Punjab-Origin Angad Singh Dhillon Named Canada’s New Ambassador to UAE

 According to Khalsa Vox “ Canada has named Punjab-origin diplomat Angad Singh Dhillon as its next Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Arab Emirates, placing a senior official with experience in international engagement and investment diplomacy at the helm of one of Ottawa’s increasingly important relationships in the Gulf.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced the appointment on September 25. Dhillon will replace Radha Krishna Panday as Canada’s ambassador to the UAE.

The appointment was announced as part of a wider set of diplomatic changes. Canada has also named Carmen Sorger as its new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Cuba, succeeding Marianick Tremblay.

Dhillon, whose family traces its roots to Ghungrana village in Punjab, has most recently served as Director of Operations and Stakeholder Relations in the Office of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

In that position, Dhillon was involved in the Canadian government’s efforts to renew diplomatic engagement with major bilateral partners, including India and China. According to biographical information released by the Canadian government, he was among the advisers who worked on restoring senior-level channels of communication and cooperation with key countries.

His responsibilities have also extended to investment promotion. Dhillon led stakeholder coordination aimed at securing investment commitments into Canada and was involved in the development and planning of the country’s inaugural national Investment Summit.

Before joining Carney’s office in his recent role, Dhillon served as Chief of Staff to two federal Cabinet ministers, working across the small business and transport portfolios.

His experience in government has included supporting Canadian participation and engagement at several major international forums, among them the G7 and G20, the United Nations General Assembly, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the International Transport Forum and the Conference of the Parties.

Dhillon’s Punjab connection is also expected to draw interest within the large Punjabi and Indian-origin diaspora in Canada and overseas.

His posting comes as Ottawa and Abu Dhabi seek to expand a bilateral relationship increasingly focused on trade, investment and economic cooperation.

Days before the appointment was announced, Anand held discussions with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on September 21. The talks covered the growing momentum in Canada-UAE relations and prospects for expanding commercial and investment ties.

The two countries are also pursuing negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which is intended to provide a broader framework for strengthening economic engagement.

As ambassador, Dhillon will now serve as Canada’s senior diplomatic representative in the UAE at a time when Ottawa is seeking to deepen its political and economic engagement with the Gulf state.

In Pakistan, Sikhs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa push for Anand Karaj law

 According to Times of India “ Sikhs in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) have initiated a move to get the KPK Sikh Anand Karaj Bill, 2026, passed by the provincial assembly, seeking legal recognition and registration of Sikh marriages in the province.

The move comes even as KPK’s Sikh population has dwindled over the years, with many members of the community migrating to Pakistan’s Punjab province amid targeted attacks and violence in which several Sikhs have been killed.

KPK assembly member and vice-chairperson of the parliamentary caucus for minority affairs Babaji Gorpal Singh said in an online post that the proposed legislation had entered an important phase and would provide for registration and legal recognition of Sikh marriages and protection of associated family rights.

After scrutiny by the law department, the bill will be placed before the cabinet committee on legislation and subsequently the provincial cabinet before being tabled in the KPK Assembly, he said.

According to Gorpal, registration of an Anand Karaj under the proposed law would be recognised for legal and civil purposes, providing a legal basis for family rights relating to inheritance, alimony, guardianship, family registration and identity documents.
The proposed legislation, he said, would address a long-standing demand of the Sikh community for an effective legal and administrative mechanism governing marriage registration and related matrimonial matters.

Pakistan’s Punjab Assembly had passed the Punjab Sikhs Anand Karaj Marriages Act in 2018.

Intelligence sources monitoring the development said the timing of the KPK initiative, ahead of Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary celebrations at Nankana Sahib in November, could be aimed at drawing the attention of the international Sikh community. The celebrations are expected to attract Sikh devotees from across the world.

The sources linked the initiative to Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president and Punjab minority affairs minister Ramesh Arora, who had earlier announced an initiative concerning gurdwaras across Pakistan.

Gowliguda Gurudwara Marks 100 Years of Faith and Service

 According to Deccan Chronicle “ A century of faith, service and community harmony came alive at the historic Central Gurudwara Sahib Gowliguda as the journey found a grand expression where thousands of Sikh devotees and people from different communities gathered at the Exhibition Grounds in Nampally on Sunday to mark its centenary celebrations of the historic Gurudwara.

