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Conversation about this article
1: Ajit Singh (New Delhi, India), October 07, 2009, 9:39 AM.
Sardar JARNAIL SINGH, the journalist, who shook the be-sharam Delhi establishment earlier this year with a simple but far-reaching act of personal courage.
2: Sahib Kaur (San Francisco, California, U.S.A.), October 07, 2009, 9:46 AM.
Bhai DYA SINGH and his GROUP, from Australia. They have done more to get our youth interested in kirtan than anyone else I know. They inspire us by taking us to unknown heights with their brilliant singing and music.
3: Robby Singh (Toronto, Canada), October 07, 2009, 9:51 AM.
I nominate MANU KAUR SALUJA. Her new painting of Maharaja Ranjit Singh raises Sikh iconography to new levels ... and throws a challenge to other artists in the community to do better. There's been nothing like this since Winterhalter's Duleep Singh - and that was painted a century and a half ago!
4: Bishen Singh (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada), October 07, 2009, 10:28 AM.
I propose THE GURU GOBIND SINGH CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION of Canada. This past summer, they did a charity run ACROSS Canada - from the East coast to the West coast, covering almost 8000 km. Dedicated, well-organized, committed Sikh children - hundreds of them - ran in relays carrying the Nishaan, to raise money for children's hospitals. They are our new role models!
5: Roopinder Singh Bains (Surrey, British Columbia, Canada), October 07, 2009, 1:37 PM.
I nominate both the THE GURU GOBIND SINGH CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION of Canada, and the organizers of GURU NANAK'S FREE KITCHEN, which feeds the homeless of downtown Vancouver.
6: Mohkam Singh (New Jersey, U.S.A.), October 07, 2009, 5:38 PM.
I nominate Dr. W.HEW McLEOD, who passed away last summer. He dedicated his entire adult life to the study of Sikh history and religion. I am not deterred by the mistakes he made ... we all fall short, being human. But he set high standards which had all but disppeared amongst scholars in India during the last few decades.
7: Baljit Kaur (Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.), October 07, 2009, 5:41 PM.
Sardar PATWANT SINGH: His books will long serve us well. He was daring and articulate and put our story out there for the world to know.
8: Balraj Singh (Bari, Italy), October 07, 2009, 5:45 PM.
Dr. MANMOHAN SINGH - the Prime Minister of India - of course. He has done more for Sikhs - and India, incidentally - than any one since Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It matters not that he does not meet the expectations of those who think he must drop everything to pursue Sikh issues. He has achieved a lot, given the circumstances. He's my hero and I think he should be named ChicSikh of the Year in which he did what they said was impossible - he was re-elected with a solid endorsement of his people.
9: Jaswinder Singh (Iselin, New Jersy, U.S.A.), October 07, 2009, 6:12 PM.
I nominate the SIKH COALITION and SIKHRI.
10: P. Singh (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada), October 07, 2009, 6:26 PM.
I nominate the GURU GOBIND SINGH CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION. It was a herculean task they undertook in organizing the Children's Run Across Canada. Sikhs around the world are proud of this phenomenal and landmark achievement. This Run Across Canada was in addition to the numerous other activities, sporting events, and local runs they organize, which involves hundreds of Sikh youth from all walks of life. It's hard to think of anyone who comes close to the GGSCF for 2009.
11: N. Singh (Canada), October 07, 2009, 7:10 PM.
I nominate Sardar HARINDER SINGH of SikhRi and the folks at Nanakshahi Trust for ensuring that records pertaining to Sikh history and religion will be preserved and live on forever as a consequence of their digitalization process (The Punjab Digital Library). Harinder Singh has also been an inspiration in passing on Sikh values and teachings to the young in the Diaspora all over the world.
12: Meena ( Delhi, India), October 07, 2009, 7:12 PM.
I nominate Sardar FAUJA SINGH, the marathon runner, for being an inspiration to the old and young, and for his fundraising efforts on behalf of sick children. He has been recognized by the sports world in their adverts/billboards; it is time that we also recognize this remarkable, lovable and inspirational man!
