On Thursday, April 7, the Department of Asian Studies and the Asian Library at the University of British Columbia hosted their 12th annual Harjit Kaur Sidhu Memorial Program, an event dedicated to celebrating the life of Harjit Kaur Sidhu. Harjit Kaur 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 Harjit Kaur. The event was immensely successful, witnessed by a full auditorium at UBC’s Asian Centre. The Program was opened with the land acknowledgement, and a brief introduction of Harjit Kaur Sidhu and the event from the Head of the Department, Dr. Sharalyn Orbaugh.
Dr. Sharalyn Orbaugh welcomed everyone to this year’s event.
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. Rana Ranbir was awarded for his exemplary contribution to Punjabi language through writing, acting, and filmmaking. While accepting the award, he shared an eloquent address with the attendees. Everyone was gripped by his wit, charisma, and undeniable stage presence.
This year’s award recipient and keynote speaker was renowned writer, actor, filmmaker, and a motivational speaker Rana Ranbir.
In his speech, Rana Ranbir highlighted the importance of language and culture. Attributing his accolades to Punjabi language, he reiterated the role of the mother-tongue in which one communicates, and the significance of expression, particularly in the creative arts. He mentioned how his ability to express himself in his mother-tongue led him to reaching the pinnacle of creative success, and made him ready for serving as an inspiration and role model for tens of thousands. Rana Ranbir emphasized the role of literature in our lives and strongly encouraged the community to support learning and reading of Punjabi. His energy, enthusiasm, and terrific sense of humour left the audience spellbound. Rana Ranbir received a standing ovation, which was confirmation of his popularity as an actor, writer, and speaker.
Rana Ranbir was awarded for his exemplary contribution to Punjabi language through writing, acting, and filmmaking.
Following the keynote speech, the event proceeded towards recognizing the essay contest winners. 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. Several students submitted their essays for this competition. The caliber of the essays made the judges’ role quite challenging. The first and second place award winners in the beginner’s category were both students from Dasmesh Punjabi School, Abbotsford, BC. Dasmesh Punjabi School has consistently produced students who have demonstrated excellence in Punjabi. Two students enrolled in Punjabi language courses at UBC earned first and second place in the advanced category, echoing the thriving nature of the Punjabi Program at UBC.
The hosts, Sarbjit Kaur Randhawa and Gurinder Mann presented award to one of the essay contest winners.
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 well-conceived skit, written by a UBC student. Many students, presenters, and community members stayed after the end of the program, taking pictures and sharing their positive feedback. 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.
(From left to right) Student Essay Contest winners, Rana Ranbir, Dr. Ravi Sidhu and his wife Dr. Parvathy Nair, Sarbjit Kaur Randhawa and Gurinder Mann.
One of the students expressively shared poems from prominent writers.
A group of students presented a well-conceived skit, written by a UBC student.
Overall, the event was well organized, very motivational, entertaining, and educational. The timing, the contents, and the delivery of the program set a new landmark for the future Punjabi programs. The diverse and multicultural audience was another beauty of this event. Although most of the program was in Punjabi, the magic of the performers made it entertaining for everyone. The event hosts Sarbjit Kaur Randhawa, Librarian South Asian Studies and Himalayan Studies, and Gurinder Mann, Lecturer for Punjabi Language and Culture, did a fantastic job in running the program smoothly. Peter Nosco, Professor, Japanese History and Culture, staff and student volunteers also played an important role in making the event successful.
If you miss the event, or wish to re-watch it, the event recording is now made available.
