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It’s Time To Make Your Choice For
The Chic Sikh of The Year 2014

EDITOR

 

 

 



Dear Readers:

As we near the end of the year 2014, 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 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 2014 is significantly tied to the year 2014.

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), Friday, December 26, 2014.

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 Thursday, January 1, 2015 on sikhchic.com and other media.

The list of past winners includes - Fauja Singh, Gurbaksh 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, United Sikhs and Waris Singh Ahluwalia.

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


Thank you.

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 2014.



November 10, 2014 
 

Conversation about this article

1: Uddham Singh (New Delhi, India), November 10, 2014, 6:56 AM.

The SURVIVORS OF 1984! On this 30th anniversary of the 1984 Genocide, these phoenix-like survivors have stood tall and defiant in the face of successive corrupt and criminalized governments and a billion people who have lost every vestige of decency and morality. I suggest we honour them collectively by saluting them through such recognition.

2: Balraj Kaur (Chandigarh, Punjab), November 10, 2014, 7:01 AM.

Just saw "Kultar's Mime" the other day and was bowled over by it, as were hundreds around me. It represents the wave of the future ... it beckons us to a new and good direction. My choice therefore, collectively, is: SARBPREET SINGH and J MEHR KAUR, the CREATORS OF "KULTAR'S MIME", as well as the CAST & CREW who have brought it to the stage so beautifully.

3: Beant Singh (London, United Kingdom), November 10, 2014, 8:14 AM.

HARBINDER SINGH and his merry band of SIKH-BRITON VOLUNTEERS who have so powerfully re-created the long-lost saga of the Sikh heroes of the First World War and have now indelibly planted the iconic images on the hearts and minds of Londoners and Britons. And through them, the world!

4: T. Sher Singh (Mount Forest, Ontario, Canada), November 10, 2014, 9:00 AM.

I nominate the UNIVERSAL SIKH MOTHER who, despite the daily onslaught of hurdles from every direction, nevertheless remains unfazed and slogs along, bravely and steadfastly passing on the great ideals of Sikhi to her young and impressionable children, preparing them for a world which holds forth both promises and challenges. This year, 2014, has been yet another relentless 12 months, and yet our youth is stronger than ever before, ready to be not only exemplary Sikhs but ideal and proud citizens of every land. Without this Mother, we are nowhere; everything we achieve in this new world stems from the strength infused by her.

5: Taran Singh (London, United Kingdom), November 10, 2014, 9:34 AM.

SURVIVORS OF THE 1984 GENOCIDE ... and the WIDOWS of 1984. It's been 30 years and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. But all those mothers have shown a resolve of steel to bring up their children and continue their fight against the corrupt and criminal forces of the Indian government and the pliant populace. And till this day, they have continued the fight ...

6: Kulvinder JIt Kaur (Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada), November 10, 2014, 4:12 PM.

I go with #1 and #5. The survivors of 1984 Genocide. These survivors have exemplified the Sikh spirit by not giving up and still fighting for justice. Also I would like to draw attention to the fact that many of us keep talking/writing about only the Delhi massacres, we should be referring to them as the all-India massacres. No doubt Punjab and Delhi had the largest casualties right from June 1984 onwards, with a second big onslaught in November 1984 but Sikhs in many other places in India met the same fate.

7: Inderjit Singh (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), November 10, 2014, 4:24 PM.

Two men who are doing yeoman service in helping preserve and promote Sikh heritage: SANDEEP SINGH BRAR, through his online SikhMuseum.com; and PARDEEP SINGH NAGRA via his Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada which has a physical base here in the Greater Toronto Area and also serves through traveling exhibits. The two young men work separately and independently, but achieve the same goal by approaching the task through two different avenues, both important and necessary. We need to clone them both.

8: Harvinder Singh (London, United Kingdom), November 10, 2014, 7:56 PM.

