Nam is the most important principle and central point of reference in the Sikhi cosmos and still it remains an enigma among the Sikh masses, and probably the least understood as well. The presentation looks at the etymology of the word, its appearance, usage and meaning in Gurbani, along with the traces of its inspiration in the Sikh history and tradition that helped shape them. The presentation also looks at the relevance and meaning of Nam in today’s world.
The British transferred the power in 1947 and the Panjab was partitioned, and later truncated in India. Millions were butchered and displaced in the aftermath. Plundered and violated, the Panjab has been caught between the Indo-Pak politics ever since. The presentation revisits the partition through Toba Tek Singh, and asks who’s Panjab is it anyway and who owes reparations to it. It assesses the current state of Panth vis-à-vis SGPC, Akalis and the community, and contextualizes the current political struggle for rights with special reference to Bapu Surat Singh and Gurdarspur attack.
Sidak is a distinctive leadership development program offered by SikhRI for young adults and professionals seeking to increase their commitment towards the Sikh faith. It is a two-week intensive immersion in Sikh culture, language, values and community through understanding bani (scripture), tvarikh (history), and rahit (discipline).
A panel discussion presented by SikhRI.
The attack on the Darbar Sahib in the June of 1984 was a defining moment in contemporary Sikh history. The standard narrative promoted by the media and the Indian state in its White Paper on the attack have largely ignored the communal motivations of the state as they relate to its inextricable relationship to Hindutva. We will survey contemporary conflicts, in particular the desecration of the Babri Masjid in 1992 and Gujarat in 2002, to understand the significance of the state-sponsored terror in 1984.
What does being Sikh means in Punjab in ethical terms? If you happen to be an unwanted girl and then assert your choices to make Punjab an honorable space for humankind, what will patriarchy do to you? How will Sikh institutions respond to you who invoke sacrifices made to oppose injustice and intolerance? Let us discuss with reference of Inqlab Kaur who is in jail for a crime every Sikh is supposed to commit every moment.
A gurbani-based workshop that explores history and background of Asa Ki Var.
Arpinder Kaur, has put together a PowerPoint presentation which features Sikh history, Panjabi poetry, and emotional stories of the Sikh homeland. From the popular sites like Panja Sahib & Nankana Sahib, Waris Shah's tomb, Dargah of Bulle Shah & Pir Mian Mir, to place of Martydom of Akali Phula Singh and countless mothers from torture chambers of Zakhira Khan, the presentation captures not only the history but also integrates the Sikh teachings to both the young and the old.
In ways both open and insightful, the discussion will centre around diversity within the Sikh community. Shattering normative ideas of the ideal Sikh, this event will feature conversations between Sikhs of the Irish-American, Black-American and Punjabi-American communities.
A journey across West Panjab, North-West Frontier and Pakistan Administered Kashmir, delving into the vestiges of a community compelled to move eastwards owing to the partition of the Indian sub-continent.
Jasmine Kaur of SikhRI will be holding a workshop for youth between the ages of 5-14. She will also be talking about Sikhi and What it Means to be a Sikh.
Arpinder Kaur, has put together a PowerPoint presentation which features Sikh history, Panjabi poetry, and emotional stories of the Sikh homeland.
Join us for dialogue and exploration of current struggles Sikhs face in regards to equality and justice. What can we do to face this?
Do you have questions about marriage? How do you know s/he is the one? How do you bridge the gap in expectations between yourself, family, and society. How do you balance professional & family life and yet still be relevant to the world without going insane? Most people don't reflect enough on the significance of this life changing decision. Come participate in an open, nonjudgmental discussion among your peers which will be preceded by a presentation. Must be at least 18 years old to attend and unmarried.
Join us for dialogue and exploration of the Sikh Revolution. Come and discuss the Sarbat Khalsa; its design and framework, plus looking at its relevancy today with current events.
The Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) has released its ninth research report in the State of the Panth series titled Women & Gender in Sikhi, which aims to understand and explore Sikh conceptions of women and gender, responses to gender-based inequality and oppression, and framings of masculinity.
We will reflect on the enduring effects of Partition through a conversation with third-generation Partition descendants from India and Pakistan, who are also oral historians doing the work of memory.
Several new South Asian nation-states were born as the British Raj ended in 1947. The Panjab of the Indus Valley civilization (3300-1300 BCE) and the Sikh Rulers (1710-1849) was annexed by the British in 1849 and partitioned by their Radcliffe line in 1947. Akalis have been representing the Sikh political consciousness since 1920.
This Sidak event provides participants aged 18-39 a 2.5-hour glimpse into the 2-week Sidak summer leadership program. Prospective Sidakers will get a chance to preview learning and sharing via the curated content and the inspired facilitators.
We will discuss Panthic leadership through Sikhi ideals and historical models. We will also explore the current deficits in leadership and their code of conduct.
Love is understood as an intense feeling or emotion of deep affection, attachment, commitment, and sacrifice.
Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) has released its eighth report in the State of the Panth series titled Dan: Sikhi & Giving, exploring what it means to give in a Sikh context, how giving is understood throughout Sikh history, and how it is understood by Sikhs today.
There is a deeply profound sentiment tied to martyrdom in Sikhi as well as in many other faiths groups. Throughout the ages, we have seen challenging circumstances of oppression that have chosen to desecrate the bodies of those who address it.
What is the language of violence? How do we find language for translating the unspeakable? Who speaks for those who suffer violence?