[WSN Fresno Bureau] FRESNO: Sikhs from Central California participated in a symposium on Pluralism and Identity at a local Methodist Church on May 19, 1996, The Symposium was cosponsored by the Fresno Metro Ministry and Human Relations Commission. The purpose of the Symposium was to increase understanding among, people regarding how some religions have the flexibility in opening up to others while some religions inhibit such progress.
Dr. Harcharan Singh Chann, a Fresno Cardiologist, represented Sikhs in a panel comprised of Hindus, Christians, Jews, and Muslim representatives. During the discussion, Dr. Chann described the universality of brotherhood as emphasized by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. “Sikhs consider human race as one and no religion is better than the others,” said Dr. Chann, According to our religious dictates, “Sikhs consider everybody human and therefore every person should be treated with respect. Such religious teaching. Provide enough flexibility for Sikhism to open up to the rest of the world,” he said.
Afterwards a group of children from Gurdwara Sahib Fresno, recited a Shabad “Deh Shiva Barr Mohe…” as others translated the Shabad in English, The Shabad was presented in such a beautiful way that “it almost stole the show” according to one attendee.
Approximately 150 people attended the symposium which is held every year. The organizers at the end issued a multicultural calendar, including Sikhism in it along with Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. “Occasions like this provide the best forum to educate others regarding our religions inheritance, and way of life” said Dr. Chann after the meeting.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 5, 1996
