The Sikh Dharma Ministry Newsletter debuted in July 2001 as a vehicle for enhancing Minister communication and as a source of information about and for Sikh Dharma Ministers. Secretary of Religion SS Dr. Sat Kaur Khalsa noted in 2001 that “the success of this newsletter will depend on the contributions and participation of our Sikh Dharma Ministers.” So far, it has been a great success as it builds a legacy of articles on a wide range of topics.
Over the years, our newsletter has explored many powerful and challenging topics to provoke and inspire, challenge, and uplift. Our Ministers have contributed their thoughts and words to reach out to fellow Ministers and our global sangat.
We are in the process of posting our archival newsletters since 2001…so please visit often to read new (and old) issues of timeless wisdom. Please contact us if you would like to contribute to future newsletters at [email protected].
The Newsletter Team
Meet the Sikh Dharma Ministry Newsletter Team, who manage the editorial tasks of bringing this powerful vehicle to our Ministry. We are grateful for the inspiring contributions of all the Sikh Dharma Ministers who have written and shared over the years in our newsletter.
Newsletter Editor—Guruamrit Kaur Khalsa
Guruamrit Kaur is currently the Executive Assistant to the Office of the Secretary of Religion. In addition, she serves as a Marketing and Global Leadership Assistant with Sikh Dharma International, with a focus on content creation, digital marketing and social media. Previously, she worked at the U.S. Department of State in the Office of India Affairs (2016-2018). She obtained her undergraduate degree in Journalism from Ohio University (2011), and her master’s degree in International Affairs from American University (2014). She completed a fellowship with Interfaith Youth Core (2010) and served as an organizer for the Reimagining Interfaith conference in Washington D.C. in 2018. She attended Miri Piri Academy for three years (Grades 6 – 9).
Articles Editor—SS Sangeet Kaur Khalsa
I have been on the newsletter team since September of 2002. Why? Dr. Sat Kaur asked me and, frankly, I have a difficult time saying “no.” Throughout the years of learning about my Self, I’ve come to appreciate that quality more than criticize it. Stepping out beyond my comfort zone always has its rewards—in this case most definitely. My duties as part of the newsletter team are: attending the bridgeline meetings, where we plan the yearly theme and the topics for the quarterly newsletters; giving suggestions regarding prospective authors; typing up the bridgeline minutes; corresponding with the authors; keeping them on track with deadlines; proofreading and editing Dr. Sat Kaur’s column and Minister articles. (I acquired a “healthy” obsession with correct grammar and spelling from years of good Canadian schooling!)
Invariably, when I invite people to contribute an article to our newsletter they are humbly happy to be asked—and the articles are as varied as we are as individuals. So many times my perspective has broadened and my heart has opened when I have talked to or read articles from our worldwide family. We are an infinite variety of limbs from the one majestic Khalsa tree.
Now, from the lofty to the mundane. I do have one “issue.” I really hate nagging people to get their articles in on time. This probably has to do with having had a nagging Jewish mother. So, if you are invited to write an article in the future, please don’t make me nag you!
Secretary of Religion—SS Dr. Sat Kaur Khalsa
As Secretary of Religion, I spearhead this newsletter planning team. I facilitate our meetings, write the Secretary of Religion column and do my best to stay on top of our deadlines and publishing dates. Yes, it is a tremendous amount of work to publish the newsletter quarterly, and I believe it is worth it.
We have a diverse, rich resource of people that make up our Sikh Dharma Ministry. It’s time that we learn more about each other, about what other Ministers are doing, and about how they are doing it. Hopefully the information in our newsletter will help to inspire all of us.
It is my hope that you enjoy the newsletter and benefit from it. May God ever bless you.
Assistant Secretary of Religion—SS Dr. Shanti Shanti Kaur Khalsa
In my work, I have the opportunity to travel to countries where we have Sikh Dharma Ministers. I have experienced first-hand how Ministers serve their sangats and communities in unique and often unheralded ways.
We are a global Ministry and how a Minister serves in one community is often informative to another Minister half a world away. The Sikh Dharma Ministry Newsletter provides an engaging way for us to learn about—and from—each other in a manner that time and distance do not often allow.
It is my privilege to participate with our newsletter team as we develop the theme and content of each issue and invite Sikh Dharma Ministers to write articles that awaken, inform and inspire.