This year has seen the start of a Sikh renaissance. Sikhs have pursued with distinction many disciplines including politics, business, aide-work, films, music, photography, literature, ecology, science, Sikhi awareness and philanthropy. All of these initiatives deserve our commendation. Contemplation of the genocidial ant-Sikh pogroms 30yrs ago brings an indescribable sense of grief. I tender my nomination for PARVINDER SINGH AND HIS PARTNERS in "The Anti-Sikh Pogrom Remembered" at the Holocaust Weiner library, London, UK. They have captured with infinite poignancy what our people have had to endure. The exhibition is stunningly curated and furthermore, it is significant that a holocaust library is collaborating in this event.

9: Tarsem Singh (Milton Keynes, United Kingdom), November 11, 2014, 1:06 PM.

PARDEEP SINGH BAHRA for inspiring young Sikhs to wear their turban with pride! "I do get emails saying, 'I now wear a turban with pride after being bullied and trying to cut my hair,'" he says.

10: Manpreet Singh (Atlanta, Georgia, USA), November 11, 2014, 1:15 PM.

Similar to last year, 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. Many who did not lose their children in the carnage, lost them to the subsequent poverty and misguidance. Many are still without much material possessions. But after meeting them, it is clear that they are still in Chardi Kalaa.

11: R Singh  (Canada), November 11, 2014, 9:46 PM.

THE LIVING HISTORY PROJECT.

12: Gurpreet Singh (New Jersey, USA), November 11, 2014, 11:43 PM.

MANOJ MITTA, HARPREET KAUR, and SUKHMAN SINGH for their testimony at a US Congressional Hearing on the 1984 Sikh Genocide.

13: Jasbeer Singh (New Delhi, India), November 12, 2014, 5:09 AM.

I would like to nominate: 1) HS PHOOLKA, New Delhi. 2) BABA NANAK EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY, Punjab. And 3) ALL WHO ARE WORKING FOR CHARDI KALA of Sikhi, maintaining their Sikhi aaroop, irrespective of challenges and geographical boundaries. Yes, they all deserve it.

14: Oliver Smith (Nottingham, United Kingdom), November 12, 2014, 8:05 AM.

I'd like to nominate RAVINDER SINGH from Khalsa Aid for his brave work supporting refugees in Iraqi Kurdistan who have fled from ISIS and the civil war in the rest of Iraq.

15: Jasmedh Kaur (London, United Kingdom), November 12, 2014, 9:29 AM.

Anyone who lives in England will have witnessed the extraordinary coverage in our media of the 1914 Sikh WWI re-enactments by a troop of Sikh soldiers costumed as our heroes of yore, and the equally extraordinary raves from the British public during the recent Remembrance Day parades. HARBINDER SINGH, of the Anglo-Sikh Heritage Trail and "1914 Sikhs", is the man behind it all. He has certainly set the bar high for all interested in doing PR in the Sikh world. I nominate him as a man we urgently need to emulate if we are to win the PR fight against the propaganda being churned out by Indian agencies and their petty and ignorant sympathizers.

16: Onkar Singh (California, USA), November 12, 2014, 5:37 PM.

Canadian Author JASPREET SINGH has, with his novel "Helium", given permission, as if, to the world to openly and honestly explore India's anti-Sikh pogrom of 1984. He's an award winning writer and his many books and essays have shed light on and provided insight into our issues, and brought them forward into the mainstream dialogue. I nominate Jaspreeet Singh wholeheartedly, as I'm sure all those will who have read him.

17: S. Singh (United Kingdom), November 12, 2014, 6:26 PM.

RAVINDER SINGH - KHALSA AID. For stretching the boundaries of seva to the global stage and the most difficult environments. Embodying the principles of Sikhi and Bhai Kanhaiyya.

18: K S D (India), November 19, 2014, 9:10 AM.

Dr. SORAM SINGH KHALSA who has dedicated his career to integrating the best of traditional and alternative medicine.

19: Kaala Singh (Punjab), November 19, 2014, 11:18 AM.

