CHICAGO: Sikhs from all over the world are convening to participate in the world Parliament of Religions to be held in Chicago from August 28, 1993, to September 3.1993. This conference is marking the 100th anniversary of the Parliament held in 1893.
In 1893, the world turned its attention to Chicago when the city hosted the World’s Columbian Exposition. The World’s Parliament of Religion was the centerpiece and the most remarkable of the many congresses that were held as part of the Exposition. The Parliament brought together some 400 men and women representing 41 denominations and religious traditions. It lasted for 17 days in September of 1893. The Parliament was the first public meeting of representatives of the major religions in the history of the world. It marked the beginning of interfaith dialogue in the modem world. According to one observer, the Parliament marked “a new era in the evolution of religious life for the world.”
The first Parliament has left Chicago with both a legacy of interfaith dialogue and an unfinished agenda for greater cooperation and understanding. Thus, in 1988, a group of people of different faiths from Chicago began meeting to plan a centenary celebration of the Parliament in 1993. The Council for a Parliament of The World’s Religions was formed as an’ organization dedicated to celebrating and furthering this legacy.
Last month, Sikh Religious Society of Chicago joined over 100 cosponsors and other faith communities who have committed their time and considerable energies to this project Guru Gobind Singh Foundation (GGSF) based in Washington, D.C. is also one of the cosponsors of this event since 1990. A GGSF Sikh Host Committee has been formed to coordinate the Sikh participation in the Parliament and to facilitate the program. Dr.Balwant Singh Hansra, along with Dr.Balwant Singh of Washington, D.C. is coordinating the program and arrange speakers from here and abroad. Several prominent Sikh personalities and scholars have been approached. They have consented to be part of this conference, Dr Jaswant Singh Neki, Dr.Inderjit Singh of London, Dr.Inderjit Kaur of Pingalwara, S.Harinder Singh Mehboob and S.Saran Singh of The Sikh Review are expected to attend this conference, Besides lectures and discourses on Sikhism, the Host committee is also planning to present workshops on Sikh religion and culture, daily meditation Sessions and is concerning the feasibility of Nagar Kirtan in Chicago during the Parliament. The Host committee is also preparing literature on Sikhism for mass distribution. In addition, Bus tours are being arranged from the Parliament site to the Gurdwara Sahib in Palatine for the benefit of the non Sikhs.
From Saturday, August 28 through Saturday, September 4, the 1993 Parliament will offer a wide range of opportunities for interfaith dialogue, understanding cooperation and experience. A procession, welcome by major religious leaders, the Keynote address, and blessings will set the tone at the opening plenary. During the week, presentations and workshops will address critical work issues, seeking fresh approaches to problems of vital concern poverty, racism, ecology, and world peace. The Parliament will thus endeavor to integrate the spiritual life of individual, community and world. The Parliament will also highlight the unique contributions of the various faiths to the development of personal spirituality. Modem communications technology will make it possible to extend the impact of 1993 Parliament throughout the world.
S.Balwant Singh Hansra of Chicago said, “It is a great opportunity for us as Sikhs to share our valuable heritage with others and to show them the uniqueness of our religion. Our aim to present the best of our community at this conference.” Dr.Rajwant Singh, secretary of GGSP, said, “It is sad that no representative from our faith was at the 1893 Parliament. Maharaja of Kapurthala was present but not as Sikh representative bat as Christian represent alive. (Kapurthala Royal family had converted to Christianity). But we do not want to miss this occasion. It is very important that the entire Sikh community makes an effort to be there in great numbers.”
Sikh host committee is contacting Sikh institutions all across North America and is appealing for funds to make the Sikh participation more effective. Sikh host committee can be contacted at 2835 W. Catalpa, Chicago, Illinois 60625 or for more information, please call Balwant Singh Hansra (312) 7280307, Rani Jasbir Kaur (708)4667371, Dr. Rajwant Singh (301) 2947886.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 21, 1993