13: Arvinder Singh Kang (Oxford, MS, U.S.A.), October 07, 2009, 8:07 PM.
I nominate three individuals: PATWANT SINGH, posthumously, for giving us the textbook of history, 'The Sikhs', for future Sikh children. Dr. I.J. SINGH, for his enlightening, balanced and multi-perspective views on different issues of Sikhism and his efforts in getting ideas out for common folk like us. And, HARINDER SINGH, for envisioning very futuristic education structure of Sikh children, and giving us vision of educated, enlightened and united Sikhs of tomorrow.
14: Irvinder Singh Babra (Brantford, Ontario, Canada), October 07, 2009, 10:07 PM.
Dr. BIRINDER SINGH AHLUWALIA, the founder of sikhchic.com.
15: Raj (Canada), October 07, 2009, 10:35 PM.
I nominate Sardar PAL SINGH PUREWAL who created the Nanakshahi Calendar that has frozen the Sikhi related dates for ever. No one has ever initiated such a painstaking research before him. Now, we have a clear time line of important Sikh days.
16: Happy Singh Narang (Bangkok, Thailand), October 08, 2009, 12:48 AM.
I nominate GURMUSTUK SINGH KHALSA of Sikhnet.com and MrSikhnet.com, who is not only providing an excellent service through the internet for all our Sikhs brothers and sisters but also is a leading example of a Gursikh, living the lifestyle Guru Gobind Singh chose for us. I don't know him personally but from whatever conversations through e-mails I have had with him, and I am sure many other will vouch for this, he is a very humble, nice and kind human being. He helps everybody around the world through the internet sites, providing all kind of material re audio, video and other knowledge about our religion.
17: Navjot Kaur (Calgary, Alberta, Canada), October 08, 2009, 11:32 AM.
I am sure all of you would agree - there can be one chicsikh in each field of life. Since I am an M.A. in Art History and currently studying Sikh Art and Contemporary Practice, I would like to propose two names in the field of Art who have not followed the crowd. To me, it makes more sense that somone is given an award based on deep research rather than anonymous feedback. And also, it is difficult to pick one field and leave the other. In Art, firstly, I nominate ARPANA CAUR for her uniquely styled Sikh figures and related themes; they have been talked about and acknowledged widely. And, secondly, JEET SINGH AULAKH, for his interestingly new abstract paintings based on Sikh Philosophy. The pure sound, colour and form of these paintings speak volumes. There is a lot of talent out there in the Sikh World, but being a pioneer matters the most.
18: Jasjit Singh (New Haven, CT, U.S.A.), October 09, 2009, 1:47 AM.
I nominate HARINDER SINGH.
19: Dr. Birinder Singh Ahluwalia (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), October 12, 2009, 10:56 AM.
Dear Irvinder : I am humbled by being proposed as a candidate by you in the contest for the ChicSikh of the year 2009. However being a patron of the sikhchic.com web-site, it puts me in a conflict of interest situation and any declared results may be viewed as skewed and biased and may lessen the significant impact and profound importance of this nomination. Therefore, I recommend that all involved in this exercise should strive to maintain a very high degree of objectivity and non-partisanship in this matter. As such, I request to be excluded from this contest to maintain it's integrity and importance.
20: Amardeep (U.S.A.), October 12, 2009, 12:11 PM.
HARVINDER SINGH PHOOLKA, 1984 lawyer. When are we going to make him the Sikh nation's hero?
21: Sarang Mehta (Minneapolis, U.S.A.), October 12, 2009, 5:09 PM.
Dear Dr. Singh, As much as we respect your humble request, we refuse to accept this. We have been honoured to see you win the TOP 25 Immigrants of Canada award. So for us, you are already the ChicSikh of 2009 and for many years to come but we would love to have your name being nominated here and support the cause for you to win. It is an independent pannel of judges anyway; they will decide the winner, so the result being biased is out of question. Please accept to be nominated. Thanks ...
22: K. Kaur (Canada), October 12, 2009, 8:25 PM.
