By Sardarni Jasjit Kaur
La Habra Hts: International Institute of Gurmat studies (IGS) organized its 48th Sikh International Youth Camp at Salinas, Monterey, from Aug. 18- 25, 1996. Like always, it proved to be a great rejuvenating experience for all its participants. It was a super congregation of about 125 campers and 35 counselors and volunteers. They came from far off countries such as India, Thailand, Singapore, Germany, and Switzerland and from all over California and various states of the USA. These young Sikh men and women of different backgrounds came to live as one big family to Learn about their great Sikh Heritage, History and Culture and share their deep love and respect for the Ten Great Gurus and Sri Guru Granth Sahib. They came to experience what a Sikh’s way of life is and to redirect their lives accordingly, if needed. -They were beautiful individuals in their own special way, with their own issues and their beliefs, their uniqueness and their challenges.
This in a nut shell is what the WIGS Sikh Youth camping movement is about. It puts you in touch with the best within you by putting you in touch with the Great Gurus who taught us how new learning experiences. About 20 Tabla players gave a 15 minute Joint Tabla Demonstration of their newly acquired art. This was followed by the giving away of about 60 Camp Trophies such as Best Campers, Best Group Leaders, Best Gatka Players and distinguished Sewa Awards. Presentation of Awards was done by Bhai Jeewan Singh Ji. The most impressive event of the day was Nishan Sahib Salutation Parade where all counselors and campers dressed up in their whites stood at attention in Straight lines. Ceremoniously attired in their saffrons, the salutation team comprising of 5 girls and 5 boys stood firm with full length Kirpans held in their right hands in front of them. The Parade started with the blowing of the Bugle by Sardar Surinderjit Singh of Singapore. And then on a loud and crisp command in Punjabi from the Parade commander Sardarni Navraj Kaur from Chicago, the whole Parade came to SAVDHAN. On her next command, the Salaami Jatha members dipped their Kirpans in Salutation to the Khalsa flag. Coordinating with this, the rest of the Singhs and Kaurs on Parade raised their right hands smartly into the saluting position, this was followed by a round of Ten thunderous Jaikaras (slogans of victory)….. Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal. Then came the Khalsa National Anthem, “Deh Shiva bar Mohe eh hai, Shub Karman Te Kabhun Na tarun”. This was sung by the camp Counselors’ Jatha with Sardarnis Gurpreet Kaur and Harmala Kaur on Harmonium and Sardar Ranjit Singh on Tabla, the whole parade responded in echoing unison. The 48th IIGS camp came to a close with the serving of delicious Guru Ka Langar and bidding of Good Byes and Bon voyages between counselors, campers and guests. The words one heard most at the parting time were, Guru Ang Sang. Guru Raakha and Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
Article extracted from this publication >> October 23, 1996
