The community supported program of Sikh studies at Columbia University is rapidly growing. Its first publication Studying the Sikhs: Issues for North America edited by Professors John S.Hawley and Gurinder Singh Mann has been released by the State University of New York Press in July 93. The book is a major step forward in helping Sikhism attain a place of prominence on the academic map of the United States.

Columbia is the only place where the Sikh studies program is based in the department of Religion (programs at the University of Michigan and the University of British Columbia are in the departments of Asian Languages and Culture), and the study of Sikhism is increasingly becoming an integral part of the departmental offerings.

Professor Hawley, director South Asian Institute, Columbia University, and Chairperson, department of Religion, Bemard College said, “Soon all students majoring in South Asian religion will be expected to study Sikhism during their stay at Columbia and Barnard.” The teaching of Sikh studies has proved to be extremely successful and courses given excellent rankings by students. They ¢expressed their delight to learn about a culture not very well known in the Westem world.”

With the community’s support last year it was possible to raise the required funding to run the program for the three years 199294. During this period chair is committed to raise an endowment of one million dollars. Once that goal is reached the program will be established on a permanent basis, In the words of Professor Hawley, “If established, such a program would be unparalleled in its ability to affect a wide range of constituencies—both religious and secular, both within the Sikhcommunity and beyond, both nationally and internationally.”

Reminder Singh Bhīma and Jagjit Singh Mangat have appealed to the entire Sikh community and all well wishers of Sikhs to contribute whole heartedly for establishing the program on a permanent basis. All contributions are tax exempt. Checks should be made payable to Columbia University and mailed to: Reminder Singh Bhīma, 2023 Salisbury Park Dr., Westbury, NY 11590, PhAS16) 3346696.

Article extracted from this publication >>  October 8, 1993