It was yet another hard earned historic landmark for lIGS (International Institute of Gurmat Studies, Inc.) in its 19thyear of International Camping Movement!

Indeed, it was a unique experience in the Sikh Way of Life for over 150 young Sikh women and men, who had come to attend the camp from all over the U.S., Canada, and U.K. For many of them it was their first exposure to Sikhism! And they loved it.

When they came, they came alone, as individuals or in small groups of close friends Strangers to one another, unsure of themselves, with little or zero understanding of the Sikh way of life. When they left they left with a sense of belonging, as a member of one big family each one of them strongly charged with the Chardi kala Spirit of Khalsa brotherhood. They left with a deep understanding and love of the Gurus and their teachings as enshrined in the

Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

As the buses, vans and cars kept coming in and leaving with the campers, one could see, amongst parting smiles and Jaikaras of Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal, tears rolling down many a campers cheeks. Obviously, the camp not only acquainted them with the great Sikh Philosophy, Heritage, History and culture but also provided them with a forum to come together, share and learn from experiences of other young Sikhs and build new bridges of unity, friendship and understanding.

During their 11 days of stay at the camp, the campers woke up to strains of Gurbani and gentle melody of As a Di Vaar, they regularly practiced Naam Simran, learnt Gurdwara etiquettes, Ardas, Shabad Kirtan, different Paths, Punjabi, Tabla playing and Turban tying.

They actively participated in the Nishan Sahib Salutation Parade and put up an excellent show on Sunday Aug 26, 1990, on the Parents day. About 300 parents and members of the sangat had come in to join in the special Mid camp function. Listening to the camper’s short speeches and seeing how the camp was giving their kids a new direction in their lives, parents were deeply moved. They loved the Guru Ka Langar served to them after the special Dewan.

As always, Kesh Darshan Parade was a very thought provoking and encouraging experience for all campers and counsellors alike. It was a magnificent display of fine unshorn hair. Introduced for the first time, in our U.K. camp in 1980, Kesh Darshan Parade is intended especially for appreciating the beauty of natural hair in different lengths and hues.

There is a definite need to understand that our Keshas are not there just to serve as an identity for us, but they do form an integral part of our bodies and like everything else, our bodies too are designed by the Creator Himself and none else!! Haven’t we heard that our bodies our little temples of God?

In fact, we at the IGS feel, that if one truly believes in God, then irrespective of one’s source of inspiration (religion), one has no right to tamper with God’s design but to learn to respect it love it. The sooner the better!!

Capt. Kanwar H. Singh

Article extracted from this publication >> October 19, 1990