All photos: courtesy, Akal Purkh Ki Fauj.
Fashion
Nyaara
by RAVINDER SINGHIt was a moment of great joy and pride for the 29 finalists of the third "Mr. Singh International" competition, when they walked out on the ramp, amidst a cheering crowd, during the annual contest held in Amritsar, Punjab, recently.
Short-listed out of 2,000 participants from 45 cities from around the world, these finalists had undergone a three-month personality grooming course. They were taught skills related to Gatka (the traditional Sikh martial arts), theatre performance, Gurmat (the Guru's teachings and Sikh code of conduct) and etiquette, before the grand finale.
Promoted by the organization Akal Purakh Ki Fauj, Mr. Singh International has evoked a new wave of joy among the Sikh youth who consider themselves as upholders of modern Sikhism.
Daman Deep Singh, a participant in Mr. Singh International, said: "Disproving the popular perception that modelling is not their turf, Sikh youngsters have walked the ramp with elan. We want to prove to the world that Sikhs can take to modelling with equal verve, as they can also look stylish and handsome on stage".
Gurjinder Singh, another participant, said: "Sikhs have done well in all spheres of life. Such modelling competitions lend fine exposure to the Sikh youth. Through modelling, the Sikh youth would also get a chance to try their hand at acting in films and become Bollywood icons, like actor Shah Rukh Khan. It's an attempt to provide exposure to Sikh youth so that they can take pride in their distinct identity".
Despite chilly weather, the stands in the Khalsa College ground were packed to capacity. The overwhelming response saw organizers and the security personnel having a tough time controlling the huge crowd that had gathered at the venue. A majority of the audience comprised youngsters, but the elderly were equally keen to identify themselves with the spirit of the contest.
I have observed that the youngsters are deeply attached to their culture. It is a great feeling. Undoubtedly, those who have come to watch the show will also develop a deep attachment for their basic traditions.
Among the popular Bollywood personalities, Rishi Kapoor and actor-turned-politician Raj Babbar graced the occasion with their presence.
The competition consisted of various rounds that included formal dress, question and answer sessions, physique round and the traditional-wear round.
But it was Parmeet Singh of Dehradun who finally lifted the trophy, winning the title of "Mr. Singh International" for this year.
After winning the competition, Parmeet declared: "My sincere thanks to WaheGuru ... I wish to be born as a Sikh in my next birth, too. I am proud to be a Sikh".
Parmeet Singh is a role model for Sikh youth who dream of making it big in the world of glamour and entertainment.
Damandeep Singh from Pathankot and Tejinder Singh from Baroda emerged as first and second runners-up in the contest.
The Mr. Singh International competition has thus actually provided Sikh youth an opportunity to display their Sikh culture, besides their personalities, on a distinguished platform.
December 31, 2007
[Courtesy: ThaiIndian News]
Conversation about this article
1: Lakhvir Singh Khalsa (Nairobi, Kenya), December 31, 2007, 4:47 PM.
Now that's what we call real "gabroo" jawans, not like the ones portrayed in the fickle Punjabi music videos of today. But I also wonder, do our sardarnis of today appreciate tjhe sardars? I hope I'm wrong but I believe that the declining number of today's Sikh youth who no longer value "saabat soorat daataar sihra" are discouraged by the fact that our girls are increasingly enamoured by Bollywood cultivated images. This event, on the other hand, proves just how powerful and unparalleled the Sikh roop is.
2: Manjeet Shergill (Singapore), January 01, 2008, 6:55 AM.
It's great to see the grandeur of the costumes - although a little outdated fashionwise. There are some Sikh and non-sikh women out there who feel that some of these young men don't turn them on, perhaps because they also need to be interested or moved by the inner, in addition to the outward regal appearance. Let's hope these handsome gabroo's are also not chauvinistic, vain or insensitive.
3: Satvir Kaur (Boston, U.S.A.), January 02, 2008, 9:14 AM.
I really wish there was a program like this for Saabat Soorat Sardarnis too. The encouragement should go both ways.
4: Paramjot Hundal (Australia), October 21, 2008, 12:34 AM.
It is really nice to have this function on our college grounds. I attended it last year ... it was amazing.
5: Rajdeep Kaur (United Kingdom), February 07, 2009, 6:02 PM.
This is absolutely great. I agree with the first comment. This will promote the image of young Sikh men as fashionable, skillful and general all-rounders.