Sikhs Seeking Mental Health Aid Battle ‘Weakness’ Stigma

 According to India Currents “ Sikhs in the Bay Area who seek mental health care sometimes face disapproval from other members of the Sikh community, who may regard mental health problems as fabricated or a character failing.

Noor Khera of Livermore said she has struggled with mental health issues, but was hesitant to get help, out of concern about being perceived as weak.

”I have heard it multiple times: ‘Be strong,’” she said. “One day I started wondering, why am I so weak? My husband said to me, ‘You’re not weak, you’re sick.’ It allowed me to accept what’s wrong with me and to work on that.” She said her decision to take a doctor’s advice and start antidepressants has made her feel much better. 

Dr. Ravinder Randhawa, a Sikh psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente Fremont Medical Center, said patients she’s seen have mentioned this reluctance “many, many times. They’re scared of (being) judged by family and friends.”

She herself faced judgment when she chose her profession. “My own father, he was extremely disappointed. He questioned the field I was choosing. He would tell people I am a doctor, but what kind of doctor? So I had to take that disappointment in, and it did bother me a bit.”

But ultimately she said, “I was able to educate all my family and encourage them to be more open to seek help.”

This issue is not exclusive to Sikhs, of course. “A lot of Asian communities struggle with emotional expression,” Randhawa said.

Naz Khera of Tracy said her efforts to confide about mental health issues to family and friends were “shut down immediately.” She added that only made the problem worse, with disapproval from others piling onto mental health problems. 

“It would get so bad I would crash…but that is also where rebuilding comes in.”

She added that the issue can be especially difficult for women and girls. “We have to appear a certain way, which is not ourselves, in front of any community member that we meet.” 

As dated as it may sound, there is still a strong sense among some that health issues are “all in your head,” Randhawa said. “But I can say the same thing about habits and hypertension. You can control these by eating well, running and exercising.”  But when it comes to mental health, she added, “for some reason, people just don’t understand.”

Some younger Sikhs note there is a gap found between them and older generations. Many Sikh families in the Bay Area include immigrant parents, who may have come from an environment where mental health was downplayed. 

Kamalpreet Kaur is the Sikh Student Association president at  Sacramento State. “A lot of men are sent out of Punjab to work and save money,” he said. “They have to end up keeping their struggles buried inside them.”

Potential answers lie within Sikhism itself. “There is a lot of meditation in our religion,” said Arsh Kaur Sidhu, president of a health support group at Sacramento State University, “as well as peacefulness and acceptance.” 

Luton's Sikh community celebrates major religious anniversaries with colourful parade

 According to Luton Today “ The town became a sea of bright colours as the Nagar Kirtan procession made its way from Luton Guru Nanak Gurdwara through Bury Park, Old Bedford Road, Shri Guru Ravidass Sangat and back to Gurdwara on Sunday (November 23). Participants sang throughout the walk, while youth groups performed Gatka, a traditional Sikh martial art.

Volunteers gave out free meals along the route.

This year’s event marked the 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom, who gave his life to protect the religious freedom of others.

People also celebrated the 556th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.

Ashwinder Singh said: “I felt very humbled and was moved by the spirit of seva (selfless service) and enthusiasm within the attendees. Remembering Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s supreme sacrifice gave me a profound sense of responsibility. Guru Ji's shaheedi (martyrdomwas) not only for Hindu religion, but for the freedom of all faiths.

"We commemorate 350 years since the supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji – a moment in history that continues to guide and awaken the Sikhi spirit. Guru Sahib Ji gave their sis (head), but never compromised their principles. It was a divine stand for truth, justice, and freedom of conscience.”

Sikh community facility approved

 According to Wyndham “ Wyndham council has approved plans to renovate and expand the Gurdwara Sikh community facility in Hoppers Crossing, despite 108 objections from residents. 

Under the proposal, the three existing buildings at 405-417 Sayers Road will be replaced by three larger buildings that include a prayer hall, dining facilities, a Punjabi school and community spaces.

The facility is intended to be operated daily between 8am and 10pm and accommodate up to 600 people during special events.

At the Tuesday 11 November planning meeting, several residents spoke on the matter, citing concerns that increasing the capacity of the site might make traffic on nearby residential streets worse and increase noise.

However, Cr Preet Singh said the Sikh community has been part of Wyndham for decades and that their generosity is needed in the area.

“Tonight we stand at a crossroads, a moment that calls for clarity, courage and conviction – we are being asked to make a decision that will shape the future of our community,” Cr Singh said. 

“Asking them to relocate is not just impractical, it is unjust.”

Cr Shannon McGuire, who said he lives less than 1.5km from the site, said he had to vote against the motion due to traffic concerns on roads such as Sayers Road.

“The road network is already at breaking point and will not be any better as a result of this, I don’t thing any reasonable person would say so–both in the short term and long term,” Cr McGuire said.

“In ten years time, people will be driving down Sayers Road saying ‘who allowed this to happen?”

He received a round of applause from members in the public gallery.

