Schedule of Events

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Nourishing Souls and Bridging Cultures: An Evening of Health, Heritage, and Harmony

Join us at Chapman University’s Fish Inter faith Center on April 29th, 2024, for a special Vaisakhi lecture event presented by  Sikhlens. The evening will feature Dr. Swarnjit Bhasin, whose presentation “Optimal Health in Three Simple Steps” will illuminate the connection between dietary choices and spiritual well-being. Satnam Gambhir will share insights from the recent Sikhlens Heritage Tour of Pakistan, and Gurpreet Kaur Phokela, who will captivate us with her poetry on Oneness. Join us for  a night dedicated to nurturing the soul and celebrating the tapestry of Sikh heritage and universal unity.

Event on Monday, April 29th. Registration at 6:30. Program begins at 7:00 PM.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS

Dr. Swarnjit Bhasin is a Radiologist who has been in practice on the West Coast in the United States for the past 15 years. During his career, he has seen steadily increasing rates of obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cancers in young patients (Breast/Rectal in those in their 20s and 30s). In 2022, Dr. Bhasin did a deep dive into nutrition and how the worldwide obesity and poor metabolic health epidemic can be tackled from first principles thinking. Now he does healthcare marketing with 3 simple steps to reverse metabolic syndrome and prevent cancer/dementia. Dr. Bhasin takes pride in being a diagnostic and therapeutic radiologist when it comes to fatty livers, which has no pharmaceutical treatment.

Gurpreet Kaur Phokela is a multidisciplinary individual with a diverse background in science and the arts. She holds academic degrees in Physics, Hindustani Classical Music (Sitar, Vocal), Tabla, and Industrial Relations and Personnel Management. Her specialized studies include Art Appreciation at the National Museum New Delhi.

Gurpreet has extensive experience spanning 15 years of teaching high school Physics, Music, and Drama in India. She is an instructor of Laughter Yoga, Classical Music, Kirtan, which she taught for 19 years at SCOC, and Indian dances which she taught for the India Medical Association of Southern California. Committed to community service, she has been involved in medical camps. A Rangoli artist, Gurpreet loves playing various instruments and is an avid learner of Gurbani. 

Satnam Gambhir is the CEO of a financial software company, Envision Financial Systems, Inc. headquartered in Orange County. Harsharan Gambhir is retired and was previously Managing Director of an IT consulting company. Harsharan and Satnam have lived in Orange County for the last 35 years. Raj finished his undergraduate degree in social studies from Harvard University in May 2022. He is currently working as a paralegal at Mintz in Washington DC. He will be joining law school in the fall of this year.

Join us on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the Phoenix Cinema & Art Centre for a day filled with creativity, culture, and community. Experience the vibrant world of Sikh arts and film through screenings, exhibitions, and discussions. Connect with fellow art enthusiasts and filmmakers as we celebrate the rich heritage and diversity of Sikh culture. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Sikh arts and cinema. See you there!

Phoenix Cinema & Arts Centre
4 Midland Street
Leicester, LE1 1TG, UK

This is a FREE event, we only require that you “Reserve Your Spot“ .

The event is organized by Sikhlens.

To support our efforts in organizing events of this nature, we kindly request that you consider making a donation at Sikhlens.com/donate

DETAILED SCHEDULE OF FILMS AND ACTIVITIES

Session 1 – 11:00 AM to 12:10 PM: Children’s Programme

Melodies of Devotion – Experience the soulful renderings from the Falcon School Keertan Club, setting the tone with their harmonious Sikh hymns.

Journey of Learning – Catch a glimpse of the forthcoming documentary showcasing Falcon School’s unique educational journey.

Community Pillars – Learn about the integral role of Gurdwara Committees in guiding Sikh communities, through a short film by young filmmakers.

Interactive Enlightenment – Join Jasbir Mann & Bicky Singh for an insightful Q&A about the Sikhlens Digital Voices initiative, enriching young digital storytellers.

