Lohri holds deep cultural and social significance among the Sikh community, particularly in Punjab and other northern regions of India. Traditionally celebrated on January 13th, Lohri marks the end of the winter solstice and welcomes longer warmer days. This festival is closely linked to the harvest of Rabi crops, especially sugarcane, wheat, and mustard, which are vital to the agrarian economy of Punjab. It is a time for farmers to express gratitude to Waheguru (God) for a bountiful harvest and to seek blessings for prosperity in the coming year.
Lohri fosters community bonding. It serves as an opportunity for families, friends, and neighbours to come together, strengthening social ties and promoting cultural heritage. The festival is not only a celebration of nature’s cycles but also a reflection of Sikh values such as gratitude, community spirit, and sharing.
In the same spirit, Mr Ninderpal from SOMM is spearheading this initiative along with students from the School of Marketing and Management (SOMM) have collaborated with School of Psychology (SOP) students at Asia Pacific University, Bukit Jalil. They are planning to organise a motivational event at the Gurpuri Foundation home in Ampang, Malaysia, on 18th January 2025. Through a series of engaging activities, the event aims to bring joy and inspiration to these orphans.
Gurpuri Foundation was established on 27 October 2000, providing care and shelter to children in Malaysia. Founded by Giani Sukhdaiv Singh Ji, the foundation is supported by the Malaysian Sikh community and well-wishers throughout the world. The unwavering efforts of the Gurpuri Foundation create a nurturing environment for children where they can flourish and develop their full potential.
By investing in these children’s welfare, we develop resilience, empathy, and compassion within society. Their potential is limitless, and with our support, these children can overcome challenges and provide valuable contributions to society.
This event is aligned with two key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 4: Quality Education - Through the motivational event and creative workshops, the children will be empowered to express their aspirations and dreams, reinforcing the value of education and skills development.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being - Engaging activities that promote mental and emotional well-being will be central to the event, encouraging a supportive environment for personal growth
The day will begin with interactive and fun games designed to foster creativity and teamwork. This is followed by a creative workshop supporting the children to express their aspirations and goals through art, focusing on the theme “Dreams of the Future”. Throughout the day, motivational speeches will be provided for encouragement and positive reinforcement of the children. Further, a “Wall of Hope” activity would enable the children to quickly jot down their future dreams as a colourful reminder of their dreams for the future. The event will be concluded with the donation and distribution of goodie bags that were collected throughout the campaign before the event.
This event demonstrates the shared commitment of APU and the Gurpuri Foundation to enriching the lives of these young children. For further details about Gurpuri, visit their official website at https://gurpuri.org/. For event details, follow us on Instagram @dreamonofficial.
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