About Us

Waikato SBST

Background on Bhagat Singh

Bhagat Singh 1907 – 23 March 1931) was an Indian revolutionary socialist who was influential in the Indian independence movement. Born into a Jat Sikh family which had earlier been involved in revolutionary activities against the British Rai, he studied European revolutionary movements as a teenager and was attracted to anarchist and Marxist ideologies. He worked with several revolutionary organisations and became prominent in the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), which changed its name to the Hindustan Socialist Retjublican Association (HSRA) in 1928.
Seeking revenge for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, Singh assassinated John Saunders, a British police officer. He eluded efforts by the police to capture him. Soon after, he and Batukeshwar Dutt threw two bombs and leaflets inside the Central Legislative Assembly and offered themselves for arrest. Held in jail on a charge of murder, he gained widespread national support when he undertook a 116-day hunger strike demanding equal rights for European prisoners, and those Indians imprisoned for what he believed were political reasons. During this period, sufficient evidence was brought against him for a conviction in the Saunders case after trial by Special Tribunal, and an appeal to the Priw Council in England. He was convicted and hanged for his participation in the assassination, at the age of 23.
His legacy prompted youth in India to continue fighting for independence and he remains an influence on many young people in modem India, as well as the inspiration for several films. I-le is commemorated with a range of memorials including a large bronze statue in the Parliament of India.

Waikato SBST

Our Founder

Jarnail Singh is the founder of Waikato Shaheed e azam bhagat SINGH Sports and Cultural Trust, which was formed in 2017. His passion in assisting the vulnerable and building cohesive and strong communities in New Zealand, led to the conception of Waikato Shaheed e azam bhagat SINGH Sports and Cultural Trust. Under his leadership and guidance, Waikato SBST has evolved to become a vibrant and highly successful community organisation. The organisation has received numerous accolades and recognition for its work for children, migrants, and international students and in empowering people from South Asian communities. He is on the board of other community organisations.

Waikato SBST

Our Objective

The trust was established with the goal of promoting the cultural heritage of the Punjabi community in the Waikato region of New Zealand. The Punjabi community is one of the largest and most vibrant immigrant communities in New Zealand, with a rich cultural history and tradition that spans many centuries.

One of the main ways in which the trust seeks to achieve its goals is by organizing cultural events and exhibitions that showcase the traditions, customs, and values of the Punjabi community. These events may include music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and food festivals, among others. By providing a platform for the Punjabi community to share its culture with the wider public, the trust aims to promote greater understanding and appreciation of the community’s unique identity and heritage.

In addition to promoting cultural heritage, the trust also strongly emphasises sports and physical activity. By organizing and facilitating sporting events and activities, the trust aims to provide young people with opportunities to develop physical fitness, teamwork, and leadership skills. The trust recognizes the importance of sports in promoting physical and mental well-being and fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Finally, the trust aims to promote goodwill, tolerance, and understanding between different communities and cultures. By working with other organizations and communities, the trust seeks to build bridges and promote harmony and unity. Through its various initiatives and activities, the trust aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming society for all, regardless of cultural background or ethnicity.

In summary, the Waikato Shaheed e Azam Bhagat Singh Sports and Cultural Trust has a multifaceted approach to achieving its goals of promoting cultural heritage, sports, and community building. By engaging with the broader community and collaborating with other organizations and groups, the trust hopes to positively impact the lives of people in the Waikato region and beyond.