Young Kirpal Singh was a refugee from that part of India which is today called Pakistan. India got partitioned in 1947 and millions were massacred in the name of a religion which cannot accept non-believers. It was an ordeal for everyone to escape and so many of us did just that. Kirpal, born in Abbottabad,(NWFP) in 1935, escaped & resettled with his family in Dehradun.

Nothing deterred this brave son of India and he joined the Indian Air Force by clearing the SSB for the 66th Pilots’ Course. He was commissioned in 1956 and joined a Vampire Squadron.

Kirpal was an ‘Ace’ in Gunnery and won the “Arjuna’ award in his very first gunnery meet. ‘Arjuna’ award was an in-house award of the IAF and apparently has been, since discontinued. Young Flt Lt Kirpal was soon to be a test pilot and was sent to the Empirical Test Pilots’ School in England for his training. He was instrumental in developing so many varied flying ‘platforms’ for the IAF, which the IAF used, both during peace and the ensuing wars. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for his exceptional flying skills.

Kirpal was posted with N0 27, No 20 Squadrons where he flew Gnats and many other aircraft as well, but his testing and flying skills on a Hunter were soon to become legendary. He took an active part in the 1965 & 1971 wars. His own creation of a platform in an unarmed Mig 21, carrying a special camera, was extensively flown and used by him during the 1971 operations. He successfully flew alone,at very low heights all over the borders and brought back photographic intelligence of the ongoing war. Recognising his contribution to the war efforts, especially in the face of a treacherous enemy, Kirpal was decorated with a Vir Chakra in 1972.

He was later posted with the ASTE as an Instructor from where he switched jobs and joined the Steel Authority of India as their chief pilot.

In nearly forty years of his flying career, Kirpal Singh has logged over 10000 flying hours in 56 different types of aircraft. He also remained the flying examiner for seventeen years with the DGCA.

There are heroic stories about him and about his flying skills where he brought back a totally crippled Mig-21 which had suffered a total electrical failure thus denying him all references and controls. He had landed that aircraft safely to fly another day. Many others would have possibly ejected in such a situation.

Kirpal is settled in Rajpura, Punjab. His three children are well accomplished and are doing well in their lives.
He often lives with his two sons in Toronto, Canada and met with me here to give me the honour to write about him. The Kirpals celebrated their golden jubilee this year in January.

The AFA wishes both Mrs. Kirpal and the 82 years young Kirpal Singh all the best for the future.

Young Kirpal Singh was a refugee from that part of India which is today called Pakistan. India got partitioned in 1947 and millions were massacred in the name of a religion which cannot accept non-believers. It was an ordeal for everyone to escape and so many of us did just that. Kirpal, born in Abbottabad,(NWFP) in 1935, escaped & resettled with his family in Dehradun.

Nothing deterred this brave son of India and he joined the Indian Air Force by clearing the SSB for the 66th Pilots’ Course. He was commissioned in 1956 and joined a Vampire Squadron.

Kirpal was an ‘Ace’ in Gunnery and won the “Arjuna’ award in his very first gunnery meet. ‘Arjuna’ award was an in-house award of the IAF and apparently has been, since discontinued. Young Flt Lt Kirpal was soon to be a test pilot and was sent to the Empirical Test Pilots’ School in England for his training. He was instrumental in developing so many varied flying ‘platforms’ for the IAF, which the IAF used, both during peace and the ensuing wars. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for his exceptional flying skills.

Kirpal was posted with N0 27, No 20 Squadrons where he flew Gnats and many other aircraft as well, but his testing and flying skills on a Hunter were soon to become legendary. He took an active part in the 1965 & 1971 wars. His own creation of a platform in an unarmed Mig 21, carrying a special camera, was extensively flown and used by him during the 1971 operations. He successfully flew alone,at very low heights all over the borders and brought back photographic intelligence of the ongoing war. Recognising his contribution to the war efforts, especially in the face of a treacherous enemy, Kirpal was decorated with a Vir Chakra in 1972.

He was later posted with the ASTE as an Instructor from where he switched jobs and joined the Steel Authority of India as their chief pilot.

In nearly forty years of his flying career, Kirpal Singh has logged over 10000 flying hours in 56 different types of aircraft. He also remained the flying examiner for seventeen years with the DGCA.

There are heroic stories about him and about his flying skills where he brought back a totally crippled Mig-21 which had suffered a total electrical failure thus denying him all references and controls. He had landed that aircraft safely to fly another day. Many others would have possibly ejected in such a situation.

Kirpal is settled in Rajpura, Punjab. His three children are well accomplished and are doing well in their lives.
He often lives with his two sons in Toronto, Canada and met with me here to give me the honour to write about him. The Kirpals celebrated their golden jubilee this year in January.

