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Who'll Be The Chic Sikh Of The Year 2011?

EDITOR

 

 

Dear Readers:

Please name your choice of a man, woman, child, group, institution or corporation - Sikh or non-Sikh -  who you feel deserves to be named THE CHIC SIKH OF THE YEAR 2011.

This year has been a notable one with so many women and men, individually and collectively, who have made a positive 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 anyone who has best exemplified those ideals within his, her or its field of endeavour, during the course of this year.

Please place your selection below in the COMMENT section, along with your reasons why you are nominating or voting for the person or entity you've named.

Any person or entity from any part of the world may be named.

The deadline for all nominations is strictly 9.00 pm (Toronto, Canada, time), Monday, December 26, 2011.

All nominations will be posted on sikhchic.com.

The name of the Winner (who will be selected by a panel of judges already appointed for the purpose) will be announced on January 1, 2012 on sikhchic.com and other media.

The list of past winners includes - Harvinder Singh Phoolka (Human Rights Advocate), Jarnail Singh ('The Lion of Delhi'), Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, SALDEF, Saran Singh (Editor, The Sikh Review),The Sikh Coalition and Unted Sikhs.

 

We look forward to your participation.

Editor

 

P.S. No one on the staff or any of the boards that shape and guide sikhchic.com is eligible.

 

 

November 3, 2011 

Conversation about this article

1: Param Kaur (Mumbai, India), November 03, 2011, 5:40 AM.

No one has exemplified Sikh values better than Sardar FAUJA SINGH during the course of this year. And while doing so, he's been our best ambassador ... and our lighthouse too! I have the pleasure of nominating him as The Chic Sikh of the Year 2011.

2: Gaganpal Singh (Kenya), November 03, 2011, 5:57 AM.

For me, it's KHUSHWANT SINGH, hands down. He's dominated India's world of letters as a giant, while being our wonderful, personable yet forthright, humorous yet insightful, inspiring yet entertaining lead-man around the world in so many ways.

3: Sangat Singh (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), November 03, 2011, 6:06 AM.

It is FAUJA SINGH indeed who stands the tallest and yet keeps his feet on the ground in utter humility. "Kaho naanak sb tayree vadi-aa-ee ko-ee naa-o-na jaanai mayraa" [GGS:383.12] - "Sayeth Nanak, this is all Your greatness; no one even knows my name."

4: Karan Singh (United Kingdom), November 03, 2011, 8:15 AM.

FAUJA SINGH without a doubt. I know of dozens of kids that would love to meet him ... he is without doubt a hero for all!

5: Ravinder Singh (Westerville, Ohio, U.S.A.), November 03, 2011, 8:59 AM.

Without doubt, FAUJA SINGH.

6: Gurmeet Kaur (Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.), November 03, 2011, 9:15 AM.

2011 should be remembered as the Year of the 100-Year-Young FAUJA SINGH. His paramount accomplishment? Going "where no man has gone before"!

7: Ramjas Kaur (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada), November 03, 2011, 9:23 AM.

Lt. Col. HARJIT SINGH SAJJAN is a sant-sipahi. For years he has served as a soldier in the hot-spots of the world. But this year he made us all proud when he took over as Commanding Officer of a British Columbia Regiment. Role models don't come any better.

8: Mangat Singh (Wolverhampton, United Kingdom), November 03, 2011, 9:45 AM.

Sardarni PRAKASH KAUR of Jalandhar, Punjab. She is mother to 60 children - girls! - who were abandoned by a society plagued by the curse of female foeticide. She has brought up the children from infancy to adulthood with the unqualified love that only a true mother can give. It's seva like no other seva! She deserves this honour.

9: Harpreet Singh (Delhi, India), November 03, 2011, 10:15 AM.

All Sikhs named above deserve it. Can you make separate categories, viz. Sports, Sewa, etc. I recommend the name of Bibi NIRPREET KAUR for the award due to her courage and honesty. [EDITOR: Please tell us more about her.]

10: I. Singh (Chelmsford, MA, U.S.A.), November 03, 2011, 10:49 AM.

Hands down - Sardar FAUJA SINGH - for inspiring Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike. In addition to The Chic Sikh of the Year, I also nominate him for "Best Dressed Bazurg (Senior) Sikh" of the year - because of his carefully coordinated and immaculate suite, shirt, tie, turban, shoes combo. :-)

11: Jagdish Pandey (Kanpur, India), November 03, 2011, 12:47 PM.

The late JAGJIT SINGH, the singer. He brought so much joy into our lives through his songs. At the very pinnacle of his industry, he remained humble and accessible to the end, giving himself liberally to all language and religious groups.

12: Waryam Singh (Midlands, United Kingdom), November 03, 2011, 12:52 PM.

