This year’s program united 48 Sidakers and 13 staff members and facilitators from three nations (Canada, the UK, and the USA) for a two-week immersive educational experience at the Khalsa Centre in Miracle Valley.

“Sidak is SikhRI's flagship program. It offers participants a journey of profound self-discovery through the Guru's inspiration. We can't wait to see how they take the lessons learned at Sidak to shape their personal, professional, and panthic lives,” shared Kulvir Singh, SikhRI’s Board Chair.

This transformational impact of the program resonated through the direct feedback participants shared:  

This program has benefited me by allowing me to cultivate my personal connection with Bani, which I have never had before. — Simran Kaur, Gurbani 101 Attendee

Sidak allowed me to begin looking at my life as a young woman considering my academic and career goals through a Sikhi lens, specifically through Gurbani. — Muntara Kaur, Sikhi 101 Attendee

Sidak gave me what I wasn’t looking for but needed most. I came here for an academic experience, and I received it. I didn’t realize that (this academic) value would pale in comparison to the community reflection and connection the experience gave me. — Sahaj Singh, Sikhi 201 Attendee

Throughout Sidak, participants delved into personal and panthic (collective) matters, utilizing a Gurmat (Guru’s Wisdom) framework rooted in Bani (wisdom), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle) to formulate their own perspectives and solutions for pressing global issues.

Furthermore, Sidak nurtured a learning and inspiring environment through Sabad (Infinite-Wisdom) and sangat during the divan (royal court). This space allowed participants to engage in divan duties, seek answers, and delve and reflect on the sabads and Hukam (Command) of the day.

Sidakers also embarked on a visit to the Gur Sikh Temple (Gurduara) in Abbotsford, BC. This revered National Historic Site offered insights into the struggles of Sikh settlers who arrived in Fraser Valley in 1905.

Sidak 2023 was composed of three in-depth tracks that ran simultaneously:

• Gurbani 101 ~ Introduction to Guru Granth Sahib
• Sikhi 101 ~ Introduction to Sikh History & Theology
• Sikhi 201~ Religion & Revolution

2024 registration will open by year-end to accept 60 candidates. To find out more about Sidak, visit SikhRI.org/Sidak

Media contact: Inni.Kaur@SikhRI.org | +1 855-913-1313 ext. 705