Founded in 1926, the Central Gurudwara Sahib Gowliguda has stood witness to the transformation of Hyderabad across generations. Through changing times, it has retained its essential message of equality, brotherhood, compassion and sewa — selfless service. Its centenary, therefore, was much more than the completion of 100 years. It was a celebration of the Sikh community's enduring presence and contribution to the social and cultural life of Telangana.

Celebrating the historic and landmark occasion, the Prabhandak Committee of Central Gurudwara Sahib Gowliguda, in association with Sikh Gurudwaras across Telangana organised ''Vishaal Diwan '' (Mass Religious Congregation) where thousands of Sikh devotees and other faiths participated in congregation and offered prayers to Guru Granth SahIb Ji (Holy Scripture of Sikhs) at Exhibition Grounds.

The occasion was graced by prominent Sikh spiritual and community leaders, including Singh Sahib, Sant Baba Kulwant Singhji, Revered Jathedar (Head Priest) of Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib, Nanded, Maharashtra. Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib is one of the five supreme Takhts (seats of temporal authority) in Sikhism. Sant Baba Balwinder Singhji, Hazur Sahib wale is a highly revered spiritual figure and community leader associated with Gurudwara Langar Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra, Harmeet Singh Kalka, President of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) participated in the centenary celebrations.

The spiritual atmosphere of the gathering was heightened by Gurbani Kirtans (Holy Hymns) and Kathas (Sermns) recited by renowned Ragi Jathas (Sikh preachers) from different parts of the country. Bhai Jagjeet Singh Babiha of Delhi, Bhai Balpreet Singh of Ludhiana, Bhai Jagpreet Singh Khannewale, Bhai Ravinder Singh and other Ragi Jathas and Katha Vachaks rendered d Shabad Kirtans and spoke on the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.

Their message went beyond the walls of the Gurudwara. The discourses highlighted the values of national integration, peace, equality, brotherhood and communal harmony, urging devotees to follow the teachings of Sikh Gurus, whose message of peaceful coexistence and service to humanity continues to resonate across communities.

“The historic centenary celebrations are a celebration of faith, service and unity, bringing the entire community together,” Central Gurudwara Sahib Gowliguda Prabhandak Committee, President, S. Trilok Singh said.

The centenary celebrations also underlined the Gurudwara's contribution beyond its religious identity. For generations, it has served as a place of prayer, fellowship and selfless service, reflecting the Sikh tradition of sewa at the heart of community life. Its social, cultural and spiritual activities have helped strengthen the bonds between the Sikh community and Hyderabad's wider social fabric. As the Gurudwara enters its second century, the celebrations carried a message of continuity — preserving a rich spiritual heritage while inspiring younger generations to uphold the values of service, equality and compassion, he said.

For Hyderabad's Sikh community, the story of Central Gurudwara Sahib Gowliguda is ultimately a story of continuity. It is the story of a faith that has preserved its traditions while becoming an inseparable part of Hyderabad's pluralistic character.

As the historic Gurudwara steps into its second century, the centenary celebrations have offered both a tribute to its past and a bridge to its future. The message from Gowliguda remains as enduring as ever: faith finds its deepest meaning in service, and a community grows stronger when it walks together in harmony, Trilok Singh said.

The spirit of equality was perhaps most visible at the conclusion of the congregation, when the traditional 'Guru-Ka-Langar', the free community kitchen, was served to devotees. Seated together in rows and sharing the same meal, people experienced one of the most powerful expressions of Sikh philosophy - that everyone is equal and that service to fellow human beings transcends social and religious boundaries.

Sikh Temple of Spokane donates $30,000 to wildfire relief

 According to Spokesman “ Whatever God gives his people, the Sikhs return to communities in need.

The Sikh Temple of Spokane donated $30,000 on Sunday afternoon to the Innovia Foundation’s Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund. The temple called on its members to donate so it could present one large check.

“Whatever we receive from him, we give it back,” said Simran Padda, a lifelong member of the Spokane temple. “We should give back as much as possible.”

Giving back is at the core of the Sikh temple’s mission. Whether it’s donating locally, to charities like Second Harvest and Innovia, or raising money for people affected by the Nepal floods, the temple bands together for the cause, she said.

