Sikhs raise £1.5m to use ex-MoD site for worship

 According to BBC “ The Sikh community in Surrey has raised £1.5m to transform a former Ministry of Defence (MoD) building into a place of worship.

The ex-military base in London Road in Camberley, which went up for auction in November with a guide price of £850,000, is now set to become the county's very first Gurdwara.

Including an army reserve centre and caretaker's house, the 10,000 sq ft (929 sq m) site had been previously described by an MoD spokesperson as "surplus to defence requirements".

Campaign manager Deepak Singh Udassi, 43, said he was "thrilled" to have finally found a permanent base. 

One of those central to the fundraising effort, he explained how once the gavel went down at auction and the bid had been won, they only had until the end of that day to come up with the £140k deposit.

"We then had 28 days to find the rest of the million and a half in order to complete," he added.

"That's a lot of phone calls and emails, but luckily the community really came together and we got there."

Mr Udassi said that he hoped the Gurdwara would open in April 2025, while an open day is set for 15 December to allow people to see their plans for the building. 

He added that, as well as a place of worship, it would also serve as a community centre, a food bank and somewhere to come during the winter months to stay warm. 

There is also a service planned to deliver hot meals to those in need, as well as "hospital drop-offs for the elderly and infirm".

"A key pillar of the Sikh faith is to serve those less fortunate, so we really want to make it a place for everyone," said Mr Udassi.

In a first, Sikh MP’s portrait unveiled in UK Parliament’s House of Lords

 

According to the Daily Excelsior "In a historic milestone for the Sikh community, Lord Dr Indarjit Singh, the first turbaned Sikh to serve as a Parliamentarian in the UK, has become the first Sikh to have his portrait displayed in the British Parliament.

The portrait was unveiled in the prestigious Bishop’s Corridor of the House of Lords in Westminster, London, in recognition of Lord Singh’s significant contributions to British public life and his long-standing services to interfaith understanding.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by several prominent British Sikh MPs, including Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Lord Kuldeep Singh Sahota, and Jas Athwal, along with dignitaries from across the UK.
Lord Speaker Faulkner praised Lord Singh for his pioneering work, highlighting his role in promoting interfaith dialogue and bringing Sikhism into the public consciousness.
“He brought interfaith understanding to the breakfast tables of the UK,” Lord Faulkner remarked.
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, MP for Slough, called the installation of Lord Singh’s portrait a “historic step,” adding that it would serve as an enduring symbol for both Parliamentarians and visitors.
Lord Singh’s contributions to British society, especially in the areas of public service and broadcasting, were widely acknowledged during the ceremony.
The Global Sikh Council (GSC) also expressed pride in the milestone, with its leaders from around the world congratulating Lord Singh for his exemplary achievements.
Harsaran Singh, treasurer of the GSC, said the installation of Lord Singh’s portrait was a moment of pride for the entire Sikh and Punjabi community.
GSC members from the UK, USA, and Malaysia noted that this recognition highlighted Lord Singh’s lifelong dedication to public service, Sikh values, and interfaith harmony.
Lord Singh, a lifelong advocate for Sikh rights and British society, continues to be a role model for generations to come, demonstrating the power of cultural understanding and respect in modern political life.

Khalsa Care Foundation Holds Health Fair, Discussion On Sikh Faith

 According to India West “ The Khalsa Care Foundation recently organized a free health fair in celebration of Guru Ram Das’s Gurpurb. The event was supported by students from Loyola Marymount University, UCLA Health Clinic, and the Bhagat Puran Singh Health Initiative, with logistical guidance from Dr. Greenberg of the World Religions class, Dr. Khalsa, and Dr. Scholl, ensuring smooth operations. Health screening stations were set up in an organized layout, making it easy for attendees to navigate and access various health services. Visitors first provided necessary personal information and health history to the screening technicians, allowing for tailored assessments. Initially hesitant attendees were encouraged by the efficiency of the technicians and chose to participate in the screenings.

While the health fair took place outdoors with protection from the sun, melodious keertan by various Ragis filled the atmosphere. Inside the Darbar Hall, students and faculty from participating institutions gathered to observe and reflect. Others proceeded to the Langar Hall, where a delicious selection of vegetarian food was available, a staple offering in any Gurudwara.

Students also engaged in a lively Q&A session on Sikhism, facilitated by volunteers, which provided an enriching learning experience for all involved.

Sikhs 4 All Foundation organises eye check-up camp

 According to Daily Excelsior “ A free eye check-up camp was organised here today at Computer Center and Library of ‘Sikhs 4 All Foundation’ with the help of KD Eye & Multispeciality Hospital  Jammu.

A large number of patients attended the camp and were served by a team of doctors headed by Dr. Bhawana including Naresh, Gurmeet, Manisha, Meenakshi, Kavita and Palak.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Foundation is serving the society by free education to the underprivileged children, free computer education for certified courses and a free library facility for the last 7 years.
Manjeet Singh and other members of the Foundation including Rajinder Singh, N.P Singh, Gurmeetpal Singh, T.P Singh, Gurvinder Kaur, Simpy Rainal, Ramandeep Kaur and Manpreet Kaur were also present during the camp to assist the medical team.
Manjeet Singh, Foundation Chairman informed about past and future projects of the Foundation.
The Foundation lauded Dr. J.P Singh and all other doctors for making the camp a success.

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.