Sukhwant Singh who is PS to Sardar Simranjit Singh Mann has sent us an appeal by Sardar S.S. Mann to ask Mr. Tarlochan Singh, who will be visiting USA for the inauguration of Sikh Heritage Museum in Washington D.C., to approach the Indian Government as a member of the Rajya Sabha and the Chairman of National Minorities Commision to accept, ratify, and reduce to law the following laws of the United Nations. Sardar S.S. Mann believes that by accepting these UN humanitarian laws, life “for India’s Sikhs and minorities will become safe and secure and those of the Indian state who have committed our genocide and vandalism of our art treasures would be brought before the law.”
1. 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
2. 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.
3. 1954 Convention relating to Status of Stateless Persons.
4. 1960 Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.
5. 1965 International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
6. 1966 Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
7. 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees.
8. 1972 Treaty on the Limitation of Anti-Ballistic Missile System.
9. 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
If this Convention had been followed, neither the Harminder Sahib, the Golden Temple would not have been reduced to rubble nor the Babri Masjid in 1992.
10. 1984 Convention against Torture and other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
11. 1984 Safeguard and guaranteeing protection of the Rights of those facing the death penalty.
12. 1995 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
13. 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
14. 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of anti-Personnel Mines and their Destruction (the Ottawa Convention on the abolition of landmines).
2001 Rome Statute, by virtue of which the International Criminal Court has been set up at The Hague.
XIII
Sikh Studies Chairs: Letter from Sri Akal Takhat
This letter was received today (July 6, 2004) --Editors
Giani Joginder Singh
Jathedar
Number: AT-8P-NY-CAL-2004
July 4, 2004
Beware of Antipanthic Writings
The Sikh religion founded by Guru Nanak to accomplish his divine mission, is now known all over the world for its distinct socio-religious identity. A large part of Sikh community is settled abroad. These Sikhs form a strong Diaspora which is an invaluable asset of the Sikh community. In order to promote better understanding of Sikhism, the Sikh Diaspora of North America has done commendable job to establish Sikh Studies Chairs in a few Canadian and American universities.
Unfortunately the professors appointed on these Chairs instead of studying Sikh history, religion and literature in an objective and impartial manner have taken interest to propagate and establish a particular school of thought which is highly prejudiced against the established facts of Sikh history and religion. This school founded and patronized by W.H. McLeod and carried on by his flag carriers is hell bent to distort the Sikh history and religion. One of these Chairs is also functioning at the University of California, Santa Barbara in California. The professor, Gurinder Singh Mann, appointed on this Chair is also not performing according to the expectations and aspirations of the Sikh community.
For example, his remarks that the text of Sri Guru Granth Sahib is still going under evolution is totally uncalled for. He does not fully subscribe to the revelatory character of Gurbani. His reluctance to accept that the final canonization of Guru Granth Sahib occurred at the hands of Guru Gobind Singh at Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Saboo, Bathinda in 1706 and Guru Gobind Singh had conferred Guruship on Guru Granth Sahib at Nanded in 1708 are very unfortunate.
Similarly his observation that initial five weapons were a part of the Khalsa rehit is established by Guru Gobind Singh and five kakkars were not in vogue is totally unfounded and historically incorrect. He does not accept Guru Arjan Dev and Guru Tegh Bahadur as martyrs but puts them as if they were criminals who suffered executions at the hands of the Mughals. In his recent book he has recommended “suggested further reading” of a book which alleges that the birth of Guru Hargobind was the outcome of niyoga between Baba Buddha and Mata Ganga, wife of Guru Arjan. All these writings by this professor are highly condemnable. I strongly urge the Sikh sangat all over the world that they remain beware of above type of scholars and take appropriate academic measures to counter their activities.
(signed)
Joginder Singh Jathedar
Sri Akal takhat Sahib
Amritsar
Tel./Fax: 91-183-2540820
XII
Sardar Nirmal Singh Thind Charitable Memorial Fund
Sardar Bhupinder Singh Holland has informed us that his brother Sardar Nirmal Singh Thind of Seattle was shot and killed by two armed robbers in early June. Sardar Thind was in his motel when the unfortunate incident occurred. A Trust has been created in his name to give scholarships to Sikh children.
