Press Release

Thursday, 28 July 2005 (13th Saawan 537 Nanaksahi)

Long Term Relief for Tsunami Survivors at Nicobar Islands—UNITED SIKHS launches Tailoring Center and Computer Center

Campbell Bay, Nicobar Islands, Indian Ocean—

"Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime"—Anonymous.

After providing short term relief by supplying food, medical aid and spiritual upliftment to the Tsunami survivors , UNITED SIKHS' Tsunami GHANAIA team, one of the first International NGOs to gain access to Campbell Bay, continues to help the survivors by providing them alternative livelihood skills and resources for their long term rehabilitation - long after most relief organizations have wound up and left the area as the disaster lost its limelight.

UNITED SIKHS Tsunami GHANAIA team leader for South India, Bhai Esher Singh, who has continued to encourage people through his personal touch and dedication since the disaster struck in Dec, 2004, has deployed resources to provide financial and spiritual upliftment to the Tsunami survivors of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

A Tailoring center and Computer Center was recently launched by UNITED SIKHS in Campbell Bay, A&N islands. Assistant Commissioner Amit Kumar (IAS), along with Sr. Engineer (PWD), Tahsildar and Lt. Col Army, were the chief guests of the function organized by the Sikh community.

The UNITED SIKHS Computer center is equipped with 10 Desktop computers, a printer, accessories, internet connection, two a/c, and furniture. A salaried staff of three people including an experienced computer instructor will run the classes. Two hundred students have enrolled at this institute.

"Students can visualize the world through the internet" said AC Amit Kumar during his inaugural speech at the UNITED SIKHS Computer Center.

Judge Singh Brar, a UNITED SIKHS GHANAIA Tsunami volunteer from California who has been at the forefront of this project, said "We will raise more funds to run the Computer Centre and provide better technology and training to students." He added that a plan of establishing a Satellite/Video conferencing centre is underway to provide people an advance communication channel with the rest of world.

The Campbell Bay Tailoring and Embroidery centre set up by UNITED SIKHS will provide vocational training to women in the area. "There are 30 students enrolled at this center," said Kuldeep Kaur, principal instructor for the vocational training center. The institute is equipped with 25 sewing machine workstations (machine, wheel and paddle set) and an electrical; embroidery machine. Tara Singh Toor, a local resident who has been appointed managing director of the center, said, "People will greatly benefit from this center."

On July 25th a distribution center was set up on the premises of Police Gurdwara at Port Blair to supply sewing machines to those individuals who have demonstrated the skills and need and had little or no other source of livelihood left.

"UNITED SIKHS has been in the forefront at extending a helping hand at all levels and we are truly touched by the thoughtfulness, hard work and care of the volunteers and the donors", said Jaspal Singh, Superintendent of Police, Port Blair.

UNITED SIKHS would like to thank the sangat (community) around the world for their donations and whose continued support will keep the long term support system going for the Tsunami survivors' economic and spiritual needs.

For more information on the GHANAIA tsunami project, e-mail us on: contact@unitedsikhs.org

Please donate, even if you cannot give a lot. Your contribution will help survivors directly. Donations in USA Qualify for 501 (c) (3) Tax Exemption.

To make a donation please visit: https://www.unitedsikhs.org/donate/

Issued by:
Kuldip Singh
Director
UNITED SIKHS

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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.