Images below: three of the past winners of the award.
Columnists
Who Stands Out This Year?
Who is The CHIC SIKH of the Year 2013?
EDITOR
Dear Readers:
As we near the end of the year, we turn our minds to the pleasurable task of selecting, once again, THE CHIC SIKH OF THE YEAR.
The choice, of course, is collectively yours. We therefore invite you to post your choice in the COMMENT section below.
Looking at the stories we have covered on sikhchic.com this year, and the extraordinary persons and projects we have showcased in our various sections -- including CURRENT EVENTS, PEOPLE, SPORTS, HEROES, to name but a few -- there should be no dearth of possibilities.
This year, too, so many women, men and children -- individually and collectively -- have made a mark on the local, as well as the world scene, by living up to the highest ideals of Sikhi in helping make the world a better place for all of humanity.
We seek your help in choosing one who you think has best exemplified those ideals within her, his, or its field of endeavour, during the course of this year.
- Any woman, man, child, group, institution or corporation may be named.
- The nominee may be a Sikh or a non-Sikh.
- She, he or it may be based in any part of the world, the achievements being cited can be in any field of endeavour, and the activity being highlighted could be tied to any geographical area.
- The nominee could be named for one or more achievements, or a life-time of contribution, as long as the primary reason for naming her, him or the entity THE CHIC SIKH OF THE YEAR 2013 is significantly tied to the year 2013.
Please provide, along with the name of your nominee, your reasons -- in brief form -- why you are nominating or voting for the person or entity you've named.
Also, please do not fail to provide in the designated space your FULL name, as well as the name of your CITY and COUNTRY -- it helps readers to fully appreciate the context of your support.
You may nominate more than one choice, but we request that you limit yourself to one nomination in each posting. That is, multiple nominations should be in separate postings in order to facilitate the selection process.
Please note, however, that no one on the staff or any of the boards that shape and guide sikhchic.com is eligible to be selected the winner.
The deadline for all nominations is strictly 9.00 pm (Toronto, Canada, time), Thursday, December 26, 2013.
All nominations will be posted on sikhchic.com.
The name of the Winner (who will be selected by a panel of judges) will be announced on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 on sikhchic.com and other media.
The list of past winners includes - Fauja Singh, Harvinder Singh Phoolka (Human Rights Advocate), Jarnail Singh ('The Lion of Delhi'), Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Lt Brian Murphy, SALDEF, Saran Singh (Editor, The Sikh Review),The Sikh Coalition, and United Sikhs.
We look forward to your participation in this year‘s selection.
Editor
P.S. - A SUGGESTION: You may wish to skim over the postings from this year on sikhchic.com in its various sections to remind yourself of the rich goings-on during 2013.
November 5, 2013
Conversation about this article
1: Hari Singh (Birmingham, United Kingdom), November 05, 2013, 1:01 AM.
My choice is Dr PRABHJOT SINGH, the Sikh-American professor from New York. He showed so much grace, strength and compassion in the face of personal adversity and extreme boorishness. For me, he captured the essence of Sikhi by living it.
2: Gursharan Kaur (London, United Kingdom), November 05, 2013, 1:08 AM.
S. SATPAL SINGH, the Hero of Nairobi. He saved umpteen lives at great personal peril during the terrorist attack at the shopping mall last September.
3: Pritam Singh (Ludhiana, Punjab), November 05, 2013, 2:16 AM.
SikhRI -- The SIKH RESEARCH INSTITUTE. I felt inspired by T. Sher Singh's series in the summer on the work done by SikhRI. And feel that they are not only meeting the need of the hour, but represent the direction our community should be taking both here in Punjab and across the diaspora. Education is the answer. And they're doing a top-notch job.
4: K.S.D. (Mumbai, India), November 05, 2013, 2:45 AM.
SURINDER PAL SINGH OBEROI -- a philanthropist and savior of many lives.
5: Sohni Kaur (New York, USA), November 05, 2013, 8:37 AM.
