Report by Dr.Surjit Kaur, Falls Church, VA

VIRGINIA: Guru Gobind Singh Foundation (G.G.S.F,) held its first symposium on behalf of Hemkunt Foundation on March 20,1993 at the G.G.S.F, Gurdwara premises. The younger group of children ages (710) years reported on the book “Learning the Sikh Way of Life,” age group (1114) years reviewed the book “Ten Masters” written by Prof Puran Singh, youth group ages (1518) years reviewed “Short History of the Sikhs,” written by Prof Teja Singh and Ganda Singh, and the senior youth group ages (1923) years reviewed Chapter on Rahat Maryada, from the book “Sikh Moral Tradition,” written by S. Nivipinder Singh.

All the 11 children ages (710) who registered for the symposium participated. Bibi Prit Amrit Pal Kaurspokein Punjabi, so did Kaka Anmoldip Singh, who also stood first in this age group.

It was indeed a pleasure listening to these children who had worked hard in preparing their speeches, some with the help of their parents, a few called our learned Bhai Sahib, Bhai Gurdashen Singh Jee for help, and some called this author/convener, to find an easy way, out they just felt overwhelmed with the task and wanted to drop out! They too received help and pep talk not to give up so easily, and they didn’t. They parucipated and won their trophies.

Kaka Bhavandip Singh gave his speech on Ten Masters in Punjabi and stood first in his age group. Rimpic Rebhi, a seasoned speaker, and a talented writer on Sikhism, was head and shoulders above anybody, but did not stay within the time limit, and penalty was sneer instead of coming out first she ranked third in her. age group, because the judges imposed the guidelines regarding the tie factor as strictly as they did in giving marks for each variable spelled out by the writers of Guidelines For Participants, and also for Judges wanton by Consultants/experts on behalf of Hemkant Foundation based in New York. Kaka Amendip stood first in the age group (1517) years and Navneet Metta was the only brave on to have reviewed chapter on Rahet Maryade. She was first and would have been the top candidate in any case.

S.Gurmeet Singh Gahunia, Siinderjit Singh Rekhi, and Dr.Ranjit Kaur Grover were the judges for the younger groups, and Dr Kamaljit K.Sethi replaced Mr.Rekhi in the afternoon when the youth groups made their presentations. All the four judges are well known for their dedicated work for the Sikh community, and we were honored to have their services available for this symposium.

We were also honored to have Dr.Kirpal Singh M.D. who is a Psychiatrist and a patron of G.G.S.F. to be the chief guest. Not only did he inspire the youth and children with his illuminating speech, he also took time to lead a discussion group consisting of adults, mainly parents. Simultaneously Bhai Gurdarshan Singh and S.ManjitSingh held discussion with the youth group, and Mrs.Surjit Kaur and S.Inderjit Singh Rekhi talked to the children, Reports of all three groups were presented in the general session which followed. Following are some of the points which emerged: The children felt so inspired by the day’s proceedings, that they wanted such a program to be repeated at least twice a year. Questions of difficulties faced by our children in retaining the Outward symbols as a integral part of the Sikh identity was discussed, and children and parents alike expressed their satisfaction with the whole hearted acceptance of the unique appearance of the Sikhs. by the larger American Society. Recommendations were made for asserting the Sikh identity as a part of our daily life by observing special holidays ¢.g. taking a day off from work and/or school on.

Guru Nanak’s Parkash Ustan, and on Baisakhi, exchanging gifts on Gurpurubs, reading from Gurbani Putan Mata Kee Asees, prior to cutting the birthday cakes by children, wearing native Punjabi clothes without feeling self-conscious about it, and a host of other Suggestions emerged from the groups to reaffirm the Sikh identity in the diverse American society.

Dr.Kirpal Singh, who finds it very rewarding to follow Gurbani and the Sikh philosophy contained their in, to treat his patients made several practical suggestions for parents and children alike, He said that Guru Nanak’s message is for all humanity and we must share our blessings with non-Sikhs as well.

He emphasized that the Sikh struggle is against oppression and not against any particular group.

He said that Sikhism teaches adoptability and integrate and not isolation. He also told parents to hold continual dialogues with their children, and always be honest and open-minded in dealing with questions asked by the children. Dr.Singh brought out that the way to attainment of personal growth, and a healthy and peaceful mental disposition is possible through a way of based on Sikh principles.

Dr.Ranjit Kaur Grover, carried Dr.Kirpal Singh’s discussion on status of however on Sikhism further and said, “Guru Nanak taught equality of sexes, but don’t know where it is being practiced?” She said that a woman’s role is not Just entertainment and feeding of the family. She repeated the evils associated with the dowry system, and said, “Let us combine reason with faith,” Guru Nanak taught.

 

Article extracted from this publication >>  April 16, 1993