S.GIAN SINGH SANDHU REELECTED PRESIDENT WSO—CANADA
VANCOUVER, B.C.: In a special message sent on the occasion of the annual convention of the World Sikh Organization (Canada), the Akal Takht Chief, Prof. Darshan Singh Khalsa appreciated the positive and constructive role that the organization is playing in advocating the Sikh cause in North America as well as in bringing Sikhs on a common platform. He also expressed his solidarity with the organization’s efforts in mobilizing world opinion for the Sikh problem. The message was read out by Gian Singh Sandhu as the Banquet session.
The today convention was held here on June 13 and 14, 1987, in the PNE Board room and
it was attended by over 200 delegates from all over Canada. The convention was hosted by Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver. The morning session started with Ardas (prayer) and Sikh National Anthem followed by welcome address by S. Gian Singh Sandhu, opening address by S. Didar Singh Bains. Mr. Henry Teichrob, Mayor of Matsque a district modeled on the Japanese pattern briefly appreciated the Sikh contribution to the Matsque county. The Minister for Health Peter Dueck also acknowledged and applauded the role of Sikhs in making rich contributions in every field of activity. Dr. Harbans Singh Sraon narrated the Contribution of Sikhs in N. America while Mrs. Gurbax Kaur Khalon explained Sikh Religious Philosophy and Practices. However, it was Dr. John Spellman of Windsor University who searchingly diagnosed the Sikh malady when he talked about the Status of Sikhs in India and Abroad. He criticized both the Indian government and the Canadian government for their discriminatory treatment to Sikhs. He also reminded Sikhs of their glaring drawbacks. He said Sikhs were lacking in research, proper alliances and public relations. They need to improve upon all these if they want the world to have a proper perspective about them. S. Pritam Singh Q.C. recounted his efforts in blocking extradition treaty that India is trying to sign with Canada. After lunch session started with a speech by Dr. Ronald Jones a former professor in the University of British Columbia. He cautioned the audience both against fascism and separation. The concluding paper was presented by Prof. M.S. Sidhu, Editor World Sikh News, who traced in the historical context the legitimacy of self-determination for Sikhs.
At the banquet session in the evening besides Mr. David Gibbons, an eminent lawyer, John Janson, M.L.A. and Harry D’Jong’s speeches, a videotaped message of Gen. Jaswant Singh Bhullar, Secretary General of W.S.O., was also shown. Earlier S. Gian Singh read out a message from the Premier of British Columbia.
The highlight of June 14 was the public meeting in the morning at Gurdwara Ross Street in which prominent Sikh and non-Sikh leaders addressed the congregation. At the evening session elections following persons were elected: S. Gian Singh Sandhu President; S. Ram Singh Chahal Senior Vice-president; S. Karnail Singh Gill Director Finance: S. Joginder Singh Sidhu Vice-president (West); S. Inderjit Singh Bal Vice-president (Ontario); S. Jasbir Singh Vice-president (Alberta); S. Kabul Singh Vice-president (Central); S. Kuldip Singh Bhullar Vice-president (Atlantic region).
Giani Joginder Singh Bains and §. Harbhajan Singh Pandoori were elected members of the Governing Council.
- Satnam Singh Johal, S. Balwant Singh Bohla, S. Harsimran Singh Sarpal, S. Kulwant Singh Sangha, S. Gopal Singh Brar, Ss. Nirlep Singh Sidhu, S. Prem S. Vinning and S. Gurdev Singh Brar were elected delegates to the International Body. The following were elected members of the National Council: Kundan S. Sajjan, Kehr S. Dhamrail, Mohinder S. Takkar, Nirvail S. Sandhu, Kirpal S. Parmar, Kashmir S. Bains, Sadhu S. Rai, Shamsher S. Jammu, Gurpreet S. Bal, Gurnek S. Chima, Kamaldeep S. Sehmbi and Swarn S. Kairon.
It was decided to establish a permanent office of the organization and S. Surinder Singh Jabbal was appointed as its Executive Director.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 19, 1987