Kenya' JOGINDER SINGH -- the Motor Safari champion also known as The Flying Sikh. He wowed the world with his racing exploits and helped put Sikhs firmly on the continent's map. Sadly, he passed away a few weeks ago.
6: Gurinder Singh (Stockton, California, USA), November 05, 2013, 9:16 AM.
Surinder pal Singh Oberoi, reflecting core Sikh values by serving humanity.
7: Daljit Singh (Surrey, British Columbia, Canada), November 05, 2013, 11:50 AM.
SikhRI - The SIKH RESEARCH INSTITUTE. Doing a great service in terms of educating the next generation and inspiring them. Also a close second with JOGINDER SINGH of Kenya, if we can honor him posthumously.
8: R Singh (Canada), November 05, 2013, 11:50 AM.
Dr PRABHJOT SINGH ...grace under fire!
9: Gurmeet Kaur (Atlanta, Georgia, USA), November 05, 2013, 1:24 PM.
Bhai IQBAL SINGH of Baru Sahib and his team of colleagues, all in their 80's (Dr. BALWANT SINGH SEKHON, Dr. KHEM SINGH GILL, Dr. GURBAX SINGH and Dr. M.S. ATWAL). They work tirelessly to raise the education level in Punjab, against all odds. The team has now established 129 Akal Academies roviding high standards of education in rural areas of Punjab - whereas the Govt. of Punjab continues to decrease its education budget and has been closing schools for the last two decades. They are also providing vocational training at college levels to girls of Punjab - mostly free of cost so they can architect their own destinies. The latest project entails establishing a university in Talwandi Sabo. I have seen each of these men working personally - they have the energy and passion of Fauja Singh for this cause - they have forsaken all their comforts, family lives and continue to give every breath of their lives towards this goal for many years now. One of them, Dr. Gurbax Singh, who many in the diaspora are very familiar with for his books and active engagement of youth in Sikh camps in the USA, is now very ill and frail. I would love for us to recognize these five - while they are still with us.
10: Harinder (Punjab), November 05, 2013, 11:10 PM.
PRAKASH SINGH BADAL stands out, having built memorials for the genocides and the Virasat-e-Khalsa.
11: Manbir Singh Banwait (Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada), November 06, 2013, 11:12 AM.
SATPAL SINGH, the Hero of Nairobi, and JOGINDER SINGH, the Motor Safari champion, also known as The Flying Sikh. Let's show some love for our Sikh-African brothers =)
12: Sarabjit Singh (Michigan, USA), November 06, 2013, 5:59 PM.
The AMERICAN SIKH CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS.
13: Raj (Canada), November 06, 2013, 10:59 PM.
All nominees are exceptional in their deeds. Personally, I like to offer my support to the ORGANIZERS of AKAL ACADEMY. All of them are very well educated, served on exceptional posts in their fields, very humble and exemplary Sikhs. They work tirelessly in the most hopeless conditions in Punjab to re-ignite the light of Sikhi. If there's any hope, it is education, education and education. And, these type of Sikhs, who make us proud, are providing it.
14: Nav Kaur (Australia), November 07, 2013, 7:05 AM.
Dr PRABHJOT SINGH for displaying the utmost chardi kala attitude when faced with such a difficult time. His response was very inspiring and captured the spirit of Sikhi.
15: N Singh (Canada), November 07, 2013, 3:31 PM.
I would like to nominate KULJINDER SINGH SIDHU and DINESH SOOD for producing the movie SADDA HAQ. This is the first time that there has been an attempt to accurately portray the events of 1984 and beyond. Within the course of a couple of hours they have been able to enlighten our uneducated masses as to what actually happened. They have achieved what countless scholars and academics have failed to do. I commend their heroism, their stand for the truth and their courage to face up to the corrupt Indian authorities who attempted to block the movie's release. Than you from the bottom of my heart!
16: Tarsem Singh (Milton Keynes, United Kingdom), November 07, 2013, 4:04 PM.
Kenya's JOGINDER SINGH -- the Motor Safari champion, also known as The Flying Sikh. And, S. SATPAL SINGH, the Hero of Nairobi.
