Diversity is a prominent staple within Canadian culture. The South Asian community, in particular, has seen a significant surge in population, as many South Asian immigrants have found personal and professional success in North America.
Ravinder Singh Pannu arrived in Canada in 1985 from his native, India. Equipped with knowledge and fluency in a number of languages [Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and later English], Ravinder Singh Pannu quickly identified the need for diversity on a global media platform, as it would appeal to hard working immigrant families.
Through this need, Sur Sagar Radio was conceived.
Sur Sagar Radio [Sur (meaning: Sound) Sagar (meaning: Ocean)] commenced broadcast in 1994. At the time, it was the only Radio Station catered to a South Asian audience. Through this establishment, the community was given a platform of expression, bringing South Asian culture to the forefront of mainstream media. Following the success of Sur Sagar Radio, Ravinder Singh Pannu introduced SSTV [1997]. Initially known exclusively as a satellite channel, SSTV was later upgraded to local television networks in Toronto and adjoining areas. In 2003, Ravinder Singh Pannu founded an NR1 channel, which enhanced the programming experience for Asian and Middle Eastern countries.
Today, Sur Sagar Radio & SSTV has become a leader in South Asian broadcast, subsequently supplying the community with global recognition as well as a voice.
Ravinder Singh Pannu’s passion and understanding for broadcasting was fuelled by his professional experiences prior to Sur Sagar Radio & SSTV. Through 1986 – 1992, he anchored the popular Punjabi program, Awaz-e-Punjabi [The Voice of Punjab], on City TV. From 1992 – 1994, maintaining his position with City TV, Mr. Pannu coordinated Sajri Saver, a Punjabi program in which he is credited as a director, producer, as well as scheduled anchor. His knowledge, compassion, and experience have enabled the success of South Asian programming, as he has made it his mission to bring South Asian culture to the mainstream masses.
Sur Sagar Radio & SSTV are committed to serve the South Asian community through quality Radio and Television programming.
RAVINDER SINGH PANNU
FOUNDER
As a leader in South Asian broadcasting, Sur Sagar Radio & SSTV promise quality programming to our viewers. Meet our Team.
BALTEJ KAUR PANNU
PRODUCER | MANAGING DIRECTOR
The heart and soul of the Sur Sagar family, Baltej Kaur Pannu fulfills a number of key positions at the SSTV studio. As a producer and managing director, Baltej Kaur Pannu is able to supply each member with the personalized care they require to cultivate a successful broadcast career. By promoting innovation and creativity, Baltej Kaur Pannu has helped Sur Sagar Radio & SSTV achieve international recognition. With a strong sense of passion and uncompromising dedication, she has become an active role model to both her children and women on a global scale.
JASPREET SINGH RANDHAWA
SENIOR EDITOR
With an educational background in Radio Broadcasting from Humber College, Jaspreet Singh Randhawa introduces a modern perspective to South Asian multimedia. As a visionary, Jaspreet Singh Randhawa is able to generate quality content, which is both informative in nature, as well as compelling to an audience. By successfully facilitating a large variety of creative projects simultaneously, he has become an essential member of the production team.
BRIG NEWAB SINGH HEER
AWAKENING WITH SIMRAN
A veteran of the Indian Army, Brig Newab Heer has continued to serve the South Asian community through knowledge, live discussion, and debate of various topics relative to a South Asian audience. With vast experience in multi-media, which includes notable written work for prominent newspapers, in addition to a position as an analyst for Radio and Television networks, globally, Brig Newab Heer remains committed to his craft.
SATPAL SINGH JOHAL
LIVE TALK WITH SATPAL SINGH JOHAL
A prominent member of the SSTV family, Satpal Singh Johal has established a strong media following through his program, Live Talk with Satpal Singh Johal. Airing twice a week and showcasing a diverse range of themes, Satpal Johal has become a fan favourite, as he engages the South Asian public through live discussion. Addressing light-hearted topics, as well as matters more serious in nature, this popular program continues to captivate a growing audience.