Cr Susan McIntyre also said it was a difficult decision, but the debate was a matter of the feasibility of the development’s scale, not the good work of the Sikh community.

“To me it really comes down to saying is this the right facility of this size and scale in this area, and that is why I won’t be supporting it,” Cr McIntyre said. 

Council voted in favour of allowing the expansion, nine votes to two.”

Railways to operate two special trains for Sikh devotees on Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom day

 According to Devdiscourse “ Indian Railways will operate two special train services, one from Patna Sahib and another from Old Delhi, starting November 22 to facilitate smooth travel of devotees during the commemoration of the martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, S. Ravneet Singh, Minister of State for Railways, said on Thursday.

''Honouring the Guru's immortal legacy of sacrifice for religious freedom, truth, and human dignity, Indian Railways is committed to ensuring that pilgrims travelling to Sri Anandpur Sahib receive safe, seamless, and comfortable travel arrangements during this sacred period,'' Singh said.

A press note from the Ministry said that a 22-coach special train will depart from Patna on November 23 at 06:40 hrs, reaching Sri Anandpur Sahib at 04:15 hrs on November 24.

''The return service will depart from Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 25 at 21:00 hrs, arriving at Old Delhi at 23:30 hrs. The train will halt at Lucknow, Moradabad, and Ambala en route,'' it added.

According to the press note, another daily AC special service will depart from Old Delhi at 07:00 hrs on November 22, 23, 24, and 25, reaching Sri Anandpur Sahib at 13:45 hrs the same day.

''Return services will depart from Sri Anandpur Sahib at 20:30 hrs daily, arriving at Delhi at 03:15 hrs. The service will stop at Sonipat, Panipat, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Sirhind, and New Morinda in both directions,'' the note added.

The minister stated that these services reflect Indian Railways' continued dedication to providing accessible and reliable travel options for large numbers of devotees observing this solemn occasion.

Singh further affirmed that the Railways is honoured to support the pilgrimage associated with the life and teachings of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

''Indian Railways urges passengers to plan their journeys accordingly and make use of these special services for a smooth travel experience,'' the press note said.

New exhibit highlights elements of Sikh culture

 According to Nexus Newspaper “ Sheeshe ‘ch thareṛ, or A Crack in the Mirror, is a collection of mixed-media art that highlights different elements of Sikh culture and demonstrates how they interact with one another across the diaspora and across time. Textiles and objects in the exhibit, opening Saturday, November 22 at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV), offer a variety of perspectives for reflection.

Created by artists Simranpreet Anand and Conner Singh VanderBeek, who is also an ethnomusicologist, the exhibit is guest curated by Sajdeep Soomal. AGGV curator of contemporary art Toby Lawrence says that A Crack in the Mirror speaks to the idea of shifted perspectives.

“Specifically offering through the perspective of Sikh visual culture and material culture,” says Lawrence. “The exhibition offers a breadth of opportunity to really consider a number of different ways of thinking about the objects that are present, along with the narratives, the materials, and their histories.”  Together, the artists have placed an emphasis on how these aspects of Sikh culture have changed and how they have been forced to adapt to modern conditions. Historically, the fabrics on display would have been made from natural materials. But, contemporary economic forces have influenced a change in the makeup of sacred Sikh textiles from quality natural fibres to cheaper plastic ones.

“The artists are really looking at this tension between the historical production of these sacred materials, these rumala sahib, and how the material itself has shifted into a more synthetic, mass-produced material based on economic need,” says Lawrence.

Lawrence says the change from natural material to artificial plastic has impacted these practices and the life cycle of sacred Sikh fabrics.

“What happens with these materials that are given as offerings during sacred celebrations is that once they’ve reached their lifespan, they’re cremated, and the spirits are returned to that realm. But now that we’re seeing this shift into synthetic materials, that burning process really takes on a different tone, because we’re no longer burning natural fibres like cotton or silk,” she says. “In fact, it’s burning of a plastic or a petroleum-based product, so then that releases toxic fumes rather than sacred energies.”

Lawrence believes exhibits like this are useful to expand our creative selves and promote a space for learning and sharing.

“It provides us a space to think through things in ways that we may not have access to in our daily lives. It’s a place for both experimentation with materials, but also experimentation with ideas,” says Lawrence. “It’s also a place for risk. Some folks may not have the ability to take creative risks in their own lives, and so I think art provides us an avenue to experience and participate in that.”

The exhibit brings together various perspectives from Sikh and Punjabi cultural, religious, historical, and gender-based experiences. She hopes that together they can promote visitors to contemplate diversity and inclusivity.

“It also provides an amazing and creative point of reference to meet people and build new relationships,” says Lawrence. “I think when we do that, when we can come together through our differences, it helps build a more responsible and a more connected citizenship.”

A Crack in the Mirror
Saturday, November 22 to Sunday, April 12
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
aggv.ca

Sikhs raise more than £3,000 with 15km walk through Coventry

 According to Coventry Telegraph “ More than £3,000 was raised as Sikhs walked through Coventry to help those affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Participants set off from the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash in Foleshill.

Sikhs gathered in September for the 38th Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Charity Walk. It is organised annually by the Sikh Union.