Sardar HARVINDER SINGH PHOOLKA, a true Sikh who had the courage to challenge the wolves of 1984 in their own cave!

20: Niku Singh (Calgary, Alberta, Canada), November 19, 2014, 12:31 PM.

HARRY SINGH BAWEJA and his wife PAMMI KAUR BAWEJA for making the wonderful movie, 'Chaar Sahibzaade.' The film is a super hit and should inspire other Sikh and non-Sikh movie makers around the world to make similar movies that depict the heroic chapters of Sikh history.

21: Bikram Singh (New Delhi, India), November 20, 2014, 9:45 AM.

My choice is unequivocally KHUSHWANT SINGH. He passed away in March this year, leaving behind a treasure trove of books on a wide range of subjects: Sikh History, Literature and Philosophy, Fiction and Non-Fiction, Humour, Journalistic writings, etc. He wowed the world and entertained it, informed and educated it too, like few others have in this country in recent memory. I think we would be terribly amiss if we did not honour him with such accolades he so richly deserves.

22: Japneet Kaur (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada), November 20, 2014, 3:16 PM.

Lt Col HARJIT SINGH SAJJAN. He has broken new ground as Commander of the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own). With a long history of service as a soldier/advisor to the top Allied brass in Afghanistan, and as an acclaimed Police Officer in Vancouver. You couldn't find a better role model than this extraordinary young man.

23: Taran Singh Ubi (Liverpool, United Kingdom), November 20, 2014, 3:21 PM.

I propose Sir MOTA SINGH. A highly respected British Judge who continues to shine even after retirement from a long career in law and public service. Lives up to the highest Sikh ideals and is a great ambassador for our community worldwide.

24: Basant Kaur (New Jersey, USA), November 20, 2014, 3:34 PM.

As a community, we haven't even done a fraction of what is due to KHUSHWANT SINGH to honor what he has done for us on the world stage. Certainly, we could make amends by conferring him this great honour on behalf of Sikhs everywhere.

25: Harjit Singh (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), November 20, 2014, 5:55 PM.

S. KHUSHWANT SINGH would be my choice as well. He's been a wonderful advocate of all things Sikh, including being a stern and courageous critic when necessary.

26: Harmanpreet Singh (Chandigarh, Punjab), November 22, 2014, 6:12 AM.

My choice is JAGMEET SINGH, NDP Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) in Ontario, Canada, representing the riding of Bramalea-Gore-Malton. He has been an articulate, courageous and effective voice on, inter alia, Sikh issues, in the Ontario legislature.

27: Baldev Singh (Bradford, United Kingdom), November 25, 2014, 3:22 PM.

Again a tricky one this year! But if it can go to husband and wife team PAMMI KAUR and HARRY SINGH BAWEJA, then without doubt they have done something never done before in such spectacular fashion, and that is creating a masterpiece of a film which is a daily sell-out as was the performance I attended at the Bradford Cineworld Complex! But by Waheguru's grace, after haranguing the manager, I was let in to watch this extraordinary film which is causing a stir and awe around the world!

28: Simmerpal Singh (Connecticut, USA), November 29, 2014, 6:42 AM.

Reading about his latest CD release today, I'm reminded that DYA SINGH has inspired two generations of Sikhs right across the diaspora, and connected them to the heart and soul of Sikhi. He would be my choice.

29: Himmat Singh (London, United Kingdom), November 30, 2014, 8:37 AM.

It's time that we honour The SINGH TWINS - AMRIT & RABINDRA KAUR SINGH -- for their phenomenal role in the arts as well as our world-wide ambassadors par excellence. Their latest creation, the magnificent portrait of Naharaja Duleep Singh, merely underlines their extraordinary contribution to the world.

30: Rupinder Kaur  (Canada ), November 30, 2014, 5:10 PM.

