The Sikh Coalition Newsletter

Justice for All - The e-Newsletter
Poh 14, 534 NanakShahi
December 27, 2002
Volume 19

Healing Together- United Nations Interfaith Service with Kofi Annan

Harpreet Singh of The Sikh Coalition sang and explained the meaning of a Sikh prayer at a ceremony marking the opening of the 57th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 11, 2002. Other speakers included President of the General Assembly, Mr. Jan Kavan and Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan (pictured to the right).

Photograph © William Rivelli

Coalition Engages in Dialogue with NYPD on Sikh Concerns

Harpreet Singh, Director of Community Affairs for The Sikh Coalition, presented information on racial profiling of Sikhs, discussed the issues related to Sikhs and the kirpan, and highlighted the situation of Amric Singh, a Sikh denied the right to serve in the NYPD because of his turban.

Coalition Prays for Peace

(December 8, 2002) Over 1000 people attended an interfaith ceremony at Riverside Church in New York City to pray for a non violent resolution to the current crisis with Iraq. From the same podium used by Martin Luther King to oppose the war in Vietnam in 1967, the Sikh Coalition called on each of us to struggle for justice and pursue all possible peaceful means to ensure our freedom and justice.

Screening of New Book Highlights Asian Women's Issues

Coalition representatives attended a panel workshop discussing key issues affecting Asian women in America. Asian American Women: Issues, Concerns and Responsive Human and Civil Rights Advocacy written by Lora Jo Foo, and published by the Ford Foundation, highlights the struggles of Asian women across critical issues including domestic abuse, poverty, and civil rights. Ms. Foo and other panelists provided insight on these issues and possible means for combating them. The Asian American / Pacific Islanders In Philanthropy (AAPIP) hosted the event.

Download a Copy of the Book
Information on The Sikh Coalition's Women's Program

Seeking Equal Opportunity for Sikh Women in Panthic Seva

The Sikh Gurus unequivocally taught equality of women and men and put these tenets into practice by encouraging women to take leadership roles in all aspects of panthic life. However, today we have strayed from these teachings in many respects, and women are denied equal opportunity to perform seva at the Sikh capital in Amritsar, Darbar Sahib (also known as the Golden Temple).

Although a resolution was passed in 1966 by the Jathedars of four Takhats and the Shiromani Parbhandak Committee recognizing Sikh women’s equal right to perform Seva at Darbar Sahib, women are still not allowed to partake in early morning seva there, and no Sikh woman has yet been given the opportunity to perform kirtan at Darbar Sahib.

A petition has been started as an initial effort to reverse this situation. The petition states, “It is urgent and imperative that this denial of Seva to women be immediately rectified.” It calls for the enforcement of equal rights for women to participate in seva at Darbar Sahib and equal opportunity for women to be appointed as Granthis and leaders. These requirements are consistent with Sikhism and exemplify the teachings and practices of the Sikh Gurus.

The Sikh Coalition highly commends the efforts of the organizers of the petition. It is imperative that we show commitment to upholding the equality of women as a unified community. We therefore call upon all Sikhs to sign the petition.

To endorse the petition as an organization, or to find out how you can help, please email sevapetition@yahoo.ca.

More information on The Coalition’s Women’s Program
Further Reading on Darbar Sahib:The Golden Temple: Its Theo-political Status

Seattle Gurdwara Hosts Blood Drive and Sikh Youth Camp

The Sikh Volunteers of Washington will be hosting a Blood Drive at the Gurdwara Singh Sabha of Washington (5200 Talbot Rd S, Renton ,WA,98055) on December 29th, 2002 from 10:30 am to 2:30 p.m. Everyone is requested to donate blood for those in need.

A Sikh Youth Camp will be hosted at the Gurdwara on December 30th, 2002 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The camp is open to all Sikh youth and children from age 7 through 25. The focus of the camp will be the role of women in Sikh History and the need for sewa and activism in the Sikh youth.

For additional information or to volunteer please email sutinder@juno.com or call (425)-415-8420.

Student Announcements: Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities

Gates Millennium Scholarship
For high school seniors, Due February 1, 2003

The goal of the Gates Millennia Scholarship is to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for thousands of outstanding high school seniors with significant financial need, particularly those intending to study mathematics, science, engineering, education or library science, to reach their fullest potential. Students who will be entering a U.S. accredited college or university as full-time, degree-seeking freshmen in the academic year 2003-2004 are encouraged to apply provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

More information, including a complete list of the eligibility criteria

YouthActionNet provides small grants to youth leaders and their emerging projects that promote social change and connect youth with local communities. Youth-led projects supported by YouthActionNet will have clearly defined goals and have potential for growth or further replication. Award recipients will receive $500 and funds for a disposable camera to photo-document their project for an online photo gallery. Groups/organizations applying must be youth-led and have as part of their mission the goal of creating positive change in their community. In 2003, ten recipients will be selected in each of two rounds.

Details and application information