Kids Corner

Columnists

Who Is Your Choice For
The Chic Sikh of The Year
2017?

EDITOR, sikhchic.com

 

 

 



 

Dear Readers:

As we near the end of the year 2017, 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 selection in the COMMENT section below.

Looking at the stories we have covered on sikhchic.com, we can see that this year has produced a bumper crop of extraordinary persons and projects. Their  stories can be found 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 an outstanding 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 2017 is significantly tied to the year 2017.

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, your multiple nominations should be through separate postings in order to facilitate the selection process.

Please note: The merit of each nominee, not the number of votes in support, will help determine the final choice.

Please also note 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), Tuesday, December 26, 2017.

All nominations will be posted on sikhchic.com.

The name of the Winner(s) - who will be selected by a panel of judges - will be announced on Monday, January 1, 2018 on sikhchic.com and other media.

The list of past winners includes:

Marathoner Fauja Singh

Human Rights Activist Gurbaksh Singh

Canada’s Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan

Harvinder Singh Phoolka (Human Rights Advocate)

Jarnail Singh ('The Lion of Delhi')

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

Lt Brian Murphy

Ravinder ‘Ravi’ Singh, Khalsa Aid

SALDEF

Saran Singh (Editor, The Sikh Review)

The Sikh Coalition

The Survivors of 1984

United Sikhs

Designer/Actor/Fashion Icon Waris Singh Ahluwalia.


In closing, 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 2017.

We look forward to your participation in this year‘s selection.


Editor
sikhchic.com


November 10, 2017
 

Conversation about this article

1: Bishen Singh (New York, USA), November 10, 2017, 2:31 PM.

I'm bowled over by the recent election of RAVI SINGH BHALLA in New Jersey against the most heavy odds and hurdles. Given his impeccable record as a Councillor to date, I know he'll make a terrific Mayor of Hoboken and a role model for many to follow his footsteps into public service. I would like to nominate him as a trailblazer on the US political scene.

2: Bishen Singh (New York, USA), November 10, 2017, 2:40 PM.

In a similar vein, I would like to nominate MANKA KAUR DHINGRA who has also performed a miracle in winning a seat in the Senate in Washington State earlier this week. She will prove an inspiration to our youth in encouraging them to get involved in public life and nation building, especially here in the US which is currently going through a challenging phase in its otherwise glorious history.

3: Kiran Biswas (Jaipur, Rajasthan, India), November 10, 2017, 3:38 PM.

GURMEHAR KAUR would be my choice. She is a voice of reason and courage amidst a din of nonsense that has taken over my beloved country. India is sinking by the day under the weight of a handful of corrupt billionaires, with even worse politicians as their mouthpieces. We desperately need more Gurmehars ... and the Guru's 'mehar'!

4: Gurpreet Singh (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), November 10, 2017, 8:14 PM.

JAGMEET SINGH, the new national NDP leader who is running to be the next Prime Minister of Canada.

5: Hardev Singh (Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada.), November 10, 2017, 11:05 PM.

RAVI SINGH of Khalsa Aid. In the foot steps of 'sacha sauda' of Baba Nanak.

6: Harnam Kaur (New Brunswick, Canada), November 11, 2017, 5:50 AM.

The poet RUPI KAUR. She has taken the world by storm with her two collections of poetry which are not only international bestsellers but also phenomena as the hottest selling books in any genre, anywhere. Can't think of any other poet in recent memory, other than Leonard Cohen, who has had such an impact on youth everywhere. With simple, straight-forward, understandable, delicious poetry, for heaven's sake! Her passion, her grounding in Sikhi, her obsession with truth, her finesse as a performer, her leadership in ideas ... I believe she's heading for even more dizzying heights.

7: Tarsem Singh Ubhi (Milton keynes, England), November 11, 2017, 6:09 AM.

JAGMEET SINGH has to be my first choice. He has made history by becoming Canada's first non-white leader of a major political party. This has inspired not only Sikhs but all minorities globally.

8: Kamaljit Singh Dadyal (Mumbai, India), November 11, 2017, 10:42 AM.

Late JAGRAJ SINGH of 'Basics of Sikhi'.

9: Jagjit Kaur (Orlando, Florida, USA), November 11, 2017, 11:32 AM.

LILLY SINGH is my absolute favourite. She has overcome insurmountable barriers to become a world-acclaimed comedian and entertainer, while keeping her Sikhi, Punjabiyat and values centre-stage. She makes a perfect ambassador for the community and is a much admired role model.

10: Lal Singh (New York, USA), November 11, 2017, 1:14 PM.

The Sikh-American astronaut JASLEEN KAUR selected this year by NASA for a space mission to Mars. She symbolizes the great contribution Sikh scientists have made around the world.

