KANSAS CITY: On Sept 2 representatives of various Sikh organizations got together for a first of its kind meeting to chart out their common agenda and find ways and means to coordinate efforts for the Sikh cause.
After a brainstorming session of more than 11 hours a resolution was passed unanimously. It said “Taking inspiration from the teachings of our Gurus we reaffirm our belief in “Degh Tegh Fateh” Raj Karega Khalsa … and Unity through diversity. It was further resolved to promote our cherished goal of creating a Sikh homeland, Khalistan and to recognize the need to coordinate the activities of various Sikh organizations in the areas like. Promotion of Sikh cause among the political leadership in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Human Rights issues of Sikhs would be raised in United Nations and other for a, help to freedom fighters and Sikh victims of Indian governments repression. Interfaith relations and religious education, public relations and mainstreaming Sikhs in America public life.
The organizations which participated were, Council of Khalistan, World Sikh Organization, International Sikh Organization, Sikh Human Rights Group, Sikh Association of America, Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, Sikh Broadcasting Network, Sikh American Heritage Foundation, Sikhs Serving America, Sikh Religious Society ‘of Chicago, Sikh Study Circle of Dallas Texas, Midwest Sikh Association, each representing a specialized area of work.
The meeting was moderated by Dr. Rajwant Singh. An agenda of 6 points mentioned in the resolution was adopted. After discussion ‘WSO was appreciated for convincing Congressman Wally Herger and Tony Coelho to take up the cause of Sikhs. Dr. Gurcharan S. Dhillon representative of WSO said his organization was supporting freedom fighters and providing legal help to Sikhs to get political asylum.
The efforts of Sikh Human Rights Group, were praised especially presenting the cases of Human rights abuses in the U.N. SHRG representative Balbir S. Brar was urged with his coworkers in London to coordinate activities with Churchil headed by Dr. Iqbal Singh.
It was decided to ask S. Darbara Singh Gill Secretary of PHRO to use networks as done by its president S. Ajit Singh Bains rather than creating a new network which could create confusion. Dr. Rajwant Singh representative of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation presented the report on the work done in the area of Interfaith relations creating awareness about Sikhism. There was a consensus that interfaith was important because it creates a positive image of Sikhs.
The Foundation was urged to coordinate efforts with Sikh individuals and groups.
Amarjit S. Ahluwalia, presented his ideas on the/Public relations. It was to reach out to fellow American to mould public opinion in our favor. He praised the efforts of Dr. Gurcharan Singh in New York for contacting various newspapers.
The World Sikh News was recognized as the only English newspaper in North America and should be patronized the whole community. Several suggestions were made to improve the quality and to make it more broad based.
The group in San Francisco Area, Sikh American Information Center was also recognized for its contribution in this field of public relations.
Dr. HS. Azad stressed the need for being in local political area and using Gurdwaras as voter registration centers. He cited as an example Amarjit S. Buttar running for local council seat in Connecticut. Dr. Kirpal Singh of Iowa said there was a need to register as a separate community in the upcoming US. census in 1990.
A coordination committee of six people was nominated and approved. The 6 are Dr. Balwant Singh Hansra, Dr. Hardam Singh Azad (Houston) Dr. Gucharan Singh Dhillon, Dr. Kirpal Singh of Towa, S. Amarjit Ahluwalia and Dr. Rajwant Singh. The committee will coordinate activities of various organizations and act as an project facilitator and prevent misunderstandings.
Dr. Balwant S. Hansra said that lam glad I came to this meeting and there is no overlapping. Now we have to get the whole community behind this “Kansas declaration.”
Dr. Azad said that, “this was one of the most productive meetings he had attended.” S. Mehar Singh said, “What came out of this meeting was beyond our expectations. We know that all have good intentions and are committed to the cause. We can say this is our humble gift to the Sikh community.”
Dr. Jasbir Kaur of Chicago said, “We can’t let this fail now.” We can no longer blame our leadership for our failings.”
Dr. Rajwant Singh stressed working in a non competitive and non critical manner with mutual understanding. A lot of smoke and dust has been cleared in this meeting.”
- Darsharn S Sarai former President of MId West Sikh Association said, “I pray to Waheguru to continue to give us wisdom of working together and see each others work as complimentary to each other.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 15, 1989
