Local Sikh group donates $11,600 for Squamish Hospital CT Scanner

 According to Squamish Reporter “ The Gurmat Parchar Sabha Squamish, a local organization dedicated to Sikh spiritual education, has donated $11,600 to the Squamish Hospital Foundation to help fund the purchase of a new CT scanner. Founded in 2014 by Giani Gurmukh Singh Ghanauli, the Sabha was established with a passionate vision: to preserve and pass down the rich heritage of the Sikh faith to future generations. Over the past decade, the group has focused on teaching local families Gurbani (scriptural readings) and Kirtan (devotional hymns), ensuring these traditions remain vibrant within the community.

Today, the Sabha has grown to include about 50 members, all committed to education, spiritual practice, and the Sikh principle of seva, selfless service to humanity.

Recognizing the vital role Squamish General Hospital plays in the lives of residents, members felt compelled to contribute to the hospital’s fundraising campaign for a state-of-the-art CT scanner, a critical tool for modern diagnostics. “This will really help the local community. We want to support the hospital’s cause and are truly grateful for the opportunity to give back to the town we call home,” said member Pritpal Singh Hans.

The donation underscores the Sabha’s ongoing commitment to service and community support, reflecting the group’s values both inside and outside the spiritual sphere, he added.

The Untold History Of Punjab’s Warrior Women: How Mai Bhago, Sada Kaur, Bibi Sahib Kaur Led Armies, Defied Empires And Shaped Power

 According to Times Now “ History has never been short of brave women, but it has often been short on memory. From the Amazons of Greek mythology to Boudica's rebellion against Roman rule in Britain, the idea of women leading armies and defying empires has always captured imagination. India, too, has its own formidable lineage of warrior women. Names like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Kittur Rani Chennamma have found their rightful place in textbooks and popular culture. Yet beyond these familiar icons lies a quieter, equally compelling story—that of Punjab's warrior women whose courage shaped politics, warfare, and resistance, whose legacies remain largely uncelebrated. Not Just Rani Lakshmibai: The Punjabi Queens and Commanders Who Took On Empires Before It Was Remembered. Punjab's history, particularly between the 18th and mid-19th century, was forged in near-constant conflict—against the Mughal authority, Afghan invasions, and later, against British expansion. This was also the time when Sikh misls rose and fell and eventually coalesced under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Through this turbulence, many women did more than advise from behind palace walls. They rode into battle, marshaled armies, negotiated treaties, and stood unflinchingly against colonial power. Far from being exceptions, Mai Bhago, Sada Kaur, Jind Kaur, and Bibi Sahib Kaur were leaders in their own right. Their contributions and sacrifices need to be remembered not in the footnotes, but as fundamental chapters in the annals of Punjab's political and military history. Mai Bhago, also known as Mata Bhag Kaur, enjoys a unique position in Sikh history. She was born in Jhabal Kalan village in Amritsar district and was raised on the martial-spiritual ethos instilled by Guru Gobind Singh Ji when he founded the Khalsa in 1699. At a time when war was considered a male domain, Mai Bhago broke every expectation that people had of women in those times. Her moment of truth was during the siege of Anandpur Sahib in 1704–1705. As the Mughal forces, along with the hill chieftains, tightened their noose, fatigue and desperation took hold. Forty Sikh soldiers from her region deserted the Guru, choosing life over loyalty. Mai Bhago’s reaction was neither mute disappointment nor entreaties from the sidelines. She strapped on armor, mounted a horse, and rode out herself, calling out the men’s cowardice so publicly that retreat became impossible. She led these forty men against pursuing Mughal forces at the Battle of Khidrana. It was brutal. The forty Sikhs died fighting, but their resistance forced the enemy to withdraw, allowing Guru Gobind Singh to escape. Later, the Guru forgave the deserters, honoring them as Chaali Mukte—the Forty Liberated Ones—and renamed Khidrana as Muktsar, the Pool of Liberation. The grievously wounded Mai Bhago survived and went on to serve as the personal bodyguard to Guru Gobind Singh, a position attained by few men. Her arms are preserved to this day in Sikh museums, and at Punjab's Armed Forces Preparatory Institute for Girls, she attained that rarest of boons—an institutional acknowledgement of a woman who leads from the front. If Mai Bhago symbolised battlefield courage, Rani Sada Kaur of Batala represented political intelligence and military strategy at its sharpest. Leader of the powerful Kanhaiya misl, she was among the most influential figures of late 18th-century Punjab. Her personal relationship with Maharaja Ranjit Singh—she was his mother-in-law—placed her at the heart of emerging Sikh power, but it was her competence, not kinship, that defined her authority. She had become, in effect, the regent and chief advisor to Ranjit Singh after his parents had died. She provided troops, finances, and tactical guidance during his early campaigns, helping him to defeat some rival misls and consolidate power. Under her mentorship, Ranjit Singh crowned himself as the Maharaja in 1801, giving birth to the united Sikh Empire. Sada Kaur did not just plan wars; she fought them. Leading troops through campaigns in Amritsar, Kasur, Chiniot, and Kangra, she also played the most pivotal role in repelling Afghan Pathan forces in Hazara and Attock. Afghan records are said to have referred to her as "one of the greatest generals of her time"—no small praise from within a deeply patriarchal military culture. She could negotiate, command loyalty, and read the fluid politics of the region. More than anybody else, she was indispensable. Without Sada Kaur, the rise of Maharaja Ranjit Singh might have run a very different course altogether. Maharani Jind Kaur, the last queen of the Sikh Empire, stands as one of the most fearsome anti-colonial figures of 19th-century India. After being widowed at quite a tender age following the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's son, she became regent to her then-infant son, Maharaja Duleep Singh, at a time when British interference in Punjab had reached alarming levels.Jind Kaur refused to remain a mere figurehead. She rescinded purdah, addressed assemblies in open court, and took direct control over military and administrative affairs. British officers repeatedly remarked on her influence over the Khalsa army, describing her as “the Messalina of the Punjab”—a term meant to insult her but that also betrayed their fear of her authority.She played a key role in the Anglo-Sikh wars, fighting British control. Her son had been taken to England by the British as early as 1849, when Punjab was annexed. This again neutralized the effect of Jind Kaur as a rallying symbol, after which she was imprisoned and exiled from Punjab. It was thirteen years later that mother and son would be reunited. Jind Kaur lived her last years in London, far from the kingdom that she fought to protect, dying in 1863 when she was only 46 years old. Today, her story is slowly being reclaimed as one of dignity, defiance, and maternal courage in the face of empire. Princess Bibi Sahib Kaur of Patiala is one of the rare documented cases of an Indian woman defeating a British commander in battle. She was born in 1771 as the elder sister of Raja Sahib Singh of Patiala. She married early to Jaimal Singh of Fatehgarh, but her life took a dramatic turn when political events demanded she take to the realm of leadership. She was appointed Prime Minister of Patiala by her brother in 1793, a post that involved much more than administration. Soon, she was leading military expeditions to first free her captive husband and later to defend the allied territories against the Maratha and regional rivals. 