The temple’s community grew in the past two decades, member Manivir Singh said, and many members work in academia, healthcare and engineering. Many families do quite well for themselves, he said, but they use that wealth to help others. After the Spokane Complex fires, the temple’s members brainstormed ideas to help the community. They chose Innovia because the foundation ensures money goes to organizations directly involved in relief efforts.

Members of the temple gathered outside the building as Republican U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner, who represents Washington’s 5th District in Congress, shook hands and learned about the religion. He thanked the Sikh Temple of Spokane.

“I really appreciate how focused you are on families and hard work and education,” he said. “Many of your stories are very reaffirming to the American dream. That if you come to America and you work hard and you care about education and you save your money and you invest in businesses, you can do very well.”

Baumgartner introduced Washington State University plant genetics researcher Kulvinder Gil, who spoke about the importance of having public understanding of Sikhism’s values, especially their capacity to give and support others.

“I can safely say we are the most generous, most peace-loving and very hardworking,” he said.

Innovia Foundation’s CEO Shelly O’Quinn accepted the check at the temple. She shook hands with Sikh temple members and smiled as Baumgartner and Gil gave brief speeches.

“I just want to thank you for your generosity as a community,” she said.

University of Montreal Launches Graduate Course on Sikhism in French

 According to South Asian Herald “ The University of Montreal in Quebec, Canada, has become the first university in the world to launch a graduate-level course on Sikhism taught in French, according to supporters of the initiative. The course is offered as part of the university’s master’s and doctoral curricula.

Although several North American universities have established chairs in Sikh studies, the University of Montreal has taken the lead in introducing courses on Sikhism in French, said Montreal-based businessman Baljeet Singh Chadha and his wife, Mandeep “Roshi” Kaur Chadha.

“Sikh Studies in French will start with the current academic session beginning this month. It is a milestone representing an important step forward in the academic study of Sikhism and in making Sikh studies accessible to French-speaking students and scholars. Also, these courses create bridges for interreligious and intercultural understanding,” Baljeet Singh Chadha said.

According to a statement from the university, the graduate-level course will offer an in-depth examination of the Sikh tradition and its connections to the bhakti tradition. It will cover sacred texts as well as Sikh rituals, doctrines, philosophy and belief systems.

The course is being taught under the supervision of Professor Diana Dimitrova.

It will also examine the effects of colonialism on the Sikh tradition and the postcolonial period, including conflicts and nationalist movements. Other areas of study include contemporary Sikhism in India and the diaspora, along with representations of the Sikh tradition in popular films.

The course is taught in French, while students may complete examinations and papers in either French or English. Classes began September 2.

Dimitrova is a full professor of South Asian traditions and cultures at the University of Montreal and a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. She earned a doctorate in South Asian studies from Heidelberg University in Germany.

She has served as a visiting scholar at McGill University in Canada; the University of Miami in the United States; KU Leuven, the University of Liège and the Free University of Brussels in Belgium; the School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences in Paris; and Heidelberg University.

Her academic interests include cultural identity, nationalism, discourses of otherness and South Asian perspectives on the body. Her recent publications include Cultural Identity in Hindi Plays: Poetics, Politics and Theatre in India, published by Oxford University Press in 2023, and the edited volume Mythologizing in South Asian Traditions: Myth, Gender, Power and Politics, published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2025. Her current research focuses on the Brahma Kumaris tradition in Canada and the United States.

Dimitrova has served as president and past president of the Canadian Society for the Study of Religion. She was also a member of the executive board of the Canadian Corporation for Studies in Religion and co-editor of the “Matière à pensée” series published by the University of Montreal Press.

She currently serves as editor of Routledge’s Series on South Asian Culture and Society and as an editor of De Gruyter Brill’s Culture, Religion and Society series.

Scholarship distribution by Nishkam Sikh Welfare Council, New Delhi and Sikh Human Development Foundation, USA at Guru Nanak Dev University

 According to Punjab News Express “ Nishkam Sikh Welfare Council, New Delhi and Sikh Human Development Foundation, USA organised a scholarship distribution function in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Bhawan, Guru Nanak Dev University for needy and deserving students pursuing higher education, including professional courses. 

