SGPC donates Rs 43 lakh for fees of Sikligar Sikh children of Andhra Pradesh

 According to Punjab News Express “ The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has released an amount of Rs 43 lakh 3 thousand (about $47,500 USD) for the school/college fees of Sikligar Sikh children in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada of Andhra Pradesh.

Under the instructions of Shiromani Committee President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, this assistance amount was handed over to the schools by Shiromani Committee members Bhai Rajinder Singh Mehta, Surjit Singh Bhittevad, Secretary of Dharam Prachar Committee Balwinder Singh Kahlwan in the form of fees of Sikligar children studying in various places of Andhra Pradesh.

It is noteworthy that the Shiromani Committee has decided to pay the fees of the children every year to make Sikligar Sikh children self-reliant. Under this, the Shiromani Committee has sent the fees for the academic years 2024-25 and 2025-26.

Speaking in this regard, Shiromani Committee member Bhai Rajinder Singh Mehta said that Sikligar Sikhs living in different states are an important part of the society and the Shiromani Committee is constantly striving for the education of their children. He said that the purpose of paying these fees is to educate Sikligar Sikh children to make them self-reliant, so that in the future they can stand on their own feet. He said that it is a matter of happiness for us that many children are getting jobs after studying with the help of the Shiromani Committee, which will become the support of their families.

Giving information in this regard, Secretary of Dharam Prachar Committee Balwinder Singh said that as per the instructions of SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, the fees of Sikligar and Vanjara Sikh children studying in various schools and colleges of Andhra Pradesh have been directly handed over to the schools and colleges.

First Sikh in Pak army now Lt Col

 According to Tribune “ Harcharan Singh, the first turbaned Pakistani Sikh, who made history by securing a place in the Pakistan army has now become the first Sikh to be decorated with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He was born in 1987 in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak. His promotion to Lieutenant Colonel was approved after rigorous selection board evaluation conducted in late 2025. Minorities have faced a hard time finding space in the Islamic framework of statehood in the neighbouring country.

Confirming this, Pakistan Punjab’s Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora said though many Christians have served in the Pakistan army, no Hindu or Sikh ‘could qualify’. Singh had joined the Pakistan army in 2007 at the age of 20 as Captain. Initially serving in the Ordnance Corps, Singh later volunteered for a combat role and was posted to the 12th Battalion of the Baloch Regiment where he served in demanding operational and border areas while being at the rank of Major.

“Lt Col Singh’s achievement has proved that there is no barrier for the minorities in Pakistan, and that only talent speaks and sets the parameters for success. Lt Col Singh is an example of equality of all religions and unity in Pakistan. We, as part of the Sikh community, will give him a rousing welcome when he visits his hometown next,” he said.

Delighted at his brother’s success, Mastan Singh, the former president of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) said, “Lt Col Singh is the pride of Baba Nanak’s city and the whole Sikh community, as well,” he said. At present, Lt Col Singh is posted at Abbottabad in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

University Langar hopes to serve more than 2,000

 According to BBC  “ A community kitchen organised by the University of Birmingham's (UoB) Sikh Society hopes to serve free food to more than 2,000 people.

In Sikhism, Langar offers free vegetarian food to anyone, regardless of social class, gender or religion.

It has been organised by the society for more than 20 years, and will take place on Monday from 11:00 to 15:00 GMT.

"Beyond providing free food, the event serves as an educational and cultural opportunity, helping attendees gain a deeper understanding of Sikh principles and fostering inclusivity across the university," UoB said. A community kitchen organised by the University of Birmingham's (UoB) Sikh Society hopes to serve free food to more than 2,000 people.

In Sikhism, Langar offers free vegetarian food to anyone, regardless of social class, gender or religion.

It has been organised by the society for more than 20 years, and will take place on Monday from 11:00 to 15:00 GMT.

"Beyond providing free food, the event serves as an educational and cultural opportunity, helping attendees gain a deeper understanding of Sikh principles and fostering inclusivity across the university," UoB said.

