Community Update

UNITED SIKHS' Project Reaches the Academic Library at Rutgers University

Highlights

New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA - The Rutgers University Library received many new books from UNITED SIKHS on various topics and issues related to academics and research.

The UNITED SIKHS recommended list of Sikh books offers a great variety of crucial topics which are necessary for students in the academic field who are studying Sikhs. The books not only share Sikh ideals but show a larger context to reflect the ever increasingly multicultural world we live in.The "recommended titles" offer the Sikh perspective in an structured manner, starting from "religion and theology" as understanding theology first is crucial to understanding Sikh history. Rutgers University has shelved the books in the reading room for readers.

The set of books also includes books on Sikh History, and other crucial topics such as Sikhs in the Diaspora, Sikh Culture & Heritage, Human Rights issues faced by the Sikhs, Dictionaries and Encyclopedia for Sikh Studies, Writings on Sikh scriptural texts, and even Fiction by Sikh writers. The list included accomplished authors, intellectuals, theologians, human rights activists, and historians such as Professor Puran Singh, Sirdar Kapur Singh, Daljeet Singh, Harbans Singh, Patwant Singh, Cynthia Keppley Mahmood, Dr. Trilochan Singh, and Bhai Vir Singh, to name a few.

"It was great to see many new renowned books at the Rutgers Library by the same authors who are included in the UNITED SIKHS book list. I hope that more books would be placed on the shelves by UNITED SIKHS which would offer the Sikh perspective within the academic field," said Amitoj Singh, a recent Rutgers University graduate.

As the "In terim Associate University Librarian for Collection Development and Management" or Head Librarian at the Rutgers University Libraries, Dr. Thomas M. Izbicki was very thankful for the books and immediately included them in the Rutgers University Library Catalog, after approving.

"This will improve our representation of the Sikh community in the library collection," said Dr. Izbicki on receiving the books. As an academic library, the main library on the College Avenue Campus at Rutgers known as the "Alexander Library" allows students to do their own research as a supplement to courses taken. With courses on various religions offered at Rutgers University, the Sikh religion or classes on "Sikhism" still have a long way to go before they are taught at Universities across the country.

Dr. Satbir Kaur, an active member of the Sikh community in New Jersey applauded the initiative and hopes this marks the beginning of a great partnership between UNITED SIKHS and the Rutgers University library in building a rich and diverse representation of the Sikh community in the library collection.

Rashmeen Kaur, of the Rutgers University Sikh Student Association commented on the project saying, " The placement of these books will help provide access to an accurate set of books on Sikhism and will help bring awareness among Sikh and non-Sikh students at Rutgers University. This endeavor is an initial step in incorporating Sikh literature and I hope that more such books will be added to the library collection."

This project would hopefully encourage other such steps to be taken at other Universities and academic libraries throughout the country.

Related:

Issued by:
Mankanwal Singh
UNITED SIKHS
National Director, Community Empowerment & Education (CEED)
Phone: 888-243-1690
Our Mission

To transform underprivileged and minority communities and individuals into informed and vibrant members of society through civic, educational and personal development programs, by fostering active participation in social and economic activity.

UNITED SIKHS is also an avenue for networking between like-minded organisations to establish and nurture meaningful projects and dialogues - whether social, cultural or political- to promote harmony, understanding and reciprocity in our villages, towns and cities.

UNITED SIKHS is a coalition of organisations and individuals, who share a common vision based on the belief that there is no greater endeavour than to serve, empower and uplift fellow beings. The core of our philosophy is an unwavering commitment to civic service and social progress on behalf of the common good.

Accordingly, UNITED SIKHS has sought to fulfil its mission not only by informing, educating and uplifting fellow beings but also by participating in cross-cultural and political exchanges to ensure that the promises and benefits of democracy are realized by all.

We at UNITED SIKHS believe that the development of enlightened and progressive societies can be made possible by socially conscious groups of people who make a commitment to develop and direct human potential. Our work, efforts and achievements stand as a testament to our faith in this vision.