The AFA wishes both Mrs. Kirpal and the 82 years young Kirpal Singh all the best for the future.

Born and raised in Mukatsar Sahib, Punjab, Raman always had a passion for Army.

“My ancestors were proud army servicemen. My grandfather Chanan Singh Ahluwalia was part of Indian Army. My great grandfather Khajan Singh Ahluwalia had served British Army during 30’s. I feel that serving for nation as army men is in our blood!”

Raman’s story is quite inspirational for all the young international students who come to Australia to pursue their dreams.

He is a turban wearing Sikh who came to Australia on a student visa and have done study course in hospitality management.

“My first few years in Australia was a great struggle! I remember the tough days when I had small scale jobs as a cook, a security supervisor and even I drove taxi and buses for few years” said Raman.

Talking about his passion for Army, he mentioned, “I am trying to follow footprints of my ancestors and try to do something for my country and community.”

While talking about his appearance and religious beliefs, he said, “the diversity is one of the key strengths of the Australian Army and I am proud to be part of it.”

“With dignity, my appearance as a “Sikh” also reminds me of the extra responsibilities that come my way. I am here to follow the footsteps of great Sikh soldiers who fought for noble causes with bravery and honesty.”

“I want to serve my country, and at the same time I have a deep down desire to remain true to my faith. In this regard, I am very thankful to Australian Army who helped me join forces with my full on appearance, with beard and turban!”

“I am immensely proud of my Army uniform as it gives me a sense of belonging – my uniform and my badge name as ‘Singh’ gives me an immense pleasure that I can’t describe.”

Raman also told SBS Punjabi why it is particularly important for Sikhs to serve in the military or police service.

“Sikhism has a long history of saint-soldier tradition. I was greatly influenced by my granddad who used to teach me that we can’t have peace without justice. Moreover, I feel our religious and cultural values are directly in line with military values.”

“Serving the nation and to have a sense of belonging when there are so many issues of ‘mistaken identity’ is quite crucial for me at a personal level. I always wished to be a front runner with my service, commitment and dignity.”

“My move to join Australian Army has earned me a lot of respect in friends, family and local community. And I will try to hold the flag high” said Raman in a telephonic conversation with SBS Radio’s Punjabi program.

Born and raised in Mukatsar Sahib, Punjab, Raman always had a passion for Army.

“My ancestors were proud army servicemen. My grandfather Chanan Singh Ahluwalia was part of Indian Army. My great grandfather Khajan Singh Ahluwalia had served British Army during 30’s. I feel that serving for nation as army men is in our blood!”

Raman’s story is quite inspirational for all the young international students who come to Australia to pursue their dreams.

He is a turban wearing Sikh who came to Australia on a student visa and have done study course in hospitality management.

“My first few years in Australia was a great struggle! I remember the tough days when I had small scale jobs as a cook, a security supervisor and even I drove taxi and buses for few years” said Raman.

Talking about his passion for Army, he mentioned, “I am trying to follow footprints of my ancestors and try to do something for my country and community.”

While talking about his appearance and religious beliefs, he said, “the diversity is one of the key strengths of the Australian Army and I am proud to be part of it.”

“With dignity, my appearance as a “Sikh” also reminds me of the extra responsibilities that come my way. I am here to follow the footsteps of great Sikh soldiers who fought for noble causes with bravery and honesty.”

“I want to serve my country, and at the same time I have a deep down desire to remain true to my faith. In this regard, I am very thankful to Australian Army who helped me join forces with my full on appearance, with beard and turban!”

“I am immensely proud of my Army uniform as it gives me a sense of belonging – my uniform and my badge name as ‘Singh’ gives me an immense pleasure that I can’t describe.”

Raman also told SBS Punjabi why it is particularly important for Sikhs to serve in the military or police service.

“Sikhism has a long history of saint-soldier tradition. I was greatly influenced by my granddad who used to teach me that we can’t have peace without justice. Moreover, I feel our religious and cultural values are directly in line with military values.”

“Serving the nation and to have a sense of belonging when there are so many issues of ‘mistaken identity’ is quite crucial for me at a personal level. I always wished to be a front runner with my service, commitment and dignity.”

“My move to join Australian Army has earned me a lot of respect in friends, family and local community. And I will try to hold the flag high” said Raman in a telephonic conversation with SBS Radio’s Punjabi program.

An orange and navy blue truck seen plying on the streets of Washington DC in US these days has emerged as a source of hope for the homeless and the poor.

Started by a Sikh, the truck, which famously goes by the name ‘Seva Truck’, takes its inspiration from the popular ‘langar’ (community kitchens). Sporting a message saying, ‘DC has the nation’s highest rate of food insecurity among children. Twenty five percent of our veterans experience food insecurity. Our Mission: Combat Hunger. Serve Humanity’, the truck plies on the road distributing free hot meals to the needy.

