MAKHAN SINGH BAINS’S CHACHA JI S. SOHAN SINGH BAINS PASSED AWAY

Our sympathy goes out to the family of S. Makhan Singh Bains ( Raja Sweets in California) on passing of their uncle (Chacha Ji) S. Sohan Singh Bains resident of Village Mallan Bedian, who died on December 26, 2010. Late Sohan Singh Bains was very well known personality in their area. For more information please contact at (510) 489 9100
Editor: Ambedkartimes.com (Posted on January 11, 2011)

Fresno- (Pashaura Singh Dhillon) :- The Sikh Council of Central California celebrated its Annual Guru Nanak Prakaash Utsav dedicated to Honoring Assembly Concurrent Resolution 181 (Logue) -Relative to California Sikh Awareness and appreciation Month on Sunday November 14, 2010 at Selma Sikh Temple. Akin to a seminar, the program was highly educational; brainstorming as educators how to create awareness and fill the cultural gap using this opportunity to bring long term benefits to Sikh Americans and the American Community at large? On this auspicious Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav, the 54st Birthday of the founder of the Sikh Religion, there couldn’t be a better tribute (Nazrana) for Guru Ji, than the California Legislature has bestowed in passing its unanimous Resolution181; a resolutionnow enthusiastically

being honored with adopted proclamations by the county and city governments as well as by the school districts all over the state. No doubt there is a long way to go but this measure is a big step in the right direction in dispelling some of the serious misconceptions about the Sikh Americans, caused by the 911 tragedy. However belated, the Sikh American community greatly appreciates it and is thankful to the legislature in its entirety especially, to Assembly Member

Daniel Logue for passing this resolution.
This event was not a mission in advocating a particular community or religion to the multiethnic and multicultural population as such, but the Sikh Americans need to use all possible means of educating fellow Americans about who they are and ensure that their identity is not to be mistaken or abused. If this was the case with any other community, the values of the Sikh faith demand that a Sikh stands up and demands that no one, regardless of faith or creed be barred from practicing their faith freely; that no one be denied justice and compassion. All presentations were focused to explore the ways and means especially through our educational system that allows the Sikh Americans to work together towards new progressive educational initiatives that benefit Sikh American students and help close the cultural awareness gaps that currently exist in text books between them and their peers. The possible use of California Department of Education approved Supplemental Instructional Material in classrooms and school districts as a way of attaining mutually beneficial objectives was demonstrated through videos, power point presentations and to the point speeches, on this occasion.

The carefully selected participants made excellent presentations and the whole program with a packed hall went according to the plan. Lot of young students from the Gurdwara schools along with their teachers and parents attended and watched every video and presentation with great interest.

The program started sharply at 11 AM after the Bhog Shri Akhand Patth and Kirtan by the Hazoori Ragis of the Selma Temple. Dr. Ranjit Singh Rajpal General Secretary of the SCCC shared greetings of the Gurpurb, gave a brief introduction on the Sikh philosophy and welcomed all participants. Pashaura Singh Dhillon, the Education Coordinator gave a brief synopsis of the program as a Master of the Ceremonies and briefly touched upon why the Sikh Americans needed this Resolution 181although they have lived in California for more than a century. Now they have got it how best to use it to realize its full potential in creating awareness among fellow Americans. Apart from other venues, Mr. Dhillon emphasized the role of classrooms in public schools where it all begins. A couple of videos ‘Meet the Sikhs ‘ and ‘Understanding Sikhism were shown which were produced by Dr. David Hosley while he was C.E.O at the PBS KVIE Sacramento. These videos are available on You Tube and are approved by the California Department of Education.

Dr David Hosley was introduced by Dr, Onkar Singh Bindra of Sacramento who along with Dr.Jasbir Singh Kang and other community members especially from Yuba City, worked closely with Dr. Hosley in preparing these videos. Dr. Hosley now an Interim Vice Chancellor of UC Merced spoke briefly and shared his experience with the congregation and was honored by the SCCC with a Commendation Certificate. Dr. Jasbir Singh Kang made a comprehensive power point presentation covering 120 years of Sikh American history in California, genesis and background of ACR 181 and Achievements of the Sikh Community in California. He also introduced Assembly Member Daniel Logue, author of the ACR 181. Mr. Logue glowingly appreciated the Sikh American community and thanked for their patriotism, hard work and valuable contribution to this Golden state.