Sardar Nirmal Singh Thind Charitable Memorial Fund
23408 30th Ave S Kent WA 98031 Ph. 253.332.9302
Account No. 471091007248 Key Bank
23250 Pacific Hwy S, Kent WA 98032
USA
June 20, 2004
In the meeting held on 20th June 2004 at Seattle, USA , the following have been selected as the office bearers of the Sardar Nirmal Singh Thind Charitable Memorial Fund.
Trust will give scholarships/funds to Sikh children in the field of education, sports and Sikh religion.
XI
Sikh Heritage Weekend Coming to Washington D.C. July 22nd-24th
We are proud to announce that on July 24th, 2004 the Smithsonian Institution
will open a Sikh Heritage Gallery featuring Sikh manuscripts, art, and history.
For this auspicious occasion The Sikh Heritage Foundation and its numerous
partner organizations are organizing a weekend of arts and cultural events that
will feature world renowned musicians, artists, academics, and dignitaries.
The Sikh Heritage Foundation has reserved a block of hotel rooms at a discount
rate at the Hotel Washington for those who require accommodations. See below for
more information.
The Sikh Heritage Foundation Presents
The Soul of Punjab
featuring
Bobby Friction (BBC-UK)
Lal Singh Bhatti (Godfather of Dhol)
J Garcia (Live Art Performance)
Bikram Singh (Bhangra Music Performance)
Nihal Mehta (UrbanGroove)
Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh (Art Auction)
Venue: Smithsonian Institution, Baird Auditorium, National Museum of Natural
History
Free Morning Lectures on Sikh Heritage and Culture by academics in the United
States, the United Kingdom, and India featuring:
Arpana Caur - Visual Artist, New Delhi, India
Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh - Visual Artists from United Kingdom
Dr. Paul Michael Taylor - Smithsonian Curator for the Sikh Heritage Project
Amarpreet Malik - "The Future of Sikhism in America"
Kirtan Singh - "The Spirit of the Sikh Gurus and Sikh Art"
Gallery Walk Through to be accompanied by music from the Dya Singh Music Group
of Australia.
As a special event this year, several private works from artists that will be
featured in the Sikh Heritage Gallery will be available in an auction on Friday,
July 23rd. Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh have agreed to donate 1/2 of the
proceeds from this auction to the Sikh Heritage Foundation. We are honored by
their gesture, and extend our sincere gratitude to both of them. All of the
works are chosen from the Singh Twins private touring body of work - The Twin
Studio Collection.
In order to plan your trip effectively, we have set up accommodations with the
Hotel Washington. You can reserve your rooms by July 1st and get a reduced rate.
Please mention “SIKH HERITAGE FOUNDATION” in order to get a discount rate of
$105 / night.
Lodging Information
We have arranged for attendees to book reservations at the
Washington Hotel
515 15th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004 (Map)
(202) 638-5900
(http://www.hotelwashington.com/)
Hotel Washington is located across the street from the White House, only 10
minutes from National Airport, and convenient to the Metrorail system. It is two
blocks from Metro Center at 13th and F street.
For any other information feel free to call us at 415-359-1959 or email us at
sikhheritage@hotmail.com
X
Preventing Genocide: A Shared Responsibility
"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but, if faced with courage, it need not be lived again" Maya Angelou
Preventing Genocide, a conference to be held on July 10, 2004 at Fordham University in the city of New York. Preventing Genocide is focused on the history of genocide in the world and its implication today. The focus will be on the state apparatus that supports genocide of populations as a means to achieving political, economic and cultural objectives. Preventing Genocide seeks to examine the root causes of genocide and its manifestations today. Speakers and participants include leading academics on genocide, human rights lawyers and activists from both government and non-government organizations and journalists
All enquires to: info@voicesforfreedom.org
Location Fordham University, 155 West 60th Street, Between 9th & 10th Avenue Room 109, McMohan Hall, New York, NY
Date Saturday July 10, 2004
Time 8:45 am - 9:00 am: Breakfast, coffee, tea, bagels, donuts
9:00am - 9:15am: Opening introductory remarks on focus of "Prevention of Genocide 2004" and the areas to be covered.
