WINDSOR: The second annual intercommunity banquet, sponsored by the World Sikh Organization with support from multicultural Canada, was held on Nov ember 18, at the Clearly Auditorium here by the Sikh Education and Research Centre of Windsor.
Guests included M.P. Herb Gray, M.P. Mike Ray, Aldermen of Windsor, Chief and Deputy Chief of Police of Windsor, Vice President of Chamber of Commerce, Manager of Immigration Employment, Manager of Canada Customs, citizenship Judge, Academics from university and high schools, Directors of Broads of Education, Heads of various multicultural organizations, members of media (radio, television and newspaper) and general public from various cities in Canada and the United States,
The welcome address by Har gurdev Singh Randhawa, president of Sikh Education and Re search Centre was followed by the Canadian national anthem, Sikh national anthem and a brief prayer. A 20 minute long video produced by the CBC entitled the Sikhs People Apart set the tone for the speakers.
Brian Mc Andrew, coauthor of the book SOFT TARGET, spoke about the various cultures in Canada and the particular blunders committed by the various government officials and media when speaking or writing about the Sikhs. Zuhair Kashmeri, who coauthored Soft Target also concentrated his talk on the fallacies and the wrong perceptions of Canadians about Silchs. Sher Singh, lawyer from Toronto, during his talk in a very systematic and persuasive fashion appealed to the audience to open their minds and look at the reality about the Sikhs and to realize the many positive things being offered by the Sikhs in Canada.
Gian Singh Sandhu, International President of World Sikh Organization, concluded the speeches by reading sections of the United Nations Charter on Hu man Rights and their resemblance to the writings in the Guru Granth Sahib. He also appealed to and challenged the audience for the sense of fairness and to stand up for rights of the individuals, So Gian Singh Sandhu was particularly honored for his dedicated service to the Panthic cause, Leslie Dickir Son, local resident, was recognized for his work with human rights in Windsor. Four Sikh youths were also recognized for their work with the youth groups of Windsor. Ajit Chana and Mrs. Jasbir Daffu were thanked for their devoted service and help to the Downtown Mission organization which provides food for the needy.
Sajjan Singh Bhangoo, secretary SERC distributed complimentary copies of Soft Target to the Guests and were made available to the general audience which were autographed by the authors.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 1, 1989
