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T E N T H A N N U A L
Sunday M ay 30th11: am to Sunset
Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds
2 Punjabi-AmericanFestival,2004 3Punjabi-AmericanFestival2004
Please join us at the 10th Annual Punjabi-American Festival
Punjabi-American Society Festival Organizers
On behalf of the
Punjabi American
Heritage Society,
I’d like to extend an
invitation to all Yuba-
Sutter residents to attend
the 10th Annual Punjabi
American Festival. The
Punjabi American Heritage
Society was founded in
1993 with the purpose of
promoting friendship and
understanding with other
communities and helping
our younger generation
connect with their roots.
To promote these goals,
among other events, the
Society has successfully
sponsored Educational
Youth Seminars, Essay
Contests, a weekly
television program, Teacher
Appreciation Programs,
and the annual Punjabi
American Festival. When
you attend the Festival you
will have an opportunity
to get a glimpse into the
rich culture of the Punjab.
From the mesmerizing folk
songs and music to the
rhythmic beat of the “dhol”
– a drum-like percussion
instrument that is sure to
make you tap your feet and
snap your fingers in tune
with the beat. For your
taste buds, exotic flavors
will be available
in the various
food booths.
Fabrics, jewelry
and books are
among the other
vendor booths
that are scheduled to be
at the Festival. Cultural
awareness in the form of
music, dance, clothing,
food and good time for
all is what is in store at
the 10th annual Punjabi
American Festival. We
hope you will join us there.
Hitpal Singh Deol, President
Punjabi American Heritage Society
Punjabi-AmericanFestival Committee
Volunteers & Friends
Dr. Narinder S. Bajwa and Mrs. Harjit Kaur BajwaMr. Surinder and Mrs. Suky Bains
Mr. Harnek S. Banga and Dr. Rupinder BangaMr. and Mrs. Jaswinder Banga
Dr. Rupinder Singh BrarDr. Yash Gagan Brar and Mrs. Harpal Kaur Brar
Mr. and Mrs. Rajinder ChohanMr. Hitpal Deol and Mrs. Davinder DeolMr. Hardeep and Mrs. Jaswinder DhadliDr. Rajpreet Dhesi and Mrs. Anita Dhesi
Dr. Paramjit Everest and Mrs. Surinder EverestDr. T.S. Ghuman and Mrs. Matlesh Ghuman
Dr. Karanbir Singh Grewal and Mrs. Pumeet GrewalMr. and Mrs. Ranjit Johl
Dr. Gulzar Singh JohlMr. Kulwant S. Johl and Mrs. Jaspal JohlMr. Sarbjit S. Johl and Mrs. Prabhjot Johl
Dr. Jasbir Singh Kang and Mrs. Sukhjit KangMr. Jasjit Kang and Mrs. Sandeep Kang
Mrs. Siri Pritam Kaur KhalsaMr. Tejinder Maan and Mrs. Maninder Kaur Maan
Mr. Harjit Singh and Paramjit KaurDr. Narinder Singh and Mrs. Hardeep Kaur Singh
Mr. and Mrs. Satnam TatlaMr. Amarjit Singh Dulai
Mr. Lakhbir Singh BhellaMr. Amrik Singh and Gurdish Kaur Dhugga
Dr. and Mrs. Gurpreet Dhugga Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Baljit Boparai
Mr. Kuldip and Mrs. Nina AtwalNavjit Singh Ghuman
Rupaul Singh GhumanMrs. Linda Plummer-Smith
Asha SharmaGurjatinder S. Randhawa
Baljit LachharBaljit Singh & Bhupinder BoparaiMr. Harbhajan and Mrs. Ravi AujlaMr. Amarjit and Mrs. Resham RaiMr. Maninder and Rosie Garcha
Executive BoardPresident: Hitpal S. Deol
Vice President: Siri Pritam Kaur KhalsaSecretary: Gurdish Kaur Dhugga
Treasurer: Hardeep S.DhadliPast President: Kulwant Singh Johl
The Punjabi-American Heritage Society
Mission StatementFounded in March 1993,
the Society is a non-profit, non-political, secular organization.
The main objectives of the Society are:To promote understanding
and friendshipamong all residents of the
Yuba-Sutter area.To pass on our culture and
heritage to our youth.
2 Punjabi-AmericanFestival,2004 3Punjabi-AmericanFestival2004
MoviesExpo Hall During the Festival
Mistaken Identity: Sikh Experience After 9/11 (12pm & 3:45pm)
Punjabi Village (2:30pm)
Turbans 1:15pm & 5:00pmThe touching story of a Pioneer Sikh Family in Oregon
Manu Saluja, a New York-based por-trait artist, was attracted at a young age to the works of great art. She studied drawing and painting with John F. Murray at the New York-based School of Visual Arts. The budding painter quickly displayed a talent for portrai-ture, and began receiving paid commissions before finishing her Bachelor’s in Fine Art in 1997. In 1997, she received the Rhodes Family Award for Outstand-ing Achievement in Illustration. Saluja was a finalist in The Artist’s Magazine’s 1999 portrait competition and is a member of the American Society of Portrait Artists. Some of her works will be displayed at the festival.