Speaking to The Indian Express over the phone, Sonny Kakar, 46, the man behind the idea says, “It was originally the wish of my 74-year old father Devinder Kakar to do something for the homeless. We left India years ago. I was just five when my family shifted to US from Delhi. Sikhism teaches us to not let anyone sleep hungry and serve langar. My ancestors were from Rawalpindi (now in Pakistan). My father was the happiest man on the earth the day we inaugurated this truck and he saw poor having a hearty meal.”

Working with a cyber security firm in US, Kakar explains the concept saying, “Initially, we have spent $75,000 (Rs 50.35 lakh approx) on this truck. It has an in-built kitchen and a window from where meals are served. We are serving 250 meals a day on an average currently. The plan is to increase it to 50,000 a day. Also, we are targeting 20 such trucks in US by 2020 to combat hunger. Apart from the homeless, truck is also plying in areas comprising deprived senior citizens, orphans and ex-servicemen.”

Kakar also acknowledges the help that has poured in from local Sikh community in the US. “My friends – Gurpal Bhullar, Anu Kaur, Rubin Paul Singh – have helped me at every step in starting this free-meal service,” he said.
Speaking about the menu it offers, Kakar said that the truck though serves pure vegetarian meal but its not Indian. “Since people we are serving are mostly American, we have to go by their taste. Italian pasta and Mexican tortillas are served generally. On several occasions, we also serve cookies, ice creams while cheese, eggs and potatoes are served for breakfast. On the occasion of Baisakhi, we dished out cheese quesadilla; chips, salsa and guacamole; mandarin, ice cream and red sauce pasta,” said Carol Barbosa Jeliazkov, a Brazilian, working with group.

Source- Indianexpress.com

An orange and navy blue truck seen plying on the streets of Washington DC in US these days has emerged as a source of hope for the homeless and the poor.

Started by a Sikh, the truck, which famously goes by the name ‘Seva Truck’, takes its inspiration from the popular ‘langar’ (community kitchens). Sporting a message saying, ‘DC has the nation’s highest rate of food insecurity among children. Twenty five percent of our veterans experience food insecurity. Our Mission: Combat Hunger. Serve Humanity’, the truck plies on the road distributing free hot meals to the needy.

Speaking to The Indian Express over the phone, Sonny Kakar, 46, the man behind the idea says, “It was originally the wish of my 74-year old father Devinder Kakar to do something for the homeless. We left India years ago. I was just five when my family shifted to US from Delhi. Sikhism teaches us to not let anyone sleep hungry and serve langar. My ancestors were from Rawalpindi (now in Pakistan). My father was the happiest man on the earth the day we inaugurated this truck and he saw poor having a hearty meal.”

Working with a cyber security firm in US, Kakar explains the concept saying, “Initially, we have spent $75,000 (Rs 50.35 lakh approx) on this truck. It has an in-built kitchen and a window from where meals are served. We are serving 250 meals a day on an average currently. The plan is to increase it to 50,000 a day. Also, we are targeting 20 such trucks in US by 2020 to combat hunger. Apart from the homeless, truck is also plying in areas comprising deprived senior citizens, orphans and ex-servicemen.”

Kakar also acknowledges the help that has poured in from local Sikh community in the US. “My friends – Gurpal Bhullar, Anu Kaur, Rubin Paul Singh – have helped me at every step in starting this free-meal service,” he said.
Speaking about the menu it offers, Kakar said that the truck though serves pure vegetarian meal but its not Indian. “Since people we are serving are mostly American, we have to go by their taste. Italian pasta and Mexican tortillas are served generally. On several occasions, we also serve cookies, ice creams while cheese, eggs and potatoes are served for breakfast. On the occasion of Baisakhi, we dished out cheese quesadilla; chips, salsa and guacamole; mandarin, ice cream and red sauce pasta,” said Carol Barbosa Jeliazkov, a Brazilian, working with group.

Source- Indianexpress.com

Over 80 percent of models that were hired for New York’s Fashion Week were white, whereas they make up 63 percent of the American population. While the 17% may not seem like a huge disparity, reducing that would create the world of difference.

The Sikhs have over 150 years of history in America, yet they are never featured in entertainment business, commercial advertising, or in today’s fashion. However, what they do receive is constant scrutiny for their turbans from people who automatically assume their article of faith as a symbol of terror—which is sheer ignorance.