11: Aman Singh (Amritsar, Punjab), November 12, 2017, 5:44 AM.

Bhai JAGRAJ SINGH of 'Basics of Sikhi'. He's done a great sewa to the Panth.

12: Darshan Kaur (Liverpool, United Kingdom), November 12, 2017, 10:00 AM.

RUPI KAUR ... she's an unprecedented phenomenon around the world who has done us all proud.

13: Balkar Singh (London, United Kingdom), November 12, 2017, 10:22 AM.

JAGMEET SINGH ... he inspires me and has encouraged me into looking at public service as something to which I and my peers need to aspire.

14: Preeta Kaur (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada), November 12, 2017, 4:34 PM.

LILLY SINGH is my hero. I've followed her career for years and think she is absolutely amazing. She has shot through multiple ceilings and taught us all that anything, everything is possible, if we work hard and shine.

15: Kevin Oster (Albany, New York, USA), November 12, 2017, 8:04 PM.

My vote goes to the NATION OF CANADA and ITS PEOPLE in the manner in which they have handled their minorities. I have seen them, year after year, behaving so admirably, even though they also have, like all other countries, a fair share of people who oppose their openness and big-heartedness. This year has moved me even more, watching their response to Jagmeet Singh's leadership bid and his selection as a major national political party leader.

16: Rani Kaur (New Delhi, India), November 13, 2017, 3:51 PM.

JASPREET SINGH ... he has chronicled India's crimes of 1984 in prose and verse. His latest book of poems, "November", captures the holocaust like no other.

17: Inderpal Singh (Chicago, Illinois, USA), November 14, 2017, 11:31 AM.

I believe JAGMEET SINGH deserves the honour hands down. He has given us a shot in the arm in terms of encouraging us to take risks and aim for the sky.

18: Umber Kaur (Patiala, Punjab), November 16, 2017, 2:48 PM.

GURMEHAR KAUR is an inspiration to all of us during a most difficult time in this country's history. Her voice is strong, her integrity impeccable, her strength undefeatable.

19: Manpreet Singh (Atlanta, Georgia, USA), November 16, 2017, 3:15 PM.

My vote is for DR. NARINDER SINGH KAPANY, the Sikh philanthropist and physicist who did and is still making the “sarbat” prosper through his inventions and discoveries in fiber optics. The application of fiber optics is widespread including how the world communicates and electric power is transmitted. The Fortune magazine in 1999 called him one of the seven Unsung Heroes of the 20th century who had influenced our life for the better. While he has not (still) obtained the Nobel Prize, I believe the creativity and the applicability of his work is certainly worthy of consideration for the prize. His contributions to Sikh Art and Sikh studies are also well known. We should not let these heroes remain unsung by our community. A great role model for Sikhs and beyond!

20: Gurdyal Singh (Birmingham, United Kingdom), November 16, 2017, 4:37 PM.

TANMANJEET SINGH DHESI, though a newly minted British Member of Parliament, has a long history of community seva. He has set a high standard for those who chose to serve in British politics ... and beyond.

21: Amitoj Singh (New Jersey, USA), November 18, 2017, 8:20 PM.

JAGMEET SINGH from Canada!

22: Pradeep Singh (London, United Kingdom), November 20, 2017, 6:04 AM.

Late JAGRAJ SINGH of 'Basics of Sikhi.'

23: Brig Nawab Singh Heer (Retd) (Mohali, Punjab), November 20, 2017, 9:23 AM.

I would recommend the name of GURMEHAR KAUR for the following reasons: 1) She is young. 2) She is brave and bold. 3) She spoke out fearlessly and truthfully in India where speaking out is shot down. They tried to shoot her down and she stood her ground, tall and unshakeable. 4) She has lived up to the ideal of a true Sikh woman, while taking on the journey alone!

24: Jaspal Singh (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), November 23, 2017, 6:51 PM.

Definitely JAGRAJ SINGH for waking up the panth and bringing the youth back on track. His seva has touched many around the globe. Special consideration should also be given to the late Calgary MPP MANMEET SINGH BHULLAR who was unfortunately killed while helping out a driver in distress in 2015.

25: Pardeep Shah (Canada), November 26, 2017, 9:42 PM.

Hands down - JAGMEET SINGH. Normally, I'd never promote any politician. But he's exceptional and inspirational, like Barack Obama.

26: Amitoj Singh (Trenton, New Jersey, USA), November 30, 2017, 6:14 PM.

Maharaja DULEEP SINGH whose story we don't hear too much about. Recently portrayed in a feature film as "The Black Prince," as he was sometimes known in forced exile, he was actually the Emperor of Punjab!

