Sir,

My aim of writing this letter is to share my fascinating and satisfying experience with readers of WSN while attending first two day annual Thanksgiving conference at University of California Berkeley organized by newly founded United Sikh Association. Since I came to USA I have attended many Sikh conventions in past but every time I went home more disappointed because of lack of poor outcomes. This function was unique in many ways. Organizers included mainly American born first or second generation Sikh students of top notch US universities. More than 200 participants came from virtually every State mostly youngsters of both sexes but many came with families i.e; including parents So was the variety and complexities of issues faced by Sikhs ranging from struggle for Khalistan to arranged Marriages versus dating.

What appealed to me most was the way things were conducted. Let me give you an example while topic of Generation Gap was discussed parents was split into two. groups and youth were split into three groups and each group had an facilitator who noted five major points. Then everyone reassembled and each group leader presented their five points. Finally the moderator summarized points of conflict and agreements. Major conflicting point was issue of dating and somewhat consensus was reached amongst parents to create more Opportunities for their children to interact with other Sikh children.

List of other topics included; factors shaping the Sikh identity in America relevance and Significance of Gurdwara’s to youth and parents diverse Sikh experience in America Importance of Sikh religion in everyday life to you working towards gender equality in Sikh community future option for Sikhs in Punjab priorities and Strategies for taking Sikhism in America into 21st Century. Discussions over gender gap created most heated arguments.

Function concluded with cultural program. Basically everyone in audience came to floor and danced till midnight. No alcoholic beverages were served and I left for home with telephone numbers of lot of new friends. Organizers especially Mandeep S.Dhillon Bhalla brothers. Daleet Singh Kimpreet K.Puar and Amrik S.Reen deserves special thanks and Congratulations! Jasbir Singh Kang MD — ali

Yuba City; Ca. ea

Article extracted from this publication >> December 11, 1992