Lord INDARJIT SINGH of Wimbledon, the new inductee into Britain's House of Lords. After a lifetime of seva to the community, he has shattered new barriers and now sits, still a pioneer, in the highest echelons of decision-making in the United Kingdom.

13: Mahanjot Sodhi (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada), November 03, 2011, 1:16 PM.

FAUJA SINGH! He's a role model for the world. He has brought glory to the Sikh nation as a whole. He'll go down in history books as the only man to have completed a full marathon at the age of 100 years!

14: Harpreet Singh (Delhi, India), November 03, 2011, 1:32 PM.

NIRPREET KAUR is the brave daughter of a great Gursikh, Nirmal Singh, who was killed in the 1984 anti-Sikh pogroms in outer Delhi. She is to this day bravely fighting cases against the powerful politicians involved in the massacres. There was am item on her on sikhchic.com a few months ago when she was offered a heavy bribe to remain silent, which she promptly refused.

15: Rupinderjit Singh (Sacramento, California, U.S.A.), November 03, 2011, 2:01 PM.

I second the nomination for PRAKASH KAUR. Would be nice to see a woman get this honour, and she deserves it.

16: Baldev Singh (Bradford, United Kingdom), November 03, 2011, 4:46 PM.

We have a tough job this year! Like buses that appear to drive around in convoys, Sikhs have turned up in droves on the world stage this year! But the extraordinary exploits and super-human qualities of FAUJA SINGH are an inspiration to all of humanity. So, with all due respect to the other fantastic contenders, FAUJA SINGH is the 'super' Chic Sikh of this year!

17: N. Singh (Canada), November 03, 2011, 5:08 PM.

Would the panel consider a male and female category? For the male category, I nominate Sardar FAUJA SINGH for all the reasons outlined in S. T. Sher Singh's excellent article on him. For the female category, I would like to nominate Bibi PARKASH KAUR. However, I would like to hear more about Bibi NIRPREET KAUR. Anybody who has the courage to stand up to India's corrupt regime gets my vote hands down!

18: Balbir Singh (New York, U.S.A.), November 03, 2011, 10:14 PM.

It is worthy of note in this context that in the just released Forbes' List of the World's Most Powerful People, India's 79-year-old Sikh Prime Minister, Dr. MANMOHAN SINGH is listed as the 19th most powerful person in the world! I would think that should make him a candidate - again! - for the Chic Sikh of this Year!

19: Khushwant Singh [Chandigarh] (Punjab), November 04, 2011, 2:02 AM.

FAUJA SINGH.

20: Manjeet Shergill (Singapore), November 04, 2011, 2:26 AM.

FAUJA SINGH.

21: Harpreet Singh (Shillong / Bareilly, India), November 04, 2011, 2:54 AM.

Lt. Col. HARJIT SINGH SAJJAN, who now commands a Canadian regiment in British Columbia.

22: Harpreet Singh (Shillong / Bareilly, India), November 04, 2011, 2:56 AM.

RAJPAL SINGH, the former captain of the Indian Hockey Team and current player! He has been a great role model.

23: Ajeet Singh (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), November 04, 2011, 3:27 AM.

Sardar FAUJA SINGH gets my vote. He truly is an inspiration; not only does he set his sight on finishing the race but also takes it a step further by trying to break records. Global brands endorse him, and I feel we should too.

24: Avninder Singh Cheema (Chandigarh, Punjab), November 04, 2011, 5:44 AM.

There are a number of worthy personalities including (in no paticular order): 1) S.P. SINGH OBEROI - Dubai based hotelier who helped the release of 17 youths on death penalty. 2) FAUJA SINGH - at 100, covering 42 km in 8 hrs. 3) BALBIR SINGH SEECHEWAL - for his eco-friendly activities in Punjab. 4) HARDEEP SINGH PURI - Ambassador to the United Nations. 5) KHUSHWANT SINGH - Writer/ Journalist/ Historian. These are just a few names ...

25: Kanwal Prakash Singh (Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A.), November 04, 2011, 8:20 AM.

Sardar FAUJA SINGH stands in a class by himself. Young giants like him come once in generations. He is a 'sucha moti' - his grace and humility shine across cultures and communities. He inspires millions, not by just his landmark marathon accomplishment, but by placing before us the challenge of competing and excelling in the Holla Mohallas of our times, in every field and honorable pursuit. This 'lukh hazari' represents something that makes the Sikh Nation and the world community so proud. Fauja Singh is not a preacher but an extraordinary teacher by example. How amazing is it that in a world that is so incredibly at cross-purposes and at war with itself and other fellow beings, this Sardar, like a soldier and a saint carries each of us on his young shoulders and leads us to see the world as a place to make a difference; follow worthy footprints and leave our own in new fields and at the once unimagined crossroads. Sardar Fauja Singh radiates light, hope and age-old wisdom that gently jolts our spirit that we too must dare to attempt and triumph over the impossible.