PHASE 1: WHAT IS GENOCIDE?
9:15 am - 10:20 am: WHAT IS GENOCIDE: What constitutes genocide:
Defining various stages in a genocide. Integrated focus on the similarities, ramifications, and potential responses during its various stages of development.
10:20 am - 10:50 am: Panel Discussion
PHASE 2: SIGNS OF IMPENDING GENOCIDE AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF FAILING TO RECOGNIZE THEM
10:50 am - 12:45 pm: SIGNS OF IMPENDING GENOCIDE AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF FAILING TO RECOGNIZE THEM: What happens when the signs are not heeded? How can early warning systems be setup to prevent genocides? Suggestive role played by the UN, NGO's and their failures. Some case studies to be dealt with in this section: Armenians, Rwanda, Sikhs, East Timor, Bosnia and the Jews.
12:45pm - 1:45pm: [BREAK] Lunch
PHASE 2 :1:45 pm - 2:15 pm
Panel Discussion
PHASE 3: GENOCIDE IN ETHNICALLY DIVIDED SOCIETIES
2:15 pm - 3:20 pm: GENOCIDE IN ETHNICALLY DIVIDED SOCIETIES: Why do ethnic divisions result in genocide? Recognition of the genesis of the antagonism. Managing and resolving conflicts for sustainability and the dynamics of socio-identity. The strong sense of ethnic identity and group psychology. Role played by media
3:20 pm - 3:40 pm: Tea Break
PHASE 3: 3:40 pm - 4:10 pm
Panel Discussion
PHASE 4: PREVENTING GENOCIDE
4:10pm - 6:00pm: PREVENTING GENOCIDE: What can be done to prevent genocide? Procedures, Ways and Methods: International Tribunals and Criminal Courts, Role of UN, suggestive new ideas to the UN, Risk Assessments.
6:00pm - 6:30pm: Panel Discussion
C
LOSING REMARKS: 6:30 pm - 6:45 pm: By Chief Guest of Honor: Future
If your organization would like to co-sponsor this event please email us at info@voicesforfreedom.org
Sponsored by: Fordham University Psychology Association, Safe Horizon, Solace, Armenian American Society for Studies on Stress and Genocide, Association for Disaster & Mass Trauma Studies and Voices For Freedom
Profile of Expected Speakers
1. Theodoor Cornelis van Boven (1934): UNITED NATIONS special Rapporteur on torture: Member of the Executive Council of SOS Torture, Geneva. Member of the Board of the International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, Tokyo. Member of the Board of the International Council on Human Rights Policy, Geneva. Member of the Advisory Council of International Service for Human Rights (Geneva). President of the Netherlands Society of International Law
2. Dr. Anie Kalayjian: Professor of Psychology Fordham University, Vice Chair, UN/DPI/NGO Executive Committee and President of International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.
3. Ernie Duff: Director of Safe Horizon and President of the Torture Consortium with expertise on Genocide.
4. Erik Darko: Documentation officer at International Center for Transitional Justice. Expertise on the genocide in Rwanda.
5. Attorney Jagdip Singh: Human Rights and Immigration lawyer. Deals with Asylum seekers, Legal Director-Voices For Freedom.
6. Dr. John Prabhudas: Director of Policy Institute for Religion and State (Washington DC)
7. Congressman Joseph Pitts (R-PA): House International Relations Committee and House Human Rights Caucus
8. Amrik Singh: Director of AFDP (Association for families of Disappearances in Panjab). Member of Committee of Disappearances in Panjab
9. Mrs. Paramjit Kaur Khalra: Director of AFDP (Association of families for disappearances in Panjab) and a Human Rights Activist for 10 years.
