Mdm Jaswant Kaur epitomised all these qualities. She took over the presidency of ISS in 1980 and conscientiously carried out her role till 1983. After passing the baton to Mdm Basant Kaur in 1983, Mdm Jaswant continued to serve as Vice President till May 1984 when she was succeeded by Mdm Bhajan Kaur w/o Ujagar Singh. Even after she stepped down as Vice President, she continued to serve as an Executive Council member till May 1990. This was a reflection of a woman who was committed to service, regardless of the position she occupied in the Executive Council or institution.
Mdm Jaswant was a pleasant, amicable and humble person who worked very closely with all the members of the Executive Council. This spirit of togetherness helped the team achieve significant success for ISS.
During her term as President, Mdm Jaswant increased the number of Executive Council members from five to nine, believing that a larger team could do much more for the Sikh women in Singapore. She also introduced a life membership fee of S$50. Under her term, ISS continued supplying rations to needy families and allowed ISS’ kirtan group to perform prayers at the homes of families requiring such assistance.
Under Mdm Jaswant’s leadership, ISS also focussed on humanitarian support. In 1982, a donation of S$250 was made to the Spastic Children’s Home. In March 1983, a sum of S$42,910 was contributed to the Central Sikh Temple Building Fund.
Mdm Jaswant’s compassionate nature, good team leadership and capability of maintaining a high spirit of morale was the key to the further success of ISS. 