwara.

As a politician, Saini got his start in Williams Lake, sitting as a city councillor for 14 years. His three sons were born and raised in Williams Lake and he said he still believes Williams Lake is his hometown and it is the blessings of the gurdwara which have helped him be successful.

"We were part of one big family," he said of the early days of the gurdwara, with everyone helping one another.

"Canadian values of caring, compassion, and love are the values that I believe in," he said.

The Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara was the first in the Cariboo, and was built in 1975. 

At the event on July 19, there were Williams Lake Tribune articles printed and posted on the wall documenting some of the early days of the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, as it was originally called. One article announced the election of the youngest president of the society at the time, Surinderpal Rathor, Williams Lake's current mayor.

University of Khalsa Vision Takes Root: Seminar Held in Jammu Paves the Way for First Sikh University in California

 According to WFXRTV “ A historic step toward advancing Sikh higher education on the global stage was taken on June 29, 2025, with the successful hosting of a special seminar at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Guru Nanak Nagar, Jammu. This pivotal event, organized in collaboration with the District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (DGPC) Jammu, marked the formal announcement and first public discussion toward the formation of the University of Khalsa in California, USA. Envisioned as a globally recognized institution that merges Sikh values with academic excellence, the University of Khalsa will focus on nurturing future leaders grounded in ethics, innovation, and seva (selfless service). The seminar brought together a distinguished gathering of Sikh scholars, educators, spiritual leaders, community members, and students from India and abroad to lay the foundation for this transformative initiative.  🎥 Watch the full seminar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8htTuSq_jQ&t=9s (Dr. Satpreet Singh’s keynote address begins at the 30-minute mark.)

A Landmark Collaboration and Shared Vision

Held in the heart of Jammu at one of the region’s most respected gurdwaras, the seminar was jointly facilitated by DGPC Jammu, led by President Sardar Somnath Singh, along with key committee members including Secretary Gurmit Singh, Cashier Jagpal Singh, and senior leaders Karan Singh Bali, Balwinder Singh, Avtar Singh, Onkar Singh, Ravinder Singh, Barinder Singh Sonu, Neelkamal Singh, J.S. Tara, Tejinder Singh, and others. Their support demonstrated the collective Panthic will to uplift the next generation through education rooted in Sikh ideology.
The event was further enriched by the enthusiastic participation of sangat, parents, students, and sewadars, reflecting the deep community commitment to realizing this vision.

Founding Members of University of Khalsa Announced

During the seminar, the founding leadership team of the proposed University of Khalsa was formally introduced:

• Dr. Satpreet Singh – President
• Sardar Bijay Singh – Secretary
• Rupinder Kaur – Treasurer
• Sardar Sarwan Singh – Vice Secretary
• Sardar Navjot Singh – Vice Treasurer

These individuals bring decades of combined experience in leadership, education, religious service, financial management, and Panthic activism. Their dedication to the Sikh cause and commitment to academic excellence form the cornerstone of the university’s mission.

Dr. Satpreet Singh Unveils the Vision

In a powerful keynote address, Dr. Satpreet Singh, a globally recognized academic leader and the President of the proposed university, articulated the long-term vision for the University of Khalsa.

“This is more than a university—it is a revival of the Khalsa spirit through education. It will train leaders, researchers, and global citizens with firm grounding in Sikh ethics, spirituality, and progressive thought,” Dr. Singh emphasized. “Our aim is to create a space that balances science and spirituality, business and seva, and technology and tradition.”

Dr. Singh presented a detailed plan for establishing the university in California, including legal registration, accreditation strategies, academic programs, and global partnerships. The curriculum will integrate Sikh studies, theology, business leadership, STEM education, public health, ethics, and global citizenship. He also highlighted the inclusion of student exchange programs, research fellowships, and interfaith dialogue forums.

Community Participation and Institutional Support

The seminar witnessed enthusiastic support from all quarters of the Sikh community. Community members, spiritual leaders, educators, students, and parents gathered to contribute ideas and lend moral and organizational support.