26: T. Sher Singh (Mount Forest, Ontario, Canada), November 04, 2011, 11:56 AM.

I would like to nominate Capt. Sardar KANWAR HARBHAJAN SINGH - more popularly known as just "Papa". He spent much of his life, right into his final days, doing relentless seva in tending to our young ones the world over through his legendary IIGS youth camps. A man steeped in humility and exemplary selflessness, he gave his all to educating the young. Countless men and women across the diaspora, no longer young but now with children of their own, owe their love and passion for Sikhi to him. When he passed away early this year, he left behind a legacy which will bear fruit in bumper crops for a long time to come.

27: Harpreet Singh (Delhi, India), November 04, 2011, 1:13 PM.

I also wish to add the name of a young gursikh engineer, MANVINDER SINGH, of village Giaspur, P.O. Dhandari Kalan, District Ludhiana, Punjab, who earlier this year brought to light the 1984 massacre of all the Sikhs of Village Hondh Chhiller in Haryana. He was fired from his steady job by his Hindu employers, his home was attacked, his children were ejected from their schools, he has no money left for starting a business, no reasonable job being offered to him. All of this because he felt the pain for the Sikhs who were murdered, and bravely chose to speak out at a high personal cost. Based on his testimony, mass graves were unearthed in the area.

28: Gurbir Singh (New York, U.S.A.), November 04, 2011, 4:41 PM.

FAUJA SINGH

29: Gurinder Singh (Stockton, California, U.S.A.), November 04, 2011, 4:41 PM.

FAUJA SINGH is my choice.

30: M..Kaur (New York, U.S.A.), November 04, 2011, 5:37 PM.

S. FAUJA SINGH gets my vote. He's a rarity that comes along once in a lifetime and we are so fortunate he's one of us, yet a true global citizen.

31: Arvinder (U.S.A.), November 04, 2011, 7:03 PM.

Undoubtedly, PRAKASH KAUR ji for taking take care of so many daughters in today's world when it is so hard and sternuous to take care of one child. Hats off to this strong and noble soul; I would love to see her on the top of the list.

32: Harvinder Singh (London, United Kingdom), November 04, 2011, 8:34 PM.

Another name to consider: recently appointed as a High Court Judge in England - Judge RABINDER SINGH.

33: J.S.Sodhi (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), November 05, 2011, 11:45 PM.

The Chic Sikh of 2011 must be the 100 yr-old runner FAUJA SINGH, who brought glory to our nation at an international level. My vote is for him!

34: Gurbux Singh (Chatsworth,Calfifornia, U.S.A.), November 06, 2011, 1:31 AM.

Without a doubt Sardar KANWAR HARBHAJAN SINGH of IIGS gets my vote. Just look at the selfless seva of Papa for the Sikh Panth.

35: R. Singh (Canada), November 06, 2011, 7:18 PM.

NIRPREET KAUR ... for bravely fighting Goliath with bare hands.

36: Trilochan Singh (Palo Alto, California, U.S.A.), November 07, 2011, 12:03 PM.

NIRPREET KAUR for courage and bravery.

37: Harpreet Singh (Delhi, India), November 07, 2011, 12:16 PM.

I also wish to nominate Sardarni JAGDISH KAUR (daughter of a freedom fighter for India's independence). Her husband, son and three brothers were killed in Delhi in the 1984 genocide. She is also very bravely fighting the cases against the mass murderers. I am just now listening to her interview on PTC NEWS - STRAIGHT TALK. Really, how bravely she has faced and is facing these murderers and their battery of lawyers who are trying to confuse her during her cross examination. Both these Sardarnis - NIRPREET KAUR and JAGDISH KAUR - are shining examples of the true Khalsa!

38: N. Singh (Canada), November 07, 2011, 3:04 PM.

I second the vote for both Sardarnis, NIRPREET KAUR and JAGDISH KAUR. They remind me of Mai Bhago for they are fighting the battle when others have moved on ... may Waheguru bless them both.

39: Kirpal Singh (Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.A.), November 09, 2011, 11:16 AM.

My votes are for: FAUJA SINGH ji of the United Kingdom; Lt. Col. HARJIT SINGH SAJJAN of Canada; and Capt. TEJDEEP SINGH RATTAN of the U.S. Army.

40: Parvin Singh  (California, U.S.A.), November 09, 2011, 11:41 AM.

Sardarni PRAKASH KAUR of Jalandhar.

41: Aman (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), November 09, 2011, 2:47 PM.

It should be FAUJA SINGH. Without a doubt.

42: Bibek Singh (Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.A.), November 09, 2011, 3:16 PM.

I second the vote for MANVINDER SINGH, who earlier this year so courageously brought to light the 1984 massacre of the Sikhs of Village Hondh Chhiller in Haryana, India.

43: S. Kaur (Sydney, Australia), November 10, 2011, 3:33 AM.

