LOS ANGELES, CA: A fund raiser for the World Sikh News was held here on July 16, The Sikh community of Los Angeles expressed their wholehearted support and complete faith in the newspaper which has become a voice of the Sikh community and is dedicated to the cause of Sikhs. The event was a resounding success and members of the community collected a sun of nearly $27,000 which was presented to the editor in chief Dr.Gurinder Singh Grewal, and Secretary Narinder Singh Somal.

Dr.Narinder Singh Grewal, the President of the World Sikh News, who is himself a resident of Los Angeles welcomed the gathering and introduced the staff of the WSN to the Los Angeles Sikh community. He initiated a discussion on the role of the paper which is the only newspaper of the Sikhs published internationally, The paper Dr.G.S.Grewal, editor in chief of the paper thanked everyone present for their whole hearted support and spoke of the need to strengthen such institutions which can project the true image and aspirations of the community and were basic to its progress, growth and eventual strength, Neglect of a dedicated media had always been a weakness of Sikhs which has to be overcome. It was only through the media that you can influence people and the international community, He said, “a powerful media is more important than constructing buildings, such a medium provides the link between the present and future generation of Sikhs our young children who are the future of our community, need to know through helpful and constructive criticism.” He added Sikhs need not be too self-critical because we have a proud heritage. Inspite of all obstacles we are on the road to progress monument similar to the holocaust museum dedicated to the memories of Sikhs who had given up their lives in the Sikh struggle for freedom.

$.Gurnam Singh Dhillon, an eminent Sikh educationist, lovingly known as “Principal Sahib’ spoke on the importance of media and commended the WSN for its good reporting and on its interesting articles and commentaries that covered important aspects of Sikhism. Dr.Hakam Singh, well known head of the Sikh Welfare Foundation, congratulated the WSN for its progress and said “though you have come a long way, there is a much longer way ahead and you cannot afford to be complacent.” He added, “Nations without adequate communications cannot protect themselves, WSN represents the Sikh community all over the world and it has all the attributes of a successful newspaper.” He congratulated the editorial board for its responsible approach in covering controversial topics and manner of rebutting deep rooted conspiracies against Sikhism. He stressed the need to develop an aggressive approach in. some matters rather than a defensive posture especially on controversial issues.

Sardar G.S.Khaira said a good newspaper is a very important institution for any community for it can “communicate what we stand for” WSN was a new platform for Sikhs to make their voices heard in the world. On behalf of Sikh Welfare he announced the establishment of a “Scholarship of $1000/ per year for one Sikh student in the communications field, which would be effective from 1993.

 

Dr Jasbir Singh Mann, Sardar Darshan Singh Bhasin, Sardar Bains and Sardar Jasbir Singh Tung, all commended the WSN for its role in carrying the Sikh message to the world and they stressed the need to make the paper self-sufficient and strong.

Special plaques commending individuals for their support to the WSN were presented to the following individuals. Dr.Shiv Dev Singh, Dr Jasbir Singh Mann, Dr.Somti Rahe!, S.iqbal Singh Samra, S.Sarbjeet Singh Mann, S.Hardeep Singh Grewal, S.Gurbachan Singh Grewal, S.Rajinder Singh Walia, S.Surinder Singh Sidhu, SRavinder Singh Grewal, S.Mansher Singh Ghuman, S.Satinderpal Singh, S.Inder Singh Nat, S.Tarlok Singh Gill, S.Bakhshish Singh Bhalru, S.Malkiat Singh Sidhu, Dr,Charanjit Saran, Dr. Balbir Singh Brar, $.Darshan Singh Dhillon, S.Charanjit Singh Grewal, S.Gursharan Singh Nat, S.Darshan Singh Dhillon. The honor of presenting the plaques was given 10 Dr.Manmohinder Singh, S.Harbans Singh Brar, S.Gurbux Singh Mann and S.Gurman Singh.

Dr.G.S.Grewal thanked everybody present for their valuable support and as a token of special thanks presented a plaque to Dr.G.S.Grewal on behalf of the editorial board.

Article extracted from this publication >>  July 23, 1993