ON April 7, the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Asian Studies Department and Asian Library hosted their 12th annual Harjit Kaur Sidhu Memorial Program, an event dedicated to celebrating the life of Harjit Kaur Sidhu. Sidhu was a passionate educator and advocate for Punjabi language and culture, and recognizing and celebrating excellence of Punjabi language at this event was a true tribute to her. Dr. Sharalyn Orbaugh, Head of the Asian Studies Department, gave a brief introduction of Sidhu.
At this event, each year, an individual is recognized and awarded for their contribution to Punjabi language. This year’s award recipient and keynote speaker was renowned writer, actor, filmmaker, and a motivational speaker Rana Ranbir. He was awarded for his exemplary contribution to Punjabi language through writing, acting, and filmmaking. Ranbir highlighted the importance of language and culture. He highlighted the role of the mother tongue in which one communicates, and the significance of expression, particularly in the creative arts. He noted how his ability to express himself in his mother tongue led him to reaching the pinnace of creative success, and made him ready for serving as an inspiration and role model for tens of thousands. Ranbir emphasized the role of literature in our lives and encouraged the community to support learning and reading of Punjabi. He received a standing ovation.
One of the hallmarks of this annual event is its essay contest, where two students are recognized in the beginner’s category and two in the advanced category of Punjabi language. The first and second place award winners in the beginner’s category were both students from Dasmesh Punjabi School, Abbotsford. Two students enrolled in Punjabi language courses at UBC earned first and second place in the advanced category.
The event’s final part was dedicated to cultural performances from UBC Punjabi students. Four students expressively shared poems from prominent writers, after which a group of students presented a skit written by a UBC student. Everyone thanked Dr. Ravi Sidhu, his wife Dr. Parvathy Nair, and the Sidhu family for their contribution, and appreciated the hard work of the organizers and participants.
The event hosts were Sarbjit Kaur Randhawa, Librarian, South Asian Studies and Himalayan Studies, and Gurinder Mann, Lecturer for Punjabi Language and Culture. Peter Nosco, Professor, Japanese History and Culture, Shirin Eshghi Furuzawa, Head, Asian Library Asian Library, and Connie Yuchun Wu, Communication and Events Coordinator, also contributed in making the event successful.
(Information and photos provided by Sarwan Singh Randhawa.)