The Stone that Hit Maharaja Ranjit Singh – His gracious response to being hit by a stone, exemplifying his wisdom and generosity as a leader.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Return of The Koh-I-Noor Diamond – His diplomatic retrieval of the Koh-I-Noor diamond from Afghanistan in the 19th century.

American Sikh – Acclaimed Animation: A look at the Sikh experience in America, exploring how the community maintains its identity while integrating into the American cultural tapestry.

Sat Sri Akaal – Explores the profound meaning and correct pronunciation of the common Sikh Greeting, aiming to educate and encourage reflection on its true essence.

Story of Piloo – The Baya Weaver-Observing Nature & Technology – This short film encourages observation and appreciation of our surroundings, be it nature or technology.

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Session 2 – 12:35 PM to 3:15 PM: Artistic Journeys: Celebrating Sikh Heritage

Dreams – The personal aspirations and dreams that fuel the community’s spirit.

Lord & Lady Singh – A tribute to significant figures and their impact on the Sikh diaspora.

Drawn From Life: The Story of Artist Raj Singh Tattal – A deep dive into the life and inspiration of a Sikh artist.

Rabab-Strings of Oneness – The spiritual and unifying sounds of a Sikh musical tradition.

Echoes of Pothohar: A Journey Through Punjabi Musical Heritage – Exploring the roots and resonance of Punjabi music in Sikh culture.

Rising Above: The Kamal Singh Story Trailer – Film to be premiered at the Sikh Arts and Film Festival November 2024.

Bus Driver – A London bus driver’s harrowing attempt to negotiate a terrorist standoff amidst panicked passengers.

My Phone My Life – A candid look at people and their phones.

The Sikh Soldier – A Sikh soldier fights through The Great War for the British Empire, only to survive and have to face a further hell back in India.

Q&A Session – An interactive dialogue with the filmmakers, fostering a deeper connection with the audience.

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Session 3 – 3:30 PM to 5:15 PM: Celebrating Sikh Contributions and Stories

Connecting the Dots – This may showcase the interconnectedness of Sikh history with contemporary stories, emphasizing the continuity of the Sikh spirit.

American Sikh – Acclaimed Animation: A look at the Sikh experience in America, exploring how the community maintains its identity while integrating into the American cultural tapestry.

Sikh Formaggio – How the Italian Cheese industry was saved by Punjab Farmers. A unique blend of Sikh tradition with Italian cheese-making, demonstrating innovation while maintaining cultural roots.

The Stevia Story – Representation of the innovative spirit of the Sikh community in agriculture or entrepreneurship  . The first Stevia processing plant in India.

Uprooted – Tells the story of one Sikh family who fled Punjab for France after the attack of 1984.

Style by Kaur – A young female Sydney-based fashion designer is the first ever turbaned Sikh fashion blogger.

Gurinder Mann Trailer – Discussion about ongoing projects on Sikh heritage and history, emphasizing the preservation and the dedication to keeping history alive through storytelling and art.

Simranjeet Singh: Sikhlens Scholar Program – Oxford Scholar studying affects of wind on aircraft performance. Celebrating academic achievements and the pursuit of knowledge in the Sikh youth.

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Session 4 – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

Music by Sonu and Sukhi – Highlighting the rich Sikh musical tradition with traditional or contemporary melodies.

The Vision of Sikhlens: Conversation with Bicky Singh – Bicky Singh discusses the direction and aims of the festival itself, aligning with contemporary efforts to preserve and promote Sikh arts and culture.

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Session 5 – 7:40 PM to 10:00 PM

Brexit India 1947 – A nod to tragic historical moments that have shaped the global Sikh diaspora,  offering insight into the historical events and their impact on South Asian identity and arts.

Q  & A with Daljit Singh Makan.

Closing remarks by Harinder Singh – Rounds out the festival with a focus on community and gratitude, highlighting the support structures that enable the arts to flourish.