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What a Lovely Heritage
The
Conference with its timely theme of “Taking Heritage into the 21st
Century” accomplished much beyond merely a celebration of Sikh
traditions
Kanwal Prakash
Singh
 WASHINGTON:
The two-day National Sikh Conference (June 18-19, 2009), sponsored
by The Kaur Foundation of Washington, D.C. in collaboration with The
U.S. Library of Congress Asian Division and The Asian Division
Friends Society was a shining example of the Sikh American community
coming of age. Many came away with the distinct feeling of
appreciation and confidence that the Sikhs in diaspora are at an
unimagined and exciting new crossroads. The historic event took
place at the magnificent and ornate Jefferson Building and James
Madison Memorial Building near the U.S. Capitol.
The Conference
with its timely theme of “Taking Heritage into the 21st Century”
accomplished much beyond a “Celebration of Sikh Traditions,
Heritage, and Arts.” It included the Sikh Collection Initiative: a
permanent installation of over 87 books on Sikh history, literature
and the arts, scriptures and classics in English and Punjabi in the
Library of Congress.
 The
powerful presentations and panel discussions inspired new
imaginative and creative thoughts as to how we can preserve and
present the Sikh heritage to America and the world; secure a
rightful place and advance our talents, dreams, and legitimate
concerns as Americans; and develop networking and collaborations for
our shared interests. Successful men and women of exemplary
discipline and passion, contributing and excelling in various fields
and international endeavors who are serving humanity in unique and
significant ways were introduced in panel discussions.
A sumptuous
Indian Dinner surrounded by an exhibit of Sikh pioneers and iconic
figures in the richly-embellished halls of the historic
Thomas
Jefferson
Building
was a delicious touch.
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There were reminders of respectful conduct towards all fellow
Americans; our individual and collective responsibility and
moral accountability to the Republic; a sense of shared humanity
and intertwined destiny as one nation as enshrined and anchored
in the emblazened American Motto: “Out of many one.” |
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Among those who
addressed were Honorable Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland); Honorable
Senator Richard Lugar (R-Indiana); Honorable Congressman Mike Honda
(D-California) and Honorable Congressman Chris Van Hollen
(D-Maryland). Special messages for the occasion were received from
James Billington, The Librarian of Congress; Peter Young, Chief,
Asian Division and Mr. Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor, District of Columbia.
The “Sikh
Heritage Week Recognition Resolution of 2009” by the Council of
District of Columbia, biographies of the honored guests, major
participants and presenters, list of sponsors, and other details of
the National Sikh Conference adorned the pages of an exquisitely
printed Program.
Among those who
attended were Navtej Sarna, India’s Ambassador to Israel; Kojo
Nnamdi, radio personality and commentator; Dr. Paul Taylor,
Smithsonian Institution, organizer of The Sikh Heritage Gallery at
the Museum of Natural History; Pushpinder Singh, Executive Editor,
The Nishaan Magazine; Dr. Kenneth Robbins, Board of Directors, Asian
Division Friends Society; Ms. Arpana Kaur, internationally renowned
artist, author and activist; The Singh Twins - Amrit & Rabindra,
artists of international standing, authors and filmmakers;
celebrated authors Patwant Singh and Jyoti Rai,; F.S. Aijazuddin,
author of Sikh Portraits in the Lahore Fort and Sikh & Pahari
Miniature Paintings, Principal Aitchison College Lahore; Ms. Susan
Stronge, author, senior Curator V&A Museum; Christy Campbell, author
and journalist; Jagdeep Singh, CEO Infinera; Daya Singh, CEO Akal
Security; Dr. Kanwarjit Singh, Gates Foundation; Ranjit Singh,
Deloitte; Dr. Gurinder Singh Mann, Chair Sikh Studies, University of
California(SB); author Ajeet Cour; Sonny Caberwal, model,
entrepreneur and attorney; Ms. Arpinder Kaur, airline pilot,
American Airline Eagle; Ms. Valerie Kaur, writer, film maker;
Architect Jasmit Singh Rangr; Bicky Singh, CEO FCSI and founder of
Sikhpoint; and other dignitaries, friends and supporters of the The
Kaur Foundation engaged in various disciplines and fields from
around the USA and abroad attended the National Sikh Conference.
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Sikhs must recognize the new frontiers of time, technology,
events, and global interdependence. Sikhs should, in the spirit
of gratitude, inspired by faith Commandments and lessons from a
proud history, fairly and fiercely compete and excel in the
unimagined “Hola Mohallas” of our times; make our Gurus and
others who provide new opportunities, proud of our time and
place in this journey. |
Internationally-renowned and celebrated Sikh artists: Arpana Kaur
and the Singh twins, Rabindra and Amrit led us through the creative
processes in their paintings that capture people, events, and
iconic images in their unique styles. The Singh Twins’ work
reflects pride in heritage, the Indian and Sikh identity, universal
outlook of Sikhism, and they focus on cultural identity that unites,
not divides. In their choice of images and details, they get
intimately and intricately involved with the world around them.
