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With the beginning of a new year on March 14 (Cet 1), Sikh Research Institute has resolved to join hands with other Sikh organizations in supporting EcoSikh's call to celebrate the new year day as Sikh Environment Day. The day not only marks the new calendar year, but also coincides with the Gurdaddi Divas of Guru Harirai Sahib, who brought to the fore Sikhi's deep sensitivity towards the nature and its preservation.Find out more about how you can celebrate the day in your area and access resources available to educational institutions and gurduaras at www.ecosikh.org.
SikhRI is pleased to announce a series of events we've planned in celebration of the spirit of this event. Join us on 11 March in Milford, MA for our new workshop "The Environment: Recognizing Creator in Creation." The workshop can be tailored for young people from ages 5-18, and we would be happy to talk about coordinating an event in your area if you're interested!
And, no matter where in the world you are on 19 March, you can register to attend our third Liv webinar especially for children covering the topic of Sikhi and the environment. Then, SikhRI will also be coordinating a volunteer day at the San Antonio Food Bank in their community garden on 2 April. We'd love it if you could join us!
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Facebook
If you haven't already joined our Fan Page on Facebook, don't delay! We will be closing our group page shortly, and we don't want anyone to miss out on the community of thinkers, educators and activists available through our page!
Besides links to register for events, and updates with press releases and other news that you've always been able to count on, we have been introducing new features on our Fan Page that you won't want to let pass you by! These include "This Day In Sikh History," book and film reviews, a forum to discus FAQs about Sikhi, and increased access to videos, photos and other resources from SikhRI. It might just be that www.facebook.com/SikhResearchInstitute becomes a favorite part of your newsfeed! But you can't join in the fun if you aren't a fan! What are you waiting for?
While you're at it, check out our Facebook page for Sikh Educators Network and get connected with other Sikh educators and instructors. You'll enjoy free resources for the classroom and lesson planning, our SEN blog and the chance to ask your questions and share your successes with others in the community.
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100 Years of Sikh Pioneers
SikhRI spent three days in January participating in events as part of the centennial celebration of the Gur Sikh temple in Abbotsford, BC. The temple, built with logs carried on the backs of Sikh pioneers living in the area 100 years ago, is the oldest standing gurduara in Canada. If you're interested in learning more about the history of the Gur Sikh Temple or the details of the events SikhRI brought to the celebration, check out our PR, "Commemorating 100 Years of Sikh Pioneers in the Pacific Northwest."
On the north to BC, SikhRI was also invited to present to a group of Sikhs from the Seattle-area. The talk, "Rekindling the Sikh Spirit" drew about 50 people. SikhRI hopes to connect regularly with Emerald City Sikhs in the future.
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United Communities
On 29 January, Harinder Singh presented at the fourth annual "United Communities" celebration. SikhRI is proud to be invited to participate in the event every year, which is hosted by United Communities of San Antonio and Our Lady of the Lake University. His talk, "Sikh Americans: Stereotypes & Realities" was part of a day-long series of events intended to increase awareness and appreciation of the diversity of the San Antonio community.
About 50 people attended the workshop, which provided information on the Sikh faith and people, the emblems of Sikhs, and the unfortunate misconception held by some that Turban=Terrorist. Afterwards, Gurpreet Kaur and Jasdeep Singh performed a Banghra sampler that about 20 people joined in.
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Liv
On 29 January, Harinder Singh presented a Liv webinar, "With Whom Does My Allegiance Lie?" The webinar was designed for those who are concerned about the challenges posed by weak personal and intraSikh organizational relationships. The 90-minute session drew on examples in Gurbani, history, and included an exploration of the "Panthak Mind," in examining this question of allegiance.
Harinder Singh said that the motivation behind the content and message of the presentation was to present data that would speak toward moving the agenda of the community and could be effectively imparted to 85% of the population. "We must keep primary focus on what Gurbani directs us toward at a higher level, how it was implemented in history, and what can everyday Sikhs do today?" Harinder said. "We must keep things real, not popular!" Surenderpal Singh assisted in developing the content for this presentation.
Liv webinars are offered at least once a month, and SikhRI covers all registration costs! So all you have to do is show up for a topic that's interesting to you and join in the global learning experience! Our next webinar, "Misl Amrika: Role Sikh Americans Must Play" will be presented by Dr. IJ Singh on 19 February. Register today!
While webinars are offered to the public free of charge, they are not free of cost to SikhRI. Donations of any amount in support of Liv are always gratefully accepted. There is also the option to sponsor a webinar as an individual or organization! A great team-building exercise in the workplace or a gift in honor of someone special!
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Sidak
We've set the dates! Will you join us for Sidak 2011, from 25 June through July 9 in the beautiful Hill Country of San Antonio, Texas? Sidak is an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself among a caring and knowledgeable sangat and explode your own leadership skills and understanding of Sikhi! With three tracks to chose from, Sikhi 101, Sikhi 201 and Gurmukhi 101, there's sure to be a focus that's right for you! Our promotional video gives a visual overview of the program, and there's tons of information available on our Sidak page, including a sample schedule of "A Day In the Life...", past-Sidakers speaking candidly about their experiences at the leadership retreat, and all the materials you need to get an application started today!
Would you like to tell a friend about Sidak or post information about this one-of-a-kind leadership retreat at your gurduara or community center? You can print out the Sidak 2011 flyer, which includes all the basic information and help us spread the word!
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Thank Yous
Sikh Research Institute exists to serve the community's education needs. As we strive to fulfill our mission of empowerment through education, we cannot be successful without the endless support of volunteers. Thank you to all of our volunteers this month who continue to inspire us with their strength, dedication, and passion!
Aman Mann, Amar Virk, Anu Bal, Banda Singh Bahadur Gurdwara, Dhesi Family, Gurpreet Kaur, Gurvinder Singh, Hardeep Kaur Sidhu, Harvinder Singh, Jasmine Kaur Marwaha, Jasdeep Singh, Jasvir Singh Dhillon, Jotinder Mann, Kalgidhar Gurdwara, Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara, Kiran Bal, Kirpa Kaur, Kulvir Singh Gill, Mani Dhillon, Manpreet Dhillon, Maudie Murada, Parminder Mann, Preetinder Narang, Tripat Singh Chawla, University of Fraser Valley Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and Yadwinder Minhas.
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