WASHINGTON, DC: An International Conference of granthis, Missionaries and educationists has been sponsored by Guru Gobind) Singh foundation in Washington, D.C. Jathedar of Akal Takhat Singh Sahib Prof, Manjit Singh has kindly consented to preside. The traditional role of granthi as keeper of Granth, has dynamically changed for the Sikhs in diaspora. A granthi is a missionary, educationist, a minister and a counselor as well. This varied role of granthi has been highlighted by the community and thinkers alike. It is unfortunate that we do not have a unified granthi curriculum which could cater to the needs of the Sikh community at large, There is a growing need for their continuing education. net-working of information, image building and establishing of a close relationship with the younger generation.
Granthis from many parts of the country have been invited to participate in the conference which will be the first of its kind. It will take place on August 10-11,1994. However, granthis by themselves are unable to achieve any substantial success if they are not given full-fledged support by their respective managements. In order to make this conference really effective, G.G.S.F, has also sponsored joint sessions of granthis and their management. It will not be an academic exercise of reading merely scholarly papers but will be planned on workshop models. Joint sessions of the granthis and management will take place on August 12-13, 1994. A special diwan to mark the 400-years anniversary of Shri Hargobind Jiin 1995 and in-cenetary of the Khalsa in 1999, will be held under segis of Singh Sahib, Prof Manjit Singh. He will enthrall the audience with devotional gurbani. For more information, please contact one of the following: Amrit Kaur 703-802-0114; D. Rajwant Singh 301-2947886; Bhai Gurdarshan Singh 301-309-9528; Manjit Singh 301-428-4610; S. Kulmit Singh 708-632-1880; S. Navjeet Singh 508-996-3210,
Punjab’s struggle addressed in California PLEASONTON CA: Saturday, July 16, 1994, the Hilton Hotel in Pleasanton, California hosted scholars and an enthusiastic and cordial audience caring 150. They had a dynamic discussion concerning the politics of Punjab over the past two decades. The program was supported by the generosity of the Sikh panth and organized by students and young professionals in Northern California. Professor Paul Wallace of the University of Missoun, Dr. Vincent Tacoping of the Physicians for Human Rights, and Cynthia Mehmood of the Uniyersity of Maine comprised the program’s panel of speakers. Professor Wallace focused on the deterioration of Sikh political inStitutions over the past decade and the potential of these institutions rebuilding and functioning India. Dr, Iacopino discussed the human rights situation in Punjab, And Professor Mehmood examined militancy in Punjab from the Sikh point of view.
The speakers presented different perspectives as to the problems confronting Punjab and. in fact often disagreed. Yet all three of the speakers were eloquent and, perhaps most importantly, respectful of the audience. This allowed for an exchange between the speakers and the largely Sikh audience that was’ both stimulating and courteous. o ‘The exchange was clearly the highlight of the conference, serving as-an illuminating example of the Sikh panth’s capacity to intelligently engage western scholars with grace and dignity. Anyone interested in either a video or a transcript of the conference, may call (510)548-8125.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 29, 1994