World Bank group chief Ajay Banga pays visit to Gurdwara Panja Sahib

 

According to Abb Takk “ World Bank Group President Ajay Banga on Sunday visited the revered Sikh religious site, Gurdwara Panja Sahib, in Hasan Abdal, accompanied by a high-level delegation.

Upon his arrival, the District Police Officer and Deputy Commissioner of Attock received the World Bank chief. Ajay Banga paid his respects at the gurdwara, participated in religious observances, and later joined the community meal at the langar hall, where he praised the hospitality and arrangements.

As a mark of respect, members of the Sikh community honored him with a traditional siropa.

Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb and Punjab’s Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora, were also present during the visit.

Plantation Drive held at Sonari Gurudwara on Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji’s Prakash Purab

 According to the Avenue Mail “ On the auspicious occasion of the Prakash Purab of Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji, Sikh Youth of Sonari, Stree Satsang Sabha, and the Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee, Sonari jointly organized a plantation programme within the premises of Sonari Gurudwara.

The event was held to honor the teachings of Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji, who strongly emphasized compassion, environmental protection, and living in harmony with nature.

Members including elders, women, and youth, actively participated by planting saplings across the Gurudwara premises. The initiative symbolized a collective commitment toward creating a greener and healthier environment.

Organizers stressed that preserving nature is a sacred responsibility and urged the community to take care of the newly planted saplings. They also highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable practices in daily life.

The plantation drive not only enhanced the greenery within the Gurudwara campus but also spread awareness about environmental responsibility among devotees, inspiring many to contribute towards protecting the environment for future generations.

Central Sikh Naujawan Sabha Organises Drawing Competition on Environmental Protection

 According to Avenue Mail “ The Central Sikh Naujawan Sabha, Jamshedpur, organised a drawing competition focused on environmental protection at the Telco Gurudwara premises on Sunday, attracting enthusiastic participation from over 80 children and young people. Through colourful and creative artwork, the participants conveyed strong messages on saving the environment, cleanliness, greenery, and protection of the Earth.

Participants from different age groups took part in the competition, which was divided into Group A, Group B, and Group C. Within the stipulated time, the participants created attractive and meaningful drawings highlighting issues such as environmental conservation, cleanliness, greenery, and saving the Earth.

Amrik Singh, President of the Central Sikh Naujawan Sabha, said the objective of organising the competition was to spread awareness about environmental protection among children and youth and to provide them a platform to showcase their creativity. He added that the younger generation plays a crucial role in safeguarding the environment for the future.

The drawings were evaluated by a judging panel comprising Harshit Sharma, Amritanshu Singh and Aman Vibhar. Winners were awarded certificates of appreciation, mementoes and gifts, while all participants were also given certificates and gifts to encourage them.

The programme was attended by several prominent personalities, including Sardar Bhagwan Singh, President of the Central Gurudwara Management Committee; Amarjit Singh, General Secretary; Gurcharan Singh Billa; Parvinder Singh Sohal, Advisor to CGPC and Senior Vice President of the Timken Union; Ravinder Kaur, President of the Central Stri Satsang Sabha; Balwinder Singh, President of Telco Gurudwara; Palvinder Kaur; social workers Arfeen Ashraf and Asha Singh, among others. All the guests were honoured with shawls by the organisers and appreciated the initiative taken by the Youth Association.

The organisers expressed gratitude to all participants, parents and supporters, stating that similar programmes would be organised in the future to spread positive social and environmental messages. The event received major support from Sardar Amrik Singh, President of the Central Sikh Naujawan Sabha; Inderjit Singh of Aagaz organisation; programme coordinator Jagjit Singh; General Secretary of the Naujawan Sabha Ranjit Singh; Maninder Singh, Harpreet Singh, Surender Singh, Paramveer Singh, Jaypal Singh and others.

