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SIKHLENS INDIA 2022

Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival 2022 (INDIA CHAPTER)

Issued by Pinaka Mediaworks

1^st March, 2022

Overview of Sikhlens INDIA 2022

Sikhism is the world’s fifth largest religion, a monotheistic faith founded in the Punjab region of India. In their history spanning almost five hundred years, Sikhs have developed unique expressions of faith and deep–rooted morals through various forms of art and culture. Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival 2022 (India Chapter), The World Premier Sikh Film Festival is currently the biggest platform for sharing Sikh heritage and culture with the rest of the world. The festival aims to create awareness for “Sikh-Centric” work, to promote and bring out positive Sikh stories, culture and heritage and encourage the community to get into films.

The event was held successfully on 20^th  February 2022 at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh. It was an eclectic display of Sikh history through narratives, documentaries, short films, animation, poetry sessions Gatka, fitness performances, book and film launches. Over three hundred artifacts exhibited rich Sikh cultural heritage. 

The closing film of the Festival was ‘Sarbat Da Bhala’, directed by Ojaswwee Sharma, bringing out inspiring humanitarian work by Dhan Shri Guru Ramdas Langar Seva, Hoshiarpur, Punjab that feeds about a lakh people daily. A film on the supercentenarian marathon Sardar Fauja Singh titled ‘Fauja Singh Going The Distance’ was announced at the festival this year. It would be directed by Ojaswwee Sharma.

A breath-taking musical act by a visually impaired band called ‘Musical Eyes’, shayari on forgotten words of Punjabi by Jatin Salwan, mesmerizing folk songs by Dolly Guleria and Sunaini Sharma, show of strength by Charanjit Singh Chahal, Prince Bhatia, Rahul, specially 78 year old Tripat Singh  and Gatka Performance by Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara stole the show. 

Three books namely ‘Jewels from Sikh Wisdom: A Journey of Discovery’ by Harinder Singh, ‘Against All Odds’ – Longewala Hero Brig Kuldip Singh Chandpuri’s official biography by Hardeep Chandpuri & Gurjot Kaler and book cover and artwork of biography of humanitarian Rashpal Singh Dhindsa, Founder & Chairman United Sikh Mission Titled – ‘Silver Lining – The Journey Of Rashpal Singh’ were also launched at the festival. 

A grand red carpet welcome awaited at the Tagore Theatre. At Sikhlens, from the founders, to the guests to the helping staff, everyone was welcomed warmly. Massive hoardings showcasing Sikhlens' journey with their global productions, Solar Power Plant initiatives by the United Sikh Mission, and Journey of Calendars over the last two decades made an impressive entrance. The theme of Sikhlens 2022 calendar of this year was Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Fort in Lahore. 

The morning was bright and sunny; the team made sure everything was in place before the guests started to arrive. The event officially kick-started  at 11 am, but long before there was a lot of buzz in through the lobby and around the theatre. 

Location: The Entrance  

The first stall was nature and Sikh culture inspired art gallery by a 18-year-old artist Ravleen Kaur fromMukerian, Hoshiarpur, (Punjab). Her art pieces had oil paintings and pencil drawings. ‘The Golden Temple’ and ‘A soldier performing shastra puja before leaving for war’ were magnificent. It was an arena of major attraction for all age groups but specially kids for they had their very own ‘kids book stall’ by an NGO called Atam Pragas from Ludhiana, Punjab. The stall demonstrated a series of attractive books published by Atam Pragas Publication catering to students from nursery to ninth standard for subjects like Punjabi, arts, drawing, moral science and social science. These books were written with an idea of bringing back the Gurbani vocabulary in a child’s parlance for better understanding of the Guru Granth Sahib.

The display also featured the visual art project by Dr Daniel Connell in collaboration with Dr Kamal Sandhu who came all the way from California, USA to promote the creative & artistic expression of the 1971 War.Sikhlens also provided a platform for entrepreneurs Param Kalra and Parminder Matharoo, who showcased their paperless business card called iTAPPIT. 

Location: The Glass House

Moving forward one could spot an immaculate collection of coins, hand written manuscripts, and fossils, some of them older than 2 millennia. To put into perspective, some of the coins were made before the birth of Jesus, and were perhaps the first currency to ever have existed. This collection was presented by the collector Parminder Singh from Ahmedgarh, Malerkotla, Punjab. 