Dr. Onkar Singh Bindra of Sacramento made a very impressive and brief presentation to create awareness, demonstrating some practical ways through classroom in public schools, libraries, work places and other venues of interaction with other communities through his personal involvement. Robert Frausto, Kerman Unified School District Superintendent topped it all, by offering to inculcate all the Supplemental instructional material as approved by the CDE in the classroom in his school district of Kerman without delay. Mr. Frausto touched upon AC 181 Resolution passed by the State Assembly declaring November 2010 Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month and what that means to public school districts. To every one’s delight he explained what specifically the Kerman Unified School District was currently doing to promote Sikh awareness and appreciation and the duty of public education in promoting multicultural awareness and cultural sensitivity in the public school setting. It is appropriate to state here that the Kerman Sikh American Community because of its leaders, is way ahead from others except perhaps Yuba City where Punjabi course is being taught for the past some years in schools
.
Other Sikh American organizations and representatives who took part and made powerful and focused presentations relating to ACR 181as to what has been done in the past by their respective organizations and what are the future plans to honor the resolution and create awareness among fellow Americans to fill the cultural gap were as follows: Simranjit Kaur Sandhawalia and Iqbal Singh Bains from JAKARA, Raj Singh Dadhesha from SALDEF, Manvinder Singh from United Sikhs, Jessi Kaur and Reshma Kaur from KAUR Foundation. The program ended with the donation of several hundred blankets to the representative of Poverello House Fresno; A word of thanks for the program well accomplished by the General Secretary and Ardas at 1.45PM.

The Langar as usual was served all day long. Media coverage was provided by most local TV channels and newspapers. Moga Video provided free photo and videography to cover the occasion. Special thanks go to the entire management committee of the Sikh Temple Selma for their close cooperation with the SCCC and for playing host. Special thanks are also in order for the special committee members set up for this function to assist the Education Coordinator, without their help this would not have materialized.
Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com (November 23, 2010

ACR 181 (Logue) - Sikh Awarenes & Appreciation Month Honored by local TV Stations

Dear Editor,

At my request for honoring ACR 181(Logue), which designated November 2010 as Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month, the PBS/KVIE Sacramento televised their video, Sikhs in America, on Nov. 6, 7 and 21, Further, the RCCTV is televising Sikh videos (Sikhs in America of KVIE, Cultural Safari of www.kaurfoundation.org , and Sri Guru Granth Sahib documentary by Kalsi) on Comcast channel 20 and Surewest channel 19 during November as per schedule below: Wednesdays – 9am to 10am; Thursdays – 10am and at 4pm; and Fridays - 5:30pm and at 6:30pm. Those who do not have access to said cable channels may log on towww.rcctv.net on their computer, scroll down to the lower part of the front page and click on the "simulcast". Readers may inform their friends, colleagues and neighbors.
Onkar Singh Bindra, Ph. D., (osbindra@yahoo.com)..Ph.(916)858-2650 Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com (November 22, 2010