27: Hardarshan Singh Valia (Highland, Indiana, USA), December 01, 2017, 10:08 AM.

Canadian Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU, a true visionary and statesman who paid due respect to Sikhs by bestowing Harjit Singh Sajjan the honor to defend his nation, thereby shedding light on the sacrifices Sikhs have made throughout history in defense of liberty, justice, and equality for all.

28: Ari Singh (Tbilisi, Georgia), December 19, 2017, 2:03 PM.

I choose Dr NARINDER SINGH KAPANY. It's high time to acknowledge his contributions.

29: Jagpal Singh Tiwana ( Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada), December 19, 2017, 5:38 PM.

What Candian Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU did for Sikh-Canadians, with four excellent picks for his cabinet, nobody in the world has done, not even in India which owes this community so-o much. We, the Sikhs, must honour him.

30: Vikram Singh (New York, USA), December 20, 2017, 11:00 AM.

GURBIR SINGH GREWAL, the new Attorney General of the State of New Hersey in the US. Even though Canada has already had a few Attorneys General and a string of successful cabinet ministers at all levels, Gurbir has shattered the glass ceiling in the US. It should be a signal for Sikh-Americans to get more seriously involved in the running of this wonderful country.

31: Daljit Singh (Surrey, British Columbia, Canada), December 20, 2017, 12:18 PM.

Late JAGRAJ SINGH.

32: Jeevan Kaur (California, USA), December 20, 2017, 1:58 PM.

Three Sikh-Americans have made a long-awaited, major breakthrough in US elected politics: New Jersey Mayor RAVINDER SINGH BHALLA, California Mayor PREET KAUR DIDBAL, and Washington State Senator MANKA KAUR DHINGRA. I believe they represent a turning point in Sikh involvement in US politics; the future suddenly looks bright for those of us who aspire to serve our country in public life.

33: Baljinder Kaur (Albany, New York, USA), December 22, 2017, 9:07 AM.

For me, three names clearly stand out this year as deserving the honour jointly, head and shoulders above everyone else: the poet RUPI KAUR, the entertainer LILLY SINGH, and the activist GURMEHAR KAUR.

34: Lalkar Singh (St Catherines, Ontario, Canada), December 22, 2017, 9:11 AM.

Canada's NDP Leader JAGMEET SINGH and New Jersey Attorney General GURBIR SINGH GREWAL. They have taken individual achievement against the heaviest of odds, to new heights!

35: Gurkiran Kaur (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada), December 24, 2017, 9:21 AM.

NDP's JAGMEET SINGH and Liberal Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU. The reasons have already been clearly stated above by others.

36: Ujjagar Singh (New Jersey, USA), December 24, 2017, 9:29 AM.

GURMEHAR KAUR ... one brave woman who holds a promise of strong leadership for our community.

37: Jaimal Singh (Iowa, USA), December 24, 2017, 9:30 AM.

GURBIR SINGH GREWAL - a trail-blazer in a country begging for new blood in its leadership ranks.

38: Dalvinder Singh Grewal (Ludhiana, Punjab), December 25, 2017, 10:33 AM.

I recommend MANJINDER SINGH SIRSA for taking up Sikh issues at the government levels in India and mostly succeeding. He took on the Gurudongmar case with the President and the Home Minister. Also, the Guru Nanak University case, the Nankana Sahib case as a Vatican type city, the Dayal Singh College case, etc.

39: Gurjender Singh (Maryland, USA), December 25, 2017, 11:45 AM.

NDP's new leader JAGMEET SINGH being the first Sikh to win the hearts and minds of non-Sikhs in a country on this scale.

40: Arjan Singh (USA), December 26, 2017, 8:13 AM.

CANADA and The PEOPLE OF CANADA. They have shown exemplary leadership in treating their fellow citizens with basic dignity and humanity - this is missing in many parts of the World, including USA and India. Canada must continue on this path of leadership.

41: Lally Singh (California, USA), December 26, 2017, 1:17 PM.

GURMEHAR KAUR ... a beacon in India's wilderness!

42: Karanpal Kaur (London, United Kingdom), December 26, 2017, 1:20 PM.

LILLY SINGH, for shattering barriers in the entertainment field, and achieving unprecedented heights in the international arena.

43: Kulvinder Jit Kaur (Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada), December 31, 2017, 5:23 AM.

CANADA and CANADIANS.

Comment on "Who Is Your Choice For
The Chic Sikh of The Year
2017?"









To help us distinguish between comments submitted by individuals and those automatically entered by software robots, please complete the following.

Please note: your email address will not be shown on the site, this is for contact and follow-up purposes only. All information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Sikhchic reserves the right to edit or remove content at any time.