The basement hall displayed a riveting collection of weapons from centuries ago, About 15000 varieties of matchboxes, jewellery boxes and perfume bottles were used by kings and queens of the past. It also had a 1720 pages long  ‘Bhagwad Geeta’, written in Punjabi by Kesar Singh on the order of the King of Jammu, Maharaja Gulab Singh for himself in the year 1840, that had pictures painted with gold and natural colors, and is only one of its kinds in the world. 

Parminder Singh from Ahmedgarh, Punjab is a carpenter whose hobby is preserving Sikh heritage. He has organized 187 exhibitions in schools, colleges, Gurdwara sahibs, temples, and fairs. He has been honored with five awards from India and one international award. Parminder Singh works tirelessly and passionately to preserve the heritage of Punjab and Sikhism.
Display at the festival included World’s 1st Coin from 6th Century B.C (Magadh Period),and unique Ancient Coins belonging to Kings from various Empires of India; display of unique handwritten ancient manuscripts (Puratan Granths) ancient war weapons and articles of “Pendu Sabhyachaar” depicting village culture & heritage of ancient Punjab.
 

The elaborate collection, however wasn’t the only thing that caught the eyes of the viewer. On the left of the entrance, visitors were captivated by a fairly remarkable book collection. ‘Jewels of Sikh Wisdom’, ‘Lost Heritage’, ‘Guru Nanak’s Life & Legacy’ by Sikhlens Publications which were launched the same day and autobiographies like ‘The General Called Tsunami’, ‘The POW Who Saved Kashmir’ and more by publication house called The Browser.

Location: Inside the Theatre

11:00 am – 11:30 am : Inauguration Session 

The opening ceremony was graced by Bicky Singh, Gurpreet Kaur (Founders, Sikhlens) and Ojaswwee Sharma (India Head & Festival Director of Sikhlens), Dr. Parmeet Singh Chadha (President WSCC – World Sikh Chamber of Commerce), Bahadur Singh (Humanitarian & Founder – One Beat Group) Tejwant Singh Gill (President, Gurdwara Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, Sector 34, Chandigarh), Renuka Salwan (North Zone Chairperson – Public Relations Council of India), Charanjeet Singh(Veteran Public Relations Professional), Kuldeep Sharma (Veteran Theatre, Film & Television Actor), Brig Daljit Singh Dhillon (Former Assistant Governor, Rotary District 3080) Sham Rawal (President – Rotary Chandigarh Shivalik), Balour Singh (Former Director – Punjab Energy Development Agency), Govind Miglani (General Secretary, Rotary Chandigarh Shivalik) and Gurvinder Singh (Managing Director, Global Group). 

Gurpreet Kaur shared her thoughts about the vision and significance of Sikhlens. After her inspiring words, the films took the centre stage. 

Sikhlens 2022 provided a much required platform for these film makers to share original Sikh stories with the masses. The festival provided the world, a chance and better look instead of deeper overlook at the Sikh culture and heritage making them understand the origins, moral code and accomplishments, of the religion. 

 

The day had screening of 24 films – narratives, documentaries, animations and musicals, produced in 11 different countries. 

 

The inaugural ceremony was anchored by Sarvpriya Nirmohi, Sr. Broadcaster, Radio and Television from All India Radio & Doordarshan.

   

11:30 am – 1:30 pm : Films Session – I

Khushpreet Kaur anchored the first film session.Five international films were screened during the first session – Going Home (Pakistan), Jutti Kasoori, Walking Into The Unknown (USA), Lost in Transition (USA), The Making of Allegory (Singapore) and The Stone That Hit Maharaja (UK). The first documentary was GOING HOME directed by Salman Alam Khan about heritage and culture of the Sikh religion that has been forgotten, in the land of Pakistan.

1:30 pm to 3:00 pm : Performance Segment – I (Poetry, Shayari and Book Launches)

The First performance segment hosted by Lily Swarn began with her poetry recitation from her book ‘Rippling Moonlight’. Two books namely  ‘Jewels from Sikh Wisdom… A Journey of Discovery’  by Harinder Singh ‘by Sikhlens Publications’; Against All Odds’ – Longewala Hero Brig Kuldip Singh Chandpuri’s official biography by Hardeep Chandpuri Kaler were launched. 

Dr Kamal Sandhu spoke about her exhibition – “The Sacrifice” based on Empowering communities through creative expressions of Sikh traditions & values.

