It was in deed a great turning point in our present Sikh struggle for Sovereignty in the History of Sikh Nation, when on August 14, 1994 A milestone was laid by the Jathedar Sahib Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, who On the auspicious occasion inaugurated the “Guru Nanak International Sikh Reference Library” on the premises of the Historical, grand, three story building of the International Sikh Secretariat at Washington DC on Capitol Hill.
At this banquet function, Jathedar Sahib Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Amritsar remarked as follows: “The Guru Nanak International Sikh Reference Library at Washington DC will open New Frontiers for the Sikh Scholars, Worldwide Historians, Researchers of Sikh History as well as for average citizens, beside this, the fruits and latest research on present day will initiate further development for the Sikh Society as to disseminate information about Sikh Religion, Culture, Economic Political performances etc.”.
“More than 100 notable guests, scholars and Gurdwaras’ representatives participated and this was arranged by Dr. Gurcharan Singh Dhillon, former President WSOUSA and Chairman of Guru Nanak International Sikh Reference Library.
On September 9, 1994 some very prominent Sikh Business owners, Sikh Scholars including Muslims and others led by S. Didar Singh Bains, International President WSO and Founder of International G.N. Libraries, Dr. Gurcharan Singh Dhillon, S. Gumam Singh Pamma, Director of DC library, Washington DC, Judge Rohulamin and Attomey At Law including Mr. Darden attended the function. Dr. Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Director, of the Library, and Mrs. D. Kamal Sethi, Dr. Gurcharan Singh Dhillon and S. Gumam Singh Pamma in their brief speeches stressed the great importance of the Library. At the close of the functions S. Didar Singh Bains called upon all Sikhs of North America and Members of the WSOUSA to make all success in this library and he thanked all the guest and members of the California Delegates who were present ‘on this occasion. After the end of the function a Banquet was served by the American Motor Garage Company of Washington DC.
By Jan.31, 1995, a campaign for fund raising will be taken up and its target would be at least one hundred thousand dollars, so that out of this amount a sum of $60,000.00 will be paid to the mortgage company of Marine Midland USA, the remaining funds may kindly be utilized for Library set up and part of the amount be earmarked for the World Sikh News of Stockton.
‘The major aspects for the implementation of the planning and setup on grand footings are indicated as:
1) To appoint a five member administrative committee with its chairperson.
2) A committee and Trustees be appointed for operations of Guru Nanak Educational at the target of half million dollars including investments, donations and deeds. 3) Regional fund raising campaign is formed to make vigorous efforts to deposit funds in the Trust. 4) The planning and Budget committee be formed who will allocate for the World Sikh News, Audit of the Trust Funds and make all such provisions.
5) A committee of five members will make all tentative arrangements in close cooperation of the Stockton holders of the International Sikh Secretariat Inc., as to pay off Mortgage and get the Building free by the end of 1995. 6) Service of the News wire newton World Wide is acquired and from this Secretariat News bulletin and Newsletter monthly be issued and circulated to all over the globe. 7) Tentative arrangements be taken up to call a Sikh Global Conference by the Guru Nanak International Sikh Reference Libraries at Washington DC and a committee with its Coordinate will work on this Project as early as possible. 8) A full time staff including executive secretary, Administrative Officer, Office Manager, and Library Office Secretary with computer and public Relation Officer is appointed and their salaries be paid from Trust Funds, and accountants and Auditors services be obtained.
In order to establish the following Organs and Sect. Building classified as Commercial Building, Law firms have been approached and total covering cost would be four or five thousand, for the Law firm services as under: a) to make nonprofit, Tax deductible of Guru Nanak International Sikh Reference Library from DC Government and Federal Government.
- b) Guru Nanak Educational Trust appl from D.C. and Federal Government.
¢) To obtain occupancy certificate from D.C. Government as to declare and classify this Secretariat as Commercial.
This is submitted as a call for Suggestions and comments from eminent Sikh Scholars, Lawyers, Sikh institutions, Farm owners, Industrial and Business owners, etc.,
Courtesy of: Lachman Singh Aujla Washington, DC.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 6, 1995