The most memorable campaign that she embarked upon was in the year 1799, when George Thomas, an Irish adventurer leading forces supported by the British in Hansi and Hissar, threatened the towns of Patiala. She personally led an army to lift sieges and turned Thomas to retreat. Thomas himself grudgingly admitted in his accounts that she defended Patiala better than her brother could have. Her reign melted the boundaries between royal duty and battlefield command and bruised the colonial assumptions about Indian women's capabilities.

Meet Sim Singh Attariwala: Sikh American Civil Rights Leader Takes Top Human Rights Role In Washington

 According to Times of India  “ Sim J. Singh Attariwala, a well-known civil rights advocate and Director of the Anti-Hate Program at Asian Americans Advancing Justice, has been appointed as a Commissioner on the District of Columbia Human Rights Commission. He was appointed by District of Columbia mayor Muriel Bowser and confirmed by the DC Council. He became one of the first Sikh Americans to hold this position in Washington, DC.

Speaking about his new role, Attariwala said: "The Commission safeguards one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country. Its work is a reminder that dignity, fairness, and equal protection must remain at the center of public life." He added, "I look forward to contributing my experience in civil rights, anti hate work, and community engagement to help strengthen these protections for all who call the District home." Before joining AAJC, Attariwala served as the Director of the Department of Justice's Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. In that role, he worked closely with the White House and federal agencies to expand access to justice, combat hate crimes, and address religious discrimination.

Attariwala holds an LLM from Georgetown University Law Center, a JD from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center, and a BS in Information Systems Management from Florida International University.
His appointment has been welcomed by the community organisation Sikh Coalition, which said, "We congratulate Sim J. Singh Attariwala on his appointment and confirmation as a Commissioner on the District of Columbia Human Rights Commission." The organisation added, "Sim’s appointment reflects the growing visibility and leadership of Sikh Americans in public service," according to the New India Abroad.

Attariwala’s new role is seen as a major step in promoting civil rights and protecting the dignity and fairness of all residents in Washington, DC, especially for marginal communities that face discrimination and hate.

Find out how this all-through British, Sikh faith school offers opportunities to succeed in education and personal development for all of its pupils

 According to Coventry Telegraph “ Joining this all-through school - where your child progresses seamlessly from primary to secondary education - is an opportunity that offers them stability and consistency through their school career.