Sikh Awareness & Appreciation Month

California Legislature recognized and acknowledged the significant contributions made by Californians of Sikh heritage to the state, and adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution 181 (Logue) on August 26. It seeks to afford all Californians the opportunity to better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and shared principles of Sikh Americans, their monotheistic religion and the tenets of their faith, and the important role that Sikh Americans play in furthering mutual understanding and respect among all peoples; and designated Nov. 2010 as Sikh Awareness & Appreciation Month.
Through his letter of Oct. 28 (http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/hs/im/suptltrlegres0910.asp), Mr. Jack O’Connell, State Superintendent of Public Instructions, has advised the County and District Superintendents and Charter School Administrators to conduct appropriate exercises to honor ACR 181. He has also invited their attention to his letter of November 30, 2007 (http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/hs//im/sikhameriltr11-07.asp) regarding the use of a short educational video.
Sikh Facts
• In USA, 99.9% of men having unshorn facial hair together with a turban on their heads, and 100% of the boys wearing mini-turbans (Patka) are Sikhs, who are maintaining their Sikh identity.
• Sikhism is not a branch of another religion. This monotheistic faith was founded in Punjab (India) by Guru Nanak (1469-1539). With nearly 26 million followers, it is now the 5th largest world religion.
• Now, Sikhs live all over the world. Of the nearly 650,000 Sikhs in the USA, some 40% live in California.
• A Sikh place of community worship, Gurdwara, means “Door to the Guru”. Non-Sikhs are welcome to the Gurdwara and to the lungar, the community kitchen, where free vegetarian meal is served to all without any discrimination.
• The 1430-page Sikh scripture (Guru Granth) is in verse and Indian classical music. It includes compositions by Sikh gurus and many Hindu and Muslim Saints.
• Sikhs respect other religions, and believe in equality of all humans. Sikh prayer ends with a wish for welfare of all humans.
• The Fact is that Sikh boys are often harassed, because of their head coverings, viz. Patka & Turban.
• Teachers can help stop the harassment by educating the students about the Sikh culture. They will find the following useful: (1) CDE-approved Supplemental Instructional Materials, e.g. Cultural Safari video of www.Kaurfoundation.org; Meet the Sikhs and Sikhs in America videos of PBS TV Station KVIE, Sacramento (Available on www.youtube.com & from www.kvie.org), The Boy With Long Hair of www.sikhfoundation.org (Good for being read out to students of grades 1-3); and the USDOJ poster, Common Sikh American Head Coverings and Sikh Americans and the Kirpan.

Flag Khanda one God Kara Kirpan Patka Turban Dr. Saund Dr. Thind

Brief History of Sikhs in California
• Sikh immigrants have resided in California for more than a century, the first Sikh immigrants worked on railroads, in lumber mills, and in the agricultural heartlands of Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Imperial Valleys;
• The Sikhs established in Stockton, California, the first Gurdwara in 1912, and started six Guru Gobind Singh Educational Scholarships at U.C. Berkeley in the same year.
• Sikh Americans have demonstrated particular success in the areas of agriculture, medicine, engineering, trucking, and small, family-owned businesses;
• Dalip Singh Saund was the first Sikh American and Asian American member of the US Congress
(1957-63); and Bhagat Singh Thind, a U.C. Berkeley student served in the U.S. Army in 1917-18;
• Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany of Palo Alto is acknowledged as father of fiber optics;
• Sikh Americans have served as council members and mayors in California (e.g. David Dhillon in El Centro, Gurpal Samra in Livingston, Amarpreet “Ruby” Dhaliwal in San Joaquin, and Kashmir Singh Gill in Yuba City);
• Yuba City, CA, has the largest populations of Sikh and Punjabi Americans, and the coronation day of Sikh Scripture is celebrated there on the first Sunday of every November, with a parade that attracts about 70,000;
• The Sikh and Punjabi American communities of California continue to make important contributions to our state and nation. (osbindra@yahoo.com ; 916-858-2650) Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com (November 10, 2010

Sacramento-(Onkar Singh Bindra):- Besides the textbooks, the California Department of Education approves Supplemental Instructions Materials (SIM), after a Social and Legal Review. The SIM may be used by public school teachers in their classrooms. Recently, they have approved Cultural Safari of Kaur Foundation (www.kaurfoundation.org ). It is a 17-minute video aimed at educating America's school children, teachers and school administrators about what it means to be a Sikh American. It gives a user-friendly introduction to the origin, history, festivals and holidays of the Sikh Americans, and information on their basic beliefs, practices and cultural traditions. Viewers get to meet a Sikh family, watch a turban being tied, and even witness a live Vaisakhi festival complete with Bhangra dancing! Indeed, anyone who watches this DVD will come away knowing basics about the Sikhs, and perhaps wanting to learn even more!

