 Why
does the Sikh Research Institute host the Sidak program?
Part of the Sikh Research Institute’s mission is to facilitate training and development while inspiring Sikh values. Through the annual summer Sidak program, we work towards that goal by creating ideologically strong leaders for our community. The approach is through an understanding of the academic, historical, and religious traditions of Sikhī.
Where
is Sidak held?
Sidak
is held in
San Antonio,
Texas,
USA
.
What
will I learn at the Sidak Program?
The
Sidak program is offered in three distinct tracks.
SIKHĪ 101
First-time attendees will receive an introductory overview of Sikh history and theology through the study of the following topics: Gurū Granth Sāhib, Gurū Khālsā Panth, Bhāī Gurdās, Bhāī Nand Lāl, Āsā Kī Vār, Dasam Granth, and Contemporary History.
SIKHĪ 201
Continuing students will participate in a more intensive study session that requires 100 pages of reading per day, daily reviews of material, group discussions, and an essay at the end of the two-week Sidak session. The course will include all topics from the SIKHĪ 101, as well as: Sikh Rahit Marīādā, Sikh Traditions & Ideology, Interpreters of Sikh Thought, Sikh Homeland & the Sikh Diaspora, Opportunities & Threats, Sikh Political Sovereignty, 1984, and Academic Debates.
GURMUKHĪ 101
Open to high school students, college students, and interested adults, this curriculum focuses on the tools an individual requires to study the Gurū Granth Sāhib: Gurmukhī Pronunciation, Vocabulary, Grammatical Patterns, Writing, Comprehension, Language Systems, Inscribed Elegance of Gurbānī, and Secondary Texts (Gurbilās, Janamsakhīs, Prakāsh, etc.). Returning Sidak participants will attend this course.
When
is it held?
For the summer of 2008, all three programs commence on 13 July (Sunday) and conclude 26 July (Saturday). To ensure complete involvement, participants are expected to arrive at least one day before Sidak begins, 12 July (Saturday). Similarly, participants should not plan to leave until the day after the program finishes, the evening of 26 July (Saturday).
Who
can
participate?
All those interested aged 16 and up are welcome to participate in any program. Generally, there is a mix of students (high school, college, and young professionals) hailing from diverse backgrounds.
Who
are the facilitators?
To ensure an event of the highest caliber, the Sikh Research Institute has secured several facilitators for the Sidak program who are regarded as experts within their respective professional fields such as human rights in South Asia, classical Sikh musicology, Sikh theology and history, Gurbānī linguistics, Leadership, and contemporary issues concerning Sikhs in the Homeland and the Diaspora.
Can
I attend the other sessions?
High schools students are encouraged to participate in the SIKHĪ 101 program but may opt to enroll in the Language Program. College students and young adults may participate in any of the three programs.
What
qualifications or criteria are you looking for and how can I apply?
The
Institute is looking for Sidak participants who have zeal to learn more about Sikhī and are serious in developing their understanding of the faith. All interested participants should contact the Institute and request an application form. Applicants are notified of their acceptance status within fifteen days of application submission. A complete application includes all necessary forms, waivers, and application fees.
How
much does it cost to participate?
The total registration fee for Sidak is $500 (USD) per person. This covers program costs for great speakers, learning materials, books, lodging, and meals. Half of the registration fee ($250) must be submitted as a non-refundable application fee to confirm registration. Participants must assume responsibility for transportation to San Antonio; note that transportation costs are not included in the registration fee. Applicants requiring financial assistance should fill out the need-based registration fee waiver within the registration form.
How
many students are in the program?
Registration
is limited to 10 students per program, for a total of 30 students.
What
types of accommodations are available during the program?
This year’s Sidak will be held in a gorgeous, wooded retreat center, at the Concept-Therapy Institute, in northwest San Antonio, complete with on-campus dormitories, a central eating facility, classrooms, and on-site adult chaperones. Students are housed according to gender and age. The campus features a swimming pool, barbeque facilities, a large playing field for team sports, a fitness center, and hiking trails. Everything that is needed for an immersive learning experience in Sikhi is on campus – plus, students have a wonderful time eating food prepared by the San Antonio sangat, enjoying the sheer beauty of the Texas Hill Country, and bonding with each other through an amazing faith experience. This is the sixth year of the Sidak program, and, because of feedback from previous years, it just gets better and better.
Concept-Therapy Institute
25550 Boerne Stage Road
San Antonio, TX 78255 USA
How is transportation arranged?
All participants must make their own way to San Antonio. Transportation will be provided from the airport to the facility and to all venues during the Sidak program.
If
I live outside the
United
States
,
what procedures do I need to go through to attend and participate?
If you are a resident or citizen of a country other than the United
States, you must apply for the proper documents and paper work
required by your host country to travel to the US, as well as those
required by the US government. Please refer to the following
websites for more information:
http://www.foreignborn.com/visas_imm/entering_us/1entering_us.htm
http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html
Please
note that the Sikh Research Institute is not responsible for filing
any travel documents on behalf of a participant.
What
will the daily schedule be?
All participants are required to attend the daily morning divān
at
6:30am
, featuring Āsā Kī Vār and Kīrtan. Below is
the proposed schedule for the 2008 Sidak program:
6:30am
Divān
7:30am
Breakfast
8:45am
Session I
10:15am
Break
10:30am
Session II
12:00am
Lunch
1:00pm
Session III
2:30pm
Break
2:45pm
Session IV
4:15pm
Break
4:30pm
Q & A Session
5:30pm Rahirās
6:00pm
Dinner
6:45pm
Sports & Activities
8:30pm
Personal Time
Saturdays
will feature scheduled group activities; Sundays will feature divāns
at various venues with different themes.
Every
participant is required to:
What
should I pack?
During the month of July,
San Antonio
experiences a hot and humid summer. Temperatures range from approximately 70-95°F or 20-35°C, so attendees should pack accordingly. The venue will provide bedding but each participant should bring running shoes and workout clothes for sports and outdoor activities. Attendees should bring appropriate clothes for the duration of the program, including head coverings. Backpacks and notebooks are recommended for coursework.
What
do we do for fun?
Although
the entire Sidak program will be fun, special activities will be
organized outside of the classes and workshop sessions. In addition
to movies, sports, and indoor games, program participants may take
field trips to the historic Missions, Riverwalk, and El
Mercado in
San Antonio
.
How
do I register?
If
you would like to apply, please send an email to
sidak@sikhri.org
to request an application form.
Who
should I contact if I still have questions?
If your questions were not answered through this document, please
feel free to contact us at sidak@sikhri.org.
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Sidak 2008