17: Manpreet Singh (Atlanta, Georgia, USA), November 08, 2013, 4:38 PM.
My vote is for the "WIDOWS OF 1984" who have shown their faith and resilience in these last three decades, despite all the false hopes provided to them by different policymakers at the helm.
18: A. (USA), November 08, 2013, 7:46 PM.
The Australian cab driver, S. LAKHWINDER SINGH DHILLON, who returned cash left by his customer. Displayed honesty in action.
19: Pritam Singh (Virginia, USA), November 09, 2013, 1:58 PM.
WARIS SINGH AHLUWALIA. I don't believe anyone has done more in recent memory to enhance the public image of Sikhs in the diaspora, particularly in North America and the West, than this brilliant young man. And he's done it all without loud proclamations and protestations on religion, politics and social issues. In my view, he falls in the category of S. Fauja Singh who too achieved the same, and in the same, impeccable, graceful way.
20: Karan Singh (United Kingdom), November 11, 2013, 7:16 AM.
Hands down, it should be BALPREET KAUR. She is a true role model to millions of Sikh girls out there!
21: Simrit Mann (United Kingdom), November 11, 2013, 1:00 PM.
I feel that D. MOHAN SINGH who runs the SAS for girls who have been exploited, would be the right person. He volunteers his time all over the United Kingdom. And now USA. He guarantees that he will have someone over to help you within 24 hours. He is a true sevadar.
22: Pritam Singh Hoonjan (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada), November 14, 2013, 2:24 PM.
My choice is S. SARAN SINGH, Editor of The Sikh Review, a high quality Sikh journal.
23: Harinder Singh Kohli (Canada), November 16, 2013, 10:29 PM.
I can't see beyond H.S. PHOOLKA. Fighting for a Sikh cause for 30 years.
24: Simran (London, England), November 18, 2013, 10:57 AM.
The SIKH RESEARCH INSTITUTE. They have inspired me and countless other people I know! HARINDER SINGH is an amazing speaker.
25: Pritpal Singh (Deer Park, New York, USA), November 18, 2013, 10:11 PM.
There is a story in your section on "1947" and the Partition - the saga by Naseem Hassan. I think ROMY SINGH who played an exceptional role to reunite the family, is a true hero.
26: Aman (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), November 20, 2013, 8:39 AM.
It's amazing that someone nominated BADAL! God help us!
27: Gurdarshan Singh (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), November 21, 2013, 8:47 AM.
SIKH NAUJAWAN SABHA, MALAYSIA. This year the group is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the annual sammelan which brings Sikhi awareness not only to Malaysian youth but also in the neighbouring countries. Majority of Malaysian youth have benefited from the sammelan and related religious and educational seminars, live kirtan online programs, etc.
28: Manpreet Singh (Canton, Ohio, USA), November 22, 2013, 10:15 AM.
My choice would be either SPS OBEROI or WARIS SINGH AHLUWALIA. Here are my reasons for both of them. 1) SPS Oberoi: Doing great seva of gurdwara in UAE, building close ties with the Royal Dubai family ... are few of his many accomplishments in UAE. Also, he met up with the Nepal government and then worked with them to celebrate gurpurab in Gurdwara Nanak Matth ... ideally this should have been taken care by the Akal Takht but we all know the people who're running our institutions in Amritsar are nothing but a bunch of buffoons (sorry if I am being harsh). I guess we should accept the reality! 2) Waris Singh Ahluwalia: Every word spoken about him would be an understatement. Starting with his appearances in Hollywood productions as a Sardar, high profile jewelry store, 'House of Waris', being part of the shows which are considered the zenith of fashion and, the latest one, his appearing in the GAP ad, etc ...this guy has literally put turbaned Sikhs on the world fashion map. Which no other Sikh thought of doing to this extent, without compromising on the Guru-given identity. So proud of these Sardars!
29: MKS (New York, USA), November 22, 2013, 12:20 PM.
