sikh association south wales (sasw) june 2012 newsletter
DESCRIPTION
SASW June 2012 NewsletterArticles include: Beach Picnic review, SASW Ladies Health Education Event, Sikhs in South Wales 1960 to 2011, Punjabi Mehfil (poetry) Evening and Sikh Leader made a Knight of St Gregory.TRANSCRIPT
SASW Newsletter June 2012
Sikh Association South Wales
Welcome to the 2012 edition of the SASW
newsletter and SASW’s 27th year of existence.
As always we have many events, some
established and some new, for our members so
be sure to check our calendar of events on page
1 (that’s below).
One of our new ventures, Ladies health care, has
already organised 2 successful events. You can
read about both events on page 5 with future
events currently being planned.
There’s a great article about our annual beach
party written from the view of a non SASW
member and 2 articles by Kuldip Gill who is fast
becoming a frequent guest writer.
Of course the editors have also
contributed, with an interesting article
about Sikhs in South Wales from a personal
point of view on page 7.
The SASW newsletter is run by volunteers
and is always open to guest articles,
feedback, suggestions and letters to the
Editor. Please feel free to contact us on
the details given on page 10.
We hope you enjoy reading this issue.
Channi and Mandeep
Features:
SASW’s Ladies Health
Education
Sikhs in South Wales
Punjabi Mehfil Evening
The Quiet Hero
Contents Page
Calendar of Events 1
President’s Message 2
SASW Office Bearers 2
SASW Events 3
2012 Membership 3
Beach Picnic 4
SASW Ladies Health
Education 5
SASW Badminton 6
Sikh in South Wales 1960 to
2011 7
Punjabi Mehfil Evening 9
Khalsa Aid 10
Vaisakhi Function 11
Knight of St Gregory 11
The Quiet Hero 12
About SASW 12
Articles Welcome 12
Important SASW dates for your diary. Please contact the editor for more
information – Please see page 10 for contact details.
Event Date Venue
SASW Badminton
(See page 6 for
more information)
Every Thursday 7:30pm to
9:30pm
Canton Community
Centre, Cardiff
Punjabi Mehfil
(See page 9 for
more information)
Friday, 14th September 2012 –
7.30 to 9.30pm
Friday, 14th December 2012 –
7.30 to 9.30pm
Welsh Millennium Centre,
Japan Room
Beach Picnic TBC Saturday – July/August
2012
TBC
Cultural sightseeing
tour
TBC TBC
Ladies Health
Education
TBC TBC
Editor’s Welcome
SASW Calendar of Events
2 SASW NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2012
President’s Message
SASW Office Bearers – 2010 to 2011 The following office bearers were elected at the last SASW AGM.
President
Secretary
Treasurer
Comm. Members
Auditor
Executive Council
Several other activities are planned and no doubt you will be informed of these through this and other newsletters. Towards
this effort I must thank the entire team on the committee for their new ideas that build on our previous activities.
I congratulate you for your unstinting efforts. However, I must mention Channi Kaler for his sterling effort as a treasurer, co-
editor of the newsletter, organiser of badminton club, organiser of Mehfil evenings, contribution towards his singing prowess on
social events etc. etc. who has on occasions even admonished me on sloppy response to his emails – Channi, many thanks!
Finally, it remains for me to emphasise that the association belongs to you all and to your relatives and friends who have not
yet become members. Do please encourage them to become part of this happy family. Your suggestions and ideas are
always welcome!
With all my very best wishes
Gurvinder S. Baicher
Dear Members
I am delighted to welcome you to another year of activities
of Sikh Association South Wales. This year takes us to the 27th
year of the formation of our association and through thick
and thin, we have had some momentous times on this
journey.
Similar to previous years, we are continuing to organise
several events this year as well. The Diwali event held in
Pontyclun was a resounding success as was the recently held
Vaisaki function which you can read about on page 11.
Thanks to all of you who attended.
Photo of the SASW Committee taken at Vaisakhi function 25th May 2012
Left to Right : Channi Kaler (Treasurer), Surinder Narula (Comm. Member),
Gidhha Group Organiser, Gurdeep Kaur (Comm. Member), Surinder Channa
(Secretary), Gurvinder Baicher (President)
Only viewable in printed edition
SASW NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2012 3
SASW Events
The annual SASW
membership is due for the
year June 2012 to May
2013.
SASW is a non-profit making
organisation and relies on
subscriptions and grants in
order to operate.