I believe Sardar HARVINDER SINGH PHOOLKA is most deserving. He has fought tirelessly for the rights of the victims of the Nov. 1984 pogroms. He has not given up the struggle despite his life being threatened. He and his wife gave up the opportunity to move to the U.S. so that he could carry on working for the victims!
23: Baljit Singh Rihal, J.P. (London, U.K.), October 13, 2009, 7:10 AM.
I nominate MANU KAUR SALUJA for her contribution to Sikh Art. Her Maharaja Ranjit Singh piece is truly magnificent.
24: Gaurav Singh (Kent, United Kingdom), October 13, 2009, 4:25 PM.
Well said, Sarang. I totally agree with his thoughts and would like to request Dr. Birinder Singh Ahluwalia to please accept to be nominated. We are and will be rooting for you all the way. With all that you have done for the community and beyond, we believe you have touched the hearts of many and you deserve to be the ChicSikh of 2009.
25: S. Kaur (U.S.A.), October 13, 2009, 11:53 PM.
I second Jaswinder Singh's(#9)nomination for the SIKH RESEARCH INSTITUTE and the SIKH COALITION.
26: Navtej Singh (Delhi, India), October 14, 2009, 3:45 AM.
I nominate the people at ENSAAF for courageously picking up the baton on behalf of those forgotten victims in the Punjab where a whole generation of youth have 'disappeared'. Perhaps the diaspora needs to look beyond themselves to those people who are actually helping people in India impacted by the events of the last 25 years.
27: Archit Singh (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), October 14, 2009, 9:07 AM.
I think Dr. BIRINDER SINGH AHLUWALIA deserves this.
28: Harminder Singh Magon (Ottawa, Canada), October 15, 2009, 9:28 AM.
I nominate Mrs. JEET KAUR ARORA from Nairobi, Kenya, for her outstanding community service and the promotion of visits to HemKunt Sahib.
29: Darshan Singh Abbott (Mumbai, India), October 18, 2009, 2:40 PM.
I nominate Sardar SURENDER SINGH KANDHARI of Dubai for his wonderful work in convincing the authorities in Dubai and obtaining permission from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid al Makhtoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and ruler of Dubai to build the first Gurdwara in U.A.E. at the cost of 2 Million U.S. Dollars. I salute him for his courage and devotion to the cause.
30: Gurmeet Kaur (Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.), October 19, 2009, 3:05 PM.
I nominate all the lone TURBAN-WEARING STUDENTS all over the world (whether in India or across the diaspora); they face numerous challenges ranging from ignorant remarks or peer pressure to bullying and hate crimes, but withstand it all and stay true to their identity and faith. I salute their courage and conviction and their choice to sustain the face of Sikhi as the Gurus gave us.
31: Tajinder Pal Singh (Australia), October 19, 2009, 10:30 PM.
I nominate the VICTIMS OF 1984 as the ones to honour this year - the anniversary of 25 years of fighting their battle for justice, while living under the constant threat from police, the politicians - indeed, the Indian government itself.
32: Zoe Schieber (Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.), October 20, 2009, 10:48 AM.
I nominate MANU KAUR SALUJA for her beautiful new oil painting of Ranjit Singh!
33: Gurpreet (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), October 22, 2009, 10:11 AM.
Sardar FAUJA SINGH - there is no competition.
34: K.R.Singh (Boston, U.S.A.), November 25, 2009, 12:14 PM.
Who were the past winners? [Editor: In 2008, there were three joint winners - SALDEF, The Sikh Coalition and United Sikhs.]
35: Simran (U.S.A.), November 26, 2009, 9:15 AM.
Since the violence of 1984, two gentlemen have committed their careers and lives to restoring justice for the Sikhs - HARVINDER SINGH PHOOLKA and INDERJIT SINGH JAIJEE. Both of these Sardars have made significant contributions to human rights in India that have yet to be fully recognized. Moreover, their passionate activism has recently led them to direct their attention to more modern issues plaguing Punjab, including education, economics and farmer suicides. For 25 years now, Inderjit Singh Jaijee and Harvinder Singh Phoolka have been overlooked by the very community they have served. I think we would do well to recognize, honour, and thank them for their seva.
