Hoosier Sikhs Honored ~ Proclamation of Sikh Heritage Month

Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
Sikh Educational & Cultural Society, Indianapolis, IN
Gurdwara Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, Greenwood, IN
Gurdwara Gur Nanak Darbar, Indianapolis, IN
Sikh Society of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN
Guru Nanak Sikh Society, Indianapolis, IN

Gurdwara Jot Amrit Parkash, Fishers, IN
Sant Prem Singh Seva Society, Indianapolis, IN

We gratefully acknowledge the initiative and assistance of The Sikh Coalition in the preparation of this historic Proclamation and their coordination with the Indiana Governor's office in this matter.

The presentation of the historic Proclamation was made by Joe Elsener, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Christopher Creighton, State Legislative Director. During the discussion that preceded the presentation, KP Singh, a longtime Indiana resident and interfaith leader, shared a brief historical perspective about the Hoosier Sikh many contributions, involvements and engagements with civic and cultural, law enforcement and interfaith organizations on multiple projects, fundraising, and educational initiatives. KP also highlighted of Hoosier Sikh concerns regarding Sikh sacred faith-mandated articles, incidents of discrimination, harassment, unprovoked violence, bullying of children in schools, and incidents of frequent targeting due to mistaken identity and wrongful association, some leading to hate crimes against a peaceful hardworking Hoosier community.

KP Singh emphasized the need for continued engagement with the Hoosier Cities and State leaderships, law enforcement organizations, and awareness of special involvement of the Indiana Superintendent of Education to add basic cultural Sikh Studies introduction to the school curriculums at various levels to end the bullying of Sikh children with turbans and Patka (scarves as covers) for their uncut hair. The matter of Indiana Governor visiting the Sikh Gurdwara and joining in a community celebration marking the 550th Birthday of the Founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak Devjee was also discussed.

KP also took time with some assistance from other Hoosier Sikh leaders present to share a few thoughts about the founding principles of equality, justice, human dignity, sacred rights, and service of humanity that form the foundation of Sikh faith and its cherished unifying commandments. The Sikh faith Gurus and sacred Scriptures, central precepts and foundations, unifying values and traditions have been a strong advocate and central pillar of this sacred principle. Learning and sharing, living and honoring our sacred commandments; joining hands to serve and uplift humanity.

This historic step of declaration of a "National Sikh Heritage Month" carries a lot of significance for the Hoosier and Sikh American community; beginning of another initiative to learn about neighbors, colleagues, and friends who practice Sikh faith and are proud Americans. This declaration also carries a major responsibility on the part of the Sikh American Community to introduce and showcase their culture, heritage, and traditions; cultural values and faith foundations. Organize special programs, events and exhibits, and special print and internet publications, lectures, and festive celebrations. Be part of and reliable and trusted partners in communities where we live and work. Seek, participate, and create opportunities to mainstream our brilliant ideas and talents, challenges and concerns. Focus on not just ours, but thoughtfully consider how the larger interests of communities that are our home interface and intersect with existing traditions and infrastructure in place. With an open-minded Sikh (disciplined seeker) spirit learn from networking with others and from new and pioneering experiences.

Educating ourselves and others is the first step to create a sense of belonging. The National Sikh Heritage Month and all the days and months that follow should be dedicated to building bridges across cultures, faiths, and communities as our guiding star and tireless endeavor.

Here are some wonderful comments by Hoosier Sikh Sevak-Leaders. They express the sentiments of many with their thoughtful and joyous excitement of the historic significance of this positive gesture: