Sheeba Singh

© Punjabi Byte, January-February 2010. Vol. 1, Issue 2

The Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper’s recent trip to India is still conversation-worthy. With promises of taking advantage of available business potential, the two governments jointly claim that the GDP of both nations will make way to up to $4 trillion.

The Canadian government hopes to experience an economic boost through tourists making way across the seas to the land of diversity. “Lets attract more Indians to Canada” might just be the new motto. Does this mean less harassment at the airports? Could this also open up possibilities of educating the North American masses about the religious diversity of India and Sikhism- as the religion as it is and not a mimicry of some sort of terrorism cult? I guess, we will have to wait and watch.

Ofcourse, tourism isn’t the only treat being offered. For the main course, we serve the nuclear industry. Stalled for almost 3 decades now- it might just be time.

A trip to the Golden Temple, Amritsar- being jostled around, unable to make it to the langar hall- may not have been what the Punjabi community expected. A silent protest was all that could follow. Word on the street is that the Canadian government has been making attempts to expand into the Indo-Canadian community.

With a nuclear treaty signed between the two countries and the signing of a free trade pact underway- not only is strong economic bonds in the forecast. Now, so is trade. One reason for this, according to Harper, being the decreased pace in trade within the Americas and Europe.

All of these political ‘performances’- sound promising. But the reality is not predictable. Just as important, many Panjabi’s living in Canada fight for recognition of their identities. A recent poll done in the capital indicates that the average Canadian associates Sikhism and Sikhs with crime, terror- in short, violence. Profit based treaties is not all that Indo-Canadian relations ask for. Eliminating biases which cause hate crimes, perpetrate violence and promote hostility towards the Panjabi community is also attention-worthy. This impacts the communities at the lowest level- at the roots. Allowing change and promoting growth at a social and political level in addition to pure economics is even more beneficial for the 2 countries than just the latter alone.

© Punjabi Byte, March-April 2010. Vol. 1, Issue 3

The fear of being killed in India brought Paramjit Singh Saini to Canada after serving 10 years in prison for hijacking a plane from India to Pakistan in 1984. What stands between him and his law degree from University of Windsor now are not ordinary barriers. Labeled an “Indian Hijacker” in Canada, claims are, the Canadian government has been attempting to deport him since the 90’s. Canadian authorities have been quoted by the media, stating, “the removal of inadmissible individuals is key to maintaining the integrity of the immigration program and to ensuring fairness for those who come to this country lawfully. For operational reasons, we’re not able to comment further at this time.” Out of the hands of the Canadian legislation, the fear now is the treatment, ridicule and humiliation he will be faced with in Tihar Delhi, India- where he is being held. Being sentenced twice for the same crime- one, which has already been served- raises questions.

Members of the Sikh community are also hitting positive notes on this side of the globe. Jamail Sahota became the first turbaned Sikh in Canada to carry the Olympic torch on February 6, 2010. A lightweight boxer, and amongst, over the 700,000 Panjabi’s in Canada, Mr. Sahota said this is an exciting opportunity for him. His red turban on D-day will be symbolic of his support for the Canadian team. But, support is not just stretching for the games at this time of year from the Sikh community.

The devastation in Haiti is stirring cores all over the world. Varied social institutions and organizations are coming together to help provide relief to Haitians. News reports indicate, the B.C. Sikh community has donated a generous $1.5 million CAD for this purpose. This is the outcome of the combined efforts of three South Asian radio stations and Guru Nanak Sikh Temple in Surrey. The Khalsa Diwan Society has contributed $25,000 CAD to Rose Charities Canada, also for Haiti. United Sikhs, an NGO has also provided volunteer assistance by serving langar to survivors. These, in addition to many others- are just the people’s way of giving. Despite where our differences can take us, this is just proof how much power we carry in ourselves to come together to help our own. Lets not lose sight of what brings us together, and work together- not as Sikhs, Christians or Muslims- but as people.

Panjabi Byte is playing a pivotal role is drawing attention to the needs and concerns of the Panjabi community through its words. Over the last few months alone, it has managed to, not only educate the readers- but also its members in what matters most- togetherness