ਜੋਰਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਅਮ੍ਰਿੰਤਪਾਨ ਕਰਨ ਉਪਰੰਤ ਰੋਜ਼ਾਨਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਘਰ ਆਉਣਾ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕੀਤਾ
ਕਿਵੇਂ ਨੋਜਵਾਨ ਮਹਿਕਦੀਪ ਨੇ 65 ਸਾਲਾਂ ਬਜ਼ੁਰਗ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਾਰਾਬ ਵਿਰੁੱਧ ਜੰਗ ਵਿਚ ਕੀਤੀ ਮਦਦ
ਅਕਾਲ ਅਕੈਡਮੀ ਦੇ ਮਹਿਕਦੀਪ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੇ ਯਤਨਾਂ ਸਦਕਾ 65 ਸਾਲਾਂ ਜੋਰਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਛੱਡੀ ਸ਼ਾਰਾਬ
ਸੰਗਰੂਰ, 13 ਅਗਸਤ 2017: ਨੌਜਵਾਨਾਂ ਪੀੜ੍ਹੀ ਬਜ਼ੁਰਗਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੁਚੱਜੇ ਬਦਲਾਅ ਲਿਆਉਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਹਾਇਕ ਸਿੱਧ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ।ਜਿਸ ਤ੍ਰਰਾਂ 65 ਸਾਲ ਦਾ ਕਿਸਾਨ ਜੋਰਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਇਸ ਦਾ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਤੱਖ ਸਬੂਤ ਹੈ।ਸੰਗਰੂਰ ਜ਼ਿਲੇ ਦੇ ਪਿੰਡ ਭਟੀਂਵਾਲ ਕਲਾਂ ਦੇ ਨਿਵਾਸੀ ਜੋਰਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਆਪਣੀ ਜਵਾਨੀ ਤੋਂ ਸ਼ਰਾਬ ਦਾ ਆਦੀ ਹੋ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ। ਪਰ ਅੱਠ ਸਾਲ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ, ਉਸਨੇ ਅਕਾਲ ਅਕੈਡਮੀ ਫਤਿਹਗੜ੍ਹ ਛੰਨਾ ਦੇ ਵਿਦਿਆਰਥੀ ਮਹਿਕਦੀਪ ਸਿੰਘ, ਜਿਲ੍ਹਾ ਪਟਿਆਲਾ ਦੇ ਸਮਝਾਉਣ ਨਾਲ ਸ਼ਰਾਬ ਦਾ ਸੇਵਨ ਕਰਨਾ ਛੱਡ ਦਿਤਾ।

ਜੋਰਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਹਿਕਦੀਪ ਦੇ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਵਿਚੋਂ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਸੰਗਰੂਰ ਜ਼ਿਲੇ ਦੇ ਪਿੰਡ ਧਨਰਾਊ ਦਾ ਰਹਿਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੈ। ਮਹਿਕਦੀਪ ਨੇ ਪਿਛਲੇ ਸਾਲ ਅਕਾਲ ਅਕੈਡਮੀ, ਫਤਿਹਗੜ੍ਹ ਛੰਨਾ ਤੋਂ ਦਸਵੀਂ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰੀਖਿਆ ਪਾਸ ਕੀਤੀ ਹੈ ਉਹ ਇੱਕ ਕਿਸਾਨ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਨਾਲ ਸੰਬੰਧਿਤ ਹੈ।ਮਹਿਕਦੀਪ ਦੀ ਗੁਰਸਿੱਖੀ ਨਾਲ ਜੁੜਿਆ ਨੋਜਵਾਨ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਦਾ ਧਾਰਨੀ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਗੁੜਤੀ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਅਕਾਲ ਅਕਾਦਮੀ ਵਿਚ ਪੜ੍ਹਾਈ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਮਿਲੀ। ਸਿੱਖ ਧਰਮ ਦੇ ਸਿਧਾਂਤਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਅਪਣਾਉਣ ਵਾਲਾ ‘ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਧਾਰੀ’ ਨੋਜਵਾਨ ਰੋਜ਼ਾਨਾ ਨਿੱਤਨੇਮ ਦਾ ਧਾਰਨੀ ਹੈ।

ਜੋਰਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਾਰਾਬਪੁਣੇ ਤੋਂ ਤੰਗ ਉਸ ਨੋਜਵਾਨ ਲਈ ਇਹ ਬਹੁਤ ਕਠਿਨ ਸੀ ਫੇਰ ਇੱਕ ਦਿਨ ਉਸਨੇ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਇਸ ਬਾਰੇ ਗੱਲ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਫੈਸਲਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਉਸ ਦੇ ਚਾਚੇ ਨੇ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਉਸ ਵੱਲ ਕੋਈ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾ ਧਿਆਨ ਨਹੀਂ ਦਿੱਤਾ। ਉਸ ਨੇ ਦ੍ਰਿੜ੍ਹਤਾ ਨਾਲ ਜੋਰਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੂੰ ਸਮਝਾਉਣਾ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਤੇ ਛੇ ਮਹੀਨੇ ਬਾਅਦ ਮਹਿਕਦੀਪ ਦੇ ਯਤਨਾ ਸਦਕਾ ਜੋਰਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਸ਼ਰਾਬ ਪੀਣੀ ਛੱਡ ਦਿੱਤੀ।
ਇਸ ਸੰਬੰਧੀ ਜੋਰਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਦੱਸਿਆ ਕਿ ਮਹਿਕਦੀਪ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਕਹਿੰਦਾ ਸੀ ਕਿ ਮੈਂ ਸ਼ਾਰਾਬ ਪੀਣੀ ਛੱਡ ਦੇਵਾਂ ਕਿਉਂਕ ਸ਼ਾਰਾਬ ਤੋਂ ਜੀਵਨ ਵਿਚ ਤਬਾਹੀ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਕੁਝ ਵੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਮਿਲਦਾ ਅਤੇ ਇਸ ਨਾਲ ਸਾਰਾ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਵੀ ਦੁਖੀ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਕ ਦਿਨ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਇਸ ਗੱਲ ਪਛਤਾਵਾ ਹੋਇਆ ਅਤੇ ਜਿਸ ਨੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨ ‘ਤੇ ਡੂੰਘਾ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵ ਪਿਆ। ਮਹਿਕਦੀਪ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦਾਂ ਨੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨ ਅੰਦਰ ਬੇਚੈਨੀ ਜਿਹੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਅਤੇ ਅਚਾਨਕ ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨ ਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਅਹਿਸਾਸ ਹੋਇਆ। ਜਿਸ ਸੰਬੰਧੀ “ਬੇਔਲਾਦ ਜੌਰਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਬਾਬੂਸ਼ਾਹੀ ਡਾਟ ਕਾਮ ਨੂੰ ਦੱਸਿਆ ਕਿ ਫਿਰ ਮੈਂ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਦੀ ਦਾਤ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕੀਤੀ ਅਤੇ ਰੋਜ਼ਾਨਾ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜਾਣਾ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕੀਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਧਾਰਮਿਕ ਗਤੀਵਿਧੀਆਂ ਵਿਚ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਲੈਣਾ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕਰ ਦਿਤਾ। ਉਸ ਦੇ ਤਬਦੀਲੀ ਦਾ ਮੇਰੇ ਸਾਰੇ ਪਰਵਾਰ ‘ਤੇ ਵੀ ਡੂੰਘਾ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵ ਸੀ ਜਿਸ ਕਰਕੇ ਹੀ ਮੇਰੀ ਧਰਮ ਪਤਨੀ ਅਤੇ ਦੋ ਭੈਣਾਂ ਨੇ ਵੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਛੱਕ ਲਿਆ।
ਅੰਤ ਵਿਚ ਜੋਰਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਦੱਸਿਆ ਕਿ “ਇਹ ਸਭ ਮਹਿਕਦੀਪ ਦੇ ਕਾਰਨ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਸਿੱਖਿਆ ਦੇਣ ਅਤੇ ਜੀਵਨ ਬਦਲਣ ਲਈ ਸਹਾਇਕ ਸਿੱਧ ਹੋਇਆ। ਹੁਣ ਮੈਂ ਹੋਰਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਮੇਰੀ ਉਦਾਹਰਨ ਦੇ ਕੇ ਇਸ ਦੀ ਪਾਲਣਾ ਕਰਨ ਅਤੇ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੀ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦੀ ਅਗਵਾਈ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਸਲਾਹ ਦੇ ਰਿਹਾ ਹਾਂ। ਮੈਂ ਬਾਬਾ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ ਕਰਦਾ ਹਾਂ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਅਗਵਾਈ ਵਿਚ ਚੱਲ ਰਹੀ ਅਕਾਲ ਅਕੈਡਮੀ ਸੰਸਥਾ ਨੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਵਰਗੇ ਹੋਰ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੇ ਜੀਵਨ-ਬਦਲਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਅਜਿਹੇ ਨੌਜਵਾਨ ਦਿਮਾਗਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਸੰਭਾਲ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ।

