Stockton, CA: A dinner was hosted by Dr. & Mrs. Jagjit Singh Kalra at their residence on October 12, 1996, Saturday evening, to benefit World Sikh News. At the beginning the weather was on the muggy side. It seemed for a while there were more mosquitoes out, although uninvited, and then there were invitees. After about two hours as the weather cooled down, the mosquitoes retreated and invitees Started to arrive as if they were coming out of their cocoon. Soon after arrival, wasting no time, individuals helped themselves to the refreshments. Most men after exchanging pleasantries formed many informal mini discussion groups, some social, and some semi political. Women, on the other hand, were congregated inside the house discussing every subject under the sun. As the rest of the people were enjoying their social get together, Gurlal S. Gill, WSN Punjabi Editor, was busy in his usual manner, charming people and trying to convince them to part with their hard earned money. It seemed his charm WAS working. I moved from discussion group to discussion group adding my two cents worth.
It was time to move inside the house for some formal group information. After everybody was rounded up, poet laureate of Stockton, Dr, H.S. Shergill read a Punjabi poem, which as usual, was greatly appreciated by one and all. Next came Dr. Gurinder S. Grewal, WSN Chief Editor, who talked very briefly about the hardships being experienced by the newspaper and appealed to all present that we need your help, financial and other, to make this newspaper truly a successful community newspaper. After his brief presentation, the meeting was open for questions, suggestions, and discussion. During the discussion Dr. Jasbir Singh Mattu pointed out that we should consider hooking the newspaper with the Internet because the Internet is the wave of the future and suggested WSN should look seriously into this worldwide media of information. He also committed financial support for the project. Going along with Dr. Mattu’s suggestion, some other individuals also added their input regarding the Internet. Again Mr. Somal. A pragmatic and an astute businessman, cautioned against jumping into this project with both fact. He further added that before any commitment is made we should thoroughly research the costs (hidden and obvious) involved in the project. From past experience it is evident that we get emotional and start a project and after few months the project is abandoned and the originator is nowhere to be found and few of us are let with holding the bag. John Takhar made little suggestion as to the variety of items to be included in the newspaper. He suggested items, such as sports, health, etc., be included in the news. Dr. Grewal responded that we are doing all we can, But our lack of resources, personnel as well as financial h put us in a bind. : The meeting ended very amicably and afterwards the invitees were treated to a sumptuous and well-chosen course of dinner. Finally I was just observing and listening to individuals of a group giving their suggestions as to how we could increase the subscription base for the World Sikh News. A wise gentleman made a suggestion that we should go out to all the Gurdwaras and also form a group and visit people indifferent towns. Mr. Narinder S. Somal, WSN secretary, who had been listen in all these brilliant suggestions we patiently, could not contain himself any longer. He pointed out that us, (Dr. Grewal, Lali and myself), have already tried many times and failed miserably. He challenged the person making the statement that I will give you my car and the money for gas and see if you can do any better. Well that was the end of discussion. Jagjit Singh and Nikki Kalra were great hosts and they have our heartfelt appreciation for their effort to further the newspaper cause. We look forward to many more gatherings like this from other dedicated individuals.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 16, 1996
