Sugarbread

Sugrabread by Balli Kaur Jaswal is an amazing read! It lets you dive head-first into experiencing the challenges that we in the Sikh/Punjabi community of Singapore face, and feel the emotions involved in dealing with family, community and religion.

(Picture from Epigram Books)

The challenges faced by the main character, Pin, and her mother would echo strongly with many in our community. Making sense of our identity in Singapore has been an ongoing exploration with the same questions being asked by each successive generation. The hurdles that Pin and her family face are not easy and remind us to never take what we have for granted.

Much about the story has already been covered by the The Straits Times and Asia Samachar, as well as the book’s publisher Epigram Books. Do check out the links to find out more about Sugarbread. 

In the short time since it has been published, Sugarbread has already collected a bunch of accolades:

  • Finalist for the 2015 Epigram Books Fiction Prize
  • Shortlisted for the Singapore Book Awards 2017 (Best Fiction Title)
  • Shortlisted for the Popular Readers’ Choice Awards 2016 English (Adult) Books category
  • The Straits Times Book Of The Month (August 2016)

You can also check out the book trailer by Epigram Books which features an interview with Balli.

Kudos to Balli for gifting us with such a wondrous work and we look forward to more literary masterpieces from her!

S.W.A.T. Singapore

REPRESENTING SINGAPORE BHANGRA TO THE WORLD

S.W.A.T. Singapore is Singapore’s first and only competitive bhangra team, formed in August 2015. S.W.A.T. Singapore aims to put Singapore bhangra on the map, regionally and internationally.

S.W.A.T. stands for “Sadi Wakhri Ah Taur” – “Our Style is Unique”.

The team is made up of the best bhangra dancers in the Singapore bhangra scene, who are selected by audition prior to every competition season. The audition is open to all. In particular, dancers from the various bhangra teams in Singapore are invited to audition. The team choreographs its own routines.

S.W.A.T. Singapore allows our best dancers to challenge themselves, learn from and be inspired by dancers around the world. In turn, they will teach and inspire others, and raise the overall standard of bhangra in Singapore.

Competition Achievements

  • Bhangra Dance-Off 2015, Malaysia (Champions)
  • Bhangra Down Under 2016, Australia (4th placing)
  • Bhangra Dance-Off 2016, Malaysia (Champions)
  • Harbour City Bhangra 2017, Australia (3rd placing)
  • Bhangra Dance-Off, 2017, Perak, Malaysia (Champions)

Upcoming Competitions

  • Bhangra Fever 8, Feb 2018, New York, USA
  • Bhangra Down Under, Sep 2018, Australia

In parallel, SWAT FUNdamentals sessions are held every Wednesday, at the Sikh Centre. They are also part of SWAT’s outreach efforts. These sessions cater to dancers who are preparing for upcoming S.W.A.T. Singapore auditions, or simply interested in dancing bhangra. Dancers of all skill levels are welcome.

For more info, please visit their facebook page and follow them on instagram and YouTube!

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