KULJINDER SINGH SIDHU and DINESH SOOD for bringing to us "Saadda Haq". A fabulous movie made in a country that tries to keep the Sikh genocide under wraps. They had to fight tooth and nail to just get the movie out to theaters. This would be an encouragement to other writers, film makers in Punjab, Bollywood or anywhere that there are plenty of heart wrenching, inspiring stories to be told about Sikhs and Punjab. And even if the Government of India tries to mute the truth, lay people are hungry for the stories to come out and their investments in time and money on these projects would not be wasted.
30: Amardeep (USA), November 22, 2013, 5:55 PM.
Bibi PRAKASH KAUR of Unique home in Jalandhar, Punjab. She runs an orphanage for unwanted and abandoned girls. She is giving these girls their only survival chance ... and the chance to be successful in life.
31: Gursimran Kaur (Punjab, India), November 24, 2013, 1:39 AM.
I nominate KULJINDER SINGH SIDHU and DINESH SOOD, the PRODUCERS and ACTORS of 'Saadda Haq', for their indomitable courage and dedication to stand with the truth. For the people living in the West, may be it is not a big deal - making a movie on the 20th century Sikh struggle, but only those who reside in India can truly understand the courage required and the hardships faced to make this movie. Outside India, it is quite easy to speak about, research and analyze the events of 1984 and its aftermath. But in India, the false propaganda and mischief that surrounds this issue makes it very difficult for today's Sikh youth to believe what they are told over the net. SAADDA HAQ has awakened and educated an entire generation. Most of the movies made on this issue (Hawaayein, Amu, Maachis, etc.) deal only with the emotional or social aspect of the tragedy. But SAADDA HAQ has dared to tell its political aspect. I think, along with the contributions made by a person or group, the sikhchic.com team should also consider the circumstances and socio-political setup in which those contributions were made.
32: Parmjit Singh (Canada), November 29, 2013, 2:11 AM.
I have been googling to find the name of the MOTHER IN QUEBEC who pulled her own young children out of soccer because Sikh children were banned from playing. I have been unable to find her name. While politicians waited to see which way the wind was blowing and made measured and timed statements, this mother had her very own young children stop playing a sport they loved. I wish I have the opportunity to tell her kids one day about the heroic mother they have. She was just a mom, and heroic warrior with a heart and seva that reminds one of Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji.
33: Arvinder Singh (Queens, New York, USA), December 01, 2013, 6:26 AM.
Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH. Because he has helped focus attention on an issue long forgotten by the majority of Sikhs, about the illegal detentions of the sons and daughters of the Khalsa panth. In his words "Jabbar da jawab sabar naal". Moreover, his family is being harassed as a result by the Indian police. He remains steadfast in his resolve on his 18th day of hunger strike. Let us keep him in our thoughts prayers and ardaas.
34: Sangat Singh (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), December 01, 2013, 6:34 AM.
Dr PRABHJOT SINGH.
35: MKS (New York City, USA), December 02, 2013, 4:39 PM.
I agree with Arvinder Singh #33. GURBAKSH SINGH's hunger strike needs more attention. sikhchic.com and other Sikh sites, can you put a scrolling banner across your sites counting the days of Gurbaksh Singh's hunger strike?
36: Lakhpreet Kaur (USA), December 02, 2013, 11:48 PM.
VISHAVJIT "Captain America" SINGH. www.salon.com/writer/vishavjit_singh
37: Sukhmeet Singh Dhingra (USA), December 04, 2013, 7:38 PM.
I have to say, Major KAMALJEET SINGH KALSI because he has really shown us that Sikhs can serve in the US armed forces.
38: MKS (New York City, USA), December 05, 2013, 3:09 PM.
GURBAKSH SINGH arrested - http://bit.ly/1dSOXCv
39: Arvinder Singh (Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada), December 05, 2013, 5:51 PM.
Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH has made his point well. I hope more Sikhs wake up and learn about Bhai Sahib and his struggle. We wish him best of health and chardi kala.
40: Kirpal Singh (Daytona Beach, Florida, USA), December 06, 2013, 8:18 AM.
My choices are SNATAM KAUR and EK ONG KAAR KAUR for spreading the message of Sikhism worldwide with music and writing articles to reach both Sikhs & non-Sikhs equally.