Senior religious leaders and scholars from Punjab, Delhi, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States sent messages of encouragement, many of whom expressed interest in supporting the initiative through teaching, advisory roles, and resource sharing.

Attendees unanimously endorsed the formation of working committees for academic planning, financial structuring, campus identification, and curriculum development. A special resolution was passed acknowledging the significance of this project as a Panthic responsibility and a global necessity.

Highlights of the Seminar Discussions

Topics explored during the seminar included:

• University Governance and Legal Framework: Steps to register the institution under California law, comply with BPPE (Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education) requirements, and work toward WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation.
• Academic Strategy: Offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in core fields such as Business, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Sikh Theology, Musicology, Leadership Studies, and Public Policy.
• Panthic Identity and Global Relevance: Building a curriculum that strengthens Sikh identity while empowering students to contribute meaningfully to global challenges.
• Technology and Innovation: Leveraging AI, data science, and innovation labs to support research and community-based problem-solving.
• Sustainability and Leadership: Training students as ethical leaders with a foundation in Gurbani and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Cultural and Spiritual Enrichment

The seminar also featured shabad kirtan, historical reflections on Sikh contributions to education, and inspiring remarks from emerging youth leaders. Visual presentations showed architectural renderings and conceptual frameworks of the proposed California campus, which will span spiritual, academic, and community spaces.

Many parents and youth in attendance voiced their excitement for an institution that offers both academic advancement and spiritual growth. “This university will be the pride of every Sikh household,” remarked a parent during the open forum session.

Global Broadcast and Engagement

The event was streamed live, garnering widespread attention from Sikh communities in the United States, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, and the UK. Dr. Satpreet Singh’s address, beginning at the 30-minute mark of the video, resonated deeply with viewers for its blend of practical strategy and spiritual grounding.

📺 Watch the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8htTuSq_jQ&t=9s

Moving Forward: A Collective Mission

As the seminar concluded, the call to action was clear—the time to act is now. The sangat and DGPC leaders reaffirmed their support for the founding team and pledged their assistance in helping this vision take shape.

“This initiative is not about a building—it’s about building a legacy,” said Sardar Bijay Singh, the Secretary of the University. “We are planting the seeds of an educational renaissance inspired by the teachings of Guru Nanak Sahib and the Khalsa tradition.”

Work is now underway to file for incorporation, assemble an advisory board, engage legal and educational consultants in the U.S., and develop the first fundraising and awareness campaigns to support infrastructure and program development.

About University of Khalsa (Proposed)
The University of Khalsa is a proposed nonprofit, degree-granting institution to be established in California, USA. Its mission is to provide world-class education grounded in Sikh values, preparing students for careers in leadership, service, and innovation. Academic offerings will span arts and humanities, sciences, business, technology, ethics, and Sikh studies.

The university aspires to serve as a global hub for intellectual and spiritual advancement while promoting interfaith harmony, community engagement, and academic freedom within a framework of Sikh principles.

Sikh Charity President Donates Dialysis Machines To Thai Hospitals; Also Funds Schools To Improve Education For Underprivileged Children

 According to Times of India “Following the Sikh tradition of Dasvandh—donating ten per cent of one’s income—the Sikh president of the Thai-Indian Peace and Happiness Charity, based in Thailand, has been raising and donating funds to the Kidney Foundation of Thailand. This support has helped the Foundation acquire 30 dialysis machines, which have been installed in government hospitals across the country, offering free advanced dialysis treatment to underprivileged patients.

Darshan Singh Sachdev, an Indian-origin, second-generation turban-wearing Sikh and president of the charity, said they recently donated 5 lakh Thai Baht (approximately ₹13 lakh) to the Foundation at a function in Bangkok for the purchase of one dialysis machine. He explained that the Foundation directly procures high-quality dialysis machines and installs them in government hospitals. So far, 30 machines have been provided through the charity’s donations.

