WASHINGTON: Building the beloved community amidst fear violence and polarization” was the theme of the Interfaith Conference (IFC) public dialogue this past summer. Guru Gobind Singh Foundation on behalf of the Sikh community participated in this dialogue.
People from six major religions Roman Catholics Protestants Muslims Jews Mormons and Sikhs were participants in the discussion An eminent Muslim leader Ibrahim Mumin was the key note speaker Dr.Rajwant Singh executive Director of GGSF was the Sikh panelist who elaborated on the Sikh principles of building a loving community by instituting Sangat Pangat and “Sewa. He said “A Sikh Gurdwara is not only a place of worship but traditionally it is known to be a place for boarding and lodging weary travellers regardless of their religion and race. The institutions of Sangat (congregation) Pangat (eating together) were designed to create harmony in the diverse sections of society.
Sikhism was founded to break the barrier of caste and color so rigid built by contemporary Brahmanism Sikhism does not recognize supremacy of any individual on account of his or her birth in a family of higher caste/class. It grants equal rights to women and they do not have restrictions in the political social or religious fields.” Dr. Singh also narrated stories from the life of Guru Nanak reflecting the message of harmony in human society. Dr. Singh also informed the audience about cases of discrimination fought and won by Sikhs in U.S and Canada.
After speeches by panelists from the six faith groups the audience was divided into small groups for workshops. They had the opportunity to bring forth their ideas and suggestions to build the community The five hour long session was very stimulating and rewarding. Rev.Clark Lowenstein Executive Director of IFC said “This has been a unique experience of solidarity and trend setter.
For the first time women from all six faith groups recited their respective scriptures in the closing session” Amrit Kaur a member of planning committee recited the English translation of the shabad by Bhagat Kabir Awal Allah Noor Upaya reflecting the message of equality and brotherhood. The session concluded with everyone joining hands and singing We shall overcome.”
The topic for this dialogue was chosen for discussion some time ago but it seemed almost prophetic in wake of the verdict on Rodney King trial exonerating four police officers of use of excessive force and brutality. This very visible violation of the spirit of justice provoked anger and frustration among people and the decision ensued a trial of death and destruction Parts of Los Angeles were set on fire property worth millions was reduced to ashes and the cry for justice turned into uncontrollable violent screams Ruthless beating and killing of innocent passersby was rampant While L.A was smoldering rest of the nation was sweating in its heat. This travesty shook the nation and awakened the conscience of people.
All of the participants in the dialogue acknowledged that discrimination exists in the American society and immediate action is required to uproot this evil in order to build a loving community. Dr.Surjit Kaur secretary of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation (GGSF) said that “The time has: come to proclaim and profess what Guru Gobind Singh declared 300 years ago “Recognize ye all human race is one.” In this fast shrinking world no individual or community can exist in isolation however affluent or influential it may be.
Amrit Kaur further added” What happens in one section of society leaves indelible impression on psyche of all. It is the need of the hour to reinstate and reinforce principles of equality and social justice and knit a community with thread of universal brotherhood.”
Article extracted from this publication >> December 11, 1992