10. Dr Cynthia Kepply Mahmood: is Associate Professor of Anthropology and Senior Fellow at Notre Dame's Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies. Mahmood is a social anthropologist with special interests in war and peace, conflict resolution, and the cultural contexts of violence. She also serves on the Advisory Board of Voices For Freedom.
11. Dr Jean-Marie Kamatali: PhD Kroc Institute for International Peace, former Dean of Law School, National University of Rwanda
12. John Miller: Media and Outreach coordinator of the East Timor Action Network. UN Representative of War Resistors International and the International Federation for East Timor, Treasurer of the War Resistors League.
13. Richard Kamber: Professor and Chair of Philosophy and Religion at The College of New Jersey. Areas of special interest include philosophy of literature; existentialism; American philosophy; philosophical issues of the Holocaust.
14. Dalveer Kaur: A VFF associate works with Sikh torture survivors living in the New London, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Her expertise is in research, report writing and data analysis on victims of torture.
15. Tara Khandro: A psycho-somatic healer, specializes in reconnecting trauma survivors with their intrinsic wholeness. An author and intuitive, Tara was a member of Dr. Anie Kalayjian's Mental Health Outreach Program team responding to the 1999 earthquake in Turkey.
16. Jaskaran Kaur : Director of ENSAAF, law graduate from Harvard and Human Rights Activist figthing for Impunity in India.
IX
$63,000 Raised in Washington to help Needy Students in Punjab and North India
Washington, June 8, 2004. Over $60,000 were raised during a major fund raising dinner recently in Potomac, Md., organized by the Sikh Human Development Foundation(SHDF). This will help fund the scholarship program of the Foundation which provides financial assistance to meritorious and needy students in selected parts of India to enable them to receive higher professional education.
The dinner gala was attended by some 300 people who were shown a video featuring comments from some of the scholarship recipients. The keynote speaker of the event was Jagdeep Singh, President and CEO of Infinera, an IT company based in Silicon Valley, who himself made a large donation to the organization. The program also featured a dance, songs and Bhangra. Deep Mangli, a famous folk artist from Punjab, entertained the audience with his passionate songs.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India, in his message to SHDF, said "I have learnt with great pleasure about the valuable work being done by the Sikh Human Development Foundation. We are living in a world where human knowledge, particularly scientific and technological knowledge, has become a major source of power and wealth of nations. It is, therefore, of utmost importance that our children are empowered through education to operate on the frontiers of human knowledge. Your effort to assist students in Gujarat after the earth quake in 2001 is also praise-worthy. I, therefore, write to send you my best wishes for the future growth of your foundation."
Amarjit Singh Sodhi, Chairman of SHDF, thrilled with the response at the fund raising said, “In fact, it is a delightful and humbling experience for us to see so many joining hands with us for a cause which we all share. It is a cause, which is becoming urgent by the day. While the world is rapidly moving ahead in this information age, our youth from low income families in Punjab and elsewhere are getting increasingly left out. The community’s response is overwhelming”
Jagdeep Singh during his keynote address said that “Youth is the most important capital for any community and in this age of knowledge economy, higher education is absolutely essential for our youth particularly for those who need our help. I am so glad to be here and I will continue to support this noble effort.” Jagdeep Singh created history when, at the young age of 31, he sold his second company Lightera Network for over 550 million dollars to Ciena.
While welcoming, Jagdeep at the program, Mr. Sodhi said, “In having him here with us this evening we, at SHDF, want to recognize and celebrate the capabilities of our youth. Our upcoming generation needs to see and hear from such successful young Sikh men and women – so that they are inspired and they begin to understand that reaching for the stars is not impossible, if only they try.”
According to Amarjit Singh Sodhi, “Over 75 percent of our scholarships go to students from families whose per capita income is less than one dollar a day. Many scholarship recipients are children of widows, daily wage laborers, drivers, bicycle repairers, pensioners, and unemployed parents, even a terminally sick parent."
Over 200 scholarships favoring females and students from rural areas have already been provided by the Foundation since its inception in 1999 and the organizer's goal is to increase it to 500 in the near future. This means that SHDF will need an annual budget of some $200,000 from the current budget of $35,000. On the other had Foundation is also planning a million dollar endowment fund which would sustain this scholarship program on a more solid base.