The first performance segment was closed by the playback of ‘Phoori’ trailer, written and narrated by Jatin Salwan, directed by Ojaswwee Sharma. This anthology of ‘ghazals’  touches the soul as it reflects upon the pain of separation and isolation and yet reflecting the perennial hope that life presents. Jatin Salwan’s live poetry reading had many lost words of Punjabi likePhoorileading up to discussion and huge appreciation by the attendees.

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm : Films Session – II

Tejeshwar Singh hosted the second film session in which a total of 13 films submitted by Sikhlens Project S Initiatives and International Submissions were screened.

 

Film Session – II: had Seeking Balance  (Australia), Pipe Dreams (Malaysia), Small Fish, Big Pond (Thailand), Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Ladakh ( United Kingdom), Narry the Tailor (Thailand), Anmol (France), Breaking the Silence (USA), Identity (Canada), Still (United Kingdom), The Vision (United Kingdom), The Lone Guru of Pashupatinath (Nepal), Have you forgotten me? (Canada), TopKnot or Not (United Kingdom).

1:30 pm to 3:00 pm : Performance Segment – II 

Gatka Performance

The second performance segment of the evening included a phenomenal Gatka performance by Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara. The youngest of the troupe was a 4-year-old winning people with his mastery of the moves. 

Bodybuilding and Fitness Motivation

After that, the show was stolen by body builders and fitness enthusiasts which included Tripat Singh, 78-year-old, motivating the audience with his envious physique and encouraging the youth to be disciplined in their lifestyle and career, with a message to stay away from drugs, alcohol and addictions. 

Special Performance 

The segment was concluded with a special musical performance by Veteran Punjabi singer Dolly Guleria and her daughter Sunaini Sharma.

Padma Bhushan Tarlochan Singh, Member of Parliament, Former Chairman National Commission for Minorities, Government of India joined the festival stage to thank the festival visitors for turning out in huge numbers to mark the success of the festival 

6pm to 8 pm : Films Session – III

Six films under Sikhlens Destination S program and Indian Submissions were screened in the third film session, which was hosted jointly by  Khushpreet Kaur  and Tejeshwar Singh.

The films screened during Film Session – III:

Dark Wisdom (India), Zindagi Da Dastoor (India), Peaceful Mind : Shaant Mann (India), USM India Eye Camps (India), Chaurassi (India), and Sarbat Da Bhala (India). 

8:00 pm to 8:30 pm : Honors & Recognition for Exemplary Work

The event concluded with an recognition ceremony, in which a film called ‘FAUJA SINGH GOING THE DISTANCE’ of the living Legend, Sardar Fauja Singh -who at the age of 111 is a marathon runner- was announced by the founder of Sikhlens, Bicky Singh, along with the India head of Sikhlens, Ojaswwee Sharma. Sardar Fauja Singh took on stage sharing his life experiences.

Along with him, other dignitaries Bahadur Singh, Rashpal Singh Dhindsa, members of United Sikh Mission, Dhan Sri Guru Ram Dass Langar Seva and Parminder Singh were also honored for their exemplary work towards mankind, humanity, society, culture, education and environment, and heritage conservation respectively

The book cover and artwork of biography of humanitarian Rashpal Singh Dhindsa, Founder & Chairman United Sikh Mission Titled – “Silver Lining – The Journey Of Rashpal Singh” was also unveiled during the ceremony.

8:30 pm to 9:00 pm: Performance Segment – III (Musical Concert)

After a brilliant session of poetry, an array of spectacular films and various performances, the evening finally came to an end with a musical concert, by the Musical Eyes. This emerging band consists solely of visually challenged members. The enthusiasm of the band reverberated through the crowd with their songs like ‘Nanak Aaya’ and ‘Maai Tenu Hasdi Vekh Ke’.

Anchors of Sikhlens INDIA 2022:

1. Sarvapriya Nirmohi (Sr. Broadcaster, Radio and Television from All India Radio & Doordarshan): Inauguration Ceremony, Closing Ceremony & Honors 
2. Khushpreet Kaur (Film & Television Actress): Films Session I & II
3. Lily Swarn Poet (Poet & Author): Performance Segment I & II
4. Tejeshwar Singh (Film & Television Actor): Films Session II & III

The Journey of Sikhlens in India

2022 – 3^rd Edition of Sikhlens held on 20^th February, 2022 (Sunday)

2021 –  2^nd Edition of Sikhlens held on 21st February, 2021 (Sunday)
 2020 – 1^st Edition Sikhlens held on 21st February, 2020 (Friday)

Hosts of the festival

Summary of Sikhlens 2022 (India Chapter)

Art & Films enhance the appearance, voice and identity of a community thereby increasing sense of pride and belonging. Keeping in mind the overall development of the society, Sikhlens 2022 not only supported good art work and encouraged worthy artists by providing them a platform to showcase their talent. It also provided an incredible opportunity for the people to reconnect with their forgotten roots by spreading awareness about the Sikh legacy through films and the glorious display of various art forms making the event a definite success. Sikhlens was attended by more than 2000 visitors across the globe on 20^th February, 2022 in Chandigarh.