It may be noted that efforts made since 2005 have resulted in approval of the following other Sikh SIM: (1) Meet the Sikhs of PBS/KVIE Sacramento CH 6; kvie.org , an outstanding 3.22 min. DVD that may be seen on You Tube; (2) Sikhs in America, 26.46 min video; kvie.org/viewfinder ; (3) The Boy With Long Hair coloring book of www.sikhfoundation.org ; and (4) The Sikh Next Door of www.sikhnextdoor.org

Honoring the ACR 181 (Logue), which designates November 2010 as SIKH AWARENESS AND APPRECIATION MONTH, the KVIE, Sacramento TV CH 6 will telecast Sikhs in America multiple times in November. Readers should bring it to the attention of their families and friends and colleagues at work. Those not in KVIE’S coverage area may request their local PBS TV station director to likewise honor ACR 181 by showing the said video, or at least Meet the Sikhs, which is available on www.youtube.com . Further, it is recommended that copies of Sikhs in America and Cultural Safari, CDE-approved SIM, should be donated to neighborhood schools for their libraries, with the request that these be shown to the teachers, other staff and students, honoring the ACR 181 (Logue). (osbindra@yahoo.com; 916-858-2650)
Posted on October 11, 2010

Sacramento’s local PBS TV station (KVIE, Channel 6) has responded favorably, by including their DVD “SIKHS IN AMERICA” in their November program. Other PBS TV stations may agree to do the same, if they are so requested. PBS has TV stations in Eureka, Fresno, Huntington Beach , Los Angeles , Los Angeles , Redding, Rohnert Park , Sacramento ,San Bernardino , San Diego , San Francisco , San Jose , San Mateo. Sikh intelligentsia need to urge their local PBS TV station to honor the ACR 181 through their program. Readers may Google for the needed contact information of their local PBS TV station, by using appropriate words, e.g. “Contact info PBS TV Eureka” or “Contact info PBS TV Fresno”.
Readers are urged to call their local TV station’s Director or Outreach and Education Department, invite their attention to ACR 181, and request them to honor it by including appropriate Sikh videos in their coming program.

Some PBS videos that are suitable for the purpose are: (1) "Sikhs in America" (c) 2008 KVIE; 26.46 min; kvie.org/viewfinder series, (2) "Meet the Sikhs" (c) 2005, KVIE; kvie.org , an outstanding 3.22 min. filler available on You Tube ; (3) "Dream in Doubt", www.pbs.org/independentlens/dreamindoubt . You local PBS TV station will be able to obtain these videos through the National Educational Telecommunications Association’s (NETA) Programming & Information person, Gayle Loeber, at Ph.1- 803-799-5517 Ext. 109. It is important that the readers call the Director or head of the Outreach & Education Department of their local PBS TV station and request that they honor ACR 181 (Logue) by including one or more of the above mentioned videos in their November TV program. This needs to be done without loss of time. (osbindra@yahoo.com)
Posted on October 11, 2010

Sacramento: (Onkar Singh Bindra):-California legislature has unanimously approved the Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 181 (California Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month). Introduced on August 2, 2010 by Assembly Member Daniel R. Logue, at the request of Marysville-Yuba City Sikhs, it designates November 2010 as California Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month. His press release in appealdemocrat.com states, “This is the first time in state history that Sikhs are receiving recognition for their outstanding contributions to California. He added, “ month’s designation should serve to honor one of the state’s notable and accomplished communities.”

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, the resolution reads “ That the Legislature hereby designates the month of November 2010 to be California Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month; and be it further Resolved, That the Legislature recognizes and acknowledges the significant contributions made by Californians of Sikh heritage to our state, and by adoption of this resolution, seeks to afford all Californians the opportunity to better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and shared principles of Sikh Americans, their monotheistic religion and the tenets of their faith, and the important role that Sikh Americans play in furthering mutual understanding and respect among all peoples; and be it further Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution to the Members of the Legislature, members of the California Sikh American community, and other interested persons.”

The resolution, it is hoped “ would recognize and acknowledge the significant contributions made by Californians of Sikh heritage to California and afford all Californians the opportunity to understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history, shared principles, religion, faith, and role Sikh Americans play in furthering mutual understanding and respect among all peoples.”

The following provided a justification for the resolution.