36: Rosebir Kaur (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada), December 01, 2009, 10:33 PM.
S. FAUJA SINGH gets my vote.
37: Amitoj (U.S.A.), December 02, 2009, 4:35 AM.
S. HARVINDER SINGH PHOOLKA. He epitomizes an important concept of Sikhism - Sava Lakh! He took on the establishment in pursuit of justice and that too almost single-handedly, for those who could not.
38: Dupinder Kaur Sidhu (New Jersey, U.S.A.), December 02, 2009, 11:08 AM.
My vote is for HARVINDER SINGH PHOOLKA. For sure he is most deserving. He stood up for the victims of 1984 alone and never gave up his fight for justice. Sikhs should give him the recognition he deserves.
39: Sanmeet Singh (Bangkok, Thailand), December 02, 2009, 12:07 PM.
S. SARAN SINGH, the current editor of The Sikh Review, remains an unsung hero. His lifework deserves the highest recognition by us. A brief bio: As a senior Indian Administrative Service (I.A.S.) officer through much of his career, he was the man to look up to, in terms of his skills, efficiency, professionalism, integrity, decency and humanity. He worked closely with Mrs. Gandhi as an advisor while she was Prime Minister but publicly chastised her for her crimes in Amritsar - within days after the events, not years later! He has been a major intellectual force in Sikh affairs throughout his life. In retirement, he has shephered The Sikh Review through thick and thin. A perfect gentleman, it is difficult to find a gentler soul or one who lives up better to Sikh ideals. I think it is time to recognize this extraordinary man and THE SIKH REVIEW as well, for it sewa over a substantial swathe of the last century.
40: Tejinder Singh (London, United Kingdom), December 03, 2009, 4:02 PM.
My pick is S. HARVINDER SINGH PHOOLKA, who is fighting for justice against all odds.
41: Mehtab Singh (Kanpur, India), December 03, 2009, 4:10 PM.
I agree with the nomination of S. SARAN SINGH and THE SIKH REVIEW. Aside from his lifelong dedication to the Sikh community: a gentler soul I've yet to meet. A classic GurSikh in the highest meaning of the word! As for THE SIKH REVIEW, it is the longest serving Sikh journal in English - for many of us of the older generation, it has served as a life-line for us through much of our lives.
42: Gurbachan Singh (Amritsar, Punjab), December 03, 2009, 5:10 PM.
Prof. DARSHAN SINGH has lived the life of a sant-sipahi and continues to live it even through the current shenanigans of a few misguided souls. He has created a wealth of discourses for us: materials that will carry us through generations, not unlike the treasure left behind by Maskeen ji. Also, Prof. Sahib has been unwavering in his courage in standing up for Truth, even against extreme adversity. He deserves the highest of honours.
43: Rosie Kaur (Indiana, U.S.A.), December 03, 2009, 5:14 PM.
I am not swayed by any of the critics of Dr. MANMOHAN SINGH. Despite his failings and failures, he is still the Chic Sikh for me. I know that once he retires, stories will come out as to all that he has indeed done for the Sikh community - in addition to all that he has done for an ungrateful India. We Sikhs should not behave like the desis. We need to look at the man, his achievements, his impeccable record ... and have some trust and faith in him. I believe he is the pride of our community, and is worthy of the ChicSikh of the Year designation for 2009!
44: Shivdev Singh (Ludhiana, Punjab), December 06, 2009, 3:53 PM.
I think that it is imperative that we honour Prof. DARSHAN SINGH ji this year, particularly in view of the daring and courage he has shown recently in challenging the mahants who have taken over our affairs in these last few decades. We need to support him all the way, so that others will follow his example until the paandas have been weeded out and the sanctity of our institutions restored.
45: Navtej Singh (Birmingham, United Kingdom), December 07, 2009, 1:16 PM.
