NEW JERSEY: On June 19, 1988, in memory of the Martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru, a record breaking 41 pints of blood were collected during the annual blood drive at Garden State Sikh Association in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The drive was conducted by the NJ Blood Center and sponsored by the GSSA members. The members of the Sadh Sangat (Sikh congregation) were responsible for this large amount of blood collected.
June 6, 1988, marks the 4th year of attack by the Indian government on the Golden Temple and the destruction of Akal Takht, the holiest place for the Sikhs. During this holocaust thousands of innocent children, men women and elderly people were massacred by the Indian government. The torture and the persecution of the Sikhs is still being continued to the present day.
Realizing the importance of the event, more new comers than ever volunteered themselves for this humanitarian cause. Several people were turned down since they didn’t meet the requirements set by the Blood Center. Even more important, donors were also ensured that their own and immediate family or any congregation member’s blood needs for one full year would be covered.
The Garden State Sikh Association has been sponsoring the blood drive since the early 1980s. Because of Sikh community’s over
Whelming response, the blood drive at GSSA experienced its second most successful year ever. By the grace of Waheguru (wonderful God) this participation will continue because of the Sikhs’ belief in Guru Nanak’s teachings which as known as three golden rules;
1, Naam Japna (to remember God).
- Kirat Karni (to earn an honest living).
- Wand Chhakna (to share with the less fortunate).
By Surinder Kaur Puar
Basking Ridge, NJ
Article extracted from this publication >> July 8, 1988