Mother Hope: PRAKASH KAUR

44: Rajinder Singh Chahal (Nottingham, United Kingdom), November 11, 2011, 6:02 AM.

FAUJA SINGH. There are many deserving nominees but this year he became the oldest person to complete a FULL 26.2 mile marathon at the age of 100 years!

45: Tej (Londion, United Kingdom), November 11, 2011, 9:12 AM.

JAGJIT SINGH brought joy and happiness to millions through his music - he is a deserving nominee for The Chic Sikh of 2011.

46: Iknoor Singh (Queens, New York, U.S.A.), November 11, 2011, 7:33 PM.

I vote for Sardar FAUJA SINGH ji.

47: Kawaljeet Kaur (Kew Gardens, New York, U.S.A.), November 11, 2011, 7:37 PM.

I vote for S. FAUJA SINGH.

48: Tarika Kaur (Old Bethpage, New York, U.S.A.), November 11, 2011, 7:39 PM.

I vote for Sardar FAUJA SINGH ji.

49: Roop Dhillon (Regate, United Kingdom), November 13, 2011, 4:11 PM.

Two words ... SINGH, FAUJA.

50: Manperet Singh (San Francisco, California, U.S.A.), November 14, 2011, 3:43 PM.

FAUJA SINGH. He has shown that his will is greater than anything. He has proved "Nothing is Impossible". A true inspiration for all.

51: Jot (U.S.A.), November 14, 2011, 5:00 PM.

FAUJA SINGH ... I don't need to elaborate on my choice because everyone who hears his name will automatically know him!

52: Ravinder Singh  (Mumbai, India), November 15, 2011, 9:14 AM.

I vote for MANVINDER SINGH who earlier this year so courageously brought to light the 1984 massacre of the Sikhs of Village Hondh Chhiller in Haryana, India.

53: Lakhvir Singh Khalsa (Nairobi, Kenya), November 16, 2011, 12:36 AM.

FAUJA SINGH. for a 100+ reasons.

54: Gurbir Kaur (United Kingdom), November 16, 2011, 1:18 AM.

I vote for S. MANMOHAN SINGH ji who has been the best Prime Minister India has ever had.

55: Sahib Singh (Fremont, California, U.S.A), November 17, 2011, 9:33 AM.

My choice for The Chic Sikh of 2011 is a bit long as it pertains to Sikhs in different categories. First, it should be FAUJA SINGH in the category of sports. Next, it should be Lt. Col. HARJIT SINGH SAJJAN in the category of Defense Services. Next, Giani KULWINDER SINGH in the category of Religious Service and for also having the guts and moral consciousness to speak out against wrong and anti-Sikh practices. Lastly, I would like to nominate Giani SARBJIT SINGH GOBINDPURI.

56: Daljit Singh (Surrey, British Columbia, Canada), November 17, 2011, 4:37 PM.

NIRPREET KAUR.

57: Harpreet Singh (Delhi, India), November 25, 2011, 6:58 AM.

S. NANAK SINGH NISHTAR, a seventy five year old young Sikh in Hyderabad, is a great Sikh doing great service, like distributing free literature, even substantial books, as also helping to empower deprived Sikligar Sikhs, etc. I nominate him for the Chic Sikh of the Year. We can learn a lot from such Sikhs.

58: S.J. (Delhi, India), November 28, 2011, 8:02 AM.

I think for 2011, it should be FAUJA SINGH. He is irreplaceable.

59: Harjit Dhaliwal (London, United Kingdom), November 29, 2011, 1:31 PM.

Sardar GURMUKH SINGH of the United Kingdom has been an outstanding Sikh personality and community mentor for many decades. He was the first turban wearing senior civil servant to sit in trade talks for the United Kingdom at Geneva in the mid-eighties.

60: Amrik Singh Ahdan (Heston, United Kingdom), November 30, 2011, 4:28 PM.

Sardar GURMUKH SINGH of United Kingdom. And his brother, S. DYA SINGH, who has enthralled the world with his kirtan.

61: Satwant Singh Gill (San Jose, California, U.S.A.), November 30, 2011, 6:09 PM.

SARDAR GURMUKH SINGH's mention reminds us of his much celebrated younger brother, Sardar DYA SINGH of Australia. He has dazzled thousands around the world with his unique gurbani kirtan which attracts the younger generation and other communities as well. Sikh awards should recognise Sikh pioneers and sustained community service in different fields. His CDs make for easy listening and better understanding of gurbani and he has been a huge inspiration to the younger generation like myself and a big reason why we are taking a renewed interest in gurbani kirtan.

62: Annu Mahal (Pleasanton, California, U.S.A.), December 01, 2011, 11:34 PM.

I agree with Satwant Singh. I have listened to Dya Singh perform several times when he was in the U.S.A. and he is a true inspiration. The only Kirtan CD's my 16 year old son listens to are those of Dya Singh. My choice is Sardar DYA SINGH.