JazzyBBorn in Punjab and raised in Canada, Jazzy B has introduced fresh elements into the traditional bhangra music. Now based in London, this pop star is as popular with the Indian community in Can-ada, Great Britain, and North America as he is with Punjabi pop crazy in India. Jazzy B burst into the music scene with his innovative presentation at a time when bhangra got no more adventurous than sequins on a turban. Since his debut album Ghugian Da Jora in 1994, Jazzy has become one of the most well-known names in the Punjabi music world today. He has acquired the title “Original Folkstar” and “Canadian Sensa-tion.” His new album TERA ROOP adds to his success story. The title song from the blockbuster film “Shahud Udham Singh” has become a national anthem in the villages and cities across Indie. Alongside music producer Sukjinder Shinde, Jazzy B has un-earthed many a musical gem. He now returns to the stage at the 10th Annual Punjabi-American Festival, having been the main draw at the first festival.
Star Performers Appearing at the Punjabi-American Festival
Sukshinder ShindaWith over 200 album credits and countless hit songs to his name, Shinda has thrived in the music business for more than a decade. He has produced many worldwide smash-hit albums, worked with many renowned artists and has had his music featured on a number of Bollywood film sound-tracks. With this glorious portfolio Sukshinder Shinda, would be considered by many as one of the most talented and influential music directors to emerge from the UK’s Asian scene, he can proudly call himself ‘The Music Man’.
Ammtoje MannThis year we will honor this Producer/Director/Actor for his exemplary courage in bringing to life the movie Hawayein. It is based on the aftermath of Mrs. Gandhi’s assas-sination — riots in Delhi and other places. It depicts the victimization of the people of the Punjab. The film shows real life events of the atroci-ties suffered by the Punjabi youth and their families. Scars of history are
exposed in this movie. Ammtoje says that he wishes to show the pain that violence can cause — so that history does not repeat itself in other parts of India.
4 Punjabi-AmericanFestival,2004 5Punjabi-AmericanFestival2004
This is probably the most famous of Indian dishes. Marinate the chicken well and cook in an extremely hot oven for a clay oven-baked taste. If you want authentic "burnt" spots on the chicken, place the dish under a hot grill (broiler) for a few minutes after baking.
INGREDIENTS (Serves 4-6)
3lb oven-ready chicken
8 fl. oz./ 1 cup natural (plain) yogurt,
beaten
4 tbsp tandoori masala paste
salt, to taste
6 tbsp ghee
salad leaves, to serve
lemon twist and onion slices,
to garnish.
1. Using a sharp knife or scissors, remove
the skin from the chicken and trim off
any excess fat. Using a fork, beat the
flesh at random.
2. Cut the chicken in half down the center
and through the breast. Cut each piece
in half again. Make a few deep gashes
diagonally into the flesh. Mix the yogurt
with the masala paste and salt. Spread
the chicken evenly with the yogurt
mixture, spreading some into the gashes.
Leave for at least 2 hours, but preferably
overnight.
3. Preheat the oven to maximum heat.
Place the chicken quarters on a wire rack
in a deep baking tray. Spread the chicken
with any excess marinade, reserve a little
for basting halfway through cooking
time.
4. Melt the ghee and pour over the
chicken to seal the surface. This
helps to keep the centre moist dur-
ing the roasting period. Cook in the
preheated oven for 10 minutes, then
remove, leaving the oven on.
5. Baste the chicken pieces with the
remaining marinade. Return to the
oven and switch off the heat. Leave
the chicken in the oven for about
15-20 minutes without opening the
door. Serve on a bed of salad leaves
and garnish with the lemon twist
and onion slices.
INGREDIENTS (Serves 4-6)
14 fl.. oz... cans evaporated milk
3 egg whites, whisked until peaks form
12oz/3 cups icing (confectioners) sugar
1tsp ground cardomom
1 tbsp rose water
175 g/6oz/1.5 cups pistachios, chopped
1/2 cups sultanas (golden raisins)
3/4 cup flaked (slivered) almonds
3 tbsp glacé (candied) cherries, halved
1. Remove the labels from the cans
of evaporated milk and lay the cans
down into a pan with a tight-fitting
cover. Fill the pan with water to reach
three-quarters up the cans. Bring to
boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
When cool, remove and chill the cans
in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
2. Open the cans and empty the
milk into a large, chilled bowl. Whisk
until it doubles in quantity, then
fold in the whisked egg whites and
icing (confectioners) sugar.
3. Gently fold in the remaining
ingredients, seal the bowl with cling
film (plastic wrap) and leave in the
freezer for 1 hour.
4. Remove the ice cream from the
freezer and mix well with a fork.
Transfer to a serving container
and return to the freezer for a final
setting. Remove from the freezer 10
minutes before serving.
IndianIce Cream
PunjabiCuisine
Classic Tandoori ChickenKulfi-wallahs (ice cream vendors) have always made Kulfi, and continue to this day, without using modern freezers. Kulfi is packed into metal cones sealed with dough and then churned in clay pots until seet. Try this method — it works extremely well in an ordinary freezer.