All the committee members
(including newsletter
editors - Ed) are volunteers
and the subscription money
helps pay for letters,
newsletters and events as
the money taken for tickets
does not always cover the
costs of catering, venue
and entertainment.
The annual subscription is
only £5.00 each, an
amount that has not
increased since 1985.
If parents are members
then their children under 18
years of age can also enjoy
all membership privileges at
no extra cost meaning a
family can all be members
for £10 a year.
To date SASW has 105
members who pay by
standing order and we
would like to thank these
members for their
commitment.
Last year 60 new members
joined and we would like to
encourage them to take
out standing orders to
ensure the continuation of
SASW.
(We don’t want to chase
you and you don’t want to
be chased - Ed).
If you are interested in
paying your membership
by standing order, please
contact the treasurer
Channi Kaler.
SASW was formed in 1985 and it is a non-
political and non-profit making organisation.
We have met the needs of the Sikh community
in South Wales while keeping the Sikh principles
in mind.
Events have been organised to raise the
profiles of Sikhs in the local community (see
page 7 for a report on Sikhs in South Wales).
Over the past 27 years we have established 4
major annual events which are a Vaisakhi
Function, a Diwali Function, a New Year Event
and a Family Picnics at venues around South
Wales.
We have had some well-known Artists like –
Malkit Singh, Silinder Pardesi and Channi &
Alap.
Other events organised include:
Seminars on Sikh Cultural awareness
Mehfils and Kavi Darbars
Coach trips to places of interest
e.g. Victoria & Albert Museum to
see the Sikh Heritage Exhibition
and Ladies trips to Leicester and
Wembley
Attending Punjabi Plays and
visiting the London West End
Gup Shup Evenings and Ladies
only gatherings
SASW Ladies Groups
A thriving badminton club
Golf coaching sessions
Teaching of Musical Instruments
such as the Harmonium and
Tabla.
Such a variety of events have been
arranged in the last 27 years.
Anyone requiring any more information
please feel free to approach any of the
Committee Members.
2012 Membership
The 2000/01 Committee
Members seen with the
Internationally known
Punjabi Star, Malkit Singh
at the Vaisakhi function
held at The Coal
Exchange, Cardiff on 30
April 2000.
“If you are interested in
paying your membership
by standing order, please
contact the treasurer
Channi Kaler.”
4 SASW NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2012
Saturday 24th July 2010 By Harvinder Panesar
Beach Picnic Review
Every year we organise a
Beach Picnic on a Saturday
in July or August. The 2011
Picnic was cut short due to
inclement weather,
however, a report on the
2010 Picnic is given below
from one of our visitors from
London.
Note the weather was
cloudy but dry and warm
as the sun came out in late
afternoon. Approximately
25 people attended. Enjoy
the article - Ed.
“Beautiful Sandy
Beach”
Five pairs of watchful eyes
pored over the weather
forecast for the umpteenth
time the day before the
SASW picnic.
“It had better not rain” my
mum said ominously.
The day dawned with a
light smattering of rain, to a
chorus of dismay from my
children, who were virtually
hysterical at the prospect
of actually going to a
beach which didn't involve
a painfully long flight
somewhere.
Fortunately, it soon cleared
and after a flurry of activity,
we were finally on our way.
The clouds broke and rays
of sun shone through as we
left, a portent of the
fantastic day ahead.
As a complete newcomer
to the picnic, (I was only in
Cardiff for the weekend by
a happy coincidence), I
really wasn't sure what to
expect.
Ever the optimist, I had
packed sunglasses and sun
cream, but hedged my
bets with a brolly...
Imagine my surprise when a
mere half hour drive from
Cardiff, we arrived at
breathtakingly beautiful
sandy beach in a setting of
rugged cliffs and vast slabs
of grey, flat weather
beaten rock, which
provided a perfect setting
for our picnic blankets and
barbecue.
Furthermore, unlike most
beaches in the UK, this is
completely unspoilt, with
only a small shop selling
essentials next to the car
park, and not a single
gaudy ride (to my relief!),
games arcade or chip
shop in sight.
As we parked, my parents
waved cheerfully at others
arriving, and a few minutes
later, we were all
comfortably ensconced in
a sheltered corner, and a
vast array of deliciously
scented food began to
appear from various picnic
hampers.