1. California and our nation are at once blessed and enriched by the unparalleled diversity of our residents; 2. Among this unprecedented diversity in California, there reside an estimated 200,000 Americans of Sikh origin, comprising nearly 40 percent of the nation’s estimated Sikh population; 3. Sikh immigrants have resided in California for more than a century, with the first Sikh immigrants believed to have labored on railroad construction projects, in lumber mills, and in the agricultural heartlands of the Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Imperial Valleys; 4. The first Sikh temple (Gurdwara) in California was established in Stockton in 1912, and Sikh temples have since been established in communities throughout California; 5. While Sikh Americans have distinguished themselves in numerous areas of endeavor, they have demonstrated particular success in the areas of agriculture, trucking, medicine, and in the creation of small, family-owned businesses; 6. Yuba City, California, boasts the largest population one of the largest confirmed populations of Sikh and Punjabi Americans in the nation; 7. Dalip Singh Saund was the first Sikh American and Asian American member of the United States Congress; 8. Dr. Bhagat Singh Thind struggled and fought for Asian Indians to be allowed to become American citizens; 9. Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany of Palo Alto is acknowledged by many to be the father of fiber optics; 10. Sikh Americans have served as mayors of California cities, including David Dhillon in El Centro, Gurpal Samra in Livingston, Amarpreet “Ruby” Dhaliwal in San Joaquin, and Kashmir Singh Gill in Yuba City, and numerous Sikh Americans have served as council members of California cities; 11. The Sikh and Punjabi American communities of California continue to make important contributions to our state and nation; 12. Sikh Americans City throughout California celebrates the coronation day of Sikh Scripture as Guru Gaddi Divas, along with parades in cities across California, the largest being held in Yuba City on the first Sunday of every November.

There is not much time left before November 2010. I urge all Sikh organizations in California (Gurdwara Managements, Cultural Associations, Sikh Students Associations in California, Jakara, Sikh Foundation, SALDEF, Sikh Coalition, United Sikhs, WSC-AR, PAHS, SCCC, etc.) and Sikh intellectuals to consider it their duty to arrange functions for awareness and appreciation of Sikhs in November 2010 throughout California. Museums, Libraries, School Districts and Media (TV, radio, print media, internet media - Blogs, twitter, Facebook) can all help. I recommend the use of PBS Sikh videos like “Meet the Sikhs”, “Sikhs in America”, and “A Dream in Doubt” etc., and Kaur Foundation’s “Cultural Safari”. Further, we need to hold open houses, exhibitions, seminars etc. and invite neighbors and teachers, and to hold teacher appreciation functions. Furthermore, we must participate in Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11 (Displaying a life-size picture of Bhagat Singh Thind, when he was in the United States army during WWI) and in other neighborhood parades, and distribute a brief leaflet about Sikh identity, religion, culture and history in California.

Posted on September 3, 2010

Saturday, September 4, 2010: Saturday Youth Session: 10am - 3pm, Youth workshops & discussions by : Navkiran Kaur Khalra (daughter of Jaswant Singh Khalra) Life, Legacy and Mission, Harinder Singh (Sikh Research Institute) Sevadar: Becoming an Inspired Activist, Dr Amrik Singh (Ambedkar Times) Human Rights and the Politics of Identity, Ensaaf Ending Impunity, Achieving Justice, Nandeep Singh (Jakara Movement) Why It All Matters, Saturday Public Session: 3pm - 5pm

Various Sikh youth speakers: Rev. David Thompson (Interfaith Service Bureau), Jaswinder Banga (Chairman Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Sacramento, California) M.R. Paul (International Bamcef Coordinator - Social Justice Society for Minorities and Backward Classes in India) Unveiling of Khalra’s Memorial Wall by Navkiran Kaur Khalra ---- ("Khalra's List," a visual memorial to the victims documented by Khalra) Darshan Mundy (Public Relations Gurdwara Sahib West Sacramento) Honored guest on Saturday, 4th of Sept. will include Congressman Tom McClintock and other political leaders.

Sunday, September 5, 2010: 10am - 3pm: Kirtan Diwan, Movie & Panthic Vichar, Sunday Diwan Speakers will include: Navkiran Kaur Khalra (daughter of Jaswant Singh Khalra), M.R. Paul (International Coordinator - Social Justice Society for Minorities and Backward Classes in India), Harinder Singh (Sikh Research Institute), Naindeep Singh (Jakara Movemen), Prem Chumber (Editor in Chief Ambedkar Times) AND other organizations

If you need further assistance, please contact 1-888-551-SIKH (7454) •· khalramission.org@gmail.com
THE FLAME FOR JUSTICE CONTINUES TO BURN: BE THERE. BE COUNTED.PASS IT ON.