Over 80 people walked the 15km route starting and finishing at Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash on Harnall Lane West. Participants were joined by Lord Mayor Cllr Rachel Lancaster and 'Lady Godiva' Pru Porretta. Funds raised included £2,000 donated to the Coventry and Warwickshire Motor Neurone Group. Meanwhile, £1,700 supported Hockey Youth Development, Girls' Pathway to Hockey and Sikh Union projects.

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a rapidly progressing neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. Messages from the nerves stop reaching the muscles, leading to stiffness and paralysis, which can affect walking, speaking, swallowing, and breathing.

Volunteers at the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) focus on campaigning for people living with or affected by MND. Around 3,000 people living with the illness received more than £3.2m in grants in 2024.

Sikh Coalition Launches Lifeline for Punjabi Truck Drivers Facing Discrimination in the U.S.

 According to Rozana Spokesman “ This decision effectively allows non-domiciled CDL holders to continue working without fear of losing their livelihood. This initiative is a major milestone for the diaspora, highlighting the importance of community-driven support and legal advocacy in protecting immigrant workers' rights.File Photo.

Fateh! Sikh Coalition Launches Helpline Following Legal Win for Truck Drivers

The Sikh Coalition has launched a Punjabi-language helpline to support Sikh and Punjabi truck drivers in the United States facing discrimination due to their identity. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a stay on the Trump Administration’s Interim Final Rule (IFR) that had stripped roughly 200,000 non-domiciled commercial drivers’ licenses (CDLs).

Under the IFR, drivers were barred from obtaining or renewing CDLs not because of their skills, driving record, or language ability, but solely based on their immigration status—even though all affected individuals were legally authorised to work in the U.S. The court recognised that the rule had no demonstrable public safety benefit and highlighted its harmful impact on communities, including Sikh truckers and trucking company owners. This decision effectively allows non-domiciled CDL holders to continue working without fear of losing their livelihood.

In response to the evolving regulatory landscape, the Sikh Coalition launched the Truckers’ helpline to provide confidential assistance in Punjabi and English. Drivers facing discrimination can leave messages at “212-287-9169” in Punjabi or English, and the coalition’s team ensures timely support. The helpline is part of a broader effort to protect drivers’ rights, offering guidance, resources, and advocacy for those navigating complex workplace and regulatory issues.

Beyond the phone line, the Sikh Coalition continues its hands-on outreach, hosting “in-person gurdwara clinics” in states such as Indiana and New Jersey. They also provide “free, bilingual resources”, including updated brochures and legal guidance available online at [thesikh.co/truckers](https://www.thesikh.co/truckers).

According to the Sikh Coalition, “The helpline empowers Sikh and Punjabi truck drivers to report discrimination and access the support they need.” “We encourage everyone to practise their faith fearlessly and know that they are not alone.”

This initiative is a major milestone for the diaspora, highlighting the importance of community-driven support and legal advocacy in protecting immigrant workers’ rights. It ensures that Punjabi truckers can continue their work safely, confidently, and without fear of unjust treatment.

10th literary festival begins at historic Khalsa College

 According to Tribune “ The 10th Amritsar Literature Festival and Book Fair began at Khalsa College in presence of all members of the Khalsa College Governing Council. Rajinder Mohan Singh Cheena, Pro-Chancellor, Khalsa University, and Secretary, Khalsa College Governing Council, along with Guru Nanak Dev University Vice-Chancellor Prof Karamjit Singh, former diplomat Navdeep Singh Suri, and Khalsa University Chancellor Dr Mahal Singh inaugurated the festival.

Chinna, while stressing on the importance of promoting literature, said, “Literature is an important aspect of life. Books give direction to life. Along with increasing knowledge, books sharpen and refresh human mind. Taking into account the objective of development and promotion of book culture, this literature festival and book fair is organised every year.”

Navdeep Suri said he reached high positions only on the strength of knowledge gained through reading. “The present generation needs to connect with books to not just increase their knowledge, but also sustain linguistic heritage that otherwise will be lost to generalisation. Books teach lessons beyond any classroom and introduce an individual to places and stories that help gain a personality,” he said.

The five day literature festival will host a series of book exhibitions, literary sessions and cultural performances by eminent artistes.

Many book sellers from different regions across Punjab have been invited to display stalls and promote Punjabi as well as vernacular literature.

Dr Atam Randhawa, Principal, Khalsa College, said, “This fair has made its own identity outside Punjab and abroad. Its uniqueness compared to common fairs is that it is a literary fair, whose aim is to promote books as heritage.”

The first day hosted a panel discussion with Pingalwara Charitable Society Director Dr Indrajit Kaur about Bhagat Puran Singh’s dedication to human life and his selfless services for the welfare of humanity. Noted author and Sikh scholar Dr Heera Singh and Dr Indrapreet Singh Dhami discussed various aspects of child psychology on the occasion.

After this, Shiromani children’s writer Baljinder Mann and famous artiste Kamaljit Singh Nilo performed for the audience comprising mostly students. The book fair would continue till November 19.