In turn, they will forge a strong sense of belonging to the school, their friends, and teachers, as well as benefiting from the new, fully refurbished and nurturing environment that long-term schooling provides.

During their time at the school, children benefit from excellent facilities, classrooms equipped with the latest technologies, exceptional sports facilities and a range of extracurricular activities that build on academic success, personal development and ambition. 

All of these benefits are available at Seva School, an all-through British, Sikh faith school located in the north-east of Coventry. While rooted in Sikh values, real importance is placed on respect, service, and community. The school is open and welcoming to families of every background from this wonderfully diverse city and its surrounding areas. 

Results at the school are exemplary and this, coupled with the strong spiritual and moral development, ensures the school’s ethos is lived. It’s all about high-quality teaching combined with high academic achievement, which produces well-rounded learners.  The school offers daily opportunities for creative, cultural and spiritual learning alongside core subjects.

Sports played include gymnastics, swimming, athletics, cricket, hockey and football, while there is also provision for creative and performing arts.

University of Khalsa Announces Founding Board & Executive Leadership Team to Lead Global Sikh-Centered Higher Education

 According to Wane “ In a landmark initiative designed to advance education rooted in Sikh values and global academic standards, the University of Khalsa (UOK) formally announces the appointment of its Founding Governing Board and Core Administrative and Academic Leadership.

This development marks a major milestone in establishing the University of Khalsa as a globally recognized institution of higher learning, built upon the pillars of ethical leadership, academic excellence, student empowerment, and community service.

Founding Governing Board Appointments

1. Sardar Dr. Satpreet Singh — President & Board Member

Also serving as the Dean of Administration and Dean of Business Administration, Dr. Singh is an internationally acclaimed thought leader, author, public speaker, and CEO. With years of experience in education, business strategy, and organizational development, he brings visionary leadership to the institution. Dr. Satpreet Singh said, "The University of Khalsa is not just an educational project; it is a revolution in higher learning. Our mission is to empower students to lead with purpose, rooted in timeless Sikh values and equipped with modern competencies.” 

2. Sardar Bijay Singh — Secretary & Board Member

Also serving as Vice President of External Affairs, Bijay Singh is a distinguished Sikh leader known for his role in the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and long-standing service in religious, educational, and community affairs.
“This university represents a beacon for the global Sikh community. Our leadership is committed to ensuring academic excellence, transparency, and cultural integrity” Said Sardar Bijay Singh

3. Sardarni Rupinder Kaur — Treasurer & Board Member

Also serving as Dean of Student Affairs and University Librarian, Rupinder Kaur brings over a decade of operational experience as the General Manager of Ardass Corporation. Her multidimensional leadership focuses on student welfare, campus culture, and institutional infrastructure.
“My goal is to create a nurturing, student-first environment where every learner is supported academically, emotionally, and spiritually. We are building a family, not just a campus,” said Sardarni Rupinder Kaur

Executive Leadership Team
- Director of Admissions: Sardar Ranjit Singh Tohra
- Dean of Academic Affairs: Sardar Jagpal Singh
- Registrar: Sardar Gurbhej Singh
- Admissions Assistant: Sardar Daljeet Singh
- Dean of Student Affairs & Librarian: Sardarni Rupinder Kaur
- Dean of Business Administration: Sardar Dr. Satpreet Singh
- Vice President of External Affairs: Sardar Bijay Singh

Vision for the University
The University of Khalsa is established to deliver education that blends academic rigor with spiritual consciousness. Drawing upon the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the university will offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas such as:

- Business Administration
- Education & Leadership
- Languages & Sikh Studies
- Technology & Innovation
- Public Administration & Human Rights

Strategic Actions Ahead

- Launch of official website with program details
- Application for regulatory approvals and accreditation
- Development of physical and digital campus infrastructure
- Academic seminar in mid-2026
- Hiring of faculty and administrative staff

Sikh memorial garden unveiled in Windsor

 According to CTV “ The Windsor Sikh Community has unveiled a memorial garden at Captain John Wilson Park in Windsor, the first of its kind in Canada.

The garden, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Diversity Garden, was made possible through a partnership with the City of Windsor. 

A ceremony on Nov. 24 was held to inaugurate the garden and commemorate the 350^th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, one of the ten gurus who founded the Sikh religion.

The garden is meant to be a gathering place for people of every faith and culture. 

“Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib safeguarded the garden of humanity… His sacrifice is not just Sikh history, it is world history,” said MC and organizer Triman Singh Kandola.

Mayor Drew Dilkens, who was also in attendance, issued a city proclamation declaring Nov. 24 as the 350^th Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib.

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.”