Chilled beers and soft drinks
were handed out, amid
laughter and chatter as old
friends renewed their
acquaintance among
lovely surroundings and
others introduced
themselves to me.
I greedily filled my plate
with some heavenly
parothas and alu sabji and
a selection of the other
treats on offer.
My children gobbled down
their food with unseemly
haste so that they could
use their newly acquired
buckets and spades on the
sand and were soon
happily knee deep,
building trenches, moats
and impenetrable castles.
“Channi Uncle” joined
them for a game of sand
kicking, much to their
hilarity, whilst some
barbecues were lit on the
rocks.
Other beach goers inhaled
the unmistakable aroma of
Indian food and gazed
longingly over; they were
soon invited to share in the
largesse and chat.
More children arrived and
they all flew a kite on the
beach, laughing with
delight at the feel of the
sand under their feet and
the sound of crashing
waves.
Replete, the adults ambled
down to the sand for a
jocular game of hockey
darting back and forth like
bullets.
After all the activity, it was
definitely time for Round
Two of General Gorging
and Gossip. Sitting there
contentedly, I learned that
this amazing beach is used
to film Dr Who whilst I talked
with the friendly crowd. We
were extremely lucky on
the day, it was warm and
dry and there were even
rare outbreaks of sunshine,
and many had taken the
opportunity for a paddle.
I was immensely glad that I
had had the chance to
take part in the picnic, it
was an excellent outing; a
fine time was had by all
and even before my
children were safely belted
into the car, they were
already asking when they
would be able to return.
I will certainly make a
special effort to come
down next year for the
picnic, my only regret is
that, in all the years I have
been to Cardiff, I have
never visited Southerndown
Beach before.
SASW Beach Party – July 2010
SASW NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2012 5
SASW has decided to help
raise awareness of health
issues and has decided to
organise regular meetings
to promote health and
wellbeing.
Therefore a Health
Education Day for Ladies
was arranged to make
them aware about good
health practices in daily life
and give information about
services available.
Event 1 - December
2011
The event which focussed
on cancer and stress was
held on Saturday the 3rd
December 2011 at the Park
Inn Cardiff North hotel.
The first session focussed on
cancer awareness with
breast, cervical and bowel
addressed. Nurse Helen
Jessop, a specialist for
Breast Awareness
Programme presented the
session,
Nurse practitioner Helen
gave comprehensive
information about these
conditions, which ladies
found very informative and
helpful.
They were told that these
deadly conditions once
found in time can save
human life by appropriate
treatment and help and
also how to recognise the
signs/ symptoms of these
conditions and seek
immediate help from GPs.
Helen also provided leaflets
on the subject.
Registered Counsellor
Shikha Das presented the
second session on Stress
Management in daily life.
Shikha first explained how
anxiety is generated by our
irrational distorted thoughts
and feelings in our mind
and they are usually about
us.
These inaccurate thoughts
are usually used to
reinforce negative thinking
or emotions and affect all
of us in some stage of our
life.
Shikha then explained how
to manage it in everyday
life and also gave practical
demonstration how to de-
stress ourselves by
breathing exercises.
She also provided
informative handouts to the
ladies which gave
guidance as to how to
beat stress/anxiety.
Both sessions were very
interactive with question
and answers from
audience. They were
found to be very helpful
and insightful for everyone.
The meeting ended with
light refreshment and a
request by those present to
arrange similar
programmes in the future.
Event 2 - May 2012
Due to the interest of the
first event, a second was
organised on Saturday the
5th May 2012 at the same
venue.
The specific aim of the 2nd
event on Ladies Health &
Wellbeing was to inform,
train and manage
everyday emergencies
faced by individuals during
their day to day life at
home and outside.
The St John’s Ambulance
team was invited to give us
some practical knowledge
and instructions
In basic First Aid Training
subjects covered were
related to conditions such
as:
Chocking in adults and
children
Angina and Heart
Attacks
Burns
Resuscitation of
unconscious patients.
The session was very
interactive and the SASW
Ladies practiced the
techniques on dummies as
well as 2 volunteers from
the group.
The meeting was attended
by 20 ladies and was highly
appreciated by everyone
and by the end of the
session everyone felt
confident in themselves to
deal with most
emergencies covered.
At 4pm refreshments were
served which was followed
by light entrainment session
of singing, poetry and
jokes, involving and
enjoyed by all.
A third session is currently
being considered with
issues such as obesity,
diabetes, hypertension,
high cholesterol and
memory loss which can be
brought to the awareness
of ladies under the health
education drive by SASW.