Jaswant Singh Khalra was a human rights activist who was disappeared 15 years ago by Indian police. Khalra was responsible for uncovering evidence of a direct police role in the murder of Sikhs in Punjab and the illegal disposal of their bodies. He discovered files belonging to the city of Amritsar which contained the names, ages and addresses of thousands of Sikhs who were picked up by police, killed and then cremated. Eyewitnesses from local crematoria confirmed that police regularly cremated multiple bodies on funeral pyres recorded as used for a single person. Khalra confirmed that nearly 2100 Sikhs were "disappeared" by these methods just in the administrative district of Amritsar. However, using similar evidence found in Punjab’s 12 other districts; he estimated that approximately 25,000 had been similarly murdered throughout the state.

Jaswant Singh Khalra, who had received frequent death threats from police, gave his life for his work. On the morning of September 6, 1995, witnesses saw uniformed police officers abduct Khalra, who had already received many death threats from police. Although police denied they held him in custody, multiple witnesses have confirmed seeing him in jail. For seven weeks, he was tortured by police, who finally shot him and left his body in a canal. His widow, Paramjit Kaur, who has been pursuing justice for her murdered husband, said: “In court we have to fight and there is so much harassment.... This won't finish in our lifetime.” To learn more about Mr. Khalra, visit: http://www.ensaaf.org/programs/legal/khalra/ TORCH OF JUSTICE SHINES: BE THERE. BE COUNTED.PASS IT ON.
Posted on September 3, 2010

Recent reports of horrific beheadings of Sikhs by the Taliban in Pakistan are causing major concerns to the Sikhs around the world and in particular to the many Sikhs in the United States some of whom have relatives in Pakistan. These concerns and horrific reports have led to conclusions that the general safety of Sikhs in parts of Pakistan has been compromised.

We also acknowledge and are grateful to the Pakistan authorities who have freed the remaining known captured Sikhs in the last few days. However the condition of the Sikh community remains a deep concern for us all.

The World Sikh Council – America Region has requested our representatives in the US government to make an inquiry to find out what steps they can take with the Government of Pakistan, as well as other active organizations, regarding the safety of minorities and particularly of Sikhs in that country. We will continue to press for assurance and action so that all are safe and respected.

Posted on March 07, 2010

IFCAPS AWARDS DR. CYNTHIA KEEPLEY MAHMOOD WITH "HAA DAA NAARA" – VOICES FOR TRUTH AWARD

Last Saturday, Dr. Cynthia Keppley Mahmood from the University of Notre Dame was honored with "hwA dw nwArw" award by IFCAPS in recognition for her dedicated services to the study of Sikhs. The Institute for Conflict and Peace Studies honored her for her commitment to honesty, integrity in her academic pursuits and for standing on the side of truth regardless of the consequences. The award was in the form of a Certificate and a check for $1000.00. The event took place at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, IL. The award was presented to Dr. Mahmood by the President of IFCAPS, S. Sadhu Singh Rikhiraj. Explaining the idea behind this award Executive Director of IFCAPS Dr. Swaranjeet Singh said "This award has been established in memory of the courageous deed of sympathy and compassion shown by Nawab of Malerkotla who fearlessly opposed cruel martyrdom of the younger Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh ji. With the same fervor and zeal Dr. Mahmood is fighting for the rights of the Sikhs in courthouses of the Western Hemisphere. This award will

not be an annual event: however it will be awarded to those courageous enough to dedicate themselves to serving the cause of Truth and giving voice to the oppressed. This award will transcend all geographical, social and religious boundaries. Dr. Mahmood is the first deserving, brave and selfless woman candidate for this award who risked her personal safety and her career to stand by truth and justice. Sikhs will always remain indebted to her for this invaluable service.