भगत सिंह की फिल्म देखने के बाद लोगों के मन में ये सवाल उठता है की भगत सिंह के चाचा का क्या हुआ ?
उन्हूने 38 साल अंग्रेजों के खिलाफ काम किया Iran, Rome, Geneva, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, France, USA में क्रांतिकारिओं के साथ |
He helped Subhash Chandra Bose in Italy. He broadcasted rebellion to Indian troops in Africa and worked to raise troops from captured Indian soldiers emprisoned in Italy forming a revolutionary army of the Indian prisoners of war. His passionate speeches in Hindustani broadcast from Rome by Radio.

He came back to India at the invitation of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru after remaining in exile for 38 years, returning in March 1947 and breathed his last on the morning of 15 August 1947 at Dalhousie, Punjab .

Sardar Ajit Singh Sandhu was born into a patriotic family from Punjab in India. He was born on 23 February 1881 at Khatkar kalan village in Jalandhar District (now in Shaheed Bhagat Singh district). He studied up to matric at Saindas Anglo Sanskrit School Jallandhar, and later joined Law College, Barreily( UP). During this period he became intensely involved in the Indian freedom movement and left his law studies.

Sardar Ajit Singh along with copatriots organised an agitation by peasents of Punjab against anti farmer British laws known as Punjab Colonisation Act (Amendment) 1906 and administrative orders of enhancing the water rate charges, was an early protester in the Punjab region of India who challenged British rule, and openly criticized the Indian colonial government. He along with Lala Lajpat Rai was exiled to Mandley (Burma) in May 1907. But due to great public pressure and apprehention of unrest in Army, these bills were withdrawn and both released in Nov 1907. But he along with his brothers Kishan Singh and Swaran Singh and Sufi Amba Parshad continue publishing political literature for when British Government was planning to arrest them and put them in long term jail .

Sardar Ajit Singh was the hero of “Pagdi Sambhal Jatta” movement. The “Pagdi Sambhal Jatta” movement had spread far beyond the peasants to engulf the army. In 1907, he was deported to Mandalay Jail in Burma along with Lala Lajpat Rai. After his release, He along with Sufi Amba Parshad escaped to Iran in 1909 rapidly developed as a centre for revolutionary activities by groups led by Sardar Ajit Singh and Sufi Amba Prasad who had worked there since 1909. The recruits to these groups included young nationalists of the likes of Rhishikesh Letha, Zia-ul-Haq, Thakur Das Dhuri . By 1910, the activities of these groups and their publication, the Hayat, had been noticed by the British intelligence. Reports as early as 1910 indicated German efforts to unite Turkey and Persia and proceed to Afghanistan to threaten British India.
However, Ajit Singh’s departure in 1911 brought the Indian revolutionary activities to a grinding halt, while British representations to Persia successfully curbed whatever activity that remained in the country. From there, he traveled to Rome, Geneva, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, France, USA, and worked with revolutionaries against Britishers.
He earned his leaving by teaching.

In 1939, he returned to Europe and shifted to Italy where, in order to intensify his activities and mobilize Italian public and government support in favour of India, he formed the Friends of India Society. Later on he broadcasted rebellion to Indian troops in Africa and worked to raise troops from captured Indian soldiers emprisoned in Italy forming a revolutionary army of the Indian prisoners of war. His passionate speeches in Hindustani broadcast from Rome by Radio and his own example of sacrifice and suffering for the country made had made a deep impact on the Indian soldiers.

He helped Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in his mission in Italy. He advised Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose to learn to speak Hindustani as he had only been able to enlist 25 members in his Berlin Azad Hind Fauj (army) where he and his partners in Italy had raised more than 10,000 men.