In the results announced, Harshpreet Kaur, Vanshit Sharma and Luvika Sahu secured the first three positions in Group A (up to 9 years). In Group B (10 to 16 years), Khushi won first prize, followed by Gurpreet Kaur, while Raunak Kumar and Mannat Kaur jointly secured third place. In Group C (17 to 25 years), Gurpreet Singh won first prize and Kumar Kaushik secured second place.

On World Education Day, This Punjab Charity Pledges To Educate And Empower Every Child For Free

 According to ETV “ On World Education Day, the Education Punjab Project, a charity organisation of Punjab, takes a pledge to make every child empowered and educated through a model built around daily school visits, free schooling and community engagement.

The non-profit, which began in 2011, has provided free education to about 200,000 students over the past 15 years and supported nearly 6,000 others with scholarships for higher studies. It operates through seven educational institutions and an educational academy that offers free schooling from nursery to Class 12.

Founded by Bhai Jasvir Singh Ji Khalsa, the EPP is now led by Jaswinder Singh Khalsa, who runs the project from its head office in Begoana village of Ludhiana district.

Khalsa describes education as the foundation of social change and says the main focus of the project was beyond classrooms.

“I visit a government or private school and speak to students and motivate them every day. If Punjab has to move forward, its children must be educated,” he said, adding that he has covered nearly 8 lakh kilometres for school outreach across Punjab.

Khalsa said the EPP’s education model removes most financial barriers, as there is no admission fee and no monthly tuition. “Students receive books, stationery and even lunch boxes free of cost. Teaching methods include audio-visual learning, with emphasis on quality education, safety and the overall development of children,” he said.

Not just academics, students are introduced to social responsibility and ethical values, with Khalsa saying that the NGO handles religious instruction sensitively.

“Children are taught to respect every faith. No one is forced to change religion. Students begin their school day with a 15-minute session related to their own religious or moral teachings,” he said.

Khalsa, a businessman of English origin, has long worked to spread awareness of Sikh values. He said service to society has been his priority since 2006. “I don’t ask people to donate in the name of religion. If someone wants to help, it should be to support children directly through education,” he said.

Children are admitted as early as age four, and the organisation continues to support them for as long as they wish to study. About 6,000 students are currently pursuing higher education with the help of scholarships arranged by the project.

The group has also stepped in during emergencies such as the recent floods in Punjab. It paid more than Rs 75 lakh in school fees for affected children, helped repair and rebuild school infrastructure, and provided food and seeds to families. Basic facilities were also extended to 12 flood-hit villages, while some of them were even adopted.

Khalsa said the long-term goal is expansion, as the group is now connected with seven schools and aims to work with at least 100.

“I want to devote the rest of my life to these students. When children learn, they become aware of their rights, their duties and their future,” he said.

Squamish Sikh Society donates $15,000 to Squamish Hospital Foundation

 According to The Squamish Reporter “ The Squamish Sikh Society has donated $15,000 to the Squamish Hospital Foundation to support the hospital’s CT scan initiative and other ongoing healthcare projects. Established in 1983, the Squamish Sikh Society manages the local Gurdwara (Sikh temple) and serves as a religious and cultural centre for the Sikh community in Squamish. In addition to organizing religious services and the annual Sikh Parade, the society has remained actively involved in community support initiatives.

Satnam Singh Sekhon, president of the Squamish Sikh Society, said the organization is committed to serving the broader Squamish community. “We operate a free kitchen every day for anyone in need of a hot vegetarian meal,” Sekhon said. “We have also partnered with Vancouver Coastal Health Public Health and Sea to Sky Community Services to expand our community programs. In addition, our members have donated approximately 300 kilograms of food to the Squamish Food Bank.”

The Squamish Sikh Society is a non-profit organization run by volunteers and supported by members of the local Sikh community. The donation reflects a collective effort by Sikh residents of Squamish to give back to the community.

The contribution is rooted in Dasvandh, a core principle of the Sikh faith that encourages individuals to donate a portion of their income toward charitable and community causes.