EDITOR'S NOTE
The spectacular snow-dusted mountains, the bountiful sea, the vast green expanse and the warmth of the valley, nature’s bounties let loose by the Almighty Himself! Well, these very mystical lands have been cradling a vibrant and industrious Sikh community for nearly a century now. The province has served as an irresistible destination for multitudes of people from around the world. Recently Vancouver been voted as the most preferred city to live in. For the Sikhs, it is like a second home since this area itself boasts of some 100,000 people of Indian origin, predominantly from Punjab.
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5th ISSUE |
We see hundreds of thousands of immigrants landing here every year in hope of a more prosperous future and among them, there are umpteen Sikh brides with dreams in their eyes -- dreams of a beautiful life with their husband and new family. For the fortunate ones, those dreams materialize into reality, and a few have actually succeeded in creating a name for themselves, such as Raminder Dosanjh of the India Mahila Association, Bhupinder Dhillon of Burnaby and Satwinder Bains who heads the Indo Canadian Institute of the Fraser Valley College, the young Kaurs like Gurpurvasi Rena Kaur, who was a huge source of inspiration for Kirtan and Gatka amongst the Sikh youth, and the noted author Shauna Singh Baldwin. It’s a long list of achievers. However, some of the women who arrived in BC have not been that lucky and are still languishing in shelters or headed back to Punjab. Not to miss the few unfortunate ones who have made headlines as victims of domestic abuse.
BC also reflects a lot of extraordinary Sikh faces; some who remind us of Bhai Ghanhaiya ji. and his exemplary stories from the glorious Sikh history; those rare jewels who live the true Sikhi spirit waiting to do the dishes, mop the floors in the Gurdwaras, teaching Gurmat to children or organizing events to spread Sikhi. In this issue, we have profiled Dr. Raghbir Singh Bains, Palbinder Kaur Shergill and Baljinder Kaur Narang. I am sure it will be a great read for all our young Sikhs who are aspiring to contribute their bit in the vast ocean of Sikhi.
For all our nature explorers out there, we are also featuring the town of Whistler, and the status of Punjabi in British Columbia. This issue will shed some light on environmental concerns as well as offer some advice to the newly-wed Kaurs. There’s also a very informative article to raise awareness about breast cancer.
At KAURS, we look forward to your feedback.
Roma Kaur
Editor-In-Chief
KAURS
-Mission Statement-
This international magazine will seek to exemplify achievers, exhibit existing talent and cultivate room for more, portray women issues and enable the exchange of solutions. Acting as a guide for all those girls or women who occasionally seek friendly advice, this magazine will feature informative articles as well as nurture the intellectual's spirit by featuring fictional and literary excerpts.
The magazine will encourage the Sikh woman to rediscover herself in the light of the glorious heritage and current meritorious achievements of the Sikh community by following the illustrious principles as enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
It shall strive to uphold the Sikh principles of gender equality and assertiveness of women while reflecting upon the basic responsibilities and tasks that a Sikh woman fulfills during her lifetime.
The magazine shall also endeavor to create a basic standard for community journalism whereby Sikh women from the South Asian region will be encouraged to participate in this international exchange of culture and philosophy and thereby help bridge the gap between the women of Punjab and the Diaspora.