4 Punjabi-AmericanFestival,2004 5Punjabi-AmericanFestival2004
Fun In The SunSunday, May 30, 2004, 11am - 8pm • Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds
On Sunday, May 30, 2004, the 10th Annual Punjabi-American Festival is expected to
draw well in excess of 10,000 people from the Yuba-Sutter region and from as far away
as San Francisco, Stockton, Canada and England. In addition to an array of traditional
Punjabi cuisine, you will find colorful demonstrations and informational exhibits,
Punjabi dancers, singers and entertainment at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds in Yuba City.
We hope you’ll join us in celebrating our rich heritage and our efforts to bridge the gap
and reach out to our friends and neighbors in this wonderful community. Tickets are
$10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Buy tickets online at http://punjabilink.com/paf
Or buy them at the following outlets: LA Merchandise 822-0439:
Bombay Video 673-7150; Bollywood Music 673-5133;
New Delhi Palace 673-7994; Punjabi Fashions 755-3408
ExperienceBhangra Music
Dances
Shopping for Jewelry Books,CDs, Clothes
Photo Exhibits
Movies
Punjabi Food Tandoori Chicken, Samosas
Famous SingersJazzy Bains & Sukshinder Shinda
Actor & DirectorAmmtoje Mann of “Hawayien”
Movie
ArtistManu Saluja
6 Punjabi-AmericanFestival,2004 7Punjabi-AmericanFestival2004
Come to think of it, I am just
yards of fine muslin cloth in
a myriad of colors and, some-
times, designs. Yet when I
adorn the head of those who
wear me, I am the epitome
of grace, culture and honour.
Wars have been fought over
me, people have become
brothers when they exchange
me with another of my kin
— Maharaja Ranjit Singh
gained the Kohinoor diamond
in this fashion. I am a turban.
Now they want to ban me in
schools in France. But how can
they do it? So many men who
wore me died fighting for
France. I have been a crown
on the heads of historical
figures, and of those who are
not even footnotes of history.
I have made my presence felt
in the continents of Asia and
Africa for centuries. And if you
look back at civilizations, you’ll
find my mention in the Old
Testament and in Egyptian,
Turkish and Indian texts and
In passing, let me mention
that I was an item of formal
wear in the southern states,
where Iyers used silk cloth. In
Maharashtra, there was the
pheta and, of course, Raja-
sthan is well known for my
colorful cousins called pagari,
pencha, sela, or safa. Museums
in Udaipur and Jodhpur have
hundreds of styles on display.
What is my ideal length? Ac-
tually, it varies, based on the
area, style and the person. His-
torians will bear me out when
I tell you that Prince Salim, the
16 th -century Sultan of Tur-
key, wore 11 yards of malmal,
and other Muslim nobles fol-
lowed suit. Nowadays, it varies
from 5 to 8 yards. The Nihang
Sikhs wear turbans, which are
many times this size!
In Mughal India, when a
reign changed, the new Em-
peror evolved a style uniquely
his own, which was, of course,
widely followed. Just look at
how Emperors Babur, Hama-
yun, Akbar, Jahangir and
Shahjahan, and their succes-
sors changed the style.
For the Sikhs, I am what
Guru Gobind Singh ordered
his Khalsa to wear at all
times. However, because of
my distinctiveness, the Sikhs
have gone through various
trials and tribulations in the
last three centuries. They
were easily identified and
persecuted during the reign
of the Mughals and from
time to time thereafter, but
have remained steadfast in
their devotion to me and all
that I stand for. The slogan:
“Pagari sambhal oye Jatta ,”
by Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s
uncle became a clarion call
for independence from British
colonialism.
They have refused to take
me off, even if asked to do so
as a safety measure. Memo-
rably, in World War II, Sikh
soldiers who were fighting
for the British refused to wear
steel helmets, despite know-
ing that the causalities among
them would be higher if they
did so. When told by their offi-
cers that the cost of pensions
etc. accruing from their death
was too much for the British
Empire to bear, they unani-
art; in fact, almost everywhere
where civilization made an
impact. Why, even relief me-
dallions at Sanchi and Bhar-
hut stupas, dating back to 2nd
Century BC or earlier, feature
me.
The Egyptians called me
pjr , I am referred to as the
turban in Biblical texts, in
Persian I am called dastar and
in Arabic one of the words for
me is imamah. In Hindi I am
called pagree and in Punjabi
am referred to as both pagari
or dastar. Other terms for me
include murassa, khirki-dar,
Faruq Shahi, atpati, kuladar,
pechdar and Safawi , named
after the dynasty of the same
name in Iran.
I am a symbol of honour,
which is why if someone talks
of soiling a turban, it implies
being dishonored. In fact, a
great honour being conferred
upon someone by royalty is
dastar a fazilat. Today, I will
confine this narration to India
and, in particular, to the Sikhs.
Bans and turbans
A matter of honorThe French government’s move to ban the turban has triggered protests from Sikhs across the world. This is not the first time the turban has run into trouble. It has seen some trying times on foreign shores during its long and checkered history. It has stirred opposition, curiosity, ridicule and was even spurned in cultures unfamiliar with what it stood for. The turban has existed in India since time immemorial as a symbol of pride and honour. After 9/11, turbaned persons have been targeted by bigots in the US and Europe. Much like the enterprising Sikh, who ventures unafraid to distant lands, the turban too has endured. The turban tells its tale of travails and triumph in the words of Roopinder Singh .