For further Information
contact:
Mrs. Gurdeep Kaur –
Tel. 0000000000
Dr Surinder Kaur Narula –
Tel. 0000000000.
By Gurdeep Kaur
SASW Ladies Health Education
A section of the audience at the SASW Ladies Health Group meeting
on 3 December 2011.
6 SASW NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2012
Eyebrows furrowed in
concentration, I muster all
my energy. We must win
this time. Failure is simply
not an option.
I hit as hard as I can
manage, register flailing
arms across the net and
the air is rent with loud
whoops of delight as my
partner comes thundering
towards me, arms raised in
a triumphant gesture. The
Old Gits have finally won
against the Young Bloods.
“Great shot!” from across
the net as our rivals run
across, grinning impishly.
“Next time! Just wait... ”
The waiting players holler
their congratulations as
they take over the court.
There is absolutely nothing
to compare to the sheer
physical exhilaration of
pushing yourself to the limit
in these badminton games,
every point is fought
ferociously, as if our lives
depended on it, and
across the courts, jocular
shouts of encouragement
and groans of frustration
can be heard as players
pelt around the court at
frantic speeds; the
occasional miscalculation
of distance resulting in loud,
somewhat painful clashes
as players cannon into
each other, or a sharply
swung racket.
As we wander back to the
changing rooms, friends for
life, holding forth on every
topic imaginable, all is well
with the world. My fellow
players hail from all walks of
life, brought together by
our mutual love of sport
and physical fitness.
Some are experts and
share their expertise
generously with others,
others come to improve
their game and have a
good chin wag, others
simply come when they
can manage to fit a game
into their busy schedules, it
provides a welcome relief
from the pressures of the
daily grind.
Our badminton sessions are
a much anticipated joy,
and greatly enrich my
social life, the “regulars”
email each other to keep in
touch and exchange news.
New players at any level
are always welcomed with
open arms, we all relish the
opportunity for a fresh
unknown challenge and
new friends in the making.
One thing we all have in
common is that all of us,
without exception, are
indebted to the SASW
organisers for their tireless
hard work over the last 27
years, since the inception
of the SASW Badminton at
Canton Community
Centre.
We salute Channi, who has
been our community
coach, supporter, and
indefatigable worker who
has voluntarily overcome
every obstacle to make
these sessions possible, and
made a difference to the
Sikhs in particular, as well as
other Asians & the local
population of Cardiff.
Long may it all continue.
ED’s Comments
I wrote in the 1st SASW
Newsletter (March 1985)
that hardly 1% of the Sikh
population of South Wales
play sports on a regular
basis.
During the summer of 1986
some SASW committee
members approached me
to organise some sort of
physical exercise for the
adults.
Knowing that Badminton is
a sport where all members
of a family can take part
together, I booked courts
at the Welsh Institute of
Sport at Sophia gardens in
July 1986 and was
delighted to see some 20
adults turn up on the first
day.
We moved to the present
premises, Canton
Community Hall in
September 1986.
The SASW Badminton club
has been in existence since
1986 but will the section still
exist in 2036? If we have
support by the 2011
members in the
photograph above – then
hopefully it will, however
we are always looking for
new members.
You are never too old to
start playing and all are
welcome.
We hold a 2 hour session
7:30pm to 9:30pm every
Thursday at Canton
Community Hall.
By Kuldip Gill
SASW Badminton
Standing Left to Right - Minesh Patel, Sandeep Kamath, Sarabjeet Singh,
Tina Riley, Gurnam Bhogal, Kishor Barchha, Jaskirat Chana
Sitting Left to Right - Sukhdev Grewal, Kuldip Gill, Parminder Bhogal
(Finance), Channi Kaler (Organiser) Amarjeet Dhadda
Insets - Jasdeep Sethi, Inderpal Singh, Farooq Mohamed, Rob Smith, Santosh
Singh (Missing - Goldie Singh)
SASW NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2012 7
I was lucky enough to be
asked to give a talk about
Sikhs from my personal view
at the History Day event
held at the Cardiff Central
Library on 24 September
2011.
What follows is an abridged
version of my speech for
readers to enjoy - Ed.
There has been a Sikh
Community in Riverside
since the 1950’s – mainly
the Bhatra Community (a
talk was given earlier about
the Bhatra Community –
Ed).