Prof. DARSHAN SINGH! He's been a real Sant-Sipahi, openly challenging the mahants that have taken over The Darbar Sahib once again. He's been a true leader of our community at a time when such leaders are direly needed, but scarce. He is the chic-est of Sikhs today!
46: Mehar Singh (Perth, Australia), December 09, 2009, 11:39 AM.
We have to accept the fact that Dr. MANMOHAN SINGH has certain boundaries and limitations. Nevertheless, he has done more for the community than anyone else in sight today. If we do our homework, we'll discover this fact very quickly. I nominate him without the least hesitation.
47: Bishen Singh (Chandigarh, Punjab), December 09, 2009, 12:36 PM.
With Sikh leaders like the ones we have now in Amritsar and Chandigarh, what can Dr. MANMOHAN SINGH do? Democracy works on the stregth of the opposition. So, let's not take away from the achievements of this extraordinary Sardar merely because the rest of the motley crowd has failed us. It's easily Manmohan Singh for me, as the Chic Sikh of 2009!
48: Dharamveer Singh (Mumbai, India), December 15, 2009, 4:10 AM.
I nominate S. HARVINDER SINGH PHOOLKA for his priceless service to the Sikhs. He is a person who, unlike many of us, does not express his anger towards 1984 but has put his life and career at stake to help the victims of the Indian Govt. sponsored holocaust.
49: I.J. Singh (New York, U.S.A.), December 15, 2009, 9:19 AM.
I know that there are many deserving of such an honour and more than a few have been nominated by readers but I suggest that it is time to recognize THE SIKH REVIEW and its longstanding editor, S. SARAN SINGH. Beyond the obvious reason that it is the longest continuously published periodical on Sikhs and Sikhism in the world, one must note that S. Saran Singh has steered it through the bad times of 1984 and the subsequent decade. The political pressures on it from both sides - but primarily the Indian Government then - threatened its very existence. It has always defined a message of enlightened Sikhi with a broad view of our religion while holding true to our traditions and Sikh values. In my extensive conversations with Sikhs in the diaspora, I find that the young explore Sikhi on the Internet and now increasingly via sikhchic.com; the generations of their parents finds The Sikh Review its lifeline. It has become the connecting line between the generations. I know that I am identified with both The Sikh Review and sikhchic.com but, I hope, that this lends my bias some significance. The Sikh Review is now more than a monthly journal. It is an institution and institutions deserve support, acknowledgment and nurturing.
50: Ravinder Singh Taneja (Westerville, Ohio, U.S.A.), December 15, 2009, 7:23 PM.
THE SIKH REVIEW. To be honest, I had not thought about the Review until the appearance of S. Saran Singh's article on sikhchic.com. Then it occurred to me that The Review has been a ubiquitous presence in Sikh households - appearing quietly and unfailingly for over fifty years, yet quiet and humble - reflecting its editor. A true labor of love.
51: Charanjit Kaur (U.S.A.), December 15, 2009, 8:04 PM.
I nominate two courageous men - Sardar HARVINDER SINGH PHOOLKA and PROF. DARSHAN SINGH. They have stood up to tyranny and injustice and have been a beacon of hope and light to Sikhs all over the world. Gentlemen, I salute you! You make me proud to be Sikh.
52: Sukhjinder Singh (Bangkok, Thailand), December 16, 2009, 1:36 PM.
I believe S. HARVINDER SINGH PHOOLKA is most deserving.
53: Parvinder Singh Arora (Alpharetta), December 17, 2009, 12:22 AM.
HARVINDER SINGH PHOOLKA it is for me, for his dedicated and committed service for the 1984 genocide victims and the Gyan Sewa trust. He deserves it.
54: J. Mathias (Mumbai, India), December 19, 2009, 9:01 AM.
How could it be anyone else but Dr. MANMOHAN SINGH this year? He has put Sikhs and India on the front-stage of the world, and has done it with impeccable class, aplomb and integrity. Here is a man! When comes another? ... in politics, that is.
55: Gurteg Singh (New York, U.S.A.), December 19, 2009, 4:26 PM.
