In Memoriam: S Jagjit Singh Sekhon (JJ)

Past Chairman & Trustee, Sikh Welfare Council

During his sterling lifetime of service to the community, Mr S Jagjit Singh Sekhon (fondly known as JJ) served two terms as Chairman of SIWEC between 2009 and 2013, after taking over from the first SIWEC Chairman, Dr Sorinder Singh.

JJ steered the newly elected Management Committee to restore SIWEC’s ailing financial health, and strengthen its corporate governance and internal processes to be in close compliance with IPC’s (Institute of Public Character) requirements. SIWEC was awarded IPC status in early November 2009 following revisions to its constitution, and became a registered charity, where its donors can enjoy income tax exemption. This helped attract more donations. In 2010, SIWEC became an associate member with the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and was accepted as a full member in 2014.

One of the major milestones in SIWEC’s fund-raising efforts was in 2011, when JJ requested for the late President S R Nathan’s support in autographing 17 copies of his book, Winning Against the Odds, for $10,000 each. This initiative helped raise $170,000. It was JJ’s personal relationship with President Nathan that saw donors invited to the Istana for the book presentation.

Beyond fund-raising, JJ took a deep personal interest in outreach programmes to uplift at-risk youth, and educate frail seniors on their health as well as support them. He was an ardent advocate for the well-being of all Sikh patients in hospitals, and those in nursing and adult disability homes. On the latter, he worked closely with SIWEC’s social workers and volunteer nurses through the Hospital Visit and Healthcare Ambassador Programme.

JJ was extremely generous in committing, without hesitation, the pro-bono use of Civic ambulance resources for the benefit of our clients and others in need on numerous instances. For example, these ambulances covered many fund-raising rides from Malacca to Singapore. Even after stepping down as Chairman to function as SIWEC Advisor, we are grateful for his continued interest, active support, and commitment.

JJ also leveraged his long-standing ties with Sikh institutions to strengthen support for SIWEC’s programmes among the community and beyond. Regular Gurdwara welfare outreach days were organised to keep the sangat informed about social issues and SIWEC’s services in support of the disadvantaged. He placed personal emphasis on the conduct of regular health screening activities and talks, and was one of the most ardent supporters of the active ageing programme (Sunehri Saheliaan and Sunehray Pal), run by a dedicated volunteer team who continued to refine and extend its reach to three of our Gurdwaras in 2020.

{gallery}newsletter-images/2020-Oct/jagjit-1:330:330:0:0::Elegant{/gallery}

{gallery}newsletter-images/2020-Oct/jagjit:330:330:0:2::Elegant{/gallery}

As Chairman, JJ adopted a very hands-on approach. He accompanied the welfare staff to visit every household served by SIWEC under our Food on the Table and Financial Assistance programmes, and also made the effort to attend all Sikh bereavements at Mandai Crematorium, extending emotional support to the family.

SIWEC’s Volunteer Appreciation Tea in February 2019 was the last formal SIWEC activity attended by our beloved JJ. Perhaps, it was most fitting that he was honoured with the long service award alongside fellow stalwarts who have devoted many years as bereavement support and prison counselling volunteers.

While we have lost one of our staunchest supporters, JJ has left us with a rich legacy, inspiring all who have worked with him. May we all continue to be inspired by his exemplary humanity, unstinting support of those in need, his dogged enthusiasm in service of the community, and his cheerful manner with people from all walks of life.