“Sidak is a space to think critically about everything we do + about the world around us, just as the Gurus did. I appreciated this approach to Sikhi that is non-dogmatic, non-preachy, and non judgmental. Sidak could be seen as a training ground for the 21st century Sikh Revolution.”
— Sundeep Singh, Brooklyn, NY
“From now on, I will look at Gurbani with a critical eye. I will strive to understand Gurbani by breaking apart sentences and interpreting it in my own words (not sikhi to the max). Then I will think and evaluate how I can apply the Gurbani to my life.” — Gurneet Kaur Bawa, Potomac, MD
“This experience has really changed me for the better. I have learned so much about myself and my views on Sikhi. I’m taking away a new me and a better outcome on life and leading a Guru-centered life.” — Harpreet Kaur, Litchfield, AZ
“The Sangat here was simply inspirational, very warm, welcoming and generous. Sidak is one big family.” —- Jay Singh, Mercer Island, WA
“Honestly, the best retreat/camp I’ve been to. Very open to questions, new thinking and fun. I would love to come back.” —- Gurminder Singh Mukker, London, UK
Faith. Courage. Discipline. The Sikh Research Institute offers Sidak, a distinctive leadership development program for young adults seeking to increase their commitment towards the Sikh faith. A two week intensive immersion in Sikh culture, language, values and community though understanding bānī (scripture), tvārīkh (history), and rahit (discipline), held annually in San Antonio, Texas.
Sessions on leadership development and community building also serve as key foundations for Sidak. Sidak-ers find that the bonds they form with their instructors and other students will inspire them towards activism long after the program ends. Home cooking and the Texas Hill Country enrich the experience.
This unique learning opportunity will help you discover your inner-self, build stronger relationships, and infuse the Sikh spirit.
Sidak Courses Three separate programs are offered simultaneously: one for first time participants, one for returning students, and a language program that is open for all students and adults. Sikhi 101 study an overview of Sikh history and theology through structured learning, while Sikhi 201 students delve deeper into the same subjects through a more rigorous exploration. The Language Program will focus solely on the composition, structure, and language of the Gurū Granth Sāhib.
Sikhī 101 - introductory overview of Sikh history and theology • Gurū Granth Sāhib • Gurū Khālsā Panth • Bhāī Gurdās & Bhāī Nand Lāl • Āsā kī Vār • Contemporary History
Sikhī 201 - a more rigorous exploration of Sikh Culture • Sikh Rahit Maryādā • Sikh Traditions & Ideology • Interpreters of Sikh Thought • Sikh Homeland & the Sikh Diaspora • Sikh Ideology, Sovereignty & 1984 • Academic Debates
Gurmukhī 101 - focuses on tools required to study the Gurū Granth Sāhib • Gurmukhī Pronunciation • Vocabulary & Grammatical Patterns • Writing, Comprehension & Language Systems • Inscribed Elegance of Gurbānī • Secondary Texts such as Gurbilās, Janamsākhīs, & Prakāsh
The Sikh Research Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on community development through education.
SikhRI's mission is to facilitate training and development while inspiring Sikh values, create global awareness of
Sikh, and deliver strategic solutions to the key challenges faced by the Sikh community.
P.O. Box 690504, San Antonio, TX 78269 210.757.4555 info@sikhri.org
