Dermatologist by profession, the Chair of Sikh Centennial Foundation, Dr. Devinder Singh, says “it’s very important for youth to know our history and culture.” The Foundation has also initiated scholarship and the mentorship programs for youth. “Integration is obviously one,” issue when it comes to youth, Dr. Singh says. However “it’s changing in Toronto” as the South Asian community grows.

Dr. Singh was speaking with Generation Next at annual gala held by the Foundation every year. The gala featured history of Sikhs in Canada.  The keynote speaker at this year’s gala was the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, the Former Member of Parliament from British Columbia.

In his address, Mr. Dhaliwal said “We are learning more and more that what happens elsewhere affects us here in Canada. That’s why I urge all Sikhs consider themselves as global citizens.” He noted that Sikhs have homes throughout the world and speak different language. The common thread among them is their culture and their language.

He added that Sikhs should participate in issues like “climate change, poverty reduction in the world as the disparity between the rich and the poor is getting bigger and bigger” to build a peaceful world.

Sikh Centennial Foundation’s 2010 honourees are Neena Kanwar, President and CEP of KMH Cardiology and Diagnostic Centres, Kulveer Taggar, an entrepreneur, Jhalman Singh Gosal, a philanthropist and a community activist and Dr. Samantha Nutt, Founder and Executive Director of War Child Canada.

The event was attended by more than 600 people from all walks of life. The guests enjoyed bhangra provided by JT Saund and Shahid Ali Khan.

Author: Davindra Singh