After the fall of Italy, Ajit Singh was imprisoned and kept in an Italian jail and later, when the Germans surrendered, he was shifted to a jail in Germany. The British intended to see that he was punished for his work on behalf of the Axis powers. Turned over at one time to the care of an American camp he shared the facts of why he had worked against the British in the war and was promtly freed and sent on his way by an American officer who had considered him a patriot like those who had worked to win America’s freedom from British rule. But the British were quick to arrest him again. After suffering from imprisonment in bad, often cold, damp conditions with little food or medical treatment (one time, he thought that he was purposely mis-diagnosed with tubeculosis and then forced to sleep between two very ill tuberculosis patients. Locked up in Germany he was ventually released. He finally made it to Britain and the good care of his well wishers and admirers.

He came back to India at the invitation of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru after remaining in exile for 38 years, returning in March 1947 and breathed his last on the morning of 15 August 1947 at Dalhousie Punjab . The day India was declared free from British Rule. .
After spending some time in Delhi, he went to Dalhousie .

On August 15, 1947 he uttered his last breath; On this date India got its Independence. His last words were, “Thank God, my mission is fulfilled.”

ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਵਿਚ ਸਚਾਈ ਦੇ ਰਾਹ ਤੇ ਤੁਰਨਾ ਇਸ ਘੋਰ ਕਲਯੁੱਗ ਦੀ ਘੜੀ ਵਿਚ ਬਹੁਤ ਕਠਿਨ ਹੈ ਸੱਚ ਦਾ ਰਾਹ ਤੇ ਤੁਰਨ ਦਾ ਮਤਲਬ ਇਸ ਕਲਯੁੱਗ ਅੰਦਰ ਵਗਦੀਆਂ ਤੇਜ਼ ਹਵਾਵਾਂ ਦੇ ਉੱਲਟ ਚੱਲਣ ਦੇ ਬਰਾਬਰ ਹੈ।

ਹਾਂ ਜੇਕਰ ਸੱਚਾਈ ਦਾ ਰਾਹ ਚੁਣ ਲਿਆ ਜਾਵੇ ਤਾਂ ਫੇਰ ਜਿੰਦਗੀ ਜਿਊਣ ਦੇ ਅਰਥ ਹੀ ਬਦਲ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ।ਰੋਜ਼ਾਨਾ ਜਿੰਦਗੀ ਵਿਚ ਸੱਚ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਇਕ ਚੰਗੀ ਆਦਤ
ਹੈ।ਜਿਹੜੇ ਲੋਕ ਸੱਚ ਬੋਲਦੇ ਹਨ, ਸਾਰੇ ਲੋਕ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦਾ ਆਦਰ–ਸਤਿਕਾਰ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ।

ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਵਚਨਾਂ ‘ਤੇ ਵਿਸ਼ਵਾਸ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਪਰ ਵੱਡੀ ਗੱਲ ਇਹ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਜੇ ਸੱਚਾਈ ਵਾਲੇ ਇੰਨਸਾਨ ਦੀ ਇੱਜ਼ਤ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਖੁਦ ਵੀ ਸਚਾਈ ਦੇ ਰਾਹ ਤੁਰ ਪੈਣ।
ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ: “ਸਚੈ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਚਲਦਿਆ, ਉਸਤਤਿ ਕਰੇ ਜਹਾਨੁ।।” ਇਕ ਗੱਲ ਯਾਦ ਰੱਖੋ –ਸੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਝੂਠ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾ ਗਿਣਤੀ ‘ਚ।ਸੱਚ ਬੋਲਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਇੰਨਸਾਨ ਬਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਖੌਫ ਰਹਿੰਦਾਂ ਹੈ ਜਦੋਂ ਕਿ ਇਕ ਝੂਠ ਬੋਲਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਨੂੰ ਇਕ ਝੂਠ ਨੂੰ ਛਪਾਉਣ ਲਈ 100 ਝੂਠ ਵੀ ਬੋਲਣੇ ਪੈ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਨ। ਝੂਠ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ
ਵੱਡਾ ਪਾਪ ਹੈ।
ਅਜੋਕੇ ਯੁੱਗ ‘ਚ ਅਸੀਂ ਇਹ ਸਮਝ ਰਹੇ ਹਾਂ ਕਿ ਝੂਠ ਦੀ ਜਿੱਤ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਸੱਚ ਨੂੰ ਕੋਈ ਵੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਪੁੱਛਦਾ ਪਰ ਇਹ ਬਿਲਕੁਲ ਗਲਤ ਧਾਰਨਾ ਹੈ। ਝੂਠ ਹਰ ਇਕ ਗੱਲ ‘ਚ ਚੱਲਦਾ ਹੈ, ਜਿਵੇਂ ਬਾਪ ਨੂੰ ਬੇਟੇ ‘ਤੇ, ਭਰਾ ਨੂੰ ਭੈਣ ‘ਤੇ, ਦੁਕਾਨਦਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਗਾਹਕ ‘ਤੇ ਅਤੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਆਪਣ ਚੇਲੇ ‘ਤੇ ਅਤੇ ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਵੀ ਅੱਗੇ ਲੋਕ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ‘ਤੇ ਵੀ
ਆਪਣੇ ਸਵਾਰਥ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਹੀ ਵਿਸ਼ਵਾਸ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ।ਇੱਥੇ ਇਹ ਝੂਠ ਬੋਲਕੇ ਅਸੀਂ ਸਾਡੇ ਸਮਾਜ,ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਤੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਪ੍ਰਤੀ ਅਕ੍ਰਿਤਘਤਾ ਦੀ ਗਵਾਹੀ ਦੇ ਰਹੇ ਹਾਂ। ਝੂਠ ਬੋਲਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਇਨਸਾਨ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਚਿੰਤਤ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਉਸਨੂੰ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਇਹ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਰਹਿੰਦੀ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਕਿਸਨੂੰ ਕੀ ਝੂਠ ਬੋਲਿਆ।

