ISS-Magazine_v7

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Unveiling the ISS Logo Three key pillars of the Sikh faith – Sewa, (selfless service) Sadh Sangat (true congregation) and Spirituality – underpin the logo of Istri Sat Sang Singapore (ISS). The logo constitutes three women reaching out to one another while extending their arms further afield. The fellowship of the women represents the shared values of belonging, equality and fraternity with Sikh women while the outreach efforts reflect ISS’ mission to create an inclusive and supportive Sikh community. In the process of reaching out, the logo forms a heart-shaped embrace, which reflects ISS’ tenets of love, empathy, care and concern for all Sikh women. Portraying unconditional love and understanding, the pink colour characterises compassion, nurture and love. The turquoise colour exudes calm, energy, wisdom, wholeness, emotional balance, spiritual grounding, friendship and tranquility. Together, these colours symbolise the quintessence of ISS. 24
Defining the Future of ISS The Sikh community in Singapore has come a long way since the first wave of Sikh immigrants touched the shores. Against the backdrop of Singapore’s economic, political and social changes, the pioneer Sikhs built strong foundations for future generations of Sikhs. As shared in this publication, Istri Sat Sang Singapore (ISS) is very much a part of the history and development of the social and spiritual services provided within the Sikh community in Singapore. However, ISS faces several challenges going forward – both in its immediate external environment as well as from within the organisation. It needs to address these concerns and constraints effectively for its long-term relevance and sustainability. These challenges – membership composition, succession planning, strengthening internal capabilities, changing perceptions and staying relevant – are all arguably inter-dependent. Changing Perceptions ISS has had to endure stereotypical perceptions, rightly or wrongly, from segments of the Sikh community, specifically that it basically caters to Sikh women more senior in age and that its main function is to primarily organise weekly gurdwara (Sikh temple) programmes. ISS has little to offer apart from these ad hoc and informal sessions. There is also a perception that the organisation is patronised by a select group of women and, is the case in many other community organisations, that involvement in it is a thankless job, making one susceptible to brickbats. As a result, many women, especially younger ones, have been less inclined to be part of ISS. Staying Relevant While ISS was started by a group of young women, as its members aged, its activities naturally catered to an older membership base. Against the backdrop of rapid economic development and a more educated younger generation, more Sikh women joined the workforce, thereby changing and diversifying the profiles and needs of the younger Sikh women. As such, ISS’ programmes, most of which are held during office hours, have grown to become less applicable to full-time working Sikh women. For many years after its inception, ISS had the distinct advantage of being the primary community organisation where Sikh women were members, participated in and organised activities, and were comfortable being a part of. This is no longer the case. Many community organisations have been established over the last three to four decades in which Sikh women are active members, including holding leadership positions. This raises an important point on ISS being the only organisation for Sikh women to be involved in and contribute to society. Membership Composition The aforementioned two challenges lead to the difficulties ISS faces in attracting newer and more diverse group of members. There are, however, other factors too that contribute to this trend. Firstly, the number of youths, including Sikh women, visiting the gurdwara has visibly declined in recent times. This reduces the ability of ISS to reach out to younger members on a wider level. Secondly, with Sikh women having greater access to education now and participating more in the workforce than the generations before them, their networks and social circles are more diverse, and include many non-Sikhs. As such, there is a lesser need to engage friends who are only Sikhs or only women for that matter. 25
Page 1: ISTRI SAT SANG SINGAPORE 70th Anniv
Page 4 and 5: Foreword Over the 70 years since it
Page 6 and 7: Message Istri Sat Sang Singapore (I
Page 8 and 9: ISS' Vision and Mission Vision An i
Page 10 and 11: The Position of Women in Sikhism Ha
Page 12 and 13: Over time, an increasing number of
Page 14 and 15: The Stalwarts of ISS Mdm Dyal Kaur
Page 16 and 17: The Stalwarts of ISS Mdm Basant Kau
Page 18 and 19: The Stalwarts of ISS Mdm Kartar Kau
Page 20 and 21: ISS' Key Initiatives and Programmes
Page 22 and 23: River Cruise In 2010, ISS organised
Page 24 and 25: Teeyan da Mela Celebration Sawan is
Page 28 and 29: As a result of these two reasons, t
Page 30 and 31: Acknowledgements The Executive Coun
Page 32: Istri Sat Sang Singapore Central Si

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