I nominate 2 special individuals: SARBPREET SINGH and his excellent TEAM, who have developed the poem "Kultar's Mime" into a powerful and well-done theatrical production on what happened in Delhi during the 1984 Genocide. Second, HARRY SINGH BAWEJA, the director of the blockbuster film "Char Sahibzade." This film has beaten traditional Bollywood star-studded films at the box office with its realistic portrayal of Sikh history.

31: Arinder Singh (USA), December 01, 2014, 5:33 PM.

BICKY SINGH of Los Angeles for promoting the Sikh Lens Film Festival for 5 years in a row and giving Sikh-centric media a platform to engage and educate. and HARINDER SINGH of the Sikh Research Institute [SikhRI] for the Punjab Digital Library project, Sidak camps and Saneha workshops.

32: G C Singh (USA), December 05, 2014, 3:11 PM.

JAGMEET SINGH, NDP Member of Parliament in Ontario, Canada, should be the number one choice. He has fearlessly exposed the genocide of the Sikhs and in retaliation has been denied Visa by Indian Government. He is articulate, a role model and a fashion icon for young Sikhs. He carries himself with elan and has made us all proud by his handsome Sikhi saroop.

33: Jotinder Singh (Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada), December 05, 2014, 5:10 PM.

I nominate the SURVIVORS OF 1984. Especially the MOTHERS, WIVES, DAUGHTERS, SONS of the Sikh males killed. They have had to fend for themselves for three decades but they have stood up to all challenges bravely.

34: Kaala Singh (Punjab), December 06, 2014, 12:11 PM.

JAGMEET SINGH, real stylish Sikh, MPP and youth icon.

35: Sukhbinder (Canada), December 06, 2014, 8:28 PM.

JUJHAR SINGH from 'Basics of Sikhi.' Incredible parchar.

36: Gurmeet Kaur (Atlanta, Georgia, USA), December 06, 2014, 11:37 PM.

Dare I nominate for the second year in a row, Sr. GURBAKSH SINGH KHALSA who is on a hunger strike at Gurdwara Lakhnaur Sahib in Haryana for the 24th day as I write this. Last year, he made the whole world aware of the Sikh political prisoners who have been unjustly languishing in Indian prisons for 18 - 25 years. After 44 days of starvation, a grant of parole to three of them and a promise to have them released by the government stooges, tricked him into ending his fast. He gave them one full year to fulfill their promises, to no avail. And this time he is back with more determination albeit even more fragile body. He was not allowed to do this in Punjab and that did not deter him. How many of us are willing to even forsake one meal a day for a cause/plight of our forgotten brothers in India's prisons? This man is a warrior. He is a living saint. One who looks into the eyes of death every day and deceives it in a hope that his people will pick up the torch and march on. No other Sikh alive today has my respect more than this man.

37: Nav Kaur (Sydney, Australia), December 07, 2014, 7:43 AM.

HARINDER SINGH of SikhRI for consistently inspiring Sikhs to learn from the Guru, to have a relationship with the Guru.

38: Raj (Canada), December 07, 2014, 2:49 PM.

Hands down, Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH and JAGMEET SINGH, MPP.

39: Harcharan Singh (Singapore), December 08, 2014, 12:27 AM.

As the award is given only annually, please create group and individual awards separately. That way more people can be recognized. Also there should be awards for nominees in Punjab and separate awards for those in the diaspora.

40: N Singh (Canada), December 08, 2014, 9:32 PM.

Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH.

41: Harman Singh (California, USA), December 09, 2014, 5:31 PM.

SARBPREET SINGH and J MEHR KAUR, the creators of "Kultar's Mime," as well as the CAST & CREW who have brought it to the stage so beautifully. At last, we are starting to tell our own stories, through plays, books, poems, films. I hope the Sikh nation produces and supports more artists and the arts.

42: Baldev Singh  (Bradford, United Kingdom), December 09, 2014, 9:14 PM.

It has to be the husband and wife team who have given us "Chaar Sahibzaade' - HARRY SINGH BAWEJA and PAMMI KAUR BAWEJA! Getting extraordinary feedback from across the world as to how successful this film has been at the box office.