63: Harpreet Singh (Delhi, India), December 04, 2011, 12:32 PM.

I have never known many of the Sikhs recommended above by the readers. Is it possible for you to publish their seva or achievements so that we can know about such great Sikhs. [EDITOR: If you do a SEARCH on each name on sikhchic.com, you'll find a story or more on almost all of them.]

64: Harpreet Singh (Delh, India), December 05, 2011, 8:35 AM.

It is really so refreshing to know that some of us somewhere, even without much support from the community or institutions, are doing great service for Sikhi and all of humanity. I think governmental and non-governmental agencies the world over should support such work and reward such persons. We must make sure he and his work in the field of preserving and conserving our history and heritage gets proper recognition and honour worldwide. I therefore nominate S. DAVINDERPAL SINGH for the Chic Sikh of the Year.

65: Mahinder Singh Olikh (London, United Kingdom), December 05, 2011, 9:54 AM.

For my vote it would be DYA SINGH, the music genius of Australia, for promoting Sikh culture across the globe and bringing Sikhs and non-Sikhs to appreciate the Word.

66: Menjit Singh (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), December 05, 2011, 4:30 PM.

Sardar DYA SINGH of Australia, who has taken gurbani kirtan to the world, has my vote, while I appreciate the outstanding contribution of his elder brother S. GURMUKH SINGH of United Kingdom, as a pioneer and community mover.

67: Ranjit Singh Sidhu (Ipoh, Malaysia), December 06, 2011, 4:10 AM.

My vote is for DYA SINGH of Melbourne for his contribution to kirtan and involving [especially] our young generation.

68: Tanu Singh (London, United Kingdom), December 06, 2011, 5:27 AM.

DYA SINGH: through him my Ipod has turned into a Dyapod! His kirtan is inspirational and will be the way that the next generation of Sikhs relate to our Gurus!

69: Kavita Kaur (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), December 06, 2011, 5:57 AM.

My vote is for Sardar DYA SINGH of Australia. He has truly introduced the Sikh religion and gurbani kirtan not only to non-Sikhs worldwide but he has truly inspired and touch the Sikh youth and encourage them to truly embrace and appreciate our Sikh history, the beauty and meaning behind our gurbani, to stand tall and proud to be Sikhs. Apart from that, he also spread the beautiful language of music via incorporating different music instruments and the harmony between many musicians from different nationalities into his gurbani kirtan.

70: Gurmit Singh (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), December 06, 2011, 6:08 AM.

Sardar DYA SINGH has my vote. His unique style in kirtan, by combining the important message behind gurbani with modern music, has truly captured me and friends during our fellowship camp days and even today I have both my nieces learning and memorizing the Sikh alphabet and Mool Mantar just by listening to Dya Singh's CD. The youth are our future. As they say "We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future."

71: Iqbal Tivey (Australia), December 07, 2011, 7:24 AM.

DYA SINGH! For his beautiful and unique kirtan ... A true inspiration!

72: Reena Kaur (United Kingdom), December 07, 2011, 4:26 PM.

We are blessed with so many inspirational icons. My vote goes to DYA SINGH ji of Australia for making our gurbani easily accessible to the younger generation with his unique style of music.

73: Ravi (United Kingdom.), December 09, 2011, 12:42 AM.

Without doubt, FAUJA SINGH.

74: Saahiel Kaur (Melbourne, Australia), December 09, 2011, 12:52 AM.

My Nana ji, S. DYA SINGH ji, is my hero. Thousands of people listen to his music. At all the sammelans and even at all the schools around Australia where he gives talks on Sikhi, all the kids call him Nana. But I am the luckiest in the world, because he is mine. I listen to his music everyday. He also teaches me about being a good Sikh, being a good person. Nana, you're the best. I vote for DYA SINGH.

75: Pinky Seyan (England), December 09, 2011, 3:49 AM.

I vote for DYA SINGH ji who is my link to Waheguru. Listening to him the first time years ago made me stronger and closer to Waheguru.

76: Maninder Kaur Sagoo (Upminster, United Kingdom), December 09, 2011, 5:41 PM.

We really are blessed with many inspirational icons in the Sikh Faith. My vote has to go to DYA SINGH ji for his wonderfully musical and creative abilities that have laid true and strong foundations for all the young Sikhs worldwide, encouraging us to embrace and appreciate the message of the Gurus with pride and passion. We cannot thank him enough!

77: Kashmir Singh (United Kingdom), December 11, 2011, 4:06 AM.

Sardar GURMUKH SINGH of the United Kingdom should get this award. He worked for the U.K. Government at the Dept. of Trade and Industry, and led U.K. delegationa at European forums and the World Trade Organization. He has also helped many Sikh organizations, Members of Parliament, and others, on Sikh policy matters in the U.K. and around the world. In 2001 he was honoured in Canada with the Sirdar Kapur Singh Award for his scholarly interpretations of Sikh philosophy.

