OMNI News recognized at Sikh Heritage Month event

OMNI News was honoured by the Khalsa Diwan Society, North America’s oldest Sikh organization, for its dedicated coverage of Sikh Heritage stories and for consistently giving voice to the Punjabi community across Canada.

The recognition was presented during a large Sikh Heritage Month event held at the historic Ross Street Gurdwara in Vancouver. Community leaders praised OMNI News for reflecting the true history, spirit, and lived experiences of Sikhs in Canada and for bringing community stories into homes nationwide.

Special award for OMNI video journalist Paramjit Singh

As part of the ceremony, OMNI video journalist Paramjit Singh received a special award for his contributions to journalism. Speakers highlighted his work in documenting Sikh contributions to Canadian society and covering important religious and community issues with balance and depth.

The event was attended by officials from the City of Vancouver, political leaders, community representatives, and Sikh community members.

Sikh Heritage Month in Canada was introduced as a Private Members’ Bill by Sukh Dhaliwal. It received Royal Assent and became law in 2019.

“When we speak of community connections, especially raising issues that matter to our community, OMNI News deserves congratulations for being a voice that stands with us,” said MP Sukh Dhaliwal.

Community leaders also emphasized the importance of preserving cultural roots and passing heritage on to younger generations.

“Despite our progress, we see our children drifting from our roots. It is our duty to keep our heritage alive, and OMNI News helps pass it on to the next generation,” said Kashmir Singh Dhaliwal, general secretary of the Khalsa Diwan Society.

Joginder Singh Sooner, recording secretary of the Society, echoed the sentiment, noting the impact of community-focused journalism at home. “When families watch news about our community in Canada and worldwide, children ask more questions and take pride in learning about their culture. OMNI News deserves recognition for this.”

About the Khalsa Diwan Society

Founded on July 22, 1902, and officially established in 1906, the Khalsa Diwan Society built Canada’s first Sikh gurdwara at 1866 West 2nd Avenue in Vancouver, which opened on January 19, 1908.

With the growth of the Sikh population, a new gurdwara was built at 8000 Ross Street in 1970. Designed by architects Erickson and Massey, it was inaugurated on November 30, 1969, marking the 500th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

For more than a century, the Society has played a vital role in the social and economic development of British Columbia’s Sikh community. It has raised voices on Sikh issues and participated in historic moments such as the Komagata Maru incident.

Today, the Khalsa Diwan Society continues its mission through Punjabi language classes, youth kirtan training, computer training for newcomers, annual Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan processions, and a wide range of community sports and cultural events.