SDI Plans Participation in World’s Parliament of Religions
Sikh Dharma International (SD) is expecting to put forth a program proposal for the 2021 World’s Parliament of Religions, according to SDI COO MSS Kirtan Singh Khalsa. This is an opportunity for joining together with other religions to discuss important topics, including this year’s meeting theme: “Opening our Hearts to the World: Compassion in Action.” The event is scheduled for October 17-18 and will be held in a “virtual” venue in light of the ongoing health concerns.
Sikh Dharma Ministers have participated in past Parliaments and are encouraged to attend this year’s event, which is being held virtually for the first time. Recognized as “the birthplace of the modern interfaith movement,” the first Parliament held in 1893 made history with its groundbreaking interreligious dialogues among leaders of Eastern and Western religious traditions. The goal of fostering understanding, cooperation, and social harmony still resonates in 2021.
For more information and to register for the many events (with a discount for registration available until June 15), visit: https://parliamentofreligions.org/parliament/2021-virtual. Look for updates about our Sikh Dharma participation in this event in future Ministry newsletters, or visit www.sikhdharma.org to join the mailing list for weekly updates on SDI events and activities.
New Ministers Ordained in May
May was a busy month for the Office of the Secretary of Religion. We were blessed to perform the ordination ceremonies for two new Sikh Dharma International Minister candidates. Due to continuing efforts to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus, we held these ceremonies via Zoom with participants being able to join both virtually and in small groups as permitted by local health regulations.
Sardarni Sahiba Atma Chanan Kaur Khalsa (Espanola, NM)
On May 23, Atma Chanan Kaur took her Sikh Dharma Minister vows as her family members, friends, and sangat members participated via Zoom and in-person at the Hacienda de Guru Ram Das Ashram gurdwara. Secretary of Religion SS Dr. Sat Kaur Khalsa administered the vows and Minister oath via Zoom.
Atma Chanan Kaur also arranged for an Ardas and Hukam following the ceremony. Her family and friends joined from her home country of Argentina and from other places around the US and the world.
It was a joyful and uplifting ceremony as she felt the support of her loved ones and sangat members during her sacred vows.
Singh Sahib Rajveer Singh Khalsa (Singapore, Malaysia)
On May 30, Minister Candidate Rajveer Singh took his Sikh Dharma Minister ordination vows at a lovely home gurdwara in Espanola, NM. The Guru was attended by SS Sada Sat Simran Singh. Secretary of Religion SS Dr. Sat Kaur Khalsa administered the vows and Minister oath via Zoom.
A beautiful Prakash and Sukhasan ceremony were performed as well as Ardas and Hukam for the new Minister ceremony.
SS Rajveer Singh lives and teaches in Singapore with his wife, Gurujaswant Kaur, and their young son. He traveled recently to Espanola, NM to be with his wife and son visiting their family at the Espanola ashram community.
Also attending the ceremony to assist with photography, Zoom setup, and Ardas was SS Simran Singh Khalsa of Santa Fe, NM.
Blessings to our newly ordained Ministers.
Wahe Guru ji ka Khalsa! Wahe Guru ji ki Fateh!
SDI Raising Funds for Covid-19 Victims in India
From the Dharmic Office of Public Affairs (posted May 25, 2021)
With a population of over 1.3 billion people, India is experiencing the world’s worst outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. New cases surge past 400,000 per day, breaking the global records. On the ground, this means tragedy and hardship for the people in India. It is not uncommon for families to drive from clinic to clinic, frantically searching for available ICU beds. Hospitals have run out of basic medical supplies, with many patients dying due to oxygen shortages.
Sikhs in all corners are stepping up in service to humanity.
Sikh Dharma International, together with Raj Khalsa Gurdwara of Virginia and Miri Piri Academy of Amritsar, calls on people everywhere to join together in supplying medical support for India.
Funds collected through this fundraiser will be used for the purchase and import of oxygen concentrators, a machine that compresses medical-grade oxygen from ambient air. These oxygen concentrators will be distributed to the people of Amritsar through Miri Piri Academy and to the underprivileged Sikligar Sikhs of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh through A Little Happiness Foundation. The fundraising will also support the ongoing langar initiative at Miri Piri Academy, where food is packaged and delivered daily to local families in need.
Sikh Dharma’s goal is to raise $100,000, which will fund 40 oxygen concentrators and related supplies that will be staged at Miri Piri Academy in Amritsar. The oxygen concentrators will be managed and maintained by our local Miri Piri Academy staff in Amritsar, moving from one household to the next as required. “The need has never been greater to give,” said Kulbir Singh, son of Yogi Bhajan. “As we start to relax our personal pandemic awareness, remember that India is still in the worst phase of this tragic disease. Give a little, or give a lot, but give for the sake of all humanity.”
Will you join us? Click Here to Donate via GoFundMe