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.
Join panelists Dr. Anokh Singh, Dr. Bavenjit Kaur, and clinical counselor Palwinder Kaur Gill, who will draw on their personal and professional experience to engage in conversation: What problems with alcohol look like in Sikh communities; why they occur; common challenges folks face when engaging with the healthcare system, and how we can harness hope, empathy, and Sikhi when we are struggling.
The world knows a Guru to be an influential teacher, spiritual master, or popular expert. The Sikh world refers to ten founder personalities as well as the Guru Granth and the Khalsa Panth as the Guru. Guru Nanak Sahib considered “Sabad” to be the Guru. This conversation will dive deep into the Sikh context of what Guru is, “Gurgaddi” as the enthronement to the status of the Guru in Sikh tradition, and how the eternal co-Guruship came about by the Command of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib to Granth-Panth. Within a month of this conversation are the first Prakash of Guru Granth Sahib and its Gurgaddi, Gurgaddi Purabs of Guru Nanaks II, IV, V & VIII.
Join us in a conversation with Dr. Shimi Kaur Kang and Dr. Jasjeet Kaur to learn how to treat screens like food: consume healthy tech, limit junk tech, and eliminate toxins.
This Sidak course provides participants aged 18-40 a 2.5 hour per day learnings for 5 days. Each day will consist of a Hukam reflection, an interactive themed activity, and a learning session. The course will delve into the Bani of Guru Nanak Sahib “Sidh Gosti: Learning through Dialogue.” It will provide participants with an opportunity to enhance their personal relationship with IkOankar, engage in critical conversations about issues affecting Sikh families and the Panth, and develop opinions on non-Sikh issues that are supported by a Gurmat framework. The participants will develop a deeper understanding of the theme and tangible applications of the learnings.
Join us in conversation with Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur as we try to understand Miri-Piri from a Gurmat (Guru’s Way) perspective, as inferred from Bani (wisdom), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle).
Fathers sometimes underestimate their role. Loving, actively involved fathers contribute to their children’s well-being and development, strengthening their self‑esteem. What's different about being a Sikh father? Being born and raised in Sikh households may cause fathers to relook at their own childhood experiences and seek guidance. What worked well for their fathers 20 or 30 years ago may not work with the kinds of challenges fathers face today. Join us for this candid conversation with our panelists, who will share their thoughts on whether they are inspired or perhaps intimidated by the strong father figures in our history? And whether fatherhood has changed their Sikhi?
Join the Sidak team as they share the meaning, role, and importance of Guru in Sikhi.
Sikhs are a global community with a growing presence in the United States. To create influence, do we understand how US foreign policy is developed and implemented? What is the Biden administration’s approach to its foreign policy as it may affect the Sikhs? 80% of the Sikhs live in India, primarily in the Panjab state. What are the expectations of the US-India relationship in the next few years in reference to democracy and human rights in the context of bilateral relations? The conversation will touch upon lessons and guidance to the Sikh community on how to pursue advocacy, long-term strategies, and building coalitions via both positive and not so positive case studies from the Afhgan-Sikh crisis to the Farmers movement.
Bhai Mani Singh and Baba Dip Singh were leaders, scholars, and warriors. They played significant leadership roles in the community post-Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, keeping the Panth united under challenging circumstances. They were master scholars, some of the greatest in Sikh history, and created a scholarly tradition that still resonates in the community to this day. They were great warriors, fully living up to Guru Gobind Singh Sahib’s standard of the Warrior-Saint. And both sacrificed themselves for the Panth, becoming martyrs whose Shahidi has inspired generations of Sikhs. Join us as we explore the lives and legacy of these two preeminent Khalsa Scholar-Martyrs.