The World Sikh Organization (USA branch) meeting was held at the new Gurdwara Sahib located on Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA on June 89, 1996. An east regional meeting was held in New York one week prior. The mid-western region sent their input via fax. This was a unique concept to have regional meetings for efficiency and economy. The Agenda for this year was: Religious, Political, Educational and Economic. Dr. Harbans Singh Sraon welcomed all the delegates, outlined the agenda and requested everyone present to identify the need of time, come up with a solution and make a personal commitment to accomplish the mission. It worked very well. Attendees represented cross-section of the Sikh community and provided valuable solutions and commitment to the Sikh cause.

  1. Didar Singh Bains, President of WSO International emphasized the economic development of the Sikh Community worldwide, He also expressed the need for political involvement as he has done in the past by inviting Mr. Gingrich, Speaker of House to Yuba City and supporting all the Congressmen who sand for human rights, specifically endorsing Sikh cause. Sardar Bains also said that promotion of Sikh religion and educating our next generation is very crucial, He contributed $51,000 to the newly built (a four million dollar complex). S. Gumam Singh Pamma and Dr. Harbans Singh Sraon made financial contributions as well. S. Surinder Singh Sidhu, president Sikh Youth of America appealed for Sikh Unity and work for the Sikh cause. Dr. Amrit Singh mentioned that all Gurdwaras should follow the Rehat Maryada implemented by Sri Akal Takhat and the disputes should be resolved within the community. Dr. Piara Singh spoke on the Miri and Piri concept in Sikhism, and Sikh need to practice this principle, He condemned the Government of India for the massacre and disappearance of hundreds of thousands of Sikh youth. S. Jaswant Singh Dhillon spoke on the value of education and involvement in the political process. S. Sajjan Singh Bhangoo, from Washington, DC office suggested a Sikh caucus and elaborated on UPNUNO activities, S. Gurdas Singh Sinha made commitment 10 works on every worthwhile cause to promote Sikh religion. Bhai Manmohan Singh emphasized to become good Sikhs. S. Lacchman Singh Aujla made a promise to work on increasing WSO membership. Similarly numerous delegates promised to work on their chosen projects. The Saturday meeting also included a meeting with honorable Superior Court Judge Linda Wilde, who is a candidate for U.S. Congress, after hearing all the opinions from Sikh gentry, she made a remark “I will be honored to represent the Sikh noble cause, when she is elected to U.S. Congress.” Bhai Jiwan Singh performed Ardas for Sikh Unity and Charhdi Kala. On the same evening, the Office of World Sikh Council, western regional was opened and S. Didar Singh Bains performed the ribbon cutting ceremony. All members of the council were honored with Sropaos at Sri Ramdass Ashram.

Next day on Sunday, June 9, 1996, all the delegates addressed the Sangat al the Sikh Gurdwara of Los Angeles, Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood. All the main topics relating to religious, political, educational and economic were discussed, S, Didar Singh Bains was honored with a plaque and Sropaos for his financial contributions to the Sikh community. Dr. Harbans Singh Sraon was honored with Sropaos and Plaque from Sikh Community of Southern California for his contributions in promoting Sikhism on radio, television, newspapers, and other publications and teaching Sikhism at University level. S. Gumam singh Pamma and S, Sajjan Singh Bhangoo and Mrs. Lakhbir Singh Chima were also honored for their services to the Sikh nation, on the afternoon the delegates assembled at Vermont Ave, Gurdwara Sahib and addressed Sangat with their commitment to Sikh cause and glory of Sikh Panth. They were honored with Jaikaras and Sropaos. Overall response of the Sikh community was overwhelming and continuance of such gatherings was emphasized. All the guests thanked’ S, Surinder Singh Sidhu, Dr. Harbans Singh Sraon for organizing convention and Management committees of Vermont and Lankershim Gurdwaras for their hospitality.

Article extracted from this publication >>  July 10, 1996