A commemorative Special Print edition of the World Sikh News -WSN was launched at the International Sikh Conference on 1 December in Jakarta acknowledging the one-hundred-year-old presence of Sikhs in Indonesia and efforts being made by Gurdwara Guru Nanak celebrating its 25th year to the Revival of Sikhi among Sikh youth in the country.

On the first day of the 3-day, first International Sikh Conference at Jakarta on 1 December, a commemorative Special Print Edition of The World Sikh News -WSN was released by the Chief Guest of the occasion, K.S Arsana Ketua Hubungan Antar Lembaga, of the Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia Pusat -Hindu Dharma Council of Indonesia -PHDI Bali, in the presence of Balwant Singh, chairman Yayasan Social Guru Nanak Tangerang Seletan -Gurdwara Guru Nanak, Contributing Editor of the special edition Harsaran Singh and members of the editorial board Sangeet Kaur and Manmith Kaur. The first copy of the print edition was presented to the one and only former Sikh minister in the Indonesia cabinet, former deputy minister Harbinderjit Singh Dilon, who was guest of honour at the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest appreciated the idea of a print edition of the WSN. He said that “In this day and age of children’s digital engagement, the art of reading the print media has been lost and it was very encouraging to see a newsletter at such important seminars.” He further said that he would like this to be emulated during Hindu seminars in Bali as well. It is significant to mention that Balinese Hindus maintain very cordial relations with the Sikhs and Balwant Singh is a member of the PHDI.

“When the editor of WSN mooted the idea of a print edition for the International Sikh Conference, he and his associates had no idea what was in store for them. Now, he and his team, especially the youth are so happy and excited that it has become a subject of discussion at the meet.”

Balwant Singh, Chief Organiser, International Sikh Conference

Appreciating the role of the World Sikh News, Balwant Singh shared that “when the editor of WSN mooted the idea of a print edition for the International Sikh Conference, he and his associates had no idea what was in store for them. Now, he and his team, especially the youth are so happy and excited that it has become a subject of discussion at the meet.” He invited Jagmohan Singh to Indonesia to cover the Sikh world there especially youth activities in the near future. Taking his words seriously, he urged the youth in Jakarta and Indonesia at large to regularly read the online version of The World Sikh News and also become contributors for this wonderful project.

Contributing editor Harsaran Singh outlined the nature and role of the World Sikh News in bridging the gap between falsehood and truth, in bringing the Diaspora nearer home and vice versa and presenting the Sikh view point on significant world developments in the English language. He told the audience that it was a noble endeavour much-needed for the Sikh community. He emphasized that the paper is boldly on the side of truth and does not hesitate in speaking about the truthfulness of events, whether in the Sikh world or beyond.

“World Sikh News has allowed the youth to write about their Sikhi experience emphasizing that none in Sikhi is too young to voice their opinion.”

Prabjit Kaur, student, Gurmat School, Jakarta

He told the gathering that, “The policy of speaking for the Sikh world and bringing out the truth without fear or prejudice is a key feature of WSN.”  He thanked Balwant Singh, his team and the Global Sikh Council for making the print edition happen. The editorial support from Manmith Kaur and Sangeet Kaur was lauded without whose daily interaction in the last two weeks prior to the seminar, the issue would not have been possible.

Speaking exclusively to the World Sikh News, Manmith Kaur Bhuller said, “WSN connects Sikhs from around the world and plays a very important part in the revival of Sikhi, focusing on youth participation and sharing of views of the younger generation.”

“It is a great feeling to be associated with the World Sikh News from such a distance. I certainly wish to stay in touch with this. Allowing the youth to express their  views and concerns is a very positive thing and so is sharing information about Sikhi in today’s world,” said Sangeet Kaur Rahal, speaking to WSN.

Jakarta Gurmat School student, Prabjit Kaur said, “World Sikh News has allowed the youth to write about their Sikhi experience emphasizing that none in Sikhi is too young to voice their opinion.”

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The present WSN special print edition may perhaps become a precursor of a future regular print edition of the World Sikh News circulated around the world in the times to come.