ਸੌ ਝੂਠ ਬੋਲਣ ਨਾਲੋਂ ਇੱਕ ਸੱਚ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਜਿਆਦਾ ਬਿਹਤਰ ਵਿਕਲਪ ਹੈ।

ਸੋ ਝੂਠ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਸੌਖਾ ਤੇ ਸੱਚ ਸੁਣਨਾ ਔਖਾ ਇਸ ਲਈ ਝੂਠ ਬੋਲਣ ਨਾਲੋਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਇਕ ਚੁੱਪ ਸੌ ਸੁੱਖ।
ਸਿਆਣੇ ਕਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ ਕਿ ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਕੰਮ ਦੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤ ਆਪਣੇ ਘਰ ਤੋਂ ਕਰੋਂ ਅਤੇ ਸੱਚ ਬੋਲਣ ਦੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤ ਵੀ ਆਪਣੇ ਘਰ ਤੋਂ ਹੀ ਕਰੋ। ਅਸਲੀਅਤ ਇਹ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਸੱਚਾਈ ਦੀ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਜਿੱਤ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ। ਸਾਡਾ ਨੈਤਿਕ ਫਰਜ਼ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਅਸੀਂ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਸੱਚ ਬੋਲੀਏ।

ਛੋਟੇ ਝੂਠ ਤੋਂ ਹੀ ਵੱਡੇ ਝੂਠ ਦੀ ਬੁਨਿਆਦ ਬਣਦੀ ਹੈ।ਆਉ ਅੱਜ ਆਪਣੇ ਆਪ ਨਾਲ ਇਕ ਵਾਅਦਾ ਕਰੀਏ ਕਿ ਜਿੰਦਗੀ ਭਰ ਸੱਚ ਦਾ ਪੱਲਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਛੱਡਗਾ ਤੇ ਸੱਚ ਦੇ ਹੱਕ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ ਆਪਣੀ ਆਵਾਜ਼ ਬੁਲੰਦ ਕਰਾਂਗੇ।

You see the new normal for our boss, and us, is him working remotely because he spends hours in waiting rooms. But it is still very effective; he does not miss a single beat…

Our office in TTDI is usually a revolving door of people from journalists to marketing professionals coming in to meet the man himself, seeking advice from someone who has spent years in the industry.

If you have not had a chance to pick his brains, I hope our rapid-fire Q&A session below gives you a better insight into the man we know as Professor Harmandar Singh…

MALATI: Most recently you picked up the **‘Golden Bull Award’ for outstanding SME, what is the one thing you love most about being an entrepreneur?

I enjoy managing risks – in people, opportunities and expectations. I am so used to giving out awards for more than two decades. But to receive one, especially from those outside my industry, was a real shocker. This ‘Outstanding SME Award 2017’ is not about me, but about the people in the company. They are outstanding; I am merely standing outside, looking in.

MALATI: What was your turning point on deciding to leave your job as a Creative Director and embark on the brave journey of starting your own business?

I had had enough of the shit one compiles when talking to myopic people about doing great things. I just did not want to be with oxygen thieves who really did not matter to our existence as a species. So I moved on. I am allergic to lazy thinkers who talk a lot and expect others to do the work. But I will always be indebted to the advertising industry for allowing a turbanned stranger to shine. Early in my career, someone actually told me to remove my turban (cut my hair) and I’ll become famous. I told her “watch me”.

