Connecting the New Generation with their Rich History and Roots

We organized the second edition of ‘Itihas Naal Galwakri’ (Embracing History) dedicated to the lives and sacrifice of the Sahibzadey as part of our ongoing Galwakri campaign. Hundreds of youngsters participated in the event at Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Model Gram in Ludhiana.

Children and their parents participated with enthusiasm in the Prashnotri (quiz) about the Sahibzadey and Sikh history on the occasion. More than 300,000 Prashnotri booklets (questionnaires) had been disseminated across Panjab in the past month. Prizes were given away to participants.

Enthusiasm amongst the participants was pervasive. Children and their parents echoed the excitement saying they were waiting for the event this year after the overwhelming response and success of its first edition last year. “Participating in this event is not so much about the exciting prizes children get, but about the love and acquaintance they develop for the unparalleled history of the Sikh faith and the values they imbibe,” said Inderjeet Kaur, a parent.

The program was as much about reigniting the love for Sikh history, as it was for Panjab and Panjabi language. Giani Kewal Singh, former Jathedar Takht Sri Damdama Sahib said that parents must make sure that children should not migrate from Panjab, but rather serve the soil with pride and honor.

A young participant writes her signature in Panjabi for the first time, as part of the ‘Signature in Panjabi’ campaign organized on the occasion. The need to take steps to invigorate Panjabi language was stressed by multiple speakers.

Gurvinder Singh, UNITED SIKHS International Humanitarian Aid Director present on the occasion asserted, “Everyone at UNITED SIKHS derives inspiration from unrivaled Sikh heritage. Such purposeful events like Galwakri can sow seeds to a great future and inspire youth for social activism, and selfless service to humanity. Drawing inspiration from these values and tenets of Sikhi, for nearly 25 years since the inception of UNITED SIKHS, we have dedicatedly been fighting and advocating for human rights and working tirelessly to uplift humanity in any manmade or natural disaster globally.”

11-year-old Manseerat Singh was excited to receive a brand-new bicycle after his brilliant speech on the ‘Importance of Satsangat in Sikhi’ and Gurbani recitation. He is amongst many such participants who won prizes.

Amritpal Singh, UNITED SIKHS Panjab Director stated, “This Galwakri campaign is aiding youth in having a deeper connection with our roots — Gurbani via our Ghar Ghar Nitnem Lehar, keertan, Gatka and Sikh traditions. We will continue to ensure that the youth are equipped with these values and incorporate the teachings from our illustrious past so they are ever ready. In fact, if anyone wants to organize such events in any district in Panjab or elsewhere, they can reach out to us.”

Jasleen Kaur

UNITED SIKHS

Recognize the Human Race as One