Charges Against Brookside Gurdwara President a Call to Action: WSO

Surrey (July 16, 2014):  In the wake of the tragic assault on Narinder Kaur Kalsi, the World Sikh Organization of Canada is offering access to a network of psychologists and counselors who can assist with family dispute resolution issues. 

The WSO is shocked and saddened by the tragic assault against Narinder Kaur Kalsi.  While Ms. Kalsi remains on life support, her husband, Baldev Singh Kalsi has been charged with attempted murder.  Kalsi is the president of the Brookside Gurdwara in Surrey.

Jasbir Kaur Randhawa, WSO Vice President of British Columbia said today, “the entire community is shocked by this incident.  Violence against women is a serious problem that needs to be addressed by the South Asian community, including Sikhs.  Early intervention and role modeling are key to making a difference.  The WSO has been involved in several initiatives to put violence against women on the agenda in the community and a lot more work needs to be done.”

Last year, the WSO launched a community-wide initiative to participate in the One Billion Rising movement, an international call to action based on the statistic that 1 in 3 women will be beaten or raped in their lifetime.  On February 14^th, Sikh communities participated by providing baked goods and care packages to residents in local women’s shelters.  Many local gurdwaras in Surrey, including the Brookside Gurdwara participated last year and the initiative was expanded to cities across Canada in 2014 including Calgary, Toronto and Montreal.  Over 800 women in 22 women’s shelters were served this year. 

WSO President Dr. Amritpal Singh Shergill said, “statements and expressions of regret are not enough.  We must continue to do more to raise awareness about violence against women and ensure adequate resources and supports exist for our community.  Our thoughts are with Narinder Kaur Kalsi and we pray that she makes a full recovery.”

The WSO is able to offer access to a network of psychologists and counselors with expertise in family dispute resolution and anger management issues in Surrey and the Lower Mainland area.  Consultation can be provided without charge.  For more information please call 604-356-2561. 

The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of Canadian Sikhs as well as to promote and advocate for the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social and economic status.