In India, SHDF operates largely through a Delhi based NGO called the Nishkam Sikh Welfare Council. The Foundation is also currently sponsoring students in universities and colleges in Punjab. SHDF is perhaps the only Sikh organization which grants scholarships to needy students for higher education in Punjab. SHDF has also assisted Hindu and Muslim students in Gujarat after the earthquake in 2001.
Gajinder Singh Ahuja, Secretary-General of SHDF, said, “The inspiration for this effort comes from the Sikh principle of Seva, and it was a very fulfilling experience to see the students from low income families succeed with SHDF help.” He further said that the average cost of an annual scholarship was $350.
Other members of the SHDF executive council are Harbaksh Singh Sethi, Veena Kaur Oberoi, Rajwant Singh, Anita Kaur Arora and Surinder Singh.
To contact Sikh Human Development Foundation, write to 15129 Winesap Drive, North Potomac, Md. 20878 or call 301-963-3928 or email: Gajinderahuja@yahoo.com.
VIII
Editors-- Please contact this organization directly for any additional information.
Appeal From Islami Relief Committee, Gujarat
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like that of a grain of corn that sprouts seven ears, and in every ear there are a hundred grains. Thus Allah multiplies the action of whomsoever He will. Allah is Munificent, All-Knowing. Quran (2:261)
Will you share “Back-to-school” Program for the Deserving/Needy Students?
Significance of Education in Islam
To Seek knowledge is a sacred duty, it is obligatory on every Muslim, male and female. The first word revealed of the Qur’an was “Iqra” READ! Seek knowledge! Educate yourselves! Be educated.
The first and most crucial obligation on us is to acquire knowledge and secondly to practice and preach this knowledge. A person without knowledge is like someone walking along a track in complete darkness.
Knowledge is identified in Islam as worship. On this knowledge depends whether our children and we are true Muslims and remain true Muslims. It is therefore not a trivial issue, to be neglected. Why can’t we spend even a tenth part of our time and energy on things, which are necessary to protect our Iman, which can not only sustain us in the present life but also in the life to come?
What is IRCG Back-to-School Project?
Islami Relief Committee Gujarat (IRCG) is the committed name for the cause of humanity for the last 35 years in Gujarat & actively involved in every walk of life. Education is the IRCG’s primary focus. For the last 6 years IRCG rendering its services in the field of Education through its schools. As you are aware, in 2002 Genocide many children lost their parents & at the same time many people lost their regular income.
IRCG after a deep study has framed and program to support such students by all best possible means and ensure that their children have a better chance of survival.
What is the “EACH ONE TEACHES ONE” Program?
Through Strong beginnings, Primary Education is the cornerstone of the education system and, for many children, it is both the beginning and end point of their academic careers. IRCG set a target of more than 2000 students under the above program; we need your help in bringing ever lasting change to the life of more & more people. Your kind help will ensure continued education of needy & deserving students. All programs are community-based, affordable, accessible, and sustainable.
The aims of IRCG’s “EACH ONE TEACH ONE” Project are two fold:
Firstly – our “Each One Teach One” is aim at bringing as many children at possible to Schools and
Secondly- Generous help by our community has of course, the lives of sponsored children have changed for the better as a result of your financial help. With your strong support, and the support of other caring sponsors, education is the only real hope for families to break the brutal grip of present crises. Moreover, educating others is our religious as well moral obligation.
You can Sponsor a child
For just SR. 100 (US $ 30) per annum for I-VII standard & SR. 150 (US $ 40) per annum for VIII-X standard. You can bring hope to one of the many children waiting to be sponsored. We combine your gifts with the gifts of other sponsors and donors to provide community-based solutions that help children to discover the immense power of knowledge - and use it to finally break the chain of poverty.
Once again we appeal to our generous/prospective sponsors to strengthen the “EACH ONE TEACHES ONE” Project. We must not let our despair turn to hopelessness...let us instead make a firm commitment to use all that Allah (s.w.t.) has empowered us to help them in the hour of their need.