We all appreciate H.S. Phoolka's zeal to get justice for the 1984 massacre victims and his steadfastness in the face of threats from criminals. I can understand the reason why many nominated him on this forum. However I find it naive that for 25 years, we continued to be part of a charade of so called commissions when it was more than perfectly clear that the whole system was designed just to pass time and side-step the real issue of punishing the well-known and well-recognized criminals. Our participation may have produced some kind of a record for future generations but it gave very effective cover to the Indian Government in creating an illusion of giving so called justice to Sikhs. I also find it disturbing that Sikhs fighting for the 1984 victims never blamed the real master minds behind the pogroms, namely, Rajiv Gandhi and his cousin Arun Nehru or called them to testify before any of these phony commissions.
56: Harman Singh (Philadelphia, U.S.A.), December 19, 2009, 9:30 PM.
Several well deserved names come to mind. I would like to nominate these three: HARINDER SINGH of SikhRI, H.S PHOOLKA, and Dr. MANMOHAN SINGH. Each epitomizes the concept of service, seva, in his unique contribution to Sikhi.
57: Bikramjit Singh (U.S.A.), December 19, 2009, 10:15 PM.
Prof. DARSAHAN SINGH, who is an institution in himself and always stood for truth.
58: R. Singh (Canada), December 20, 2009, 12:16 AM.
Prof. DARSHAN SINGH is my choice. Not many have shown the guts to take on the flak of the uninformed, and the organized promoters of anti-Sikh philosophies as he has.
59: Gurjender Singh (Maryland, U.S.A.), December 20, 2009, 1:28 PM.
Prof. DARSHAN SINGH ji is my choice. During the Tercentenary Guru Granth Sahib GurGaddi divas, he is the only one who had the courage to take on the management of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib and its granthis, by reminding them that Guru Gobind Singh had passed on the Guruship solely to The Guru Granth Sahib, and therefore the Dasam Granth could not be given the same status in any way.
60: Harpreet Singh (Canada), December 20, 2009, 1:56 PM.
A suggestion: I think we should have an individual nomination category as well as an organization/ team nomination. Contributions are required at both levels to make difference to our society. Organizations equally deserve recognition. For an Individual: - Dr. MANMOHAN SINGH - the Prime Minister of India. He has achieved international recognition for Sikhs. He has managed to lead a country, where today, honesty, integrity and proper qualifications often don't go that far - and he has excelled in each of those qualities personally. He is one of the very few leaders to whom people worldwide actually "listen" when he speaks. For an Organization/ Team: THE GURU GOBIND SINGH CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION of Canada, for a great team-effort to get our children and youth together for a noble cause. A framework has been established for ongoing work, rather than a onetime event.
61: P.S. Bains (U.S.A.), December 20, 2009, 2:19 PM.
I nominate Sardar JAGMOHAN SINGH of the WORLD SIKH NEWS for providing truthful coverage of the Punjab and Sikh issues; for having the courage and integrity not to whitewash the news to make it more palatable to the diaspora.
62: Dr. Birinder Singh Ahluwalia (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), December 20, 2009, 3:22 PM.
I believe Dr. MANMOHAN SINGH deserves the honour of being designated the Chic Sikh the Year 2009 for a multitude of reasons extremely well known to all of us. I also avail this opportunity to wish all readers of sikhchic.com a Merry X-mas and a Happy New Year - a safe and fun-filled holiday season.
63: Bakhsish Singh (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), December 20, 2009, 9:54 PM.
I nominate Prof. DARSHAN SINGH. He is the only one who has stood tough against all odds in recent times. He had the guts to stand against the Indian Govt. after 1984, giving us the right direction. Now, in this moment when the Guruship of The Guru Granth Sahib is being challenged by some people by doing parkash of the Dasam Granth and other granths at par with The Guru Granth, he has been the loudest voice against this wrong. Without the Guru Granth, there will be no identity of the Sikhs. So, Prof. Darshan Singh is my choice.
64: Manjeet Singh (Damoh, India), December 20, 2009, 10:52 PM.