MALATI: If someone came to you for advice on starting out on their own what would you tell them?

If you can’t sell your opinions convincingly, stay in bed. You’ll save some trees just doing nothing.

MALATI: There have been many new and exciting changes at MARKETING which you have spearheaded from the much talked about personalised cover to new digital initiatives. How do you continue to evolve in this ever changing industry?

It is no more about me, but the cosmos that surrounds me. Be it colleagues, friends or family. As such, I do not have any clients because people I do business with me accept us on equal terms. I am privileged to turn ideas into reality, and keeping my word. It is amusing to see how people scurry around for a little fame wherever it can be found. On the other hand, I have the chance to add real value to my industry every day. The people I work with are the best of breed, they keep their eye on the golf ball and don’t raise their head too early to see where the ball is heading.

MALATI: Apart from running your businesses you also work with MERCY Malaysia and are now a Professor at UPSI University. Can you share a bit more…

It gets more and more amazing by the day. I am humbled that UPSI has recognised me for helping author their Bachelor’s Degree in Social Communications syllabus. My work in MERCY Malaysia is never meant for the limelight, so I keep it that way. There’s much to do.

MALATI: What book are you currently reading?

Midnight Children, my fourth reading. I also have six copies of his “other book”. There is no better writer on the planet. Besides Ted Lim and Paul J Loosely, of course.

MALATI: Having interviewed everyone from HRH Sultan of Perak to David Droga, which were the most memorable interviews for you?

Steve Forbes.

It was in the Raffles Hotel Singapore in the presence of CIA agents; the man is their national treasure. I asked him how he handled people who would hate him for writing the incriminating truth about them. He replied, “I’ll publish it and wait for the phone to ring.”

A few seconds later, he continued, “And I won’t pick it up.”

I also enjoyed interviewing Donald Trump via Live satellite feed in 2009 for the Youth Engagement Summit in Putrajaya. He stood in for Amitabh Bachchan. Donald (now POTUS) also mentioned it is “not nice” when people do not show up or keep their word. The crowd loved him.

Bala Pomaleh: and not because I stole his mobile phone for one night. Ho Kay Tat: because he is one in a million.

MALATI: ‘Ham wears many hats, but only one turban’ apart from this being a catchy phrase those who know you know this to be very true. Writer, business owner, event planner, creative director, the list goes on…., which one do you enjoy the most?

Writing phrases is in my DNA; I used to do up to 30,000 words a week. I enjoy being in the eye of the storm.

MALATI: Thoughtout your years of networking in Malaysia and globally what advice would you give to those in the industry looking build their personal brand?

If you think SALE is a four-letter word, forget about building any kind of brand, including your own.

MALATI: As a creative director, you had crafted over 400 TV commercials and picked up numerous awards for them. Can you share with me your favourite campaign that you have worked on?

I have no favourite campaign, but the Proton Satria launch TVC comes to mind.

I was part of it when I worked as a freelance creative, not in a big agency. The only meaningful role I played was to defend the idea from dying; saving it from the trash bin after the Creative Director dumped it.

** The Golden Bull Award is an award created to acknowledge, celebrate and award businesses for their achievements. It is an award that symbolises strength and growth, and served as the penultimate award for successful businesses.

This article, entitled ‘I have never interviewed my boss before!’, first appeared at MARKETING, a Malaysian-based industry magazine for the marketing communications industry read by advertising, media and marketing decision makers. Published by Sledgehammer Communications, the team also organises industry events like the Malaysian Media Conference, Global Digital Marketing Conference, Malaysian CMO Conference, Creative AllStars Conference, Product of the Year Awards and Dragons of Malaysia/Asia

By Malati Siniah | Marketing
-AsiaSamachar

It was a sureal experience for Jagjit Singh, a Johor Bahru-born son of a watchman, when he stepped into an international conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

Jagjit, a former judge appointed as a Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) commissioner in April this year, was humbled to represent Malaysia at an United Nations (UN) conference last month.

“As I was seated at the conference, I did reflect on my own personal journey. How fortunate for this Johor Bahru boy to be taking part in such an event,” he told Asia Samachar when met in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Jagjit represented MyCC at the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Competition Law and Policy meeting, organised by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), between July 5 and July 7.

