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EVENT REPORT
by Kanwal Prakash "KP" Singh

The Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis in the 2005 Spirit & Place Festival
and major Interfaith events in Central Indiana

Here is a brief event report of the involvement and participation by the Sikh community and The Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis in the 2005 Spirit & Place Festival and major Interfaith events in Central Indiana recently. Photographs courtesy of Harpreet Sandhu, President, The Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis.

SIKH COMMUNITY ACTIVELY INTERFACING WITH OTHER FAITHS

The Sikh community under the leadership of Harpreet Sandhu (President, The Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis), Maninder Walia (Trustee, The Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis),
and Giani Pritam Singh (Spiritual leader, The Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis) participated in several exciting interfaith, multicultural, and community events in November.......Continue below



Kanwal Prakash "KP" Singh



Mr Bhola & Walia





Maninder and Guests

On November 12, The Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis hosted a creative and educational program, "At Home through Learning and Sharing," as a part of the annual Spirit & Place Festival, at the Gurdwara Sahib (The Sikh Temple) located at 10950 Southeastern Avenue in Indianapolis. Acton United Methodist Church (AUMC) located near the Sikh Temple was our wonderful program partner this year. It was a special joy to work with the AUMC coordinator, Rev. Anne Meyer and participating Church members. Sonia Gill served as the Mistress of Ceremony and entire Satsang supported the program with their many talents and enthusiastic spirit.

Indianapolis Spirit & Place Festival is one of the largest Festivals of this kind in the nation, and through carefully selected and approved nearly 100 programs encourages and inspires "a civic collaboration of the arts, humanities, and religion."

The rich and colorful program elements reflected the Tenth Anniversary 2005 Festival theme of "Moving & Staying." The composite celebration by the Sikh community and Methodist Congregation included sacred Sikh hymn, "Chatur Disha Kino Balu Apna" by Giani Pritam Singh with Gurjit Singh on the Tabla, special prayers by Rev. Anne Meyer and Rev. Cummings. There was presentation of the DVD "The Sikh Next Door" produced by Tami Yeager, followed by a Panel Discussion by the youth, supported by adults. Other highlights included the vigorous and colorful Punjabi folkdance, Bhangra, by the Sikh Americans and AUMC youth; songs by AUMC choir, Turban-Tying and Mehndi-Painting demonstration; and the sharing of Hoosier foods and North Indian lunch which provided further opportunity to learn, for fellowship, making new friends, and expand the spirit of "being at home" with fellow Hoosiers and all Americans.

SIKHS AT THE ANNUAL INTERFAITH PEACE-PRAYER SERVICE

Under the leadership of Giani Pritam Singh, the Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis participated in the 14th Annual Interfaith Peace Prayer Service at the Carmelite Monastery in Indianapolis. Besides the Sikh, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Jain, Catholic, Baptist, American Indian, Buddhist (Taiwanese) faith traditions were represented. Marian College Chamber ensamble provided excellent renditions of Let it begin with me" and "God Bless America." The moving candlelight service emphasized and beautifully demonstrated "Staying at the Heart of Belief, Moving Toward One Another in Openness." As a part of the Peace-Prayer Service, KP Singh, architectural artist, author, and Satsang volunteer, offered "A Special Prayer for Victims of Recent Disasters" (attached).

UNITY AS A MAJOR FOCUS AT INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE

The Catholic, Methodist, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist (Tibetan), Sikh religious tradition and representatives participated in the Sixth Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving service at the SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis. The International Children's Choir provided the beautiful music and renditions of "God Bless America" that reverberated throughout the magnificent sacred space of the Cathedral Sanctuary. A special effort was made by the Program Planning Committee to make the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service truly interactive and highlight a spirit of unity amidst the diverse and unique faith traditions that enrich the spiritual landscape of Central Indiana. To this end, following the Service all attending guests (nearly 600) were invited for a brief reception in the Rectory for refreshments brought by various faith groups and to have the opportunity for fellowship.

Besides Giani Pritam Singh, Maninder Walia, Gurjit Singh, Nachhatar Singh, Sukhjinder Singh, Narvinder Singh, and KP Singh participated in the Sikh presentation at the Service.

For additional information:
Harpreet Sandhu - email: hdsandhu@sbcglobal.net
Maninder Walia - email: CMLighthouse@aol.com
Event Report prepared by KP Singh for The Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis, Indiana USA

 


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