43: Harvinder Deol (Windsor, Ontario, Canada), December 10, 2014, 9:50 AM.

JAGMEET SINGH, MPP for introducing the annual Sikh Hertiage Month in Ontario, Canada and obviously for his continual strong statements regarding June and November 1984. Apart from Sikh-Canadian issues, he's been extremely vocal on all mainstream issues in Ontario. Recently, I came across an article naming him "The Most Interesting Man at Queen's Park (the centre of the provincial government)."

44: Gurmukh Singh (London, United Kingdom), December 12, 2014, 11:55 AM.

Having lived and worked in the United Kingdom for 54 years, two names stand out for me: RAVI SINGH of Khalsa Aid and HARBINDER SINGH RANA of The Anglo-Sikh Heritage Trail. In 2014, through association of Sikh identity with seva in the field where few charities dared to venture (Somerset floods and Iraq under the shadow of ISIS), and with proud Sikh heritage connection with WW1 respectively, these two Sikhs have contributed more than any other Sikh in the UK. Otherwise many have claims to being the first Sikh in diverse fields in a changing race-relations environment. DYA SINGH of Australia is too close, for me nominate! I agree with recognition in different fields; and one main criterion should also be the mileage covered in a life time, while contributing to the community's global image.

45: Raj (Canada), December 13, 2014, 5:16 PM.

HARNOOR SINGH GILL. http://www.facebook.com/PeaceWelcomeClub - http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/harnoor-gill/89/2a/5ba - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nricontributeprofile/15385319.cms - http://asianjournal.ca/?s=Harnoor+Gill - http://www.voiceonline.com/?s=Harnoor+Gill&x=17&y=6 - http://www.yourcommonwealth.org/?s=Harnoor+Gill .

46: Hardarshan Singh Valia (Highland, Indiana, USA), December 14, 2014, 12:43 AM.

I nominate Lt. BRIAN MURPHY, a selfless hero who paid dearly (shot nine times) protecting the lives of our brothers and sisters at Oak Creek Gurdwara. When fellow officers came to help him, he told them to first go and help the wounded inside the gurdwara. I also nominate the six brave ones who gave their lives, SATWANT SINGH KALEKA, SITA DINGH, RANJIT SINGH, PRAKASH SINGH, PARAMJIT KAUR, SUVEG SINGH and the critically wounded Bhai PUNJAB SINGH.

47: A J Singh (San Francisco, California, USA), December 15, 2014, 2:38 PM.

Time to get some young ones into action. I nominate VISHAVJIT SINGH Sikhtoonwala. This year has been a breakout year for his art and he has been able to capture the imagination of all sorts of people through his cartoons. His daring act as the Sikh Captain America has him breaking stereotypes - a much needed conversation about Sikhs in America or for that matter anywhere in the world. In his own way he is triggering conversations about 1984, politics in Punjab, Sikhs in sports, and other issues that have more or less been abandoned by even our very own Sikh community. The ambassadors of tomorrow are the youth of today who need the encouragement and the confidence to keep doing their bit in creating a fair and equal society. Let's throw our weight behind this amazing young artist.

48: Inderjeet Kaur (USA), December 15, 2014, 11:19 PM.

Eyes filled with love and hope. A smile of pure chardi kala. An attitude of strength and determination. A body no longer young wasting away without food day after day after day ... Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH is the living embodiment of what it means to be a Sikh. Guru Sahib called him to perform a very difficult seva, possibly resulting in his shaheedi. He answered this call with a firm, determined "Yes," not once but twice. He is a rare example to us of the best of Sikhi in action; his faith and goodness are a bright light to all and a special inspiration to Sikhs, uniting the Panth at a time when we are sadly devoid of human leadership. By the time you bestow this honour, he may well have passed on to the heavenly abode. Whether or not, no other Sikh has made a mark this year, 2014, to compare with him. I nominate BHAI GURBAKSH SINGH as Chic Sikh of 2014.

