At Morrisons Funeral Directors, Henderson on January 10, 2023, at 3 pm
Venkat Raman
Auckland, January 5, 2023
Hundreds of people including business and community leaders, friends and families and former colleagues and associates of Baljit Kaur Singh will bid her farewell next week.
Baljit’s family announced this afternoon that the last rites will be performed at her funeral, which will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 3 pm at Morrisons Funeral Directors located at 220 Universal Drive, Henderson, West Auckland.
All visitors have been requested to cover their heads with turbans, scarves or bandanas in compliance with the Sikh religion and tradition.
Following the Service, Baljit will be cremated at a private ceremony by her immediate family.
Prayers at Manurewa Gurdwara
Final Prayers (Alahnian Da Paath) in the Sikh tradition will be held from 5.30 pm at the Nanaskar Gurdwara located at 100 Great South Road, Manurewa in South Auckland.
Final Prayers (Antim Ardaas), followed by Prayer of Peace (Sukhmani Sahib Paath) will be offered on Thursday, January 12, 2023, from 5.30 pm at the same venue in Manurewa.
As we reported yesterday (you can read that story here), Baljit Kaur Singh passed away yesterday (January 4, 2023) at 10.48 am at her West Auckland home. Her husband Manmohan Bains, son Karamjit Singh Bains and daughter Malvindar Kaur Bains were at her beside her when the end.
The brave woman that she was, Baljit lost her battle against Cancer for almost a year.
Thousands of men and women from various parts of the world have paid tributes to Baljit responding to our report on our website, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and WhatsApp Groups, bearing testimony to the fact that she was endeared by them all.
Tributes from everywhere
Many leaders wrote to us, expressing their deep sorrow. We reproduce some of them here.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Iwi and Communities) Wallace Haumaha described Baljit as a ‘remarkable woman’ who gave so much of herself to support the communities in which she worked.
“I remember Baljit as a gracious lady who was always warm and welcoming. I send our deepest condolences to the family and all those who had the pleasure to work alongside Baljit. I know our Ethnic Advisory Board members (of the Waitemata District Police) will be mourning the loss at this difficult time. On behalf of all members of the New Zealand Police and Ethnic Advisory Boards across the country, I thank the family of Baljit for her dedicated support to making our place a safe and better place for all and for allowing her to give so much of her time. May her memories and unconditional love be with us forever more,” he said.
Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo, National Partnerships Manager (Ethnic) at the Police Headquarters in Wellington, expressed his condolences to the family of Baljit.
“May they be comforted, at this sad time, with the knowledge that Baljit’s service has made a significant contribution to our communities. In recognising her service to the Police, we are also reminded of her impact on numerous other organisations including the Waitakere Ethnic Board.
Uncompromising and fearless
Baljit was uncompromising and fearless in advocating for what was just and never shied away from a challenge. She was equally generous and caring. Her legacy will live on through her voluntary service, the many lives she touched and her dear family,” he said.
Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon, also from Wellington, expressed his Arohanui (love and affection) to Baljit. He said, “Thanks for your support to me and the tremendous contribution to the communities. Your hard work did not go unnoticed,” he said.
Dr Pushpa Wood, Director , Financial Education and Research Centre at the Massey University School of Finance based in Wellington said, “It is a great loss to not only our community but the wider community as well. Her work will keep her memory alive in all of us. May her soul rest in peace and I pray God to grant strength to her family in these difficult times.”
Paul Singh Bains, a former President of the New Zealand Indian Central Association said that Baljit was a delightful personality and she will be sadly missed.
“God bless her and rest her soul in peace,” he said.