Kindly forward this mail to all of your friends and other mailing lists.
Kindly note last date of Sponsoring Children will be on Saturday 10th July 2004
Resolution Passed at International Conference of Sikh Studies York University, May 22nd and 23rd, 2004
It has come to the notice of Sikh scholars and reading Sikh public that Dr. Doris R. Jakobsh, presently an instructor in Religion, Renison College, University of Waterloo, Canada has recently published the book titled, Relocating Gender in Sikh History: Transformation, Meaning, and Identity has denigrated the Sikh doctrine of equality of genders which is incorporated in Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Sikh scholars and the Sikhs of North America gathered at this International Conference, organized by the Gursikh Sabha Canada of Scarborough, Ontario (at York University) held on May 22 and 23, 2004 unanimously resolve that the Senate and the President of the University of Waterloo where Dr. Doris Jakobsh presently teaches, should be informed about her unauthentic and unacademic approach in hurting the religious sensibilities of the Sikh Community. It appears she has violated all norms of Ethnic research set by SSHRC Granting Programs, August, 1993. We request an investigation of this matter and the needful action.
Signed
Dr. Jasbir Singh Mann M.D.,M.S., F.I.C.S.,F.A.A.O.S.,D.Lit.(Hon.), California, USA
Dr. S.S. Sodhi PhD, Former Professor, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
Dr. Gurmel Singh Sidhu, Professor, Cal State Fresno, California, USA
Prof Kashmir Singh, Dept. of Law, G.N.D University, Amritsar, India
Dr. Kulwinder Singh, Head Sikh History Research Dept, Khalsa College, Amritsar, India
Dr. Gurnek Singh, Head Dept. Of Encyclopaedia of Sikhism, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
Prof. Gurdarshan Singh Dhillon, Department of History, Punjab University, Chandigarh, India
Dr. Gurnam Kaur, Prof and Head Dept of Guru Granth Studies, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
Dr. Balwant Singh Dhillon, Head Dept. of Guru Nanak Studies, G.N.D. University, Amritsar, India
Narinder Singh, Author of Canadian Sikhs, Ottawa, Canada
Kuldeep Singh, Chairman of World Sikh Council America Region, Toledo, Ohio, USA
Dr. Harpal Singh Pannu, Professor of Sikh Studies, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
VI
Sikh Research Institute Press Release
Sikh Business Leaders Gather to Find Solutions Sikh Research Institute Hosts 1st Sikh Executives Summit
San Antonio, TX, June 9, 2004 -- In efforts to address critical issues facing the Sikh community, the Sikh Research Institute hosted the 1st Sikh Executives Summit in San Antonio, Texas. The event sought the guidance and opinions of established Sikh individuals through business acumen, collaborative/analytical thinking, and open discussions. Attendees flew in from Virginia, New York, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, Kansas, Texas, and California to participate in the event.
“The primary objective of the event was to create a network of like-minded individuals who are devoted to serving the Sikh community,” said Harinder Singh, Executive Director of the Sikh Research Institute. “But we far surpassed that goal through conversation and deliberation, resulting in the formulation of various projects we have jointly committed to.”
Through an initial brainstorming session, the group identified primary areas of Sikh concern. Following the exchange of thoughts on each issue, potential projects were presented and discussed. The group then decided upon distinct long and short-term projects focused on education, media, and heritage preservation.
“The event was well organized from the content perspective,” said Gurvendra Singh Suri, CEO of Optimal Solutions Integrated, Inc. “More importantly, it was good to meet like-minded people who share the pain of Sikhi and want to assist in taking necessary steps to make things better for Sikhs, Sikh values and Sikh image.”
The program included numerous presentations and workshops including: ‘Strategic Planning’ by General Jim Jaeger, ‘Current Situation, Our Heritage, and the Institute’ by G. P. Singh, ‘Identification and Prioritization of Top Three Issues’ by Gurpal Singh Bhuller, ‘Philanthropy and Saving Tax Dollars’ by Bhupinder Singh Kohli,, ‘Integrating Business and Faith’ by Harinder Singh. The group also took time out to remember the 20th anniversary of Operation Bluestar; an attack organized by the Indian government on the most celebrated and historically significant Sikh shrine, Darbar Sahib, Amritsar in June of 1984.