49: J P Singh (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), December 17, 2014, 11:22 AM.

Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH, without question.

50: Harpreet Singh (India), December 17, 2014, 12:40 PM.

Sardar T. SHER SINGH ji and SIKHCHIC.COM for this daily fare.

51: Sangat Singh (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), December 18, 2014, 7:39 PM.

SIKHCHIC.COM itself is my choice. It brings together all the nominations in one place and honours all the good people and, if and when necessary, takes to task those who need to be. Sikhchic.com has developed its on unique robust personality under the stewardship of Sher Singh ji. [EDITOR: A reminder - neither sikhchic.com nor anyone closely associated with its running is eligible. Many thanks for your kind and generous words, nevertheless.]

52: Amrik Singh Ahdan (Heston, United Kingdom), December 19, 2014, 9:59 AM.

I nominate the first ever Sikh to represent United Kingdom abroad at the World Trade Round in Geneva (1986-7), Principal Sardar GURMUKH SINGH, also the leading community mentor for more than two decades.

53: Amanpreet Singh (Jalandhar, Punjab), December 19, 2014, 4:56 PM.

I would like to nominate JOT SINGH BAAZ (AANAJOT SINGH) who was born and raised in Jalandhar, Punjab and is presently living in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He is a graduate in Computer Engineering and presently doing Master's in Engineering from the University of Windsor. Apart from being an excellent student, he is a young and emerging multi-talented artist (Director, Writer, Music Director & Vocalist). For the first time, he made a short documentary based on the real story of his friend and participated in the 'Sikhnet Online Film Festival' in 2010. Though he didn't win a prize, the film was much appreciated. Then, in 2013, he again made a short movie named 'Kaur - The Attire of Soul', and participated in the same competition and won the first prize. Again, in 2014 he participated in the same Film Fest with his new directed movie named 'Raahi - The Traveller' and was awarded the 1st Runner-up prize. His movie named 'Kaur - The Attire of Soul' was selected for screening at the Sikh International Film Festival, Toronto, in 2014. All his movies and poetry have gained a lot of appreciation on the social networking websites as well.

54: Gurdarshan Singh (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), December 20, 2014, 10:07 AM.

SIKH NAUJAWAN SABHA MALAYSIA (SNSM) for their continuous effort in conducting programmes for the Sikh youth (and elders too!) in Malaysia and their just concluded 51st Sammelan is proof of that. IMHO SNSM have also assisted and contributed to Sikhi in South East Asia and many other parts of the world.

55: Kanwal Prakash Singh (Indianapolis, Indiana, USA), December 21, 2014, 10:16 AM.

UNSUNG AND UNHERALDED SIKH SEVAKS ACROSS THE WORLD: Their names do not appear on celebrated rosters or among the lists of major award winners; their noble deeds do not appear on media screens and in newspaper headlines. They work in the trenches and keep us safe in times of war and peace. These sevaks are in every field of human endeavor, selflessly and tirelessly work and serve in the highest tradition of faith-in- service of others, and serve without seeking accolades. These sevaks are the salt of the earth; they are the soldiers and saints of Satguru who dedicate their lives and spirit, put their labors and hearts on the line to uplift humanity and make possible the successes, achievements, heralded triumphs and honors of those who earn leadership by their daring stand and acts of righteous defiance and those whom we choose to lead us. Our unsung heroes are the extraordinary men and women who move mountains behind the scenes, cross oceans at great personal peril, rush into dangerous places to save lives and overcome hurdles for others. They are the rock of a community upon whose shoulders the celebrated giants of a community stand. We need to and must honor the celebrated faces, the brave spokespersons, the trailblazer dreamers, and the pioneers who stand above the crowd. We must applaud their courage and awesome gifts with our collective appreciation and acknowledgement. But then, there are those unsung countless sevaks who make possible the success of all worthy movements, the backbone of great triumphs and all acts of righteous defiance. These sevaks are the heart and soul of humanity and a community, and they deserve our gratitude and rightful place in our world. These sevaks, today spread across all the continents, are the foundation and pillars upon whose shoulders our celebrated heroes stand and claim their victories for us. We are reminded by our Great Guru about such extraordinary sevaks among us: "Innhee ki kirpa say sajay hum hain / mo so gareeb crore purrey" -- I have been exalted by their grace, otherwise there are millions of ordinary folks like me." - Guru Gobind Singh. Remembering that amazing humility of one the greatest dazzling Lights who sacrificed his all for humanity, an Enlightened Teacher, Emancipator and Humanitarian, our Tenth Master Guru Gobind Singh, with great joy and thanksgiving I nominate "The Unsung and Unheralded Sikh Sevaks around the World" as the collective Chic Sikh of the Year 2014. These heroes strive in humility, live in faith, faithfully follow their conscience, uplift burdens, joyfully undertake assignments, and serve with dignity. In honoring them, we exalt and honor ourselves, all the illustrious names with glorious achievements and sacrifice suggested above, we celebrate Guru's humble servants who learned and unconditionally practice the lesson of faith-in-service, and who daily enlarge hope and promise of all of humanity.