I nominate S. H.S. PHOOLKA because he is fighting alone for the justice for the 84's pogrom victims in very adverse conditions in India, where neither the ruling govt. nor the opposition wants to give justice to us. They just want Sikhs to forget the genocide.
65: Panjab House (Berkeley, California, U.S.A.), December 21, 2009, 7:14 AM.
The JAKARA MOVEMENT. Over the past year, Jakara has demonstrated the capabilities and potentials that harnessing the voices of Sikh youth can have. From holding conferences and film festivals, to working with gurdwaras throughout California, to mobilizing the diaspora to vote for Sikh groups through the ChaseBank/ Facebook nonprofit initiative, the group shows the exciting potential that a mobilizing global panth can have.
66: Mukesh Singh (Delhi, India), December 21, 2009, 1:47 PM.
I believe Retired Judge AJIT SINGH BAINS deserves to be thus recognized since he has spoken up against human rights violations in the Punjab. As a community, we need to honour those that have helped us and not those who have hindered us.
67: K. Singh (Boston, MA, U.S.A.), December 21, 2009, 5:03 PM.
If we can vote for non-Sikhs, can I put in a nomination for RAM NARAYAN KUMAR ... May he rest in peace. He did so much for the Panth and the victims of 1984. Also, I would like to vote for, collectively, the WIDOWS & FAMILIES OF 1984 who not only lost their families in the 1984 pogroms, but more of their families in the aftermath as well ... their tragedies continue even today!
68: Maninder Singh (Canada), December 21, 2009, 11:59 PM.
I nominate THE SIKH REVIEW and S. JARNAIL SINGH as the Chic Sikhs of 2009.
69: Hardeep Gill (U.K.), December 22, 2009, 10:47 AM.
Documentary-maker and British TV journalist JAY SINGH-SOHAL, for his award-winning documentary "Turbanology", for being a turbanned Sikh on TV news in the UK and for his work in promoting Sikhs and Sikh issues on British TV.
70: Navi (U.S.A.), December 22, 2009, 4:46 PM.
The readers of sikhchic.com have nominated some outstanding Sikhs from around the world for their vision and tireless efforts for the sake of our community. These nominees are some of the pillars of our community and because of them we stand a bit taller, a bit stronger. I would however ask the committee this year to consider honoring the strength and conviction of EACH AND EVERY GURU KA SIKH who has retained his/her identity today in the face of ridicule, discrimination and, even worse, atrocities. Each one of these Sikhs has continued to find the strength and conviction from within himself/herself everyday to carry the traditions and tenets of Sikhi. It is this alive Sikh spirit at an individual level, brick by brick, that is the real foundation of our community. Each one of the Guru ka Sikhs is a worthy ambassador of Sikhism. I nominate these 'GURU DE SIKH' as the ChicSikhs of 2009.
71: Felicia K. Jodhka (U.S.A.), December 23, 2009, 12:57 AM.
For the ChicSikh of 2009, I nominate Bhai TAJVINDER SINGH, Hazuri Raagi, Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar. Born, raised, and educated in California, Bhai Tajvinder Singh followed his love for kirtan and his Guru to Punjab to live his dream. He is now the first and only American-born Citizen to take the position of Hazuri Ragi at the Golden Temple. He was awarded the Sikh Gaurav/ Pride Award at the 2009 Mr. Singh International Contest for excellence in upholding Sikh principles and ideals. As an American-born Sikh, he has experienced many obstacles and hurdles both professionally and personally in India, but his love for the Guru's Darbar and kirtan continues to provide him with the faith and sustenance to blossom into an amazing musician with a voice of gold. Visit bhaitajvindersingh.com or search him on facebook to learn more!
72: B. Singh (Branson, MO, U.S.A.), December 23, 2009, 2:11 PM.
Uncle Sam wants YOU to be the Chic-est Sikh of the Year!
73: Sarabjit Singh (Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.), December 23, 2009, 3:52 PM.
Prof. DARSHAN SINGH has the guts to stand up to the errant establishment. I believe the Takht jatherdars should be selected by the world Sikh sangat and not by the puppets of a political party. It is unfortunate they couldn't come out in the open to hear the discussion and wanted a secret meeting. What are they afraid of? Sikhism is about Truth and Love and these cannot be hidden.
