Jaswant Singh Zafar is an acclaimed Punjabi poet, photographer, and a painter.
On his recent trip to Australia, Mr Zafar interacted with the local Punjabi community to share his thoughts and work that explores many important themes including humanity, compassion and faith.
In Sydney, the meet and greet event was jointly organised by Rooh Punjab Dee (RPD) and Punjabi Council of Australia.
Ranjit Khera from RPD told that the event was a great success with over $14,000 raised for a family in need.
“We feel privileged to host this function. We thank Mr Zafar for his time and effort.”
“This function not only contributed to the noble cause of helping Ms Rachel but has also raised community spirit to help people when they need it the most.”
“To us, Mr Zafar serves as an ambassador of Sikhism, which is founded on the principles of Sarbat da bhalla - working towards the ‘common good of all’.”
“The ‘Mool Mantar’ painting is an amazing example of his work and commitment to spread the words of our Gurus’ wisdom.”
Ranjit Singh Khera told that an addition to listening to Mr Zafar's thoughtful lecture, an auction was also held in an effort to raise funds for a needy family.
Ranjit Singh Khera (R) helping in the painting auction (Photo supplied by Baljinder Singh) Source: Supplied
"The painting art was purchased by Maninder Singh Walia for $12,000 who felt very touched by the Gurbani’s message and wished to contribute,” said Mr Khera.
“Mr Iqbal Singh Kalkat contributed $2000 towards the auction to purchase a set of six books written by Zafar saab.”
“We are aware that Rachel lost her source of income due to a disability. She was inundated with medical bills.”
“With this small contribution, we are trying to help Rachel buy a special machine for her physiotherapy needs.”
Jaswant Zafar’s painting had two basic elements – Gurbani’s Mool Mantar and the respect to the Mother Nature.
According to the Sikh ideology, Mool Mantar is the description of God. It theoretically means 'basic teaching'.
Additionally, this painting depicted how we should respect water, air and land. ਪਵਣੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਣੀ ਪਿਤਾ ਮਾਤਾ ਧਰਤਿ ਮਹਤੁ || Pavan Guru Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat, which literally means Air is the Guru, Water the Father, and the Earth is the Great Mother.
Jaswant Singh Zafar in an interview with thanked the local community and the organisers.
J Zafar interacted with Sydney's Punjabi community to share his thoughts on many important themes including humanity, compassion and faith. (Photo supplied by Baljinder Singh) Source: Photo by Baljinder Singh
“The painting was only a small contribution to say thanks to the community. It was actually the organisers who should get the credit for helping this family with the amount of over $14,000.”
“I made this painting on a 3X4 feet canvas with eco-friendly colours."
"Some of colours chosen were to give respect to Australia’s first people and their spiritual connection to the sun, water and land.”
Maninder Singh Walia who contributed $12,000 from his savings told that he thoroughly enjoyed being present at the event.
“This painting had a beautiful theme with a crux of Gurbani teachings from Sri Guru Granth Sahib,” said Mr Walia.
“I am very pleased to know that amount raised from this auction will go to help Ms Rachel who was struck by chronic illness a few years back.”
Giani Santokh Singh - ਇਹ ਸਾਰਾ ਪ੍ਰੋਗਰਾਮ ਹੀ ਰੀਸ ਕਰਨ ਯੋਗ ਸੀ। ਰੂਹ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀ ਅਤੇ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਕੌਂਸਲ ਦਾ ਉਦਮ, ਰਣਜੀਤ ਖੈੜਾ ਦਾ ਮੰਚ ਸੰਚਾਲਣ, ਹਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੌਹਲ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਕਰਵਾਈ ਗਈ ਜ਼ਫ਼ਰ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਜਾਣ ਪਛਾਣ ਅਤੇ ਕਵਿਤਾ, ਸਾਰਾ ਕੁਝ ਹੀ ਰੀਸ ਕਰਨ ਯੋਗ ਸੀ। ਬਾਕੀ ਰਹੀ ਗੱਲ ਜ਼ਫ਼ਰ ਜੀ ਦੀਆਂ ਕਵਿਤਾਵਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਰੂਬਰੂ ਬਾਰੇ ਤਾਂ ਏਨਾ ਹੀ ਆਖਣਾ ਬਣਦਾ ਹੈ, "ਕਹਿਬੇ ਕਉ ਸੋਭਾ ਨਹੀ ਦੇਖਾ ਹੀ ਪਰਵਾਨ॥"
Maninder Singh Walia is one of the founder members of Harman Foundation, Sydney. Source: Supplied