Quoting Guru Nanak Dev’s teachings of Vand Chhako (share with others) and Kirat Karo (earn through honest work), Sachdev said the charity encourages people to donate at least dasvandh — one-tenth of their income — towards humanitarian work that upholds the Sikh values of selfless service, equality, and generosity. He added that not only people of Indian origin but many Thais also contribute to the charity for various philanthropic initiatives across the country.

Notably, Darshan Singh’s grandfather, Daulat Singh, hailed from Ugoki town in the Sialkot district (now in Pakistan) and later migrated to Thailand. His father, Harinder Singh Sachdev, was born there, and Darshan Singh himself was born in Yala city, southern Thailand, in 1949.

He further shared that the charity also funds the construction of school buildings to promote education, particularly among underprivileged communities. These schools are later taken over and managed by the government to ensure long-term support and quality education.

123-year-old Chief Khalsa Diwan leads the way in Punjabi literary efforts

 According to the Tribune “ Though formed to provide Anglican knowledge with a blend of Sikh religious education, the 123-year-old Sikh educational body — Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD) is rendering yeoman service to the Punjabi language.

A majority of people think its aim is solely restricted to providing modern education to Sikh youth. However, among its six objectives, one is to promote Punjabi language and literature.

In its vast repository lies the Khalsa Tract Society, which is even older than the CKD itself. Constituted way back in 1853, it published, through its wing, Khalsa Advocate, Nirguniara and Khalsa Samachar. Over a century old, these Punjabi magazines continue to be published by the Khalsa Tract Society and have acquired heritage status.

Among these magazines, Nirguniara is the oldest. A quarterly magazine started in 1893, it highlights the messages of the Guru Granth Sahib for humanity, world peace, Sikhism, Dalit consciousness, and other subjects concerning Sikhism.

The monthly periodical Khalsa Advocate, started by legendary Punjabi poet Bhai Vir Singh in 1903, highlights historic Sikh religious matters and current issues. The third, a bimonthly magazine, Khalsa Samachar, started in 1899, covers Sikh religious matters.

Registered in 1904, the CKD came into existence in 1902. In 1908, the first Sarv Hind Sikh Vidyak Conference was held in Gujranwala, which is now in Pakistan, to promote the Punjabi language. In the recent past, its 68th edition was held at Anandpur Sahib in 2024. Out of the total 68 conferences held so far, 33 were held in Punjab, Pakistan, before the Partition.

The CKD has published 20 books, among which Gurbani Da Sahi Ucharan, Gurmat Prakash and two books on Bhai Vir Singh were extremely popular among readers of Punjabi.

Abridged religious books containing 30 to 60 pages have been introduced for students studying in classes 6 to 9.

Retired from the Punjab Education Service in 1995, Santokh Singh Sethi, senior vice-president of the CKD, informed that the Diwan — as the CKD is fondly called — is operating 45 schools across Punjab and seven educational institutions, including six schools and a college in Jharkhand, besides a school in Kanpur and one in Chandigarh, where special arrangements have been made to teach Punjabi to students. The CKD sends reading material in Punjabi to these institutions.

CKD president Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar said the Bhai Vir Singh Sahit Adhyayan Kendra at the CKD headquarters is another attempt to serve maa boli — Punjabi.

Lunch and learn sessions aimed at Sikh seniors

 According to the Times Colonist “ A program that helps Sikh seniors who might otherwise feel isolated has received a $30,000 boost from a Victoria Foundation grant.

Randie Johal, spokesperson the Khalsa Diwan Society of Victoria, said the need for such a program became apparent when the COVID-19 pandemic left many of the seniors who attend the Sikh Temple on Topaz Avenue feeling isolated.

“So here was an opportunity with the Victoria Foundation to be able to engage with our community to help them get through all this,” Johal said. “We were able to create a seniors’ group and provided them with a monthly lunch.”

The lunch is actually a “lunch-and-learn” event that includes helpful presentations, she said. A recent session featuring members of the West Shore RCMP’s Mental Health Unit talking about social isolation attracted 120 seniors.

Johal said the talk delved into how focusing on iPads and computers can contribute to feelings of isolation, because they often keep people from picking up the phone and having a conversation.