The function was presided over by Prof. Karamjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University. He motivated the students to implement Guru Nanak’s principles of doing Kirt and Sewa in life. He inspired the students to aim high and work hard to achieve their goal. He guided the students for ethical use of technology for the betterment of their self and society. Mr. Harbhajan Singh, President, Nishkam Sikh Welfare Council, New Delhi, briefed the audience regarding various welfare activities conducted by the council. Earlier, Prof. Dalbir Singh Sogi, President, Amritsar Unit of the council, welcomed the guests, beneficiary students and their parents. 

He highlighted that 118 students were given means-cum-merit scholarships by Nishkam Sikh Welfare Council, whereas 23 students were funded by Sikh Human Development Foundation, USA. Of note, scholarship worth 43 lakhs were distributed to the students in the said function. Mr. Tirath Singh, Director, Centre for IT solutions, GNDU conducted the stage. Dr. Harinder Pal Singh proposed a vote of thanks to the audience. 

The occasion was graced by Dr. H. S. Saini (Dean Acdemic Affairs), Dr. Amarjit Singh, Dr. Amar Singh, Dr. Mohabbat Singh, Dr. Sumanjit Kaur, Dr. Sukhdeep Kaur, Dr. Amrit Pal Singh, Mr. Surjit Singh and Mr. Tejinder Singh

Pakistani Sikh Student Becomes First-Ever Board Position Holder in Matric

 According to Bloom Pakistan “ A Pakistani Sikh student has made history by securing a top position in the Matric Annual Examinations 2026, becoming the first student from the Sikh community to achieve this milestone in the Board’s history.

Onkar Singh earned 1,189 marks and secured second position in the Science Group (Boys). His achievement marks a historic moment and highlights the growing academic success of students from minority communities. Speaking after his success, Onkar Singh said he aims to pursue a medical education and become a doctor to serve humanity. He added that his achievement was the result of hard work, his parents’ prayers, and the guidance of his teachers.

Furthermore, Onkar Singh stressed the need for further reforms in the education system to improve learning standards. He also urged the Govt to create better employment opportunities for young people to help address unemployment.

In addition, he said that minorities in Pakistan enjoy complete freedom and protection, expressing confidence in the opportunities available for all citizens. His remarks came as he celebrated his historic achievement in the Matric examinations.

County museum celebrating opening of ‘Sikhs in America’ exhibit at Micke Grove Park

 According to Manteca Bulletin “ Sikhs have played a vital role in shaping the history, agriculture, economy, and cultural landscape of San Joaquin County for more than a century.

For the first time in its history, the San Joaquin County Historical Museum has dedicated a major exhibition to preserving and sharing the history of the local Sikh community that is deeply woven into the fabric of the region. 

The opening celebration of “The Sikhs in America: Faith, Resilience, and Power” exhibit takes place Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum located in Mike Grove Park south of Lodi.

The opening celebration will feature remarks from community leaders, authentic Punjabi cuisine, demonstrations of traditional Sikh martial arts (Gatka), and live music celebrating Sikh culture and heritage.

Presented by the San Joaquin County Historical Society & Museum in collaboration with the Sikh American History Project and the Stockton Gurdwara, this dynamic bilingual exhibit (presented in both Punjabi and English) brings more than a century of Sikh history in San Joaquin County to life. 

Viewers will follow an engaging timeline that explores early migration through British Columbia, the founding of the historic Stockton Gurdwara and Pacific Coast Khalsa Diwan Society, and the Sikh American community’s continued growth despite targeted immigration laws and devastating global events. 

Along the way, immersive mini-stations spotlight Sikh contributions to agriculture and trucking, powerful traditions like gatka martial arts, political and social activism, and vibrant contemporary Sikh art.

The community invited Aug. 22 to commemorate the landmark exhibition and celebrate the people, stories, and legacy that have made San Joaquin County home to one of the oldest and most significant Sikh communities in the United States. 

Admission to the exhibit opening celebration is free and there is a $6 per car fee to enter Micke Grove Park (free for Museum members). For more information, call (209) 331-2055.

The San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum reveals the rich heritage of the region, from the Miwok and Yokuts Indians through Charles Weber (founder of Stockton and first farmer in the area) and the development of modern agriculture. 

The Museum has eight exhibit buildings and four historic buildings.

It is home to the popular Valley Days, an award-winning living history educational program for third, fourth and fifth graders. 

The 18-acre grounds include the Sunshine Trail living exhibition of native habitats and the Delta Water Path.