SEE ALSO: Former Malaysian judge Jagjit Singh made Competition Commisioner

Jagjit is the third of six siblings. His late father, Bant Singh, worked as a watchman at the Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR), a government works agency, in Johor Bahru. Bant was born in Ramuwal in Moga, Punjab. His mother, Pritam Kaur, was a housewife. She was born in Jagroan, India.

While Jagjit is now based in Kuala Lumpur, his family is very much rooted in Johor Bahru, the state capital of Johor, and just a hop away from Singapore. Until their end, his parents lived in Johor Bahru, popularly called JB.

“God has been kind to my family. My parents brought us up the hard way. We went through difficult periods during our younger days. All these are Guru Ji’s blessings,” said Jagjit. “They were so proud when I was appointed magistrate in 1988.”

Two of his brothers – eldest brother and gynecologist Dr Jarnail Singh and fourth child Dr Harbans Singh – run private medical practices in Johor Bahru. Younger brother Jasbeer Singh retired as a JKR technician. His two sisters, Harbans Kaur and Rajinder Kaur, moved to the UK after their marriages.

Jagjit’s father was awarded the state medal, Pingat Ibrahim Sultan, by the Johor Sultan for his services to the state agency. “I drove him to the Palace on that day,” he said.

Jagjit holds a Bachelor in Laws (Hons) and Masters in Law from King’s College, London.

He retired last year from the government service after 38 years in the judicial and legal service. He had served as a magistrate, senior federal counsel, assistant parliamentary draftsman, deputy treasury solicitor, legal advisor to the Ministry of Health, Deputy Public Prosecutor and Sessions Court Judge in Kuantan, Seremban and Kuala Lumpur.

As a Sikh, he said he was proud to have drafted the “No Smoking” laws when he was the Legal Advisor to the Ministry of Health.

Smoking is highly frowned upon by Sikhs, counting as one of the four bajar kurehat or things to abstain when a Sikh takes the Khalsa initiation.

He is also the founding partner of Jagjit Ariff & Co and went on to make his mark as a criminal and preventive detention lawyer.

Jagjit has written two books, “Practical Approach to the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights” and “Civil Procedure.”

Upon his retirement, he was appointed as an independent director of Tokio Marine Insurans Bhd.

Jagjit was recently appointed as a member of the appeal board of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) now led by Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, popularly referred to as Tunku Mahkota Johor (TMJ).

AsiaSamachar

Chandigarh-born Paramvir Singh Chattwal (43) will represent Australia’s Department of Justice, New South Wales, in the upcoming World Police and Fire Games to be held in Los Angeles.

He will be competing in the full bore rifle and police tactical pistol shooting competition. Chattwal migrated to Australia in 2014 and is working with the New South Wales Police where he took up shooting as a sport. His parents Ujjal Singh Chattwal and Kawaljit Kaur are Zirakpur residents.

In 2015, he won the bronze medal in the Australian Emergency Services Pistol Championships in Canberra. Next year, he participated in the Victorian Police Pistol Club Championships and won six silver medals.

In the NSW Police Games last year, he won the silver medal in small bore rifle and the bronze medal in the pistol shooting.

“It’s a great feeling to represent Australia in this championship. I had never thought of joining police department but now I am enjoying it,” said Chattwal.

He also claimed to have carried the Australian flag during the 2016 Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

“I am a correctional officer in the department. Shooting was never my first choice as I was more inclined towards business but with the passage of time I developed my interest in the sport,” he added.

Chattwal claims to be the first Sikh national to represent Department of Justice and Australia at the World Police Games. He has studied in city schools before moving to Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun.

“I WILL TRY TO WIN THIS CHAMPIONSHIP TO MAKE MY COUNTRY PROUD,”

Husandeep Kaur completed her 12th from Baba Sahib Dass Public Sr Sec School. She topped the PSEB Exams in Punjab with 100% Marks. All this was only possible with her hardwork and skill. She always made her studies her top priority and worked hard to reach her goals.

She says, “One of the most important thing for a student is to succeed in her/his life in a peaceful and disciplined environment which was common in her school and this university.”

She aims of becoming an IAS officer within 5 yrs. She seems extremely dedicated to her aim and is confident enough that she will achieve it.

Her parent’s support has been the most important factor backing her success who believed in her and inspired her to reach new heights.

Her Views about Akal University-

I visited AU one day and i was greatly surprised to see such wonderful, peaceful and disciplined environment. I am blessed to be admitted in this University.