Another lunch-and-learn gathering featured a certified laughter-yoga coach, she said. “This fellow came in and had everybody standing up and moving their arms, and he would tell them to laugh from their belly,” Johal said. “It was just a really cool thing.”

There have also been movie nights, including one where the society rented the University of Victoria’s Cinecenta theatre. More than 1oo seniors came to the showing, Johal said.

Another popular outing was a bus trip to Salt Spring Island — 60 of the 69 seniors who took part had never been to Salt Spring before. The itinerary included a visit to Salt Spring Island Cheese, where the seniors were treated to plenty of samples, and a stop at the farmer’s market.

She said the program also has a partnership with Get Growing, Victoria!, a City of Victoria initiative that distributes seedlings and soil-building material to help people grow their own food.

“We do it with the seniors,” she said. “We brought in a woman to explain how to do composting.”

Other presentations for the seniors have included sessions on how to avoid fraud, with advice from both West Shore RCMP and Victoria police.

“We try to do things where we stretch the dollars that we receive and people benefit mentally, physically and with meals and talking,” Johal said. “We’re very grateful to the Victoria Foundation.”

Beyond the seniors’ program, Johal said the society strives to be involved in the community and maintains a strong connection with the Mustard Seed Food Bank.

“Any of our leftover food from any event, whether it’s a seniors’ lunch or a Sunday service, we share with the Mustard Seed,” she said. “So they come the next day and pick up the food.”

Johal said that since the food can be curry and other spicy dishes, Mustard Seed volunteers will make it into something like a soup that is not as intensely flavoured.

The temple facility is also made available to groups like Neighbourhood Watch.

Book narrates tales of lost Sikh heritage in Pak

 According to the Tribune “ The historical documentation of the heritage of undivided Punjab took centre stage as a book launch ceremony and discussion on “Vissreyaa virsa: Pakistan vich Sikh virasat”, large-format book, was held last week at the Punjab Press Club here.

The book is the Punjabi edition of Singapore-based author Amardeep Singh’s “Lost Heritage: The Sikh Legacy in Pakistan”.

Singh said, through this book, he invited readers to explore an unseen and significant heritage.

The book is a deep and emotional exploration of the historical places, artefacts and cultural symbols of Sikhism spread across Pakistan, hidden behind the painful history of Partition.

The book narrates the story of holy shrines, magnificent forts and forgotten tombs, which were once the beating heart of a flourishing Sikh community.

Through extensive research and heartfelt narration, the author has revived the significance of these places, and the countless stories associated with them.

Singh said, “I believe it is very important to tell the story of Sikh heritage in Pakistan. This is not only important for the Sikh community, but also essential for understanding the shared history and culture of the region. This book is a reminder that, despite historical divisions, our roots are common.”

The book not only showcased a detailed description and historical significance of major Sikh sites in Pakistan, but also presented old photographs and rare archival material that had never been seen before, he added.

The book is a must-read for historians, scholars, followers of the Sikh faith and all who are interested in knowing more about the shared cultural history of India and Pakistan.

Through the book, Singh takes readers on a sensitive and insightful journey into the neglected and rich history of Sikh heritage spread across the land of Pakistan.

“The book is not just a compilation of historical facts, but also a heartfelt effort to revive a significant cultural and religious heritage that survived after the tragedy of Partition. From gurdwaras to magnificent buildings of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time and the forgotten memorials of common people who shaped the history of the region, it explores the countless places in Pakistan that are deeply connected to Sikh history and culture,” Singh said.

The author, using colourful pictures, depicts the current condition of these places, and brings forth important stories of their past.

Dr Parminder Singh Shonkey, director of Rethink Books, the publisher of the book, told reporters that the book, an invaluable documentation of undivided Punjab, not only searched for historical places in Pakistan, but also told the reader about their current condition, and made us aware of our duties towards that heritage.

“Now that this book has been published in the Punjabi, I believe that readers, the Punjab Government, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee — including the leading domestic and foreign organisations of the Sikh Panth — will be active in fulfilling their historical duties with reference to this book,” he said.