The program started with S. Sadhu Singh Rikhiraj welcoming the participants; remembering and reminding the audience about the agonizing tragedy of 1984. Thereafter, IFCAPS Director of Communications Bibi Harvind Kaur recited Gurbani Shabad. The audience maintained silence in memory of those who were mercilessly massacred in 1984. During this silent tribute, the audience was shown the horrific reality of the Delhi Pogroms and the Operation Blue Star through historic photographs. Bibi Harvind Kaur introduced Dr. Mahmood and invited her to express her views about the ghastly tragedy of 1984 and the plight of Sikhs today. Without mincing words she expressed the following, "In reflecting on the twenty-five years since the tragedies of 1984, I focused particularly on the wider context of the conflict in Punjab and the Sikh movement for self-determination. Based on twenty years of intimate research with the Sikh community, I noted the insularity of this community and its tendency towards concentration on internal dynamics rather than building relationships with other communities, working on shaping the external perception of the Sikh experience, and learning from the comparative history of other movements for self-determination. I emphasized the notion of readiness to seize moments of opportunity, and discussion ensued around how the global Sikh panth could work now on issues of unity, communication and planning that have thus far been elusive." She further said within her lecture that, "It is impossible for Sikhs to forget the tragedy of 1984. There are many facets to this tragedy. This tragedy is the direct result of establishing a Centralized System of government that took away the rights of states to self determination .In the changing circumstances of today, 1973 document prepared by Sirdar Kapur Singh, is the best alternative and solution to the problems faced by minorities in India. Sikhs should unite and pursue this course. In the changing circumstances of the last twenty five years, Sikhs should also change their approach. Because of the curse of prevailing caste consciousness, the Dalits are moving away from mainstream Sikhism. Negative approach towards splinter groups- within the brotherhood - by the mainstream Sikhs and their insular mentality and preoccupation within the Gurudwaras has given birth to too many problems that they face today. Current statistics show that Sikhs top in domestic violence. This is highly disappointing to Sikhs and sympathizers seeking solutions to the problems faced by the Sikhs."

During question/answer session Dr. Mahmood provided highly logical answers. During this time Dr. Swaranjeet Singh, also clearly expressed IFCAPS position on the complex river waters issue in Panjab, he said "This issue of river waters should be settled according to International Law. This issue pertains to riparian rights of states. It is a problem: not a conflict. The division of 1947 is a conflict that has lead to this agonizing problem. Since the Punjab has been divided many times, its riparian and geographical integrity has been violated. Solution to this nagging problem lies in re-establishing a riparian state from the Sindh River to the Jamuna River. The division of the Panjab is the root cause of this problem. Mr. Gandhi and Mr. Jinah both are responsible for this problem. Sikhs are paying price for the problem created by them."

To conclude the event, Prof. Kulwant Singh Hundal thanked all the organizers and lecture attendys.He also acknowledge the work of Inderjit Singh, Ifcaps, Director of Public Relations and outreach. He was special thankful to the donors who support the Ifcaps. Lakhwinder Singh Cheema, Surinder Singh, Narinder Singh, Harmeet Singh, Ravi Singh, Karamjit Singh, Amardev Singh, Santokh Singh, Hardeep Singh Gill, Inderbir Singh Gill, Ujagar Singh Gill, Mandeep Kaur Gill, Upawan Kaur, Irwinpreet Singh, Sukhvir Kaur, Kuldeep Singh Makkar, Surinderpal Singh Kalra, Dr. Baldev Singh, Prof. Jagindar Singh Ramdev, Thakar Singh Basati. Jaswinder Singh,Harjinder Singh Jindi, Harbans Singh, Amrikpal Singh, Bibi Jasvir Kaur, Bibi Gurbachan Kaur , Bibi Mann Kaur, Gurdev Singh, Tirlochan Kaur, Gaurav Singh, Hardeep Singh Komal, Amrit Kaur, Sewa Singh Virdi, Narinderpal Singh Marwaha, Amolak Singh, R.S.Mahal, Jaspal Singh Bajwa, Tara Singh Hundal, Bhupinder Singh Hundal, Lal Singh, Surinder Singh, Sarwan Singh, Harpinder Singh, Rajinder Singh,Inder Kaur, Ginni and more Chicago land respectable families participated in the event.

Posted on December 23, 2009