“I was thrilled to see the dedication of all those who made it a priority to attend,” said President and CEO of Karta Technologies, Inc., G.P. Singh. “It takes a lot of commitment to make a positive impact. To see so many individuals make time in their hectic schedules for this summit lets me know that the Sikh spirit is alive and well.”
At the conclusion of the summit, several business executives invited the Sikh Research Institute to lead Sikh-based presentations throughout the country.
For additional information, contact:
Gurpaul Singh - gurpaul.singh@sikhri.org; 210-862-5734
About the Sikh Research Institute The Sikh Research Institute is a 501(c)(3) community-development initiative seeking to better the Sikh community by protecting the core Sikh values and enlarging the resource pool. This faith-based organization is on a 50-year journey in which it hopes to achieve its mission: ‘to formulate and promote public policies by engaging in the analysis, study, and research of issues encompassing Sikhs and Sikhism throughout the world.’
V
Volunteers Needed for University of Waterloo Psychology Research
We are seeking volunteers to complete a survey assessing their memories of, and
reactions to, historical events. The survey will take approximately one hour to
complete. In appreciation of your time, you will receive $20 CDN.
If you have any questions, please email at: psystudy@watarts.uwaterloo.ca
Thank you!
This study has been reviewed by, and has received ethics clearance through the
Office of Research Ethics, University of Waterloo.
IV
Tentative Visit Programme
Death Anniversary of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh
21st to 30th June 2004
Tentative visit programme of Indian Sikh yatrees pertaining to Death Anniversary of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh at Gurdwara Dera Sahib (Lahore) and other Gurdwaras in Pakistan from 21st to 30th June 2004, is as under:-
21 June, 2004 (Monday): Arrival at Wagha Railway Station from India and departure for Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib.
21-23 June, 2004 (Monday to Wednesday) : Stay at Nankana Sahib.
22 June, 2004(Tuesday) : Visit to Gurdwara Sacha Sauda (Farooqabad) and back to Nankana Sahib.
23 June 2004 (afternoon): Departure for Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hassanabdal.
24-26 June, 2004 (Thursday to Saturday): Stay at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hassanabdal Sahib, Hassanabdal.
26 June, 2004 (afternoon): Departure for Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore.
27-30 June, 2004 (Sunday to Wednesday): Stay at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore.
· 27 June 2004 8.00 a.m. Arambah Paath Sahib.
· 28 June 2004 8.00 a.m. Madah Ka Bhog
· 29 June 2004 8.00 a.m. Bhog Akhand Paath Sahib.
28 June 2004 (Monday): Visit to Gurdwara Rorri Sahib, Eminabad (District Gujranwala).
30 June, 2004 (Morning): Departure for India.
III
National Khalsa Day Parade Organization
An Organization Committed to Sikh Unity. Identity, Religion and Sovereignty
Quadracentennial Celebrations of Compilation of Guru Granth Sahib
George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
Saturday & Sunday, June 5-6, 2004
The National Khalsa Day Parade Organization invites all the Sikhs and non-Sikh citizens to help celebrate the 400th Anniversary (Quadracentennial) of Sikh Scriptures, called Guru Granth Sahib.
This event is a historic event not only for the Sikhs but non-Sikhs as well, since Sikh faith is an ecumenical Religion. Sikhs believe in one God and in equality for all mankind including gender equality and tolerance of other faiths.
This event is being celebrated to spread the Devine message of the Sikh Gurus and to affirm the basic universality of the Sikh principles which resonate strongly and clearly with all the correct principles that apply to rest of the humanity. This is yet another event, dedicated to deliberate on the Sikh and universal principles with ultimate goal to sit together in an academic setting and talk and explore all aspects of human life as inscribed in the Holy Guru Granth and finally to pray for the welfare of the entire mankind as exemplified by the Sikh Gurus.