Sikhs arrive
As far as I know, the first
influx of Sikhs into South
Wales, during the 1950s
and 1960s (besides the
Riverside Bhatra
community) was of Sikh
students who came for
further education.
The late 1960s and early
1970s saw the upheaval of
the Asian community in
East Africa, mainly from
Kenya and Uganda, but
only a few Sikh families
settled in South Wales as
the first generation prefers
to settle in areas where
there is lots of industry and
therefore work.
When I arrived in Cardiff, in
September 1961, I did not
even know that Wales was
a separate country from
England and existed as a
separate part of the United
Kingdom.
I was put right about this in
no uncertain terms by my
English and especially
Welsh friends in the
University.
My Welsh friends asked me
to spread the word around
the world during my travels
that Wales is a separate
country with its own
language and culture and
proud of it.
Even now when I visit India,
Africa, USA or Canada
people introduce me as a
visitor from England. I
always remember my
Welsh friend’s request and
try to educate others about
the existence of Wales.
Even my two sons usually
wear Cardiff or Welsh
jerseys when we visit any
local Public attractions like
Disney World, Universal
Studios etc. A good boost
for the Welsh Tourist
Industry.
As students we made good
friends in South Wales. I
remember the trolley buses
running in the middle of
Queen Street and not
many cars were seen on
the streets. British Council,
situated at the corner of St.
Mary Street and Caroline
Street (opposite the Prince
of Wales cinema) was
home from home for
Overseas Students.
It was the only place in
town where we could see
a movie on a Sunday.
Christian religious values
had a great influence on
life in South Wales, so no
movies, no drinking (all
pubs were closed) and no
other entertainment on
Sundays.
I remember voting in a
national referendum to
allow Public Houses to
open on Sundays.
I enjoyed the hospitality of
my Welsh friends when they
used to invite me to their
family homes where they
used to treat us as
members of their family (in
West Wales mainly).
This was much appreciated
by us students as we could
not afford to go home
during the short Christmas
and Easter breaks.
In the 1950s and 1960s,
Britain also opened its doors
for immigrants from
Commonwealth countries
to fill employment gaps in
Industry such as in Local
Authorities, and the
National Health Service. My
own wife worked as a nurse
in Caerphilly Miners District
Hospital for more than 35
years.
At that time, Coal Mining
was the main industry
underpinning the economy
in the Valleys.
People in the Valleys were
hard working and were
very friendly and
considerate.
Some Welshmen had come
in contact with Sikh soldiers
in the British army during
the war, so there was a little
awareness of the Sikh
culture. This was helpful in
the early Sikh immigrants to
settle down in South Wales.
Some had opened shops
and pharmacies, thus
providing a service to the
general public in South
Wales.
As with all religious
communities, the focal
point for the spiritual and
social needs require a
meeting place as the
Church, Masjid, Mandir,
Synagogue or as in our
case – The Gurdwara.
A Gurdwara has existed in
the Riverside since the
1950s but with the growing
Sikh population a need was
felt for another premises –
so we started meeting in a
school hall in 1977 and
acquired premises in Pearl
Street, Roath – in 1979.
By Channi Kaler
Sikhs in South Wales
1960 to 2011
Channi Kaler talking at Cardiff Central Library,
Inset Bhatra Gurdwara established in 1956
8 SASW NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2012
Many groups of Students
and teachers from local
schools and colleges have
visited the Gurdwara and
have enjoyed the Sikh
hospitality.
Our biggest problem has
been to keep the mother
tongue, Punjabi, alive in our
younger generation born in
Wales. This is a problem
similar to teaching
youngsters Welsh, however
being in Wales, you have
Welsh Schools and Welsh TV
channel. We struggle to
teach Punjabi at our
Sunday School without
much help from Local
Authorities and Education
Department.
I believe it was that great
Welshman, Saunders Lewis,
who made the defiant
statement at The Old Bailey
in 1936: “If you want to kill a
nation (or culture) – Kill its
Language.” This occurred
when there was a great
possibility of the Welsh
Language dying out.
Recent influx of
Sikhs
The most recent influx of
Sikhs has been from India.
They have bought small
running businesses in South
Wales and there is a
thriving Sikh community
that contributes to all
facets of Welsh life. Now
we find shops being run by
Sikh families in many Valley
towns and see larger
businesses thriving in cities
like Cardiff and Swansea,
under the ownership of Sikh
families.