78: Satwant Singh Calais (Sydney, Australia), December 11, 2011, 5:22 AM.

I support DYA SINGH, the great international musician who connects with our youth with a brilliant blend of Australian indigenous and ethnic music into his kirtan compositions. Totally universal ... as prescribed by our Gurus.

79: Jaswant Kaur (Canada), December 11, 2011, 3:53 PM.

In a few words, Sardar FAUJA SINGH.

80: Ajmer Singh Gill (Sydney, Australia), December 12, 2011, 4:16 AM.

I name DYA SINGH as the one who has brought Sikhi and kirtan to not only Sikh youth across the world but also to non-Sikhs who now understand and appreciate who Sikhs are, as a direct result of his lifetime dedication to the cause of Sikhi - a most marvelous effort.

81: Gurmeet Singh (Delhi, India.), December 13, 2011, 1:05 PM.

I am all for Sardar FAUJA SINGH.

82: Cllr. Balvinder Kaur Saund, J.P. (London, United Kingdom), December 13, 2011, 4:07 PM.

My vote goes to Sardar GURMUKH SINGH of SEWA whom I have witnessed for two decades working for Sikh empowerment through all his roles on the British Sikh Consultative Forum, the Sikh Missionary Society, and now with the Sikh Council, UK. He writes his articles in English for the Sikh media newspapers and always talks sensibly, intelligently, and with foresight. I regularly read his articles and am inspired by his analysis on issues of concern.

83: Inderdeep Singh (New Delhi, India), December 14, 2011, 4:40 AM.

I would like to propose the name of MEJINDERPAL KAUR of United Sikhs, who is working for the betterment of the 1984 pogrom victims, with the STARAE ("Scholarships as a Tool to Accelerate and Revive Academic Excellence") project.

84: Ravtej Singh (Canada), December 16, 2011, 2:59 AM.

JAGTAR SINGH Hawara, the heartbeat of today's youth ... the man who stands straight like a warrior in front of a tyrant government.

85: Avneet Mander Gill (Ludhiana, Punjab), December 16, 2011, 10:23 AM.

DYA SINGH has contributed to Sikh identity over many years by taking gurbani kirtan to thousands around the world. His special classical kirtan programme in Jalandhar on 1 November, 2011 held traditional kirtan listeners spellbound. My vote goes to him.

86: Harpreet Singh (Delhi, India), December 17, 2011, 2:29 PM.

I want to add a few more great Gursikhs to the list of possible awardees: 1) S. BHAGWANT SINGH Dilawari is a 81-year old young man. He was a senior officer in the Indian Foreign Service posted in Paris. He left his job at the age of fifty, and began to serve 1300 leprosy patients in a large leprosy centre at Amravati, Maharashtra for the 25 years. He has written ans published widely. By reading his books or listening to his satsang, one feels inspired to do more in life. He's a great reformer - only if Sikhs listen to what he says and explains as per gurbani. 2) S. KUNWAR SINGH Negi, 83, of Dehradun, born a Hindu, but later embraced Sikhi. Has developed 250 different braille books on gurbani for the blind. 3) S. SUKHDEV SINGH Lajj and his cOLLEAGUES - guruangaddev.org - great sewa for education and upliftment of poor Sikligar Sikhs. 4) S. SHAMSHER SINGH and his Gursikh wife, RAJINDER KAUR, and their colleagues at Prabh Asra, Kharar, Punjab - caredisabled.org. He was a chemist shop owner, saw an old man lying unattended, started Prabhasra, a home for 200 old or sick patients. Many patients have enjoyed relief. He is just like another Bhagat Puran Singh of Pingalwara. 5) A Sikh woman in Punjab about whom I have just learned. She attends on as many as fifty homes where she helps the women and children who need help with their hair - washing, combing, making joorrahs, etc.

87: Baljit Singh Rihal, JP (London, United Kingdom), December 17, 2011, 5:54 PM.

Sardar FAUJA SINGH, without a shadow of a doubt.

88: B.D.S. (New York, U.S.A.), December 18, 2011, 2:41 AM.

My vote goes to DYA SINGH ji from Australia. He is taking kirtan mainstream and bringing gurbani to thousands.

89: Harmandeep Singh  (Ludhiana, Punjab), December 18, 2011, 10:51 AM.

My vote goes for DYA SINGH for his contribution in taking kirtan and gurbani to a world platform in his unique style. Youngsters easily connect with him, which takes them closer to their Sikhi roots.

90: Jaipreet Kaur (Chandigarh, Punjab), December 18, 2011, 1:47 PM.

