FAIRFAX STATION: The Sikh Foundation of Virginia (SFY), here commemorated Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s Sahid Gurpurb on May 27. Following the Bhog of the Akhand Path, there was kirtan by several children and youth groups. Other groups including SFV ladies performed the kirtan.
Dr. Amarjit Singh, Chairman of SFY, said, “one of our major objectives is to increase the participation by youth and families. Ina stimulating speech, Dr. Gurbaksh Singh spoke of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. He reiterated the importance of avoidance of the drugs and alcohol. Highlighting the importance of kesh, he said, “The police will not stop turbaned Sikhs on the road because science had been preempted by the basic precepts of Sikhism. Tobacco and smoking had been banned in Sikhism before science knew of the risks of smoking.
The program concluded with kirtan by the Ragi Jatha of Jagmohan Singh and Anand Sahib which was sung by SFV youth. In a break from the traditional hot days of summer, the day itself was a cool one, but in keeping the tradition a “chabeel” ran continuously and the youth served the sangat with enthusiasm. Some 700 people joined the commemorative program.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 15, 1990
