Sikh crowned ‘Mr Singh International’

Vikram singh · #1 (**permalink**) 02-Dec-2009, 09:14 AM

Winner of the grand finale of Mr Singh International 2009 Damandeep Singh (centre) from Delhi poses with first runner-up Mandeep Singh from the UK (right) and second runner-up Talwinder Singh from Italy in Amritsar on Saturday. Photo: Vishal Kumar

Young Sikh men from around the world entered the competition to secure the title ‘Mr Singh International’
The winner is from Delhi Damandeep Singh, runner up in the competition that has gone global was Mandeep Singh from Untied Kingdom and Talwinder Singh of Italy was the second runner-up in the grand finale to this year’s Frankfinn Mr Singh International, held in front of the majestic building of Khalsa College in Punjab
Jaswinder Singh Advocate, chief of the Akaal Purkh Ki Faauj (APKF), which organised the contest, said the winners were chosen after three months of auditions, zonal rounds, and a training spread across various parts of the country and in London.
The organisers believed that shows like this would give a platform to the youths to make their presence felt not only in modeling but also in Bollywood.
"Our aim is to showcase the talent of these Sikh youths and through this take them to Bollywood where they can show their talent. There is dearth of robust Sikh youths in the Bollywood and people from other community enact the roles of Sikhs which they cannot justify," Jaswinder Singh, President APKF.
Jaspal Singh Bains, publisher of The Sikh Times said “I was invited to the judging of nominee and was very impressed by the work of APKF; there is a distinct need for such a projects that allow Sikh to progress whilst maintaining their identity
“The Sikh Times, which is part of Eastern Media Group will continue to give support to the project
“There is a need for empowerment of Sikh men with the Holy Turban, which was given to us, making us distinct, this is to be celebrated rather then hidden, this competition will be opening many new doors for the winners and the participants
“Sometimes as minorities Sikh youth find it difficult to be empowered, they forget the blessings of Waheguru – making them recognizable in crows of thousands, this competition will help to endorse this message, its ‘cool’ to be a turbaned Sikh”
The programme intended to send across the message that Sikh youths too could be a part of the showbiz even as they upheld their culture. The contest assessed the personality, Gurmat knowledge, general awareness, skills in martial arts, bhangra, theatre and ramp skills of the participants.
The grand finale was started as per Sikh tradition when Bhai Paramjit Singh sang a hymn from the Guru Granth Sahib.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-news/28364-sikh-crowned-mr-singh-international.html
The three winners were chosen from 30 participants, who participated in various rounds to showcase their talent.
President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Avtar Singh said the platform had brought Sikh philosophy and beauty together.
The APKF also honoured Hajoori Ragi of Harmanar Sahib (Golden Temple) Tajwinder Singh, film producer Dalbir Singh, National Institute of Fashion Designing head Vikramjit Singh Sahni and Frankfinn chairman K.S Kohli with Sikh Gaurav Sanman for attaining excellence in their chosen fields while upholding Sikh culture and tradition.