74: IGS (Anahiem Hills, California, U.S.A.), December 24, 2009, 8:14 AM.
MANTEJ SINGH RAJPAL. He is the inspiration behind the Kenneth Cole Sikh ad campaign.
75: Pardeep Singh (Canada), December 24, 2009, 3:14 PM.
SIKHCESS should be the Chic Sikh of the Year hands down. It is international in scope and local in practice. As of December 24, 2009, it has handed out over 156,400 meals to the homeless and shelters. The Toronto chapter alone has handed out over 5000 since Jan 1 2009. This is the ultimate example of seva!
76: Manjyot Kaur (New York, U.S.A.), December 24, 2009, 6:11 PM.
My vote goes to THE SIKH REVIEW and its distinguished helmsman, S. SARAN SINGH. The Chic Sikh of the Year award would be an immensely deserved recognition of this journal's more than half-century-long sewa of providing well-balanced, insightful and timely articles that illuminate the teachings and values of Sikhi in a meaningful and inspiring way. The most venerable of all English-language Sikh periodicals, it has fully retained its relevance and high standards over the years and is consistently used as scholarly source material worldwide.
77: Harjeet Kaur (Switzerland), December 24, 2009, 6:50 PM.
I nominate the man who name - 25 years after his death - still strikes fear into the hearts of the Indian government, the man who 25 years later many in the Sikh diaspora are nervous about saying his name - Sant JARNAIL SINGH BHINDERANWALE!
78: Gurinder Singh (California, U.S.A.), December 25, 2009, 1:20 PM.
I endorse the name of S. HARVINDER SINGH PHOOLKA for standing up to support the victims of the Indian Government's atrocities.
79: Brijinder Singh (New York, U.S.A.), December 25, 2009, 1:27 PM.
S. JARNAIL SINGH for his fight to bring those responsible for the 1984 pogroms to justice.
80: Kanwar Nijjer (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada), December 25, 2009, 2:53 PM.
I would like to nominate The SIKH COALITION. They have done a great job. They have educated Americans about Sikhs, and have fought vigorously for Sikh soldiers to be accepted in the U.S. Army.
81: Bikram singh (California, U.S.A.), December 25, 2009, 3:23 PM.
HARVINDER SINGH PHOOLKA is my candidate for this honour.
82: Arvi (Fremont, California, U.S.A.), December 25, 2009, 7:56 PM.
Of course, Dr. MANMOHAN SINGH! He's not only the Chic Sikh for the Year 2009, but for the whole decade! Not only has he represented the entire Sikh community on the woprld stage, he has actually made a place for Sikhs in so-called developed countries like U.S.A., etc. His contribution is that it is now a fact that the largest 'democracy' on this planet is headed by a Sikh who is, at the same time, honest, humble, ideally-qualified for the job, and of impeccable and unquestioned integrity. May God bless him with a long life and good health.
83: Harmanjot Kaur ( Windsor, New Jersey, U.S.A.), December 26, 2009, 7:53 PM.
I believe DR. MANMOHAN SINGH is the one who truly deserves it. He has represented Sikhs everywhere and I think that's the type of person that we want to be named ChicSikh 2009!
84: S. Singh (California, United States), December 26, 2009, 8:14 PM.
I nominate Bhai TAJVINDER SINGH who, at the age of 21, became the first American-born and American-raised Sikh to become hazuri raagi at Darbar Sahib, Amritsar. I nominate him for his sincere devotion to shabad kirtan and to his Guru. He is a role model for Sikh youth around the world.
85: Bikram Singh Mann (U.S.A), December 27, 2009, 12:50 AM.
I believe Sardar HARVINDER SINGH PHOOLKA is most deserving. He has fought tirelessly for the rights of the victims of the November 1984 pogroms. He has not given up the struggle despite his life being threatened. He and his wife gave up the opportunity to move to the U.S. so that he could carry on working for the victims!