Your Sikh Neighbors 2001 Sikh Communications Council Who

Who Are Sikhs? © 2001, Sikh Communications Council

Articles of Faith Kesh - uncut hair: Sikhs do not cut hair or beards to remain in the image that god gave us Kuchha – under-shorts (boxers) to represent modesty and fidelity Kanga - comb, made of wood - to keep uncut hair neat and clean Kara - bracelet, made of steel worn on right hand –a reminder of noble actions, a symbol of eternity Kirpan - ceremonial small blunt knife symbolizing freedom, liberty and justice © 2001, Sikh Communications Council

Sikh Turbans Mideast headcoverings different 99% of people with turbans in US are Sikhs, not Muslims or Hindus Covers long, uncut hair Approx. 15 feet of cloth wrapped neatly around the head every time it is put on Symbolizes discipline, integrity, humility, and spirituality Religious requirement - must be worn at all times in public © 2001, Sikh Communications Council

Importance of Identity Sikhs feel severely humiliated if asked to remove their turban in public, as this breaks a sacred covenant with god and exposes an intimate part of the body It is very insulting and disrespectful to a Sikh to remove his or her turban Turbans are a mandatory part of Sikh faith A turban is not a hat. It cannot be casually taken on and off. It must be carefully retied each time it is removed Treat the turban with respect © 2001, Sikh Communications Council

Historical Origins Sikhism CHINA IRAN • 22 million Sikhs worldwide • 20 million Sikhs

Guru Nanak • Founded Sikhism • Born in 1469 • 10 Gurus provided spiritual

Golden Temple, Amritsar Harmandir Sahib— 1588 Fifth Guru Sentiment of Sikhs Symbol of strength

Guru Gobind Singh • Father Martyred to protect the Hindus • Created the Sikh Nation: Khalsa – legion of the pure with Saint/Soldier qualities to protect anyone from oppression and injustice • Amrit - Sikh Baptism Ceremony in 1699 • Prescribed the 5 Articles of Faith • Declared Guru Granth Sahib as © 2001, Sikh Communications Council the eternal Guru and ultimate

Beliefs of the Sikhs One god/creator Ø All humans created equal Goal is to be one with god Human life a precious blessing All carry a spark of divine light: consequently no race, pigmentation, gender, is intrinsically superior to others Defenders of social and spiritual justice, Truth, fearless, non-hateful spirit are important in attaining salvation © 2001, Sikh Communications Council

Beliefs of the Sikhs Freedom of speech, religion Equal rights in all walks of life for all persons of all faiths and external looks Ø Note that many countries still ask require religion, race, or nationality on employment applications • Elsewhere, people discriminate based on looks Ø Compensation based on merit rather than outward differences Justice and liberty for all Origin of universe is from one light source Ø Life is by god’s evolution Ø There are many planets, solar systems and galaxies © 2001, Sikh Communications Council

Values & Practices Seva: Daily selfless service to humanity Vand Chakna: sharing with others Langar: Community Kitchen, Ø An expression of service to community Kirat Kamaiyee: Honest Labor Ø Honest earnings by hard work Ø Do not become burden on the society Daily Prayers & Meditation Ø No passive mediation • Maintain channel of knowledge by actively engaging in the society. • Prevent stagnation of social and intellectual skills Introspection connect now, don’t wait for later © 2001, Sikh Communications Council Bhai Kanyia pioneer of the Red Cross & humanitarian aide organizations

Respect for All Protectors of social and spiritual justice for ALL Believers of non-violence Equality of all religions Ø Give relevance to god rather than religion Ø Believers of interfaith diversity Equality of persons Ø Social, spiritual, political rights for all women © 2001, Sikh Communications Council

GURDWARA (Place of Worship) Guru Granth Sahib Nishan Sahib Architecture © 2001, Sikh Communications

Inside the Gurdwara All welcome Hymns Heads covered Shoes removed Sit on floor; meditate

Gurdwara Functions Education Ø Initially schools were started in Gurdwaras. Now Khalsa schools are held in Gurdwaras, where religion, language, history, art, and other subjects are taught Shelter for stomach, mind, and soul Ø Community kitchen: shelter from hunger Ø Tranquility: safe place to stay to travelers Ø Prayers, meditation, & introspection for soul Implementation of equality Ø 4 doors: one on each side • Open to all persons without from all directions, religions, • Even the holiest Sikh shrines are open to persons of all faiths © 2001, Sikh Communications Council

September 11, 2001 Sikhs grieve with America. Like many, Sikhs lost friends, loved ones and colleagues Sikhs unequivocally condemn the recent terrorist attacks Sikhs continue to donate blood, food, and money, and participate in memorial services At the WTC, Sikh doctors were first on the scene helping save lives © 2001, Sikh Communications Council

First to Help Dr. Navinderdeep Singh Nijher, a fourth year resident Set up the first triage center at ground zero, just in front of one of the collapsed towers. He also helped organize a makeshift morgue in the lobby of the American Express building. © 2001, Sikh Communications Council

An American Hero? Dr Nijher stayed until 2 a. m. , mostly treating injured firefighters who had been pulled from the rubble. From there, he went back to the hospital, slept for an hour, and reported for his regular shift at 6 a. m. © 2001, Sikh Communications Council

A Hero’s Welcome? "Every person was staring at me" "People were saying 'There goes

Mesa, Arizona Balbir S. Sodhi Former Bay Area Resident Small Businessman © 2001, Sikh

Why? "On Sept. 11, America was attacked from abroad, " said Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley "However, with the murder of Mr. Sodhi, we have now been attacked from within. " © 2001, Sikh Communications Council

Facts More than 200 Incidents against Sikhs alone have been reported since Sept 11 th Swaran Kaur Bhullar's car was idling at a red light when two men on a motorcycle pulled up beside her, yanked open her door and shouted, "This is what you get for what you've done to us!" And then, "I'm going to slash your throat!" She was stabbed in the head at least twice before the men, hearing a car approach, sped off. © 2001, Sikh Communications Council

Victims of Sept 11 Victims: Sikhs have been victims of a hate backlash and harassment because of their appearance Profiling: Sikhs have been victims of racial profiling at airports & on highways Discrimination: harassment, racial profiling and employment discrimination is making it much harder for Sikhs to wear turbans and other articles of faith - a basic constitutional right © 2001, Sikh Communications Council Mr. Balbir Sodhi was killed in Arizona

Why Are Sikhs Targets? HATE BLIND RAGE IGNORANCE MISCONCEPTIONS © 2001, Sikh Communications Council

Similarities? 19 Terrorists 0 with Turbans 0 with Beards 0 were Sikhs Where is

Similarities? Head Coverings? Compare the Turbans © 2001, Sikh Communications Council

Muslim Headcoverings Mideast headcoverings different Not a mandatory religious requirement Very rarely seen in the western hemisphere Viewed as passé by some Muslims © 2001, Sikh Communications Council