A few have ventured into
the Printing, Hotels,
Restaurants and Taxis with
many bringing in
investment from outside of
Wales.
Sikhs in Welsh Sports
In sports Sikhs have
represented South Wales
clubs on the international
and local stage in Hockey,
Tennis, Squash, Badminton,
Cricket, etc.
I remember many trips to
the continent and further
afield when out of the
eleven players on the
hockey pitch representing
the Welsh Champions in
Hockey, there used to be
at least 3 Sikhs in the team.
Sikhs have also served in
various management
positions in many Sports
Clubs e.g. Cardiff Hockey
Club, Sophia Gardens
Squash Club, Caerphilly
Squash Club and various
University Sports Clubs.
All Sikhs I know support
Wales and their local Clubs
in all sports. The older
generation would support
India against Wales –
however, that is not a
problem as I am not aware
of any International
matches between Wales
and India.
If we were taking the
‘Norman Tebbit’ test of
being British, that is who do
you support on the sports
fields, then I believe most
Welshmen, Irishmen and
Scotsmen will fail that test –
and so will we Welsh Sikhs.
As most of my non English
British friends I know, always
tend to support any other
country against England.
Sikhs in Modern Day
Britain
Today we live in an
environment far removed
from that of the Sixties.
There has been great
progress, over the years, in
every field due to major
breakthroughs in science
and technology. South
Wales has changed along
with the rest of the country.
The small Sikh community,
although well settled, is not
immune to changes
affecting every aspect of
life. The younger
generation Sikhs are more
at ease with electronic
gadgets.
However, I hope our basic
energy, endurance,
hospitality and chivalry
remains an integral part of
social life and we continue
to contribute positively to
Welsh life in general. We
are a very large hearted
community and we try to
co-exist with others happily
and integrate into local life
without losing our identity.
To meet our social needs
an Association called Sikh
Association South Wales
was formed in 1985.
We have organised
Vaisakhi & Diwali functions
every year, arranged
picnics on various beaches
in South Wales – organised
Seminars and Punjabi
Mehfils at the Wales
Millennium Centre and
meet weekly to play
Badminton.
Sikh Gurdwara Cardiff – SASW’s home
Bhatra Gurdwara – modern day
Nanak Darbar Gurdwara – by John Grayson
SASW Seminar at Oakdale Community Centre, 1996
SASW NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2012 9
Punjabi Mehfil Evening
Another “Mehfil” evening
that my wife and I have
been lucky enough to
enjoy at Wales Millennium
Centre in Cardiff Bay, a
fitting cultural backdrop for
these evenings of
entertainment.
For our consumption, there
is prose, poetry and songs
in Punjabi. Astonishingly,
given the quality of the
evenings and our plush
surroundings, they are
provided absolutely free of
charge, and never fail to
provoke thought and
delight.
These Mehfil sessions are
arranged on a quarterly
basis and we would urge
members of our community
to come forward to
participate in them. All are
most welcome.
The gatherings consist of
people of diverse
backgrounds who come
together to share folklore in
the form of articles from
individual readings ,
personally written pieces
and some even share some
witty jokes that all can
enjoy.
The readers and singers are
without exception, talented
performers and have that
indefinable ability to hold
their spectators rapt. Many,
like me, can only marvel at
their abilities and simply
come to spectate.
Far away from our
homelands, the older
contingent hearken back
to our cultural values
embodied in these Mehfil
evenings, younger
community members learn
about the infinitely rich
tapestry of our background
and come to identify with
our fierce pride and sense
of belonging.
New contributions, in
Punjabi (and sometimes
Urdu) are strongly
encouraged.
Sometimes, tears rise
unbidden to my eyes as the
lilting cadences of the
melody weave their way
into my heart and soul.
Long forgotten bittersweet
memories transport me into
the hot, dusty world of my
childhood. As the rhythms
of the hypnotic song ebb
to a close, I am dimly
aware of others around
me, handkerchiefs raised to
eyes, and heads swaying
from side to side in that
timeless Indian gesture of
appreciation.
Now it’s time for something
different, the onlookers
rustle in a flurry of
anticipation and minutes
later, the appreciative
audience is roaring with
laughter at a provocative
bit of prose, and the mood
has completely shifted.
Our sincere gratitude must
be expressed to all
participants and
contributors to these
wonderful evenings.
ED’s Comments
The Punjabi Mehfil were
originally created to
promote Punjabi Language
in South Wales.