Maharaja Bhupindra Singh standardized the Patiala-style turban.
A style favored in the Punjab that is now in Pakistan.
A British Indian Army, JCO in ceremonial regalia in the late 19th Century
Birmingham policemen are now turbaned too.
Story by Roopinder Singh (Courtesy: The Tribune) Sketches by R.M. Singh
6 Punjabi-AmericanFestival,2004 7Punjabi-AmericanFestival2004
mously agreed to forego any
pension if they got a head
injury. They still refused to
dispense with me. Nowadays,
the dispute is about crash
helmets for motorcyclists, and
the governments of Malaysia,
Singapore, Australia and the
UK have amended their laws
to make special allowance
for me.
Someone has documented
that during World Wars I and
II, 83,055 turbaned Sikh sol-
diers died and 1,09,045 were
wounded when
fighting under
the command
of the Allied
forces
Many Sikhs,
settled in the
UK following
World War II,
faced discrimi-
nation because
of me. In 1969,
however, the
Sikh bus company employees
in Wolverhampton, led by So-
han Singh Jolly, won the right
to wear turbans while on duty.
This marked the successful
culmination of a long-running
campaign.
Other skirmishes followed,
notably in Manchester, and
it was only in 1982 that the
House of Lords, Britain’s high-
est court, ruled that Sikhs are
a distinct ethnic group en-
titled to protection under the
Race Relations Act. Nowadays,
in the UK, turban-wearing
Sikhs can be seen in all walks
of life, including the police
and the army.
In the US, I was called all
kinds of names when Sikh
immigrants first touched the
shores of California at the end
of the 19th century. They were
derisively called “rag heads”
because of me. Turbaned
Bhagat Singh Thind served in
the US army during World War
I, but was denied American
citizenship because he was
“non-European White.” Now
many Sikhs wear me proudly,
many hold top jobs, but the
armed forces still discriminate
against me. I have faced prob-
lems because of ignorance
and bigotry after 9/11, but it
has always been a continuing
struggle to educate people
about what I stand for.
In Canada, I faced problems
during the early 1900s and, in
fact, the Sikhs were disfranchised
by British Colum-
bia in 1907, and
the Komagatu
Maru tragedy,
where 376 pas-
sengers of the
ship were not al-
lowed to disem-
bark at Vancou-
ver, followed in
1914. However,
Canada gave
voting rights to
these people in 1947 and things
changed.
In 1990, Baltej Singh Dhillon
proudly wore me and joined the
Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Some bigoted Canadians pro-
tested, but finally the ruling was
in my favour a few years later.
In Africa, turbaned Sikhs did
not face much problem, except
for dealing with curiosity, which
always happens. The same was
much the case in New Zealand
and Australia, except for one
time when some members of
the Australian Returned Ser-
vices League tried to have Sikhs
debarred from one of their clubs
because they refused to remove
their turbans on the premises of
the club. I understand that the
RSL objectors had to back down.
Anyway, so much for my being
discriminated against. Most of
the time I strike a distinctive
note, which attracts attention.
And many people are curious
about how I am tied. Well, there
are various ways, and indeed
many distinct styles have
evolved, expressing the individu-
ality of various persons as well
as the togetherness of various
groups.
The way I have been tied often
reflected the society of the time
and of course there was always
the sartorial element. A match-
ing turban, a contrasting one, a
bandhni turban with a splash of
colors, a lehariya turban in which
pattern makes waves, the African
turban with its flat folds. There
have been so many turbans, so
many ways in which the Sikhs
have tied them....
The patterns that the Sikhs
wear come primarily from the
Rajputs of Rajasthan, where
there are thousands of my cous-
ins. Since societal life is stratified
in that area, colors and patterns
represent specific castes or sub-
groups. The way they are tied is
also strictly laid down.
For the Sikhs, however, there
are no hard and fast rules,
though various social groups
and geographical areas such
as Malwa, Majha, Peshawar,
Pothohar and Afghanistan
have distinct styles. The Jats tie
me differently from the non-Jats.
The former, for example, do not
wear patterns, just plain ones.
As for the color, the elderly
wear white, which is also a
political color of the Congress
Party. The Akalis support royal
blue, electric blue and saffron.
Most Sikhs have at least half a
dozen colors, which they wear
to suit the occasion or the attire.
Princely states, however, had
distinctive colors of their own.
Black, however, became a color
of specific protest during the
British Raj after the tragic killings
of the Sikhs at Nankana Sahib,
the birthplace of Guru Nanak,
now in Pakistan, where the local
mahants , in connivance with the
British authorities, had killed a
large number of pilgrims.
In fact, Baba Kharak Singh, a
prominent leader of the time,
wore me in black. He was jailed
by the British from 1922 to 1927.
Hundreds of other Sikhs also
wore black at that time and
many were jailed, but remained
steadfast in their demand till the
British relented. In the troubled
decade of the 1980s, saffron
became a color
of discontent.