I suggest any honour for S. FAUJA SINGH would be incomplete without also honouring his inimitable coach, HARMANDER SINGH, who has been by Fauja Singh ji's side as guide and mentor throughout. They are a team - a fact often overlooked by us. I therefore nominate both of them, but as a team.

91: Achint Kaur (India), December 19, 2011, 5:53 AM.

My vote goes to DYA SINGH for bringing the youth into understanding Sikhism.

92: Tej Basson (Nottingham, United Kingdom), December 19, 2011, 6:45 AM.

DYA SINGH and FAUJA SINGH are both deserving of the award for very different reasons and contributing in different ways. Both have been instrumental in creating a positive image for the community and provided good role models on a world- wide basis.

93: Uday Sandhu (Gurgaon, India), December 19, 2011, 10:19 AM.

DYA SINGH has revolutionized modern-day kirtan, and brought the Sikh religion to our youth across the world.

94: Inderdeep Thapar (Melbourne, Australia), December 20, 2011, 9:34 PM.

I propose DYA SINGH ji. With his great fusion of different traditions, he is responsible for introducing Sikhism to multicultural audiences.

95: Raj (Montreal, Quebec, Canada), December 21, 2011, 12:22 PM.

Sardarni PRAKASH KAUR of Jalandhar, Punjab.

96: Taran  (London, United Kingdom), December 21, 2011, 12:26 PM.

From London to New York, as well as on the subcontinent, everyone is proud of Sardar FAUJA SINGH's achievment. A lot of people have mentioned different names, however they are not heard of in all the corners, but Fauja Singh's name is the one which does not need any introduction. I would go for Fauja Singh. However JAGTAR SINGH Hawara is also someone who needs due recognition.

97: Parvin Kaur Panesar  (Santa Clara, California, U.S.A.), December 21, 2011, 2:27 PM.

Sardarni PRAKASH KAUR of Jalandhar. Well, I am a die hard fan of Fauja Singh, and being a runner myself, I believe he should be the first choice. But if this award can get some other Sikh into the limelight, it will actually inform so many people about her work. And this is why I support Prakash Kaur.

98: Ari Singh (Sofia, Bulgaria), December 21, 2011, 3:08 PM.

Sardar FAUJA SINGH ji! He has inspired me more than anyone else in my life.

99: Harpreet Singh (Delhi, India), December 22, 2011, 1:27 PM.

Please read with care comments of Taran #96. Yes, this is our challenge. As per my count, 33 or 34 Sikhs have been nominated for the Chic Sikh of the Year Award - some very famous, some not. Now if even the Sikh world itself is not aware of the great work being done by all these gursikhs, then how can we expect the rest of the world to know about such great persons. Every one knows and remembers Mother Teresa but very few know about Bhagat Puran Singh ji of Pingalwara. That is the reason I have nominated so many persons for this Award so that all the readers can know about them. I live in Delhi since my birth but have only recently known about the existence of the great work done by REEMA ANAND - author of "Scorched White Lilies of 84" - for the 1984 Sikh genocide widows and feeling ashamed for the same. What to do?

100: Surinderpal Singh (Lincoln Park, Illinois, U.S.A.), December 22, 2011, 3:17 PM.

Major (Dr.) KAMALJEET SINGH, Sardar FAUJA SINGH, or Dr. HARSHARAN KAUR.

101: Jaswinder Singh (Brier, WA, U.S.A.), December 22, 2011, 6:21 PM.

All the people mentioned above are very deserving for being named the Chic Sikh of the Year, but I would say, it takes a lot of courage and dedication to bring people to accountability for their involvement in the Delhi pogroms of 1984. I would say Bibi NIRPREET KAUR is very deserving of it.

102: Awtar Singh Grewal (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), December 22, 2011, 8:59 PM.

DYA SINGH is my choice for the award. Dya Singh, well known for his gurbani kirtan, is no ordinary raagi. His kirtan is of a high order. His contribution in the spread of Sikhism and Sikh history, through his music, has touched sikhs and non-Sikhs all over the world. The Sikh youth have shown great support and liking for Dya's gurbani music. He has helped, with success, the younger generation, most of them astray, back to the right path, unfolding for them the treasures of gurbani. Certainly, he has had a bumpy road in his efforts. He was not spared by the traditionalists. He stood unshaken, defied and resisted any challenges to his contribution to the community. Dya's work has been well recognized globally. The numerous awards to date speak for themselves. A student, sportsman (hockey, cricket, football and rugby) at a respectable level, musician and a qualified accountant who lives a life of a householder, fulfilling his duties to his family and community. In short, a true Sikh. Dya Singh is most deserving of this recognition.

103: Gurcharan (Canada), December 23, 2011, 7:46 AM.

HARNOOR SINGH Gill is a teen volunteer who is making peace worldwide. This youth is a great role model who encourages others to make this planet a better place for everyone.

104: Sukhminder Singh (London, United Kingdom), December 23, 2011, 8:16 AM.