56: Ranjit Singh Khalsa (Birmingham, United Kingdom), December 23, 2014, 7:32 AM.

I nominate RAVI SINGH KHALSA of Khalsa Aid. This year Ravi has raised the profile of Sikhs across the world and their humanitarian attitude towards helping all, regardless of religion or colour, more than our so-called 'leaders' have done in the last thirty years! Through his charity www.khalsaaid.org, Ravi Singh has set up projects across the globe in places like Iraq, Phillipines, Bosnia, Uganda and Punjab to help the poor and the needy. He has been at the forefront of seva and has lead by example. In my eyes, a Sikh truly worthy of this honour.

57: Amarpreet Singh  (Patiala, Punjab), December 23, 2014, 8:44 AM.

RAVI SINGH from Khalsa Aid.

58: Maninder Singh Bharaj (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), December 23, 2014, 12:55 PM.

Bhai GURBAKSH SINGH.

59: Daljit Singh  (Surrey, British Columbia, Canada), December 24, 2014, 12:58 PM.

RAVINDER SINGH - Khalsa Aid.

60: Harinder Singh 1469 (New Delhi, India), December 25, 2014, 10:14 AM.

HARINDER SINGH of SikhRI. It's not for him. It's not for any individual. It's purely for the institution he reprsents and builds. He has really worked hard in understanding the community's needs and he has invested immense time in meeting with professionals, teachers, students, farmers, preachers from all faiths, businessmen ... all of which is central to the success he and SikhRI have achieved.

61: Manpreet Singh (Sunnyvale, California, USA), December 26, 2014, 5:19 PM.

RAVI SINGH from Khalsa Aid is my choice.

62: Kulwant Kaur Bhambra (Slough, England), December 26, 2014, 9:24 PM.

My nomination is RAVI SINGH from Khalsa Aid. He is an absolutely fantastic person and has helped many people throughout the world - whether it be building a bakery, helping flood victims, fund raising projects or distribution of supplies ... you will always find him in the front line rearing to help and support others. Great work, Ravi Singh, and here's to many more years of hard work and support.

63: Satinder Pal Singh (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada), December 26, 2014, 11:33 PM.

Undoubtedly, HARINDER SINGH of the Sikh Research Institute. He has spent the last 30 years of his life in educating himself about such disparate topics as history and fundamentals of Sikhism, language of Gurbani, Sikh issues in India and the Diaspora, political and socio-cultural issues in India and abroad, Sikh youth issues, Punjabi literature and heritage. He has gone about propagating the real Sikh Message across four continents and facilitating new Sikh leadership everywhere. I have seen real growth in the Metro Vancouver area during the last 10 years, via organizations like the Sikh Research Institute and the Panjab Digital Library that he heads. Bravo, Harinder Singh!

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The Chic Sikh of The Year 2014"









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