Though I am
overwhelm-
ingly worn by
men, women too
sport turbans,
especially those
belonging to the
Akhand Kirtani
Jatha of Bhai
Randhir Singh
and also American women
converts to Sikhism. They follow
the injunction made by Guru
Gobind Singh who asked Mai
Bhago to wear the kachera and
tie a turban. Though small in
Baba Kharak Singh was jailed for wearing a black turban.
The turban of kabuli Sikhs is influenced by the culture they live in.
number, these ladies do cut a
dashing figure.
When you talk of me, you
have to keep in mind the royal
house of Patiala, which evolved
the distinctive Patiala Shahi
turban in which a thumb is used
to create a depression near the
forehead. The Patiala turban was
standardized during the reign of
Maharaja Bhupendra Singh.
Urdu poet Faiz wrote a beauti-
ful couplet about me. Sari-khus-
rau se naazi-kaj kutahi chin bhi
jata hai/ Kutha-i-Khusaravi se bue
sultani nahai jati. While the turban
may be taken from the head of a
Sultan, the aroma of royalty will
not leave the turban.
I am rooted in history that
is inseparable from the spiri-
tual journey of the believer. This
reason alone is sufficient for me
not to be taken lightly or easily
dismissed, even though I have,
like the symbols that stem out of
other religions, become for many
followers more
an expression of
religiosity and cul-
tural values than
of spirituality.
I have to be
respected for
what I stand for,
and those who tie
me have to reflect
on that too, since
it is their conduct
that will give me the power to
stand for honour. “You judge a
man by his turban, gait and his
speech,” maintains an ancient
Persian saying. How true.
One of the pioneer Sikhs immigrants to Astoria, Oregon, USA, circa 1916
The turban worn by the President's Body-guard has an distinctive style.
Women belonging to the Akhand Kirtani Jatha wear turbans.
8 Punjabi-AmericanFestival,2004 9Punjabi-AmericanFestival2004
Gulzar Singh Bains ‘Bob’ Bakdev Singh
Naranjan Kaur
Satinder Davit Udham Singh Purewal Hari Singh Everest
PAHS Honors These Yuba City Pioneers Punjabis have lived in the Yuba-Sutter area for more than a century thriving in the atmosphere of freedom and opportunity that
exemplifies America. We talked to some of the pioneering spirits of the Punjabi community who have served as solid pillars of our
society. Although Punjabi's were not allowed to become U.S. Citizens until 1948, they all feel grateful to this Country and believe that
the Sikh values of hard work, sharing and remembering God everyday are the same values that make this Nation so great.
Hari Singh Everest arrived here on Queen Mary II, in 1955. He worked as a farm laborer for one year and earned a Masters Degree from Stanford Uni-versity. He taught at Tierra Buena School and at Yuba College. He was a founding member of the Sikh Temple of Yuba City and presently serves as a member of the Ethnic Advisory Committee of California. He is grate-ful to this Country for the opportunity and freedom it provided him and his family.
Gulzar Singh Bains came to America on January 9, 1950. A History teacher in India, he has been farming prunes and peaches and was a founding Director of the Sikh Temple. He sees the United States of America as the guiding light in the world, leading by its exam-ple of respect for freedom and humanity.
Udham Singh Purewal has lived in this area for more than 50 years, farming prunes and peaches. He and his late brother Bakhtawar, donated the land for the Sikh Temple in Tierra Buena. Asked many times to be the President of the Temple, he chooses in-stead to humbly serve in the he free community kitchen at the temple for many years.
Bob Baldev Singh mi-grated to the United States in 1954. He attended Yuba College and received a Mas-ters degree from the Uni-versity of Oregon. He taught at Yuba College and retired in 1993. Bob has dedicated his life to community af-fairs, serving on numerous boards. He is currently serv-ing on the Del Norte Clinics Board of Directors and is a Director & Vice Chairman of the California Human Development Corporation, helping farm workers with low-cost housing, jobs and training. He feels that this Country has been good to him and he tries to show his appreciation by being an involved citizen.
Satinder Davit arrived in the United States of America in October 1949. He graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 1956, majoring in aeronautical engineering. He is currently involved in farming in this area. He has served on vari-ous agricultural boards and committees.
Naranjan Kaur arrived in American in 1949. Mrs. Kaur was married to Sohan Singh, the son of Punna Singh and Nand Kaur, long-time residents of the com-munity. Her family farmed and she raised five children.
Dr. Gulzar s. Johl
Dr. Gulzar Johl arrived in America in January 1948 joining his father, a success-ful farmer, who had been here since 1906. Dr. Johl has served this community since 1961 as an eye specialist.
Pritam Kaur Heir came to the United States in 1947. She is an active member of the lo-cal community and a director of the local Gurdwara. She is a retired farmer.
Mr. Naranjan Singh Sohal
Mr. Naranjan Singh Sohal was born in Burma which was then a part of India. He migrated to the U.S. to Mendota, CA in 1958. He moved to Yuba City in 1959 and worked at Wilbur Ranch. He worked very hard and purchased his first Peach Ranch in 1966. He has three sons and three daughters.
