Guru Gobind Singh Foundation held a day camp for the Sikh youth for ages 12 and above at the Gurdwara recently This one day amp covered topics and discussions on various subjects related to Sikh way of life including Naam Simran Rehat Maryada Sikh history and current affairs.
The camp started in early hours at 8 am with Bhai Gurdashan Singh granthi of G.G.S.F. demonstrating the preparation of Karah Parsad in the Gurdwara kitchen to over 30 participants The campers walked through the days routine Religiously willingly and with a Sense of purpose to learn the Sikh way of life After the Karah parsad demonstration the daily service of Ardas and parkash of Guru Granth Sahib was performed by all of the Youth under Bhai Gurdarshan Singhs guidance.
Ragi Jaspal Singh well known for his melodious kirtan and his Logical explanation of Gurbani in English was here from Los Angles. During his morning session he performed kirtan and explained the various aspects of spirituality in Sikhism He quoted profusely Jeron Gurbani and brought out the point that we fell joy and sorrow only on the surface. “Through constant recitation of Gurbani and through meditation on the true frame one can learn to rest in one’s inner chamber and then outward stimuli will not disturb us he said”. “We will not feel joy or sorrow at the worldly gains and Josses”. While he performed kirtan himself he urged participants to try to listen to the sound of music by watch fullness and concentration of mental faculties you will get in tune” he said “by the grace of Guru we come to realize ourselves.” He appealed that when we are in gurdwara we must create an environment which is more conducive for meditation and less distractive. “Kirtan is not a performance but it is a fountain of beauty peace and harmony. It should be humming in your ears even when you are doing your daily duties elsewhere” he said “we must all get involved in the meditation”.
The second session was devoted to Naam Simran Siting under a tree in the lap of nature the participants presented a picture of tranquility peace and nobility Ragi Jaspal Singh explained how to monitor the thought process in order to concentrate on the inner right. The discussion concluded with a question answer where youth clarified their thoughts on different issues concerning Rehat Maryada. There was a prolonged discussion on the definition of a Sikh.
After launch the afternoon session started with a unique presentation made by S Jasbir Singh of Cleveland Ohio. Singh presented an overview of Sikh history with slides. These slides contain the synopsis of Sikh history starting from Guru Period to the present Sikh struggle in Punjab. It also reviewed the Sikh institutions established by Sikh Gurus and Khalsa Panth. The pictorial presentation accompanied by a lucid explanation of the entire Sikh history in a lite over one hour session kept the youth spellbound and totally absorbed.
Another highlight of the day’s camp was a heartwarming address by Neal Kamal Singh a Sikh youth having made a miraculous recovery from a life of despair and drug addiction. He explained to the Participants how he turned to drugs out of curiosity and how here covered from this dangerous way of life because of his chance meeting with Sikh youth inspired by Sikh way of lie through youth camps at New York Neal is now a truly devoted Sikh immersed in Gurbani and Naam Simran He is actively involved in Sikh Youth affairs writes regularly for Sikh Generations. He invited participants to call him with any problem’s for which he could offer his advice or counsel He is currently studying to be a physician
Dr Rajwant Singh Exec.director of GGSF explained the participant of the Sikh community in interfaith forums which provides an exposure to the community. He called upon the Sikh youth to get involved in American society to “let them know who the Sikhs are what we believe in and what we are struggling to achieve back home in Punjab. He encouraged the participants to take up projects which can present the right image of the community.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 24, 1992