One such brand that is blurring the lines of ethnicity and religion in their models is Eidos Napoli. It is an Italian luxury brand which focuses on making classy yet comfortable clothing for men and just that. One of their models for New York Fashion Week was Sahaj Anand—a proud American Sikh who will start Emory University this fall. Sahaj told me, “Most people who asked me to model [previously] wanted me to remove my turban and show my hair.” When asked how his experience was different this time, he stated that it was great since Eidos Napoli “wanted [him] to keep [his] articles of faith intact.” Not only did this make him feel comfortable, but it proved to him that he did not have to compromise his beliefs to follow his dreams.

If an Italian brand can do this, why can’t more American brands?

Source- www.theodysseyonline.com

Over 80 percent of models that were hired for New York’s Fashion Week were white, whereas they make up 63 percent of the American population. While the 17% may not seem like a huge disparity, reducing that would create the world of difference.

The Sikhs have over 150 years of history in America, yet they are never featured in entertainment business, commercial advertising, or in today’s fashion. However, what they do receive is constant scrutiny for their turbans from people who automatically assume their article of faith as a symbol of terror—which is sheer ignorance.

One such brand that is blurring the lines of ethnicity and religion in their models is Eidos Napoli. It is an Italian luxury brand which focuses on making classy yet comfortable clothing for men and just that. One of their models for New York Fashion Week was Sahaj Anand—a proud American Sikh who will start Emory University this fall. Sahaj told me, “Most people who asked me to model [previously] wanted me to remove my turban and show my hair.” When asked how his experience was different this time, he stated that it was great since Eidos Napoli “wanted [him] to keep [his] articles of faith intact.” Not only did this make him feel comfortable, but it proved to him that he did not have to compromise his beliefs to follow his dreams.

If an Italian brand can do this, why can’t more American brands?

Source- www.theodysseyonline.com

It is hard to find honest people these day as materialism has taken the centre stage.

But, a local youth and his two friends have set an example by returning the debit card of a college lecturer, who forgot it at an ATM in posh Ranjit Avenue after withdrawing money from her account. Interestingly, the password of the ATM was also written on the card’s pouch. On finding the card, the trio decided to return it to its rightful owner.

While giving details, Ritu Sharma, a lecturer in local DAV College, said she had gone to Ranjit Avenue for some work and withdrawn cash from an ATM. However, she forgot her debit card on the machine. She was not even aware about it until she received a call from a youth, who identified himself as Gurneet Singh Khalsa. He told Ritu that he had her debit card.

Gurneet (24) said he found the card lying on the ATM machine. He said first he thought someone might have discarded the card as its validity might have expired, but on checking he found a handwritten password on its pouch. Later, he discovered a huge sum in the account.

Gurneet resides in Jalalabad in Ferozepur and had come to Amritsar for some personal work. “However, I am a baptized Sikh. The teachings of Gurus and my conscious did not allow me to steal the cash,” he said while adding that he decided to return the ATM to its owner.

He said he went to a number of branches of Punjab National Bank (PNB) and finally an official guided him to Green Avenue branch after going through online records. He met the manager of the PNB branch at Green Avenue and requested him to help in tracing the owner of the ATM. They got the contact number of Ritu Sharma from her account.

Dr Rakesh Sharma, an orthopaedic surgeon, at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital and husband of Ritu Sharma, said the gesture of the youths impressed upon him to start believing that honesty still lives. He said others should take inspiration from such people.

-Tribune

It is hard to find honest people these day as materialism has taken the centre stage.

But, a local youth and his two friends have set an example by returning the debit card of a college lecturer, who forgot it at an ATM in posh Ranjit Avenue after withdrawing money from her account. Interestingly, the password of the ATM was also written on the card’s pouch. On finding the card, the trio decided to return it to its rightful owner.

While giving details, Ritu Sharma, a lecturer in local DAV College, said she had gone to Ranjit Avenue for some work and withdrawn cash from an ATM. However, she forgot her debit card on the machine. She was not even aware about it until she received a call from a youth, who identified himself as Gurneet Singh Khalsa. He told Ritu that he had her debit card.

Gurneet (24) said he found the card lying on the ATM machine. He said first he thought someone might have discarded the card as its validity might have expired, but on checking he found a handwritten password on its pouch. Later, he discovered a huge sum in the account.

Gurneet resides in Jalalabad in Ferozepur and had come to Amritsar for some personal work. “However, I am a baptized Sikh. The teachings of Gurus and my conscious did not allow me to steal the cash,” he said while adding that he decided to return the ATM to its owner.

He said he went to a number of branches of Punjab National Bank (PNB) and finally an official guided him to Green Avenue branch after going through online records. He met the manager of the PNB branch at Green Avenue and requested him to help in tracing the owner of the ATM. They got the contact number of Ritu Sharma from her account.

Dr Rakesh Sharma, an orthopaedic surgeon, at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital and husband of Ritu Sharma, said the gesture of the youths impressed upon him to start believing that honesty still lives. He said others should take inspiration from such people.

-Tribune