Karm Singh Johl and his wife, Swarn Kaur Johl, emigrated from India in 1951. Upon arriving, Karm Singh worked on his grandfather, Tuly Singh Johl’s farm. In 1958, he purchased his first farm. Over the past 52 years, Karm Singh has devoted his life to farming cherries, peaches and prunes. He is highly respected for his community service at the kitchen in the local Sikh Temple. He has been retired for the past seven years.
8 Punjabi-AmericanFestival,2004 9Punjabi-AmericanFestival2004
PAHS Honors These Yuba City Pioneers
Resham S. Kajley
Resham S. Kajley came to the United States of America, as a student on Sept. 15, 1954. He attended Yuba College and California State University, Chico where he earned his teaching credential. He taught at St. Thomas School (1963); Modesto High School (1964) and Yuba City High School (from 1965 until retiring in 1997). He is married to Colleen and has two wonderful sons. “If we are to survive as a Punjabi community, we must cultivate the art of human understanding with our kids, teach them wholesome discipline, build character, be gentle with them, and nurture their strength of spirit to shield them from future shocks.”
Joginder Singh Bains
Joginder Singh Bains journey to the United States began July 1953, in Ganesh Pur, Punjab with a destination of San Francisco. It started with a train ride to Calcutta, an air plane ride to Hong Kong and finally a ship to San Francisco. Bains arrived in the United States on August 3, 1953. Shortly after his arrival, he joined United States Army. He spent eighteen months in Germany. Joining the U.S. Army proved to be an invaluable experience, as he was not only able to see much of the United States but also enjoyed travels through Europe. In February 1958, he was discharged from the Army and left Fort Hood, Texas for California where he attended Yuba College and CSU, Sacramento. Once settled in Yuba City he was involved in rice farming,
on the property that now surrounds the Sacramento Metro Airport. He then moved to Sacramento where he married. In 1969, the family moved back to Yuba City and began farming peaches and prunes. By 1974 the couple had two children. In 1976 he expanded his work and obtained a real estate license and in 1987, he became an insurance agent. Now at the age of seventy he still lives in Yuba City with his wife, daughter and their grandson. The couple’s other daughter and son-in-law live in Sacramento. Bains is still farming and is engaged in real estate and insurance businesses in Yuba City.
Mr. Harbhajan Singh Takher and Mrs. Harbhajan Kaur Takher
Harbhajan Singh Takher arrived in the United
Joginder Singh Purewal Joginder Singh Purewal came to the United States in 1951. Initially, he settled in Linden, Ca. where he worked as a farm laborer. He purchased a farm of peaches and walnuts in Yuba City in 1965. His love of field hockey in India led to his pursuit of promoting the sport in Yuba City. He talked to several local students about the sport of field hockey and sensed their interest which led him to speak to then Yuba City high School principal, George Zerkovich, who gave him permission to use school facilities to practice. After several years, those young men joined a field hockey league in the bay area. With his inspiration and dedication they continue to play and travel all over the U.S. in the Men’s Field Hockey tournaments. He and his wife, Naranjan Kaur, have five children and eight grandchildren.
Taru Singh Mann
Taru Singh Mann Imigrated to the United States in 1951. Along with farming peaches and prunes, he has worked as a foreman for Wilbur Farms for the past 53 years. He has assisted numerous new immigrants in establishing themselves in the Yuba-Sutter area by helping them secure farm labor jobs on the Wilbur Ranch. He and his wife Bakhsish Kaur, have 2 children and seven grandchildren.
Sukhbir Singh Rai he came to the U.S. on May 15, 1954. He is a retired farmer who enjoys working around the house. His philosophy
Mr Hardial Singh Hunji came to the U.S. in 1948. He worked on farms and eventually become a farmer himself. He is a devout Sikh who was married to Kushilia, a Hindu. He is instrumental in building the local Hindu temlple- THE SRINARAYAN TEMPLE - The temple was founded on March 1, 1996 by Hardial Singh Hunji in honor of his late wife, Kushlia Devi Hunji. According to Hunji, she appeared in his dream years after her death and reminded him to build a temple that would serve as a gathering place for people of the Hindu faith. That dream was realized a year later, in 1996, with a 5-acre land donation and $1.5 million from Hunji’s pocket along with donations from a few other temple members. For information, contact the Sri Narayan Hindu Temple at 755-3453
States in 1950. Initially, he worked in the Stockton area but always came to Yuba City during harvest time in pursuit of work. His wife, Harbhajan Kaur (pictured) joined him in 1956. A retired farmer, he has farmed peaches and prunes since the 1950's. Mr. and Mrs. Takher have 3 sons and eight grandchildren.
Hardial Singh Hunji
of life is: Eat well, exercise, stay busy by setting short term and long term goals, allow yourself to do things you enjoy and are helpful to others around you. By working hard I hope my children and grandchildren will work to their potential to continue the legacy left to them.