World-renowned Sikh and non-Sikh Scholars will present papers on various aspects of the Sikh Religion and Sikh Way of Life.
June 5, 2004
Program
Sikh principles and Sikh way of life
Guru Granth Sahib, a Numinous Experience,
Guru Granth Sahib, and Authentic Way of Life
The Sikh experience of Scriptural Truth
Sikh History Research
Guru Granth Sahib and Empowerment of Women
Guru Granth Sahib and Sikh Gurudwara Act of 1925
Morning Session
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Fifteen Minutes Tea Break 11:30 AM
Lunch 12:30 PM -1:30 PM
Afternoon Session
1:30 PM- 5:00PM
15 Minutes Tea Break 3:30 PM
Evening Cultural Program
6:00 PM- 8:00 PM
Sunday, June 6, 2004
Commemoration of 20th anniversary of Indian Army's attack on the holiest of the Sikh shrines, The Golden Temple.
Papers will be presented on
Sikh Holocaust of 1984
Genocide of the Sikhs
Guru Granth Sahib as Source of History and Sikh History
Socio-Political Impact of GGS on Sikh History
Sikh Religion and the Interfaith setting
Guru Granth Sahib and Sikh Sovereignty
Program
Sunday, June 6, 2004
Morning Session
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Fifteen Minutes Tea Break 11:30 AM
Lunch 12:30 PM -1:30 PM
For more details call National Khalsa Day Parade Organization Dr. P.S. Ajrawat
Coordinator
Tel: 240-375-1205
Also visit: KhalsaDayParade.Org or
InternationalSikhConference.Org or Khalistan.net
Important Notice
All Sikhs and fellow Americans are invited to participate in this historical Seminar. Free Lunch (Langar) will be served to all present.
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InterFaith Charities Interational Inc.
Press Release, May 1, 2004
InterFaith Charities International Inc. has informed us that it proposes to start free gurmat classes from May 7, 2004. You are requested to fill out an online application.
"The physical location is in Toronto, Canada; where the live classroom will accommodate 70 students, from where it will be beamed out worldwide every week, for the rest of sangat to participate online through the internet. The course runs from May through August. At the end of the course there will be a test and successful students will be awarded Certificates and Diplomas."
Please contact Mr. Johnson for any further information.
Ron Johnson
(909) 796-3195
Ron@InterFaithCharities.org
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Climb for Peace
We are having a multi-faith Climb for Peace and do not have a Sikh climber as it is not in our budget (it is very expensive to put this together especially since we are a non-profit organization). I know that Sikhs typically are very good business men, are proud of their faith, and also have some really good climbers. If there are any experienced Sikh climbers who would like to join our Climb for Peace, please contact me. However, they would need sponsorship to pay for the climb as our budget will not allow another faith to join our climb unless we received this. Our Climb for Peace will be a global event with an international documentary being filmed – I think this would be a good vehicle to let the rest of the world know about the Sikh faith.
Mission Statement
The Everest Peace Project is having an international, multi-cultural Climb for Peace on Mt. Everest in spring 2005. In harmony with the United Nation's fundamental goals and in support of the International Year for Sport - our vision, through the example of teamwork is to promote a Global Community of Peace, Dialogue and Understanding.
Overview
Our Climb for Peace will include experienced mountain climbers from many different faiths and cultures across the world. Although we will celebrate our diversity and our differences, this is an event that will focus on our commonality. We will climb together not as individuals who belong only to this or that nation or faith, but as a team who all share a common home: the earth. By bringing an international team together from these different cultures we will be setting a positive example that we can work together, live together, and depend on each other while doing something extraordinary: climbing Mt. Everest in the name of Peace. The climb will also be a humanitarian endeavor, for we will be raising money for charity, and we invite individuals and organizations to Get Involved.
There will be 9 climbers on this expedition: eight individuals representing various faiths of the world and Lance Trumbull—the organizer and director of this project. Of course, there will also be Nepal’s famous Sherpas—who without their valued help, guidance and expertise, this climb and most Everest expeditions would not be possible.
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