RANA RANDHIR SINGH SIDHU
SARDARI
An active member of the Punjabi community, Rana Randhir Singh Sidhu has become a recognized face in South Asian broadcast. With educational qualifications from multiple accredited institutions in India [Guru Nanak Dev University (1994) and DAV College (1993)], Rana Randhir Singh Sidhu utilized his training and knowledge of South Asian culture, effectively securing a position as a Producer and Director at Sardari TV.
AVTAR KAUR UBBI
BHAINA DA PROGRAM
As a devoted philanthropist, Avtar Kaur Ubbi is recognized as a role model to South Asian women globally. Having amassed a long resume of accreditations for her humanitarianism and relief efforts within the community, Avtar Kaur Ubbi has utilized her social platform to educate the South Asian public. In addition to philanthropy, Avtar Kaur Ubbi is an integral member of the Indo-Pak-Canadian Cultural Association [director] in conjunction with the Ontario Sikh and Gurdwara counsel [executive committee partner]. By exemplifying dedication and hard work through each endeavour, Avtar Kaur Ubbi has become a recognized member of the South Asian community.
RAJNI SHARMA
BHAINA DA PROGRAM
As the host of the popular Sur Sagar Radio segment, Bhaina da Program, Rajni Sharma as well as her co-host, Avtar Kaur Ubbi, introduce a noteworthy chemistry to contemporary radio broadcast. By addressing topics specific to South Asian women of a particular age group, Rajni Sharma has reinvented the perception of immigrant women nationwide. Having utilized her social platform to empower her audience, Rajni Sharma has become an important female figure in talk radio.
HIRA RANDAWA
LOK AWAZ
Is a Familiar Name in the field of Punjabi Theatre, Journalism, and Real Estate. He was born on March 27 (day of World Theatre Day) in a small village Mohriwala of District Gurdaspur in India. He is a self-made person and as per qualifications he is Post Graduate in Punjabi, Diploma in Civil Engineering Technologist, Post Graduate in Journalism & Mass Communication, and Diploma in Computer Application. He got immigration of Canada in 2005 and presently living in Toronto, He did and is doing too many activities:
AS THEATRE ACTOR: He is doing Theatre since 1978 & worked long time with Famous Playwright Sh. Gursharn Singh known as Bhai Manna Singh. In 1989 he established his theatre group "Art Theatre Ludhiana". He participated in more than 250 plays presented about 1200 times in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan & other parts of India and abroad like U.S.A., Canada, Thailand, Singapore, Europe etc.
AS DIRECTOR: He directed more than 150 Punjabi, Hindi & English plays. He participated in many theatre festivals organized by various organizations.
He is Hosting Punjabi TV and Radio Program 'Lok Awaz' on 'SSTV and SurSagar Radio. • He is doing Professional theatre in Punjabi Language in Toronto, under Banner of HATS UP (Heritage Arts & Theater Society of United Productions). He presented two dozen plays since he reached Canada. The subject of his plays is always based on pro-people concerns like rational & scientific thinking, historical and comedy based on local social life. • He is providing his services as freelancer journalist too. By profession he is five star certified Real Estate Broker.
TASLEEM ELAHI ZULFI
MEHMAAN
One of the most recognized faces in multimedia, Tasleem Elahi Zulfi is an acclaimed poet, writer, and television critic. Having published eighteen books throughout his illustrious career, Tasleem Elahi Zulfi has become an important voice to the Muslim community. As the president of Urdu TV Canada, Tasleem Zulfi has delivered quality content to his viewers through insightful conversation and an enticing interview style. Through his work, he has become an integral member of the Sur Sagar Television family.
BALDEV MUTTA
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
As the CEO of Punjabi Community Health Services, Baldev Mutta has a vested interest in your health. In an effort to educate the South Asian community on a variety of topics specific to mental, physical, and emotional wellness, Baldev Mutta has devoted his media presence to informative discussion and [health] awareness.
NIRLEP GILL
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Having successfully established a career as a Peer Support Worker, Nirlep Gill has dedicated much of his time to the betterment of citizens in distress. With a deep understanding of mental health, personal hardship, and matters of self-esteem, Nirlep Gill has utilized his social platform by effectively counseling his audience through information and conversation.
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