Sarab Singh is trying to bridge people of different cultures through words.
Singh, the son of Indian immigrants, is a proud Sikh American whose role in the Kent community is that of a writer, poet and editor for a Punjabi-English-read publication, India-USA Magazine.
He found his genuine calling – as a facilitator, communicator.
“I worked at a print shop in India,” Singh said. “I was studying medicine and journalism. My education was cut (short) when I came to this country. For a long time, I did not write much.”
But Sept. 11, 2001 changed all that.
The 9-11 terrorist attacks on the United States brought anger, fear and frustration, wedging a greater divide between Western and Middle Eastern societies.
In the aftermath came misunderstanding, violence, hate crime – here and abroad.
To confront the problem, Singh wanted to be a part of a solution. He wanted to share his voice to inform and educate others about people of different race and religion caught in the throes of a changing, unsettling world.
Donating books about Sikhs to the library and performing a few informational programs for the community weren’t enough for Singh.
“As I was standing in the library, I said to myself, ‘Why shouldn’t we have magazines that are displayed on the shelves?’ ”
Singh began to learn more about offset printing, and, with little savings, invested in a small printing press.
A magazine soon evolved, targeting a readership that’s primarily adult, professional groups of people from Indian origin. However, due to literary contents, including English poetry, India-USA Magazine is achieving its goal of connecting communities, Singh said.
The magazine contains news, tips, announcements and other useful information from the Sikh community. It is distributed at Indian business outlets and other community gathering areas, and available through the King County Library System.
Singh hopes to continue broadening a larger readership in print and online.
“Years later, I think I am far from reaching my goal. It is a hard world out there. But it gives me solace to be trying … to be contributing,” he said.
Singh’s purpose is clear.
“Why are we indifferent towards each other? Why is there so much hatred in this world? What can we do to educate young people?” he asked. “Why is there so much ignorance? Education should lead us to light.”
Learn more at indiausamagazine.com.
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The India-USA Magazine is a Punjabi-English-read publication. COURTESY PHOTO