Sukhbir Singh Rai
10 Punjabi-AmericanFestival,2004 11Punjabi-AmericanFestival2004
Punjabi life partner in cyber space
PunjabiMatrimony.coma part of BharatMatri-
mony.com, is a rendezvous for aspiring singles seeking a marriage alliance. With a registered membership of millions of brides and grooms and over 100,000 marriages arranged, PunjabiMatrimony.com is the most preferred matri-monial portal for Punjabis worldwide. PunjabiMatrimony.com uses the latest technol-ogy, providing members fast, relevant and best matching results in strict confidence. Some of the exclusive services offered include matching horo-scopes, contacting prospec-tive partners, web-casting, featured profiles, consulta-tions, efficient round-the-clock customer support and much more. Some of the new value-added features offered in the portal include “Add Vid-eo” where users can present a 30 second sneak preview to prospective life partners. Using “Match Watch” users can be intimated of profiles matching search criteria,
directly to their mailbox. The parent brand BharatMatrimony.com is the No.1 Indian matrimony portal, providing quality services to bring together like-minded, prospective individuals in wedlock. Offering comprehensive wedding-related services the portal makes the wed-ding event more memora-ble and less cumbersome. Since its inception in 1997, BharatMatrimony.com has expanded to a consortium of 14 regional portals. Apart from online matrimonial services, Bharatmatrimony.com also has a strong offline pres-ence through its publica-tions, Desi Match Maker, an exclusive Indian Matri-monial tabloid for South Asians in USA. With a registered mem-bership of more than two million aspiring brides & grooms and having arranged over 100,000 successful marriages, BharatMatrimony.com is undoubtedly the most trusted name in matrimo-nial portals
Punjabimatrimony.comWells Fargo Bank: Grand Sponsor
This stagecoach makes a stop near you. The fifth-largest bank in
the US, Wells Fargo oper-ates about 3,000 bank branches in some two dozen western and mid-western states, in addition to approximately 1,000 home mortgage stores throughout the country. The company’s services include retail and busi-ness banking, investment management, and ven-
ture capital investment, as well as international trade activities through a joint venture with HSBC. A top residential mortgage lender in the US, Wells Fargo is also one of the largest mortgage servicers. The company bought Pacific Northwest Bancorp in 2003. At Wells Fargo, Community Reinvestment is an integral part of our business culture. Wells Fargo has long understood
that we can be no stronger, nor more successful, than the neighborhoods and communities where we do business. Supporting our communities allows us to better meet our customers’ financial needs and helps us to achieve our goal to be one of America’s best companies.WELLS FARGO BANK900 Colusa AvenueYuba City, CA 95991751-9102 or 822-9609
Pfizer Inc. Platinum Sponsor
Pfizer Inc. discovers, develops, manufac-
tures, and markets leading prescription medicines for humans and animals and many of the world’s best-known consumer brands. Their innovative, value-added products improve the quality of life of people
around the globe and help them enjoy longer, health-ier, and more productive lives. The company has three-business segments: health care, animal health and consumer health care. Their products are available in more than 150 countries.
Punjabi WavesPlatinum Sponsor
Punjabi Waves TV can be seen on Channel 19,
Tuesdays from 8-9:30pm. This community oriented, award-winning show fea-tures music videos, com-munity updates, comedy, drama, news and interviews. it is co-produced by Jasjit S. Kang and Tejinder Maan.Gold Line Express
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Line, owned by John and Mike Gill,
began on Feb. 10, 1996 with only 2 employees. In about one year Gold Line went from 2 employees to 30 employees, and they now employ 100 people. The company is a multi-million dollar company. Gold Line picks up pre loaded contain-ers at rail yards in Sacramen-to, Oakland, Stockton and Lathrop and delivers them to various points within California. They also pick up freight in containers, take it
to the call-yard and the rail-yard arranges delivery by train to 49 States, Mexico and Canada. The company also picks up containers off the Shipyards in Oakland and delivers them within
California. Gold Line em-ployees are referred to as Draymen. According to co-owner Mike Gill, “we are a success because of God's blessing, not just our hard work.
Apna Punjab TV promotes Punjabi culture, teachings of the Sikh Gurus, views of different people regardless of their religion and local events including: The
Annual Sikh Parade and the Annual Punjabi Mela. Apna Punjab is produced by the Punjabi-American Society and has been
airing locally since march of 1993. It is hotsted by Jasjit S. Kang.
If you miss going to the Festival you can watch it on
Apna Punjab TVThis local-origination television station airs every
Friday from 8-9pm on Channel 18
10 Punjabi-AmericanFestival,2004 11Punjabi-AmericanFestival2004
Zee network has grown to form a fully integrated enter-
prise forming the largest bouquet of 24/7 television channels in south Asian languagesworldwide. Zee TV is the first choice of 225 million south Asians inover 84 countries across the globe. Since July 15, 1998, when Zee TVstarted its operations in the USA, it has become synonymous of southAsian entertainment for over a million viewers in
USA, Canada andCaribbean. Sensing the growing demand and taking a bold initiative - Zee Gold ( now Zee Cinema ) is the first 24/7 South Asian movies and music channel in the USA - was launched on December 15th, 1999. Built around the biggest draw for a south Asian, the mov-ies - Zee Gold brought the largest privately held south Asian movie library from the subcontinent to the liv-ing rooms of subscribers in the USA. Mega events like
Zee Cineawards, A R Rehman con-cert and Gurbani is pre-sented differed live fromHarmander Sahib, Amritsar. The programming is con-stantly monitored tocater to our subscriber’s wishes and aspirations and a judicious mix ofentertainment and educa-tion for the expatriate com-munity is the decidingfactor. News in three languages is uplinked directly from India to keep oursubscribers updated and
in-touch with the happen-ings and opinionscurrent in the subconti-nent. Cricket in brought live on air on a regularbasis subject to availability of rights. Zee Cinema, the largest 24/7 Asian movie and mu-sic channel is an effortto bring bollywood to your doorstep. Following our motto of Movies,Masti and Magic, Zee cinema draws its program-ming from the largest held library of Indian cinema that ranges from the clas-
Zee TV: Grand Sponsorsics of theyesteryears to the mega-hits of contemporary cin-ema. Six films a day ispeppered with programs that update viewers on ‘most-recent’ inbollywood. Zee TV and Zee Cinema sum up to be a cost effec-tive, balanced and whole-some source of information and entertainment and staying ‘in-touch’. Zee TV can be seen on the local ComCast.