Arpana Kaur’s artwork is inspired by the Indian miniatures, folkart,
murals, wall paintings; her artwork and inspirations are anchored in
her Sikh faith. Arpana Kaur‘s series of paintings, inspired by her
being an eyewitness, on the genocide of innocent Sikhs in New Delhi
in November 1984 was especially moving and brought home the
inhumanity and horrific events of the time. The Singh twins’
artworks inspired by Moghul-miniature style of paintings reveal
their creative genius and interpretive skills in colorful
presentation full of pleasant surprises, and elements of Indian
motif and their cultural roots. Their masterpiece on the Indian
army’s assault at The Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of Sikh
faith, in June 1984 that was featured in “The Sikh Heritage Gallery:
The Legacy of the Punjab” at The Smithsonian, leaves you with a
lasting sense of anguish and prayer that such sad events must never
intrude the human spirit.
There were
reminders of respectful conduct towards all fellow Americans; our
individual and collective responsibility and moral accountability to
the Republic; a sense of shared humanity and intertwined destiny as
one nation as enshrined and anchored in the emblazened American
Motto: “Out of many one.”
Valarie Kaur, a
third generation Sikh American, a writer and filmmaker who created
the documentary, “Divided We Fall,” reminded the audience to
maintaining Sikh identity, image of pride; learning from the Jewish
community; seeing our endeavors as seva: film making, story-telling,
fighting stereotypes, overcoming generational divides, breaking the
glass ceiling, glass walls…Give us the trust and we will fly.”
Valarie added, “Fearlessness, the Sikh traditions of saint and
soldier, stories of faith, culture, and community; our ancestors and
pioneers need to be told.”
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The Council of the District of Columbia passed a special
resolution declaring June 15-21, 2009 as Sikh Heritage Week in
the District that includes the national capital, Washington,
D.C. |
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The hard work of
Mirin Kaur and Inni Kaur with their scores of friends, benefactors,
and volunteers produced an exciting, informative, inspiring, and
memorable National Sikh Conference. They deserve our deep gratitude
and congratulations. Participants from many countries,
distinguished guests, brilliant scholars, and especially the staff
and leadership of the US Library of Congress immeasurably
contributed to the success of this landmark event. Ideas for future
collaborations inspired many.
Our history and
heritage: the arts, architectural landmarks, priceless cultural and
spiritual legacy are important elements of our humanity. They offer
reflections of the human soul, creativity, and imagination. The
cultural and literary treasures, rare artifacts, surviving priceless
records and heritage are our connection to the generations past and
highlight significant markers of the human journey and creativity of
a community through the ages. The artifacts of the Sikh heritage
take on additional importance and an aura of "sanctity" when they
are associated with persons, events, and innovations that
transformed human history and our civilization. This heritage is
not just brick, mortar, papers and texts; it enshrines the
inspiration, wisdom, energy, and foundations of who Sikhs are and
where faith-inspired greatness may lead the Sikhs.
 One
of the primary goals must be to inspire pride within the Sikh
American community. Sikhs must interface and enter in faith with
other faith and ethnic communities; build partnerships and network
with local organizations and national institutions and engage the
leadership at the highest level about our legitimate concerns.
Sikhs must support and showcase talents, encourage the best and
brightest who bring honor to the immigrant communities and the
nation.
Sikhs must
recognize the new frontiers of time, technology, events, and global
interdependence. Sikhs should, in the spirit of gratitude, inspired
by faith Commandments and lessons from a proud history, fairly and
fiercely compete and excel in the unimagined “Hola Mohallas” of our
times; make our Gurus and others who provide new opportunities,
proud of our time and place in this journey.
To secure a
rightful place for our sacred rights and culture, Sikhs must embrace
American values, enrich the culture and spirit in imaginative ways,
and continue to affirm that Sikhs are proud of such involvements in
the lands that are their new homes. While preserving and honoring
our sacred traditions and values, Sikhs must exhibit openness to
growth, step out of the ethnic and cultural box into the sunshine of
“One Nation under God, Indivisible with
Liberty
and Justice for all.”
 The
Sikh Collection Initiative and Conference at the Library of Congress
and the prospect of more future collaborations at the Library and
elsewhere was a landmark moment for the Sikh American community. In
time, this can and should lead to myriad possibilities for
incorporating outstanding achievements and Sikh culture as an
integral part of American heritage. Mirin Kaur, Inni Kaur, Peter
Young, Pushpinder Singh, Senators Lugar and Cardin, Congressmen
Honda and Van Hollen, Dr. Paul Taylor, Bicky Singh, Valarie Kaur,
the Singh twins, Sikh CEOs, educators, pioneer trailblazers,
community activists and others have shown the way, and now it is up
to Sikhs and friends to take the message and inspiration to new
levels.
A reception at
the Indian Embassy in Washington and warm welcome by the Indian
Ambassador, H.E. Meera Shanker was a fitting close to the 2009
National Sikh Conference.
1
July 2009
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