Community Voice
Friday, 09 December 2005
26th Maghar (Samvat 537 Nanakshahi)
SIKHS Host Multi-Faith Thanksgiving at NY Gurudwara
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New York, NY - A multi-faith Thanksgiving event was hosted by the Sikh Centre of New York Gurudwara Sahib in Flushing, NY, a fortnight ago. UNITED SIKHS, the sponsoring organization, with help from the Interfaith Center of New York, invited distinguished members of the Jewish; Hindu; Islamic; Buddhist and Sikh faiths who spoke on the role of giving thanks according to their faith and beliefs. Members from the New York Police Department (NYPD), and New York State Court System were also invited to speak about their role as protectors and servants of the community.
Singh Sahib Bhai Jaswant Singh, Head of Manji Sahib, Amritsar, welcomed the leaders and representatives of different faiths in the Gurudwara. He explained how the Sikh Holy Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, carried a universal message of love and humanity. “There are 36 contributors to the Sikh Scripture apart from six contributing Sikh Gurus. The Gurdwara is open for everyone to come and partake in Langar, (community kitchen),” he said.
Matt Weiner, Director of programming for the Interfaith Centre of New York, gave a brief introduction and explained the agenda and importance of the event. He also explained to the representatives of various faiths, the Sikh manner of sitting inside the Gurudwara in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh Scripture).
Rabinder Singh, UNITED SIKHS’ Multi-Faith Director in New York, explained the meaning of a verse from the Guru Granth Sahib which beautifully illustrated the essence of Thanksgiving:
“kaethiaa Dukh bhuk sadmaar, Eh bhi daat teri dataar”,
“God does everything and we have no controls. We are his children. It doesn’t matter what we believe in. We are all thankful to God for everything that he has blessed us with.”
Kuldip Singh, President of UNITED SIKHS, asked everyone to contemplate on the wars and natural calamities that have inflicted the world. He asked everyone to observe a silent prayer and quoted a prayer from the Guru Granth Sahib:
“juguth julundhaa rakh lai aapunee kirupaa dhaar”
“The world is going up in flames - shower it with Your Mercy, and save it!”
Jessie J Sligh, Executive Asst. District Attorney said that everyone had a responsibility to educate people of all ages about different religious beliefs. He continued “Not many people know about Sikhs. This forum is highly required and we must continue to organize such events.”
Orester Rodriguez, Supervisory Office of the self-representor in Queens’ Supreme Court said the presentations about the different religions had definitely educated him. He also extended his support to the people in Queens, New York when in need of any kind of legal advice.
Rabbi Craig Miller, from the New York Board of Rabbis of the Jewish faith, explained; “The Creator is the embodiment of Emet, the truth, which is similar to Sat Sri Akaal”. He explained the importance of faith-based philosophy and the need to inculcate among human beings, who have drifted away from this Universal Truth. He went on to say that: “Thankfulness is an attitude which needs to be building in us consistently.” He then ended his presentation with “Moda Ani”, meaning “I thank you.”
Sheikh Bashir, House of Peace, of the Islamic faith talked about the principles of Islam. He said, “Muslims celebrate Id-ul-Fitr at the end of Ramadan. Islam believes in feeding others, taking care of the needy and protecting people”. He suggested that more emphasis should be given on interfaith meetings and dialogues. He added “It’s been an opportunity to learn more about Sikh religion from the Sikhs in the Gurudwara.”
Alumohlu Iyenger of the Hindu temple society of North America, representing the Hindu faith, talked about the festival of Pongal: “The Pongal festival is an auspicious occasion and a symbol of thanksgiving in South India, where people sing in praise of mother earth. Kat and Mat emphasizes that the earth is shared by other life forms like animals, birds and trees.”
Judy Chan, from the American Buddhist Council, said that being aware of other religions and faiths is a tenet of Buddhism. She added; “we have learned to appreciate people around us, appreciate nature, flora and fauna. We have learned to appreciate what Buddha taught us and to liberate ourselves from sufferings. Being thankful is part of Buddhism”
Mohinder Singh, Chairman Board of Director of Sikh centre of New York, spoke on Sikhism and, in particular, on the Sikh articles of faith.
Sgt. Elizabeth Villafane extended her support on behalf of NYPD to help people of all faiths, in times of need. She explained the role of the police in New York, a city where 36% of the population have been born overseas, speaking over 120 languages according to the 2000 census. She also explained that there are efforts in place to communicate with people of different ethnicities and that the NYPD takes measures to treat a person with respect and humility regardless of their immigration status. She invited Sikhs to explain the importance of religious attire to police officers during a roll call.
Langar, the Sikh communal meal was served to everyone after the event
Issued by:
Kuldip Singh
Director
UNITED SIKHS
1-888-243-1690
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.