Special Guests and Visitors at Sikhlens INDIA 2022

1. Saradar Fauja Singh, Supercentenarian – Marathon Runner
2. Tarlochan Singh, Padma Bhushan, Member of Parliament, Former Chairman National Commission for Minorities , Government of India. 
3. Patrick Hébert, Consul General of Canada in Chandigarh 
4. Caroline Rowett, British Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh
5. Dolly Guleria, Veteran Punjabi singer  and her daughter Sunaini Sharma
6. Rashpal Singh Dhindsa, Chairman, United Sikh Mission (USA) along with members of United Sikh Mission (India)
7. Gurliyakat Singh Brar, Dhan Sri Guru Ram Dass Langar Sewa, Hoshiarpur along with members of Dhan Sri Guru Ram Dass Langar Sewa
8. Dr. Parmeet Singh Chadha, President WSCC – World Sikh Chamber of Commerce
9. Renuka Salwan, North Zone Chairperson – Public Relations Council of India
10. Sham Rawal, President – Rotary Chandigarh Shivalik
11. Balkar Sidhu, President – Punjabi Lekhak Sabha Chandigarh & Vice Chairman – Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Academy
12. Tripat Singh, 78-year-old Fitness Inspiration, Internet and Television Sensation
13. Balour Singh , Former Director- Punjab Energy Development Agency
14. Dr. Vineet Nagpal, Assistant Director, Office of DHS Punjab, Department Health & Family Welfare
15. Kuldeep Sharma, Veteran Theatre, Film & Television Actor
16. Govind Miglani, General Secretary, Rotary Chandigarh Shivalik
17.  Tejwant Singh Gill, President, Gurdwara Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib, Sector 34, Chandigarh
18. Gurvinder Singh, India, Managing Director, Global Group
19. Dr. Rajat Sharma, Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Fortis Hospital, Mohali

Press Conference

The press conference of Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival 2022 (India Chapter) was successfully held on Saturday, 19^th February, 2022 at Chandigarh Press Club.

News Sources and External Citations

1. Counsel General of Canada in Chandigarh (Official Twitter/High Commission of Canada in Chandigarh) https://twitter.com/Patrick__Hebert/status/1497251622509895680 
2. UK in Chandigarh (Official Twitter/British High Commission of in Chandigarh) https://twitter.com/UKinChandigarh/status/1495610085288161287

Various Newspapers:

Official Film & Programs Selection List

Films Session – I  (11:30 am to 1:30 pm IST) Morning

1. Going Home   (Pakistan| 19 minutes ) Dir: Salman Alam Khan – Documentary/English
 2. Jutti Kasoori – Walking Into The Unknown   ( USA | 27minutes ) Dir: Dr. Nichole Ranganath – Documentary/English/Punjabi
 3. Lost in Transition   ( USA | 19 minutes ) Dir: Michael Singh – Documentary/English/Punjabi
 4. The Making of Allegory   ( Singapore | 50 minutes ) Dir: Sikhlens Productions, Lost Heritage Productions, Amardeep Singh – Documentary/English
 5. The Stone That Hit Maharaja   ( United Kingdom | 7 minutes ) Dir: Harinder Singh & Tirath Singh – Animation/English

