Highlights:
- Sham Kumar’s weekly ritual of recording SBS Punjabi broadcasts began a lifelong bond with his culture and community.
- 'More than a show, it’s a bridge,' says Sham, whose story reflects the power of ethnic media to connect generations.
- From handwritten letters to heartfelt advocacy, Sham helped grow SBS Punjabi from a one-hour show to a daily staple.
When Sham Kumar migrated from Punjab, India, to Australia in 1992, little did he know that a humble, three-band radio would become his closest companion in a new land.
Eager to stay connected with his roots, one of his first purchases upon arrival was that radio, through which he began searching tirelessly for any Punjabi or other Indian language programs.
His search bore fruit in 1993 when he stumbled upon the first Punjabi program broadcast every Thursday. What began as a moment of connection soon turned into a lifelong ritual.
Kumar not only listened attentively to the broadcasts but also recorded them on cassette tapes, replaying them throughout the week.
These recordings became treasured archives, still played today as he fondly revisits the early days of SBS Punjabi.
Reminiscing about those times, he said: "The hosts, Manpreet Kaur Singh and Harjit Randhawa, spoke such pure Punjabi. The presentation was so immersive that it felt like they were speaking to us face-to-face."
Despite being just an hour long, the program was so rich in content including weekly news, current affairs, updates from India, interviews highlighting the local community’s achievements, light comedy, and music that it felt like a multi-hour experience.
I learnt a lot from the SBS Punjabi program. I consider it as my teacher that helped in refining my Punjabi.Sham Kumar
At that time, the Punjabi community in Australia was relatively small — Indian grocery stores were rare, and religious gatherings even rarer.
In such a landscape, that one hour of SBS Punjabi each week offered immense comfort and cultural connection.
His journey reflects the power of ethnic media to connect, empower, and inspire diaspora communities across generations.
As the community began to grow, especially post-2004 with the arrival of international students, Kumar said he actively advocated for more airtime.
"I used to write handwritten letters to SBS requesting the program be extended beyond one hour a week," he said.
SBS responded positively, assuring that program expansion would come with digital growth.
Sham Kumar has been a dedicated listener of SBS Punjabi for over 30 years. Credit: Sham Kumar
From India, he used to write in with song requests, sometimes waiting weeks to hear his chosen tunes aired.
After his first letter to SBS following the inaugural broadcast he heard, he received a personal call from Manpreet Kaur Singh, then Executive Producer.
"It was such a joyful moment, to be appreciated for my feedback and to hear a promise of even better programs," he said.
That call marked the beginning of his enduring relationship with SBS Punjabi.
Over time, the program evolved to reflect the needs of a diverse and expanding audience. "What makes it truly special," he said, "is that it’s not confined by geography, religion, or sect. It reaches everyone who loves Punjabi."
He believes that for continued improvement, the program should extend its outreach to regional areas across Australia. "Listening to the needs of the community is essential. People should feel it’s their voice being heard."
Originally from Kapoor village in Jalandhar, Punjab, Sham is a qualified civil engineer. After migrating to Australia, he worked as a technician at Fuji Film for 28 years before transitioning into a career in real estate.
A strong advocate for cultural preservation, he calls on every Punjabi in Australia to contribute their unique skills towards nurturing the Punjabi language and heritage. "Each of us has something valuable to offer," he said, "Let’s use that to uplift our culture."
As SBS celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Punjabi program, now broadcast every weekday and available online, stands as a testament to the collective journey of its audience and producers.
It's more than a show — it's a bridge between cultures, generations, and stories.Sham Kumar
Among the many who’ve helped build that bridge, Sham’s story stands out — a humble listener turned passionate advocate, whose voice has helped shape the very medium that once gave him a voice.
Click on the audio icon to listen to the full report and interview in Punjabi.
For news, information and interviews in Punjabi from across Australia and homeland, you can tune in to SBS Punjabi live from Monday to Friday at 4pm on SBS South Asian on digital radio, on channel 305 on your television, via the SBS Audio app or stream from our website. Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
