World Sikh Organization of Canada Celebrates 25 Years and Announces New Executive

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 15, 2009) - The World Sikh Organization of Canada celebrated 25 years of service to the Sikh community in its Biennial Convention held on December 12th and 13th, 2009 in Mississauga Ontario. Sikhs from all across Canada assembled to focus on WSO's history and achievements as well as to shape the direction of WSO's advocacy going forward. The event culminated with the selection of WSO's newest President and Executive for the 2009-2011 term. Prem Singh Vinning of Surrey British Columbia, a well known businessman and dedicated member of WSO for the past 25 years, has been selected to head the organization. Mr. Vinning grew up in the UK and moved to Canada in 1976 and has since been actively involved in the local community at the grassroots level.

"I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been selected to lead WSO Canada, an organization that has a 25 year tradition of service to the Sikh community. WSO has continuously strived to build bridges between communities and work for the betterment of not only Sikhs but Canada as a whole. We have a lot of work to do in advancing WSO's objectives and I hope, with the support of the community, I will be able to make a significant contribution through my term" said Mr. Vinning.

Mr. Vinning will be joined by a vibrant team which includes:

    Senior VP - Gurpreet Singh Bal (past President WSO Canada)
    Director of Finance - Sandeep Singh Sahota
    Director of Administration - Dr. Ramanjot Kaur Sachdev
    VP British Columbia - Gurdit Singh Rangi
    VP Alberta - Kulmeet Singh Sangha
    VP Central Canada - Jasbeer Singh
    VP Ontario - Ranjit Singh Dulay 
    VP Quebec & Atlantic - Gurbaj Singh Multani

In a major step to pass the reigns of the Organization to the next generation, one third of WSO Canada's new executive are members of the Sikh youth. The newly selected Vice President British Columbia, Gurdit Singh Rangi said, "The attempt to bridge the gap between the generation of older and younger Sikhs is going to be our focus. As a young Canadian-born Sikh myself, I will do my utmost to mobilize other young people to work with WSO in service of the community."

The Convention concluded with WSO Canada's banquet at the Chandni Banquet Hall for the organization's members and supporters from across Canada. The evening featured a keynote address by Vishavjit Singh ofwww.sikhtoons.com. Vishavjit Singh spoke about his experiences in Delhi during the November 1984 massacre and in New York during the aftermath of 9/11. He also spoke about the importance of young Sikhs entering into careers in the media and the arts.

The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of the Sikh Diaspora, 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. This policy is a reflection of some of the work being carried out by dedicated Sikhs, for the betterment of all.