12 Punjabi-AmericanFestival,2004
GRAND SPONSOR
ZEE TV/ComCast Cable (International T.V. Program)
Wells Fargo Bank
PLATNIUM SPONSOR
Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals / Gold Line Express (Mike and John Singh Gill)
Pfizer Pharmaceuticals / Punjabi Waves / Punjabimatrimony.comDay’s Inn & Suites (Joga Mann, Rashpal Hundal, Naunihal Hundal)
Comfort Inn, N. Palora Av., YC(Joga Mann, Satinder Gill, Amarjit Dandona)
GOLD SPONSORBollywood Entertainment Inc. / Appeal-Democrat / Diamond Limousine Services
Randhir Singh Kang, Attorney / Glaxo Pharmaceuticals / Sierra Injury and Sports Rehab. / Sunsweet GrowersWestern Union / Jaswant Singh Bains / Washington Mutual / Wendy’s/Johal & Dulai Brothers
Dharni/Jhajj-AM/PM - Quiznos / Natoma Golf (Sukhwinder Cheema) / Fast Choise LLC.
SILVER SPONSORGingery, Thompson & Derdowski / Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. / Sierra Central Bank / Santokh and Harbans K. Bill
Gurmej K. Dhillon / PIP Printing / Raley’s / Guydant / Sacramento Valley Farm Credit / HDI Hypertension Diagnostics, Inc.VJ’s Real Estate / Paul & Ranjit Rai / Lincare / Takhar Development • Crowne Communities
John Taylor Fertilizer, Co. / Walgreens / Norcal Pumps (Nar & Harry Heer) / Sarbjit & Parmjit Johl / Lakeview PetroleumYuba City Racquet & Health Club / Mahal C. (Jarnail Mahal) / Valley Truck & Tractor Co. / Sutter Food LLCRaven Corp. Security Services, Inc. / MedMart Pacific Pulmonary Services / Vraitch & Sohal, Inc.-Quiznos
India Post / Neil’s Tires & Wheels/ Tri Counties Bank / Surjeet Boparai Mr. Vijay Kumar (President) Indo-American Cultural Heritage International Entertainment & Cultural Promoters
BRONZE SPONSORSGold Country Bank / Kulvinder Singh, Attorney, www.singhlawoffice.com / Sierra Nevada Inc. / Abbott Labs / A G Hort Farm
Feather River Construction & Co. / Feather River State Bank / Parminder Bains / 99 Truck Stop / Money Gram / Bi County IrrigationHarbhajan Sandhu / LA Merchandise / Anoop Cheema (Dryclean USA) / Harminder Hundal / Karanpal Bajwa / Dr. Hari Goyal
Manjit Dulay / Kulvir Heer / Jasvir S. Klair / Gurdial S. Sanghera / Thandi Enterprises, Inc. / Beeler Tractor Co. / Sangeet Khanzana RadioDr. Daljit Saini / Ram Dhanota / Satnam Bhullar (7-Eleven - Gridley) / Baljit Gill (Subway - YC) / Jasbir S. Cheema, DDS
Sukhwinder Gosal / Countrywide Home Loans / Robin & Kash Thandi / Ultimate Jump / Michael G. Bohmann / Genco Charitable Corp.
FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVALLaw Office of Shirley Paiz / Les Schwab Tire Center / Brian K. Badertscher / Novinder S. Waraich / Giani Gurdev Singh / T.S. Liquor & Food Mart
Resham Kajley / Ken C. Carlsen / Amritpal Tiwana / L.A. Merchandise / Bombay Video / New Delhi Palace / Bollywood Music) Brian K. Badertscher / Punjabi Fashions / A.G. Entertainment / International Videos & Gifts / New India Market Dr Ajaypal Singh Gill / Hardial Hunji
Taj Palace / Dashmesh Palace / Bombay Palace / India House & Groceries / Vicky Emporium / India Touch / Sukhwinder S. Gill, DDSTV India / Subhrang TV / Radio Geet Sangeet / Sangeet Khazana Radio / Sur SangamRadio
Thank You SponsorsOur sincere thanks to our many friends in the community who,
by their gracious donations of money and in-kind products or services, are helping to spread our messages of understanding.
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