41: Aman (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), December 06, 2013, 8:34 AM.
WARIS SINGH AHLUWALIA has done more for the Sikh image in a positive way than any other! He does not talk about it. He does not flaunt it. He just is. Perhaps some of the older folk cannot relate (no offence intended) but for young folk to see a poster of a handsome Sardar on a Gap poster is absolutely amazing. Bravo to GAP and WARIS!
42: Harvind Kaur Singh (Northbrook, Illinois, USA), December 06, 2013, 10:56 AM.
I strongly believe that this honor should go to an individual and not an organization. I chose VALARIE KAUR. She is amazing and is doing amazing things to promote "sarbat da bhalla" within all communities and is especially a great advocate for Sikh equality and rights. She is a talented young woman who is listened to by Americans and is at the forefront of so much positive change for the world. She is remarkable as seen by every article she writes and every appearance she makes on TV and in person. She is a voice infused with the spirit of the Sikh and the Sikh community should recognize that.
43: Kanwarjeet Singh (USA), December 07, 2013, 7:43 PM.
Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH no doubt stands out. He has taken on the full might of Indian hypocrisy. Nothing beats his courage, determination and commitment.
44: Amandeep Singh (Amritsar, Punjab), December 12, 2013, 10:43 AM.
Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH.
45: N Singh (Canada), December 12, 2013, 12:04 PM.
Yes, Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH.
46: Hardev Singh (Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada), December 12, 2013, 12:18 PM.
Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH, Man of the Hour, standing head and shoulders above others in the community today.
47: Gurpreet Singh (Trenton, New Jersey, USA), December 12, 2013, 12:45 PM.
The SIKH CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS for standing up to the shenanigans of the foreign vested interests.
48: Ravinder Singh Khalsa (USA), December 12, 2013, 1:54 PM.
GURBAKSH SINGH - he has stayed true to his word, to lay his life on the line for others.
49: MKS (New York City, USA), December 13, 2013, 11:09 AM.
Please checkout the interview by Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH discussing his arrest and release. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZJmrSkHwOg&feature=youtube_gdata_player
50: Harsharan (Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada), December 13, 2013, 5:12 PM.
Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH.
51: Gurpreet (San Jose, California, USA), December 13, 2013, 8:44 PM.
I vote for Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH ji. He is making the ultimate sacrifice for righteousness.
52: Harinder Singh 1469 (New Delhi, India), December 14, 2013, 9:17 AM.
The late Wing Commander RANDHIR SINGH CHATWAL, for his relentless work to get justice vis-a-vis 1984.
53: Harman (Amritsar, Punjab ), December 15, 2013, 12:40 PM.
WARIS SINGH AHLUWALIA.
54: Harsukhdeep (Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom), December 16, 2013, 4:13 PM.
In line with the global reach and modern themes, then I would propose: 1. VALARIE KAUR. 2. WARIS SINGH AHLUWALIA.
55: Baldev Singh (Bradford, United Kingdom), December 17, 2013, 6:47 AM.
Anyone who stands up to tyranny and injustice must be number one! I'm still making up my mind on this one because like the rest of the commentators, I too find that there are 4 or 5 Sikhs who have been truly great this year and deserve the honour.
56: Gurpreet Singh (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), December 18, 2013, 3:27 PM.
Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH.
57: Jaspreet Singh (Lodi, California, USA), December 19, 2013, 2:43 PM.
PREETINDER SINGH BHARARA for following the rule of law, allowing no political interference ...
58: Oliver Smith (Nottingham, United Kingdom), December 19, 2013, 8:22 PM.
Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH
59: Kulwinder Kaur (Lexington, Kentucky, United States), December 20, 2013, 11:00 AM.
PREETINDER SINGH BHARARA for upholding the rule of law and holding accountable anyone who breaks the law, no matter what their societal status and no matter how powerful, rich or connected they are.
60: MKS (New York City, USA), December 20, 2013, 3:54 PM.