I would like to nominate KHALSA AID for this award. They are the first Sikh cross-border humanitarian relief organisation (around since 1999) and have recently concentrated their efforts in Punjab (concurrently with projects in Haiti, Libya, Somalia, etc). They have helped raise the global profile of Sikhs, whilst carrying out vital work in Punjab under their Focus Punjab initiative, which is addressing the poverty, illiteracy and other pressing needs of Punjab.

105: Kanwalpreet Kaur (Brithish Columbia, Canada), December 23, 2011, 11:05 AM.

S. FAUJA SINGH

106: Carie (Acton, Ontario, Canada), December 23, 2011, 11:59 AM.

HARNOOR SINGH Gill

107: Zeny (Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada), December 23, 2011, 12:06 PM.

I would recommend that there should be a youth category as well to encourage them to strive for this prestigious recognition. Therefore, I vote for HARNOOR SINGH Gill.

108: Baljeet Singh Gill (Mountain House, California, U.S.A.), December 23, 2011, 1:37 PM.

DYA SINGH all the way. Bringing kirtan to us younger folks, he inspires us to want to learn more about what we are. Passing it on to the new generation ... isn't that the greatest contribution? And to top it off, he's just one cool cat.

109: N. Singh (Canada), December 23, 2011, 4:02 PM.

In the West, it is easier for us to shine through our achievements because we live in civilized societies - albeit not perfect ones - which make room for our differences, but the Sikhs of India have an uphill battle and for that reason I nominate Bhai JAGTAR SINGH Hawara. I would also like to nominate WAHEGURU for giving me birth in a Sikh family and making me a Sikh ... the greatest gift of all. Thank you!

110: G. Kaur (Michigan, U.S.A. ), December 23, 2011, 10:08 PM.

NIRPREET KAUR for her bravery.

111: Swaran Singh Khera  (Adelaide, Australia), December 24, 2011, 4:11 AM.

I have known DYA SINGH for nearly 30 years in Adelaide, Australia. He was instrumental in setting up our S.S.S.A. Inc. He was our first secretary and drafted our constitution. As every body knows, his kirtan is unparalleled - his clear, succinct explanations in English, mixed with humour, is something I have not heard from any other. He draws crowds to the gurdwara like no other. He has also infused into the music other instruments (including the digeridoo), enriching the music of the kirtan. I nominate him for the award.

112: Rag (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), December 24, 2011, 11:26 AM.

HARNOOR SINGH Gill

113: Baldev Singh Dhaliwal, J.P. (Berri, Australia), December 24, 2011, 10:23 PM.

Making a "positive 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" would indicate: service, sacrifice, sense of mission, total dedication to a cause, and pioneering global level achievement. Otherwise, the panel could have invited nominations for Sikhs who have been most in the headlines. The legendary RAVINDER SINGH, the founder of Khalsa Aid fits the description, and continues to show young Khalsa worldwide to be outgoing and adventurous while serving all human beings in distress, without distinction. He exemplifies Sikh identity and the Khalsa spirit of Chardi Kalaa.

114: Gurinder Khera (Adelaide, Australia), December 24, 2011, 11:24 PM.

For me, it's a close one between DYA SINGH and FAUJA SINGH, so I'm nominating both ... both super Chic Sikhs who are also extraordinary individuals, and uphold the key Sikh principle of chardi kalaa! This has been a big year for Fauja Singh ji both for turning 100, and then completing the Toronto marathon and becoming the oldest man and only centenarian ever to do so! Dya Singh ji, of course, for his many musical achievements and dedication to Sikh youth through his camps. Best of luck to both.

115: Harpreet Singh (Delhi, India), December 25, 2011, 2:06 PM.

S. AMARJEET SINGH, 50, resigned from his well-paid job a few years ago. Now teaching kirtan, gurbani, Punjabi, and the Sikh way of life to many, especially Sikh children in poor colonies. He's just like a father to them. Many whole families have become true Sikhs because of his great seva. I salute such Sikhs known and unknown and really proud of them.

116: Gurwinder Singh (Hyderabad, India), December 26, 2011, 9:01 AM.

S. FAUJA SINGH ji who has become an inspiration not only to the Sikhs but to the whole world.

117: Baljit Singh Pelia (Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.), December 26, 2011, 2:12 PM.

Dr. JOGISHWAR SINGH, for his courage in quitting the I.A.S. because of the 1984 pogroms, his discipline, knowledge and accomplishments. He truly is a role model for us all and my true life hero.

118: Inder Kaur (Amritsar, Punjab), December 26, 2011, 10:40 PM.

Without doubt, Sardar FAUJA SINGH ji.

119: Baldev Singh, Mokand Singh (Ampang, Malaysia), March 26, 2012, 4:00 AM.

An inspiration, especially to the youth. A very down-to-earth person whom I have the pleasure to know.

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