Manmeet Kaur

Manmeet Kaur is a Pakistani journalist and social worker who holds the distinction of being the first Sikh journalist from Pakistan. She also gained recognition as the first individual from her country to be nominated for a list of the 100 most influential Sikh personalities under 30.

Early life and education

Manmeet Kaur belongs to Peshawar, which is located in the KPK province of Pakistan. She grew up in a family with 4 siblings and a father who worked as a retired businessman. After completing her initial schooling, she pursued higher education in her field of interest. She holds a postgraduate degree in social sciences from the Jinnah College for Women, Peshawar.

Career

Before entering the media industry, Kaur worked as an administrator at a computer academy for 3 years. Although she initially aspired to become a model and hoped to be Pakistan's first Sikh model, her professional path shifted toward journalism. She chose this career because she wanted to cover social and cultural issues affecting the Sikh community in Pakistan. Her uncles, including Rajesh Tony Singh, provided the inspiration she needed to pursue this vocation.

The transition into journalism was not easy for her. Her family initially expressed that it was not appropriate for women to work outside of their homes—a sentiment that created early challenges. However, her dedication to covering stories of the Sikh community eventually won her people's approval. Once she gained the support of her community, she continued to expand her professional reach.

In 2018, Kaur joined the privately run news channel HUM TV. Through this role, she became the first Sikh woman journalist in Pakistan. Beyond reporting, she acts as an activist who advocates for women's rights and covers stories regarding the Sikh minority community. She also works toward the promotion of inter-faith harmony within the country.

Personal life

Kaur is married and has 1 child. She remains a prominent figure in Peshawar, where her roots are located.

Awards and recognition

In 2020, Kaur was named by the UK-based International Sikh religious organization known as The Sikh Group. At the age of 25, she appeared on their list of the 100 most influential Sikh personalities under 30. She was one of only 2 Sikhs nominated from Pakistan for these prestigious awards. This list includes various celebrities such as Ammy Virk and Sidhu Moosewala.

The organization grants these awards to individuals who make special contributions to fields like media, business, or charity. Kaur's nomination reflects her work in promoting multiculturalism and minority rights. She stated that her nomination should encourage other women to work hard and serve humanity. She planned to receive the award at a ceremony held in Britain.

In addition to this international recognition, she has received many local awards. These honors focus on her efforts to highlight issues faced by women and minorities. Her work continues to impact how these groups are represented in Pakistani media.