Please watch the attached video. It very succinctly analyses Bhai Gurbaksh Singh's motivations and those of his colleagues. Very insightful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGWv9V0AP44&feature=share&list=UUCldNSszX2nJh9Z5_AjzF7Q
61: Sarbpreet Singh (Hopkinton, Massachusetts, USA), December 22, 2013, 9:12 AM.
JOHANNA OGDEN, the regional historian from Portland, Oregon, USA< who prevailed upon the City of Astoria to organize the Centennial of the founding of Ghadar, in 2013 and played a lead role in organizing the two day event. Johanna is my choice because she won for the Sikh pioneers of Astoria their rightful place in US history.
62: Talwinder Singh (USA), December 23, 2013, 10:30 AM.
Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH
63: Bikramjit Singh (London, United Kingdom), December 23, 2013, 11:08 AM.
Not to downplay anyone else's achievements, but the Chic Sikh of the year should be, in my view, Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH.
64: Chattar Raj singh (Surrey, British Columbia, Canada), December 23, 2013, 11:52 AM.
The first name that comes to my mind is VALARIE KAUR.
65: Manjit Kaur (Fredrick, Maryland, U.S.A.), December 23, 2013, 12:07 PM.
PREETINDER SINGH BHARARA.
66: Satnam Singh (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada), December 23, 2013, 12:35 PM.
Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH, for dedicating his life to the panth.
67: Mahanjot Singh Sodhi (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada), December 23, 2013, 12:39 PM.
WARIS SINGH AHLUWALIA and Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH - both for their respective reasons: one for highlighting the Sikh identity on an International level, and the other one for exemplary, selfless seva for a just and urgent cause.
68: Harman Singh (California, USA), December 23, 2013, 2:05 PM.
Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH. Grace and courage!
69: Taran (London, United Kingdom), December 23, 2013, 3:26 PM.
I'd like to go for Bha GURBAKSH SINGH. He has diverted the attention of the Sikhs all around the globe to the Sikh prisoners in India who are being illegally held and still languishing in the jails long after they have served their sentences. We often talk about the lack of unity amongst us Sikhs. This whole issue has brought many Sikhs onto the platform. His fast unto death is a selfless act to serve the greater good. There are many big names I can see who all stand out for one reason or another. But no one stands out for willingness to sacrifice one's own life for the sake of others. It makes him special.
70: Ari Singh (Sofia, Bulgaria), December 24, 2013, 3:05 PM.
Sardar WARIS SINGH AHLUWALIA has already earned the title the "Chic Sikh" in the Pakistani media. There are so many Sikhs making the headlines, so it is difficult to choose. Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH, for example, who has enlightented us of the plight of the Sikh prisoners languishing illegally in Indian jails ... with PM Manmohan Singh in office!
71: Baldev Singh (Bradford, United Kingdom), December 25, 2013, 5:18 PM.
After a long hard think, in my humble opinion it has to be Sardar WARIS SINGH AHLUWALIA. I'm quite taken by his latest ad! Because it said a million things about the Sikh identity, especially when most 'Sikhs' don't know where they belong in terms of what they should look like! A modern successful Sikh, male or female with dastar, cannot be beaten!
72: Avninder Singh Cheema (India), December 26, 2013, 1:06 AM.
1) Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH. 2) SPS OBEROI. 3) JOGINDER SINGH, The "Flying Sikh of Kenya".
73: Jessie Parmar (Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada), December 26, 2013, 12:35 PM.
Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH, the human rights activist.
74: Bhupinder Singh (New Delhi, India ), December 27, 2013, 1:32 AM.
1) PREET SINGH BHARARA; 2) WARIS SINGH AHLUWALIA.
75: Jasmeet Kaur (Ludhiana, Punjab), December 27, 2013, 8:46 AM.
Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH -- bright beacon of hope.
76: H. Singh (New Jersey, USA), December 29, 2013, 6:44 AM.
CHIC SIKH Of the Year should go to GURBAKSH SINGH. He has proven: Never underestimate the power of the common man.
77: Harmander Singh (Great Britain), December 31, 2013, 4:46 PM.
All of the above, except any politician in a certain country that has prevented justice to prevail for nearly thirty years.