Films Session – II  (2:30 pm to 5:00 pm IST) Afternoon

(Project S Initiatives and International Submissions)
 6. Seeking Balance   ( Australia| 16 minutes ) Dir:Benjamin Allen – Documentary/English
 7. Pipe Dreams   ( Malaysia | 7 minutes ) Dir: Samantha Andre & Michael Barth – Documentary/English
 8. Small Fish, Big Pond   ( Thailand | 12 minutes ) Dir: Jack Sample & Matthew Tanner – Documentary/English/Punjabi
 9. Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Ladakh   ( United Kingdom | 7 minutes ) Dir: Harinder Singh & Tirath Singh – Animation/English/Punjabi
 10. Narry the Tailor   ( Thailand | 10 minutes) Dir: Caylan Carhoglu & Kayla Summer Velloso – Documentary/English
 11. Anmol   ( France | 13 minutes ) Dir: Daryl Brown, Jacquelin Dang, Jordan Preito-Valdes, Samantha Thomas – Documentary/French/English
 12. Breaking the Silence   ( USA | 6 minutes ) Dir: Samantha Andre & Carly Berryhill – Documentary/English
 13. Identity   ( Canada | 23 minutes ) Dir: Simran Sohal – Narrative Short/English/Punjabi
 14. Still   ( United Kingdom | 6 minutes) Dir: Mor Albalak, Bryce Cyrier & Emmy Gyori – Documentary/English
 15. The Vision   ( United Kingdom | 4 minutes ) Dir: Nihaal Nihaal Nihaal Productions – Animation/English
 16. The Lone Guru of Pashupatinath   ( Nepal | 7 minutes ) Dir: Samantha Andre & Michael Barth – Documentary/Nepali(English Subtitles)
 17. Have you forgotten me?   ( Canada | 5 minutes ) Dir: Baljeet Sangra – Documentary/English
 18. TopKnot or Not   ( United Kingdom | 10 minutes ) Dir: Michael Jenkins – Narrative Short/English

Films Session – III (6:00 pm to 8:00 pm IST) Evening

(Destinations S Films and Indian Submissions)
 19. Dark Wisdom   ( India | 21 minutes) Dir: Harjeet Singh Oberoi – Narrative Short/Punjabi
 20. Zindagi Da Dastoor   ( India | 6 minutes) Dir: Parneet Mehar Kaur – Musical/Punjabi
 21. Peaceful Mind : Shaant Mann   ( India | 6 minutes) Dir: Pardeep Singh – Animation/Punjabi
 22. USM India Eye Camps   ( India | 20 minutes ) Dir: Sikhlens Productions – Documentary/Punjabi
 23. Chaurassi   ( India | 20 minutes ) Dir: Ojaswwee Sharma – Narrative Story/Punjabi/Hindi
 24. Sarbat Da Bhala   ( India | 35 minutes ) Dir: Ojaswwee Sharma – Documentary/Punjabi

Publicity of the Festival

Hoarding and billboards of the festival were placed at prominent places across Chandigarh, India

Supporters for SIKHLENS in India for 2022

The Team

Production Credits

Show Produced by: Bicky Singh & Ojaswwee Sharma

Production Company: Sikhlens Productions, Pinaka Mediaworks, Rolling Frames Entertainment

Festival Director: Ojaswwee Sharma

Head of Post Production: Bhasker Pandey

Executive Producer: Bicky Singh

Head of Production (USA): Raymond Huerta

Programming Director (USA): Mindy Hutchinson

Head of Finance (India): Sunil Sharma, Pinaka Mediaworks LLP

Hosts: Sarvpriya Nirmohi, Khushpreet Kaur, Lily Swarn, Tejeshwar Singh and Simmerdeep Kaur

Camera Department: Sanju Raj, Baba, Shashi, Bunty, Bawa, Shahrukh Khan

Photography: Pawan Kumar Verma, Ashoky , Vishal 

Gimble Operator:   Suraj, Kartik

Lights Management: Chetan Sharma

Sound Controller: Surinder Sharma

Public Relations: Hardeep Kharbanda

Assistant Director : Abhishek Singh Rana

Administrative Apprentice : Saara Sharma

Assistant To Director: Manuraj Singh

Team of "The Musical Eyes" : Navjot Siaan, Sahaj Amrinder, Shiv Kumar Sharma, Harjeet Singh, Amrinder Babbu

Adil Mayank: Projection & Programming

Incharge of Volunteers: Simmerdeep Kaur

Content Writers:   Nishi Walia, Angad Singh Wasu

Registrations: Tejaswani Goel, Hrithik Sharma, Raveena Rani, Kudrat Kapoor, Nidhi Sharma

Backstage Programming : Simmerdeep Kaur, Sejal Sharma, Yash Devnani

IT Manager : Akshaydeep Punj

Hall Management: Kavid Sood

Shipping & Logistics: Pankaj Bhatt

Outdoor Publicity Print: Shadab, Parkash Kapoor, Surjeet, Asad, Sharique

Setting: Rajan Sobti, Mahadev, Arjun

Flowers: Rajesh kumar, Mehak Florist

Report Credits

Written by: Angad Singh Wasu, Nishi Walia, Simmerdeep Kaur and Saara Sharma 

Edited By: Ojaswwee Sharma