LIFE
(Dec 31 - Part 1)
By Navneet Singh, Volunteer and Team Leader for UNITED SIKHS
I spent all night yesterday, and all of today morning thinking about the Tsunami Disaster in Asia. With pictures of the wrath shown on CNN over and over again, with panic of another Tsunami coming and people running for their lives, my eyes became red and my heart skipped a beat. I couldn't think or feel anything for 60 seconds. Approx 120,000 people dead, with one third of them children, all gone in one day, just like that. It reminded me of the delicate times we are facing in today's world all around us but this was something really not imaginable.
With nothing else on my mind, I closed my eyes and did Ardaas and loudly the only words that came out from my lips were "Nanak Naam Chardi Kala, Tere Bhane Sarbat Da Bhala" and then I felt a drop fell on my hands.
From what I have learnt about who we are, I today realize that this is exactly what being a Sikh is all about, understanding humanity as equal and helping those in need, regardless of where they and whatever path of life they may follow. In this tradition of spirit, I feel this is the time and now is the moment, that we all need to open our minds to the tragedy that has left millions in pain.
I strongly believe that there are wonderful and amazing people in this world and I know I have met many in friends like you and our Atlanta community. I know there will be many of you who would want to help. I highly encourage all of the others to open up your hearts and wallets and take some part of you earnings to give and help the needy. It doesnt' matter if its $1000 dollars or $10, the point is the willingness to open up and help. I can't imagine anyone not feeling the pains that people who survived this disaster are going through. None of us is going to take away a dime when our work is done on earth, this is the time when we all need to give.
Besides my financial contributions, I have decided to help by centrally being involved with the project. There are many wonderful organizations out there who have organized charity drives to collect money, I have joined hands with UNITED SIKHS, GHANAIA project. (http://www.unitedsikhs.org) If any of you want to help financially or want to be involved, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I assure you, any and all of your contributions will be put to right use and cause.
Religion should not come in the way of humanity, it's time to play our role of human beings. Someone out there needs your help and financial support, let's not disappoint and walk away from this tragedy, let's not ignore this message.
This is a personal message to all, whom I consider a friend and my own sangat. Together let's make this LIFE worthwhile.
I see none as great as You, O Great Giver; You give in charity to the beings of all the continents, worlds, solar systems, nether regions and universes.
- Guru Amar Das
With Prayers on my lips and Lord's Grace,
- Navneet Singh