These Mehfils are non-
political and non-religious
and local enthusiasts
participate by reading or
singing their favourite items
of poetry or light hearted
prose.
We started with the Punjabi
Kavi Darbar in 2008. Over
the last 2 years the Mehfil
has been held at Chapter
Arts Centre and the Wales
Millennium Centre on a
regular basis.
The Mehfil is considered to
be a great success by all
those who attend. It is an
interesting blend of
performing arts, literature
and light hearted comedy
and brings together the
Punjabi communities of
both Indian and Pakistani
origin resident in South
Wales.
For further information
please contact:
Harbhajan Preet
Tel: 0000000000, or
Mohamed Afzal Tel:
000000000, email –e-
We take this opportunity to
thank The Welsh Academy,
Literature Wales, Cardiff
Council and Communities
Language Service for their
help in establishing the
Punjabi Mehfil in South
Wales.
“The gatherings consist of
people of diverse
backgrounds who come
together to share folklore
in the form of articles
“from” individual readings,
personally written pieces
and some even share
some witty jokes that all
can enjoy.”
Friday 9th December 2011
By Kuldip Gill
For further information
please contact:
Harbhajan Preet
or
Mohamed Afzal
10 SASW NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2012
Charity: Khalsa Aid
“We can think of the great
humanitarian enterprises
which bring relief to those
who are suffering - the Red
Cross, the Red Crescent or
Islamic Relief, CAFOD and
Christian Aid, Hindu Aid
and SEWA International,
World Jewish Relief and
Khalsa Aid - all the
charities which draw
inspiration from the
teachings of the different
faiths.”
Former British Prime Minister
Tony Blair
SASW is made possible by
volunteers and donations
given by its members (as
well as membership fees –
Ed).
We also recognise that
there are many other
organisations that require
donations to help them
carry out good work in the
community and we
thought we should make
SASW members aware of
Khalsa Aid.
Khalsa Aid was established
in 1999 as an International
non-profit aid and relief
organisation and was
founded on the Sikh
principles of selfless service.
It is a UK Registered Charity
(Charity Number: 1080374)
and has volunteers all over
the world. Khalsa Aid has
launched over 20
International Relief missions
for victims of disasters, wars,
and other tragic events
around the world.
Some of Khalsa Aid’s past
projects include:
Albania - Aiding
Displaced Kosovan
Refugees;
Turkey - Earthquake
relief;
Orissa, India -
Rehabilitation after a
Devastating Typhoon;
DR Congo - Relief
efforts in response to a
Volcanic Eruption;
Kabul, Afghanistan -
War Rehabilitation
Assistance;
Tsunami - Providing
Food, Shelter &
Sanitation;
Punjab Drugs Project -
Drugs Abuse in Punjab;
Displaced Sikhs in
Pakistan - Punja Sahib
Gurudwara, Pakistan.
The above list is just a few
examples of the many
good works Khalsa Aid has
been involved in with
current projects including:
Syrian Refugees,
Refugees of the Libyan
Conflict, and,
Water4Haiti.
Not only does Khalsa Aid
help where it is most
needed they also promote
a positive view of Sikhs
serving the world
community.
Today the affluent world
Sikh community should take
Sikh identity further afield,
where it matters and makes
an impact.
Ensuring a continual Sikh
presence amongst leading
world charities helps
provide a positive image of
Sikhs among those who
may not have access to
education and knowledge
we take for granted.
Langar Sewa is needed out
there in the field and not
just within Gurdwaras and
encouraging charities such
as Khalsa Aid shows the
world that Sikhi is inclusive
and does believe in
“Human race is one”.
Charities run on donations,
and donating money in the
memory of a loved one is
becoming more popular as
the family of the deceased
ask well-wishers not to send
flowers but to donate to a
nominated charity.
Perhaps next time you’re
thinking of buying flowers
for the memory of the
loved one, a charity
donation to a worthy
charity may be a better
option to honour their
memory.
Ravinder Singh Sidhu, Chairman/Founder of Khalsa Aid.
Picture from www.khalsaaid.org
Charities that SASW
encourages donations to:
Khalsa Aid
www.khalsaaid.org
Help The Aged
www.ageuk.org.uk
Cancer Research UK
www.cancerresearchuk.org
Children In Need
www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey
Pingalwara
www.pingalwaraonline.org
SASW NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2012 11
Vaisakhi function held at
De Courceys Manor,
Pentrych on 25th May 2012
It is with profound elation I
report the festivities
enjoyed by one and all
who attended the above
function.
The event was marked by
an excellent venue, some
stunning Punjabi folk dance
(gidha) performers from
Birmingham, music,
dancing and good food.
The feedback I received
during and after the
function was excellent. It
was indeed pleasing to see
a number of our
‘youngsters’ and their
children running around
and enjoying the music
and dancing to it
themselves.
It only remains for me to
thank all our committee
members for all their
contribution towards the
gidha performers, for raffle
prizes and generally for
organising the event and
managing the function on
the day.
With my very best wishes,
Gurvinder Baicher
By Gurvinder Baicher
SASW Celebration of Vaisakhi function
Sikh Leader made a Knight of St Gregory
On Sunday 22 April 2012, Dr
Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia
was invested, as a Knight of
the Pontifical Order of Pope
St Gregory the Great in St
Chad’s Cathedral.
Mohinder Singh was given
the honour for his
dedicated work to Sikh and
Roman Catholic relations
and for his commitment to
working for peace among
people of all faiths.
Reverend Bernard Longley,
Archbishop of Birmingham,
invested the respected
Spiritual Leader and
Chairman of Guru Nanak
Nishkam Sewak Jatha, in
the Handsworth area of
Birmingham, with one of
the highest Papal Awards.
The Order of St Gregory is
normally bestowed on
Catholics but it can also be
conferred on non-Catholics
in recognition of service to
the Catholic Church and
the exceptional example
they have set in their
communities and country.
Archbishop Bernard
Longley stated:
“I believe that it is the first
time that a Papal Honour
has been bestowed in this
way on a spiritual leader
from within the Sikh
community.
It represents the Holy
Father’s recognition of Bhai
Sahib Bhai’s deeply held
desire for fruitful and lasting
relations between Sikhs and
Catholics and opportunities
to witness together.”
As part of the ceremony
which included traditional
Christian hymns, Sikh
musicians played along to
shabads which were also
performed reflecting the
cooperation of the two
faiths.
Mr. William Ozanne was
also invested during the
same ceremony.
Images courtesy of Peter Jennings
12 SASW NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2012
The Quiet Hero
As discussed in the Sikhs in
South Wales article,
members of SASW have
contributed to community
life in South Wales over the
years in many ways.
One of our members, Dr
Harbhajan Singh aka Harri,
was named as ‘the quiet
hero’ by the Cardiff Herald
and Post newspaper for his
work with sick homeless
people living on the streets
of Cardiff.
Harri who worked as a GP
in Cardiff was shocked that
there was a lack of services
for homeless people after
giving lifesaving treatment
and arranging a hospital
bed for a man sleeping
rough in the Bute Street
area of Cardiff.
This prompted Harri to setup
a twice weekly surgery for
the city centre’s homeless
with a 24 hour backup
service.
Harri stated “Most of the
homeless were being
turned away from GP’s
surgeries and that was my
first awareness of the
problem”.
In recognition of his work Dr
Harbhajan Singh was
awarded the silver Medical
Community Award for his
services to the community.
Harri went on to state “My
one hope is that helping in
this way would encourage
other doctors and those
with influence in the
community to raise their
own awareness of the
problem”.
About Sikh Association South Wales Sikh Association South Wales (SASW) was formed in 1985 as a non-political and non-profit
making organisation. Its main aim is to meet the needs of our community in South Wales
while keeping the Sikh principles in mind. In the last 27 years, the committees, led by very
proactive Presidents, have been able to obtain funding from various authorities and
organise events for the benefit of the local community.
SASW continues to grow by following the rules set out in its constitution and by adapting
with the needs of its Membership. With your help we hope to continue meeting the
requirements of our community – both young and old.
SASW Newsletter - Articles Welcome The last SASW Newsletter was produced in June 2010 and nearly a 2 year gap seems too
long. Like the rest of SASW, the Newsletter is put together by volunteers and we are always
looking for content from any members. If you have any suggestions about SASW or you can
contribute any articles or ‘Letters to the Editor’ for the Newsletter, please contact the editor
with the details below.
Only viewable in printed edition
Dr. Harri Singh with his Silver
Medical Community Award
“Dr Harbhajan Singh aka
Harri, was named as ‘the
quiet hero’ … for his work
with sick homeless people”
Articles, comments and
suggestions are welcome.