Three Sikhs Recognized with the Sikh Jewel Award in London

By Nathan Glover --
17 May 2017 --

Awardees include a movie director, an Army Reserve Captain, and a founder of a hotel chain.

Three Sikhs have been awarded the prestigious Sikh Jewel Award[/tweetit] in London by the British Sikh Association. The awards were presented by the Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon MP, during a dinner organized by the British Sikh Association.

Three Sikhs Recognized with the Sikh Jewel Award in London[/tweetthis]

High Commissioner of India to the UK, Y.K. Sinha, was present at the dinner as the Guest of Honor. The recipients of the awards were film director Gurinder Chadha, businessman Jasminder Singh, and writer Captain Jagjeet Singh-Sohal.

Gurinder Chadha received the Sikh Jewel for her new film, Viceroy’s House, which recounts the last days of the British and the partition period of India in a new way. Her movie throws light on some lesser known facts about the partition that led to the creation of Pakistan she says have been purposely hidden from the public. The partition period was a time of great trauma for both Muslims as well as Hindus, who fell victim to the widespread religious riots that ensued. Chadha’s movie shows another perspective to the issue, one she believes will help heal those people who are still living in the trauma of the partition time. Chadha is famous for movies such as Bend It Like Beckham and Bride and Prejudice, movies that portray the lives of Sikh families struggling to find a common ground between their traditional Indian values and the modern British culture.

Jaswinder Singh was felicitated for his philanthropic activities. Founder and CEO of the Edwardian Hotels group, Singh was recognized for his “Outstanding Contribution to Charitable Causes and to the Hospitality Industry.”

@GurinderC receiving the Sikh Jewel Award at the British Sikh Association Dinner from the @HCI_London pic.twitter.com/PtYGNKKqBF
— Rami Ranger CBE (@RamiRanger) March 23, 2017

Writer, broadcaster and communications consultant Jagjeet Singh-Sohal was awarded the Sikh Jewel for his immense contribution in the field of journalism, and particularly for his role in spreading awareness about the Saragarhi battle. Through his books and a documentary, together with starting the Annual UK Saragarhi Day commemoration, He has been instrumental in helping people learn about the lesser known battle. He has also played a key role in educating the masses about Sikhism through his documentary, Turbanology. He has also been active in organizing numerous exhibitions showcasing the Sikh heritage. His Sikhs at War project documents all the contributions and roles played by Sikhs during the WWI. He is also responsible for having created the “WW1 Sikh Memorial” at UK’s National Memorial Arboretum.