CELEBRATION OF SIKH
HERITAGE AT THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Washington, D.C. June 18-19, 2009
Kanwal Prakash Singh
Indianapolis, Indiana USA
The two-day National Sikh Conference, 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.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CONFERENCE: The Sessions,
National Anthem, Dinner Reception
Portraits of Courage; Achievements of Extraordinary Sikh Women
in Art; an incredible rendition of the American National Anthem
by Ms. Soni Sarin, accompanied by Bishen Singh on the Tabla and
Marija Temo on the Dilruba; A Journey: Photography Exhibit; The
Court of Lahore, Maharaja Ranjit Singh; Sikh Royal Artifacts and
the V&A Museum Collection; The Last Maharaja, Life & Times
of Duleep Singh; Scaling New Heights: The Role and Contributions
of Sikh American CEOs & Industry Leaders; The Importance of
Establishing Sikh Chairs in Universities; Enriching the Fabric
of American Society since 1899… a vision of tomorrow. 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.
ADDRESSES BY SEVERAL MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND OTHER DIGNITARIES
Honorable Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland); Honorable Senator
Richard Lugar (R-Indiana); Honorable Congressman Mike Honda (D-California);
Honorable Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) addressed
the Conference. Special messages for the occasion from Mr. James
Billington, The Librarian of Congress; Mr. Peter Young, Chief,
Asian Division; 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.
ATTENDING AND PARTICIPATING IN THE CONFERENCE
H.E. Navtej Sarna, India’s Ambassador to Israel; Mr. Kojo
Nnamdi, radio personality and commentator; Dr. Paul Taylor, Smithsonian
Institution, organizer of The Sikh Heritage Gallery at the Museum
of Natural History; Mr. 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, Mr. Patwant Singh and Ms. Jyoti Rai, authors: Empire
of the Sikhs; Mr. 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; Mr. Christy Campbell, author and journalist; Mr.
Jagdeep Singh, CEO Infinera; Mr. Daya Singh, CEO Akal Security;
Dr. Kanwarjit Singh, Gates Foundation; Mr. Ranjit Singh, Deloitte;
Dr. Gurinder Singh Mann, Chair Sikh Studies, University of California(SB);
Padam Shri recipient and author Ajeet Cour; Mr. Sonny Caberwal,
model, entrepreneur and attorney; Ms. Arpinder Kaur, airline pilot,
American Airline Eagle; Ms. Valerie Kaur, writer, film maker;
Architect Jasmit Singh Rangr; Mr. 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.
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.
THE KAUR FOUNDATION OF WASHINGTON, D.C. DEFINES ITS MISSSION
“To facilitate the creation of inclusive environments and
to empower coming generations of Sikh Americans; believing that
cultural acceptance is fundamental to developing an integrated
Society.” The Kaur Foundation led by Ms. Mirin Kaur Phool
and Ms. Inni Kaur Dhingra, a dedicated Board and an army of volunteers
have often presented platforms for ideas and achievers that are
inspirational, professional, informative, and instructive in advancing
the cause and concern of Sikh Americans. The multi-generational
gathering of over 300 community leaders, pioneers, and interested
individuals actively participated in discussions and made their
contribution to the letter and spirit of the Conference. Outstanding
achievements and awaiting brilliant promise, glorious heritage
and painful testimonies of Sikh history, heritage, and outstanding
leaders were proudly recounted. There was a recurring message
of networking and mainstreaming our energy, strengths, and experiences;
preserving, celebrating and interfacing our beautiful culture,
heritage, and spirit into the tapestries and traditions of the
lands and communities where we live. A unifying message kept reverberating:
that it is important to build, span, and reinforce bridges of
friendships that enhance our collective peace and prosperity;
dispel unfounded stereotype about religiously-mandated Sikh identity
and sacred articles of faith that are leading to workplace harassment
and incidents of unprovoked violence. Discover new ways that offer
a promising framework for our common hopes, wings to our shared
destiny as Americans, as members of One Human Race and Family.
The Kaur Foundation’s motto and commitment: “Being
the change…Building our legacy with measured steps”
was at-work.
MESSAGES, INSPIRATIONS, AND IMAGES
The Conference was a classroom of culture, a forum to elaborate
on Sikh history and heritage, an introduction of achievers and
entrepreneurs and their outstanding successes in many fields of
human endeavors; it was a place to listen to distinguished leaders
and their experiences and assurances and to take home some lasting
memories of past glory and future challenges. There was time for
networking, interludes of films, music and dance, and a delicious
Punjabi feast in the exquisite setting of the beautiful Atrium
of the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress.
Here are a few details from the National Sikh Conference, “Taking
Heritage into the 21st Century.” The following words and
images from the multi-faceted presentations and testimonials have
left a lasting echo and inspirations for us to reflect upon and
creatively engage as we return to our communities and advance
the message and substance of the Conference:
IMPORTANT INITIATIVE WITH GREAT PROMISE
“Sikh Collection Initiative: our aim is to introduce this
project through a presentation of lectures, manuscripts, books
and art; all very valuable materials in studying and understand
historical events, periods, and movements of any community.”
- The Kaur Foundation
“Sikh-Americans have significantly contributed to every
field of human endeavor, from technology, commerce, health, science,
agriculture, to the arts, further enriching the cultural fabric
of this land of immigrants.” - Mirin Kaur, Founder and President
Kaur Foundation
“Partnering with this oldest Federal, cultural institution
in the Nation’s capital, The Kaur Foundation has taken a
significant step toward building and preserving the Sikh legacy
in their new homeland.” – Congressman Mike Honda (D-
California).
“Researchers coming to the library could not see (until
now) what Gurumukhi looks like… (What) if some wanted to
research on the language of religion?” - Inni Kaur, founding
member Kaur Foundation, who helped to coordinate the collection.
The National Sikh Conference took place at a memorable venue.
“The Library of Congress is a vast trove of human knowledge
and a center of intercultural awareness and understanding. With
over 142 million items in more than 470 languages, the Library
is a central repository of all types of publications… Sikhism
is the world’s fifth largest religion, and Sikh culture
is synonymous with ‘the Punjab,’ that area of India
known as the melting pot. The Punjab reflects the confluence of
Islamic, Sufi, and Hindu traditions, and the Library is proud
to add materials to its collections reflecting the art and culture
of the Sikhs and this area of the world.” – James
H. Billington, The Librarian of Congress
“For some of you, today’s Conference is a chance
to celebrate the wonderful multi-faceted Sikh contributions to
American society. For others, today represents a chance to learn
more about the Sikh heritage, history, and traditions. For all
of us, however, this Conference is our opportunity to share, to
learn, and to celebrate… this conference, for me, is personally
meaningful and an opportunity to learn more about the extraordinary
contributions of Sikh Americans to the diverse nature of our multi-cultural
community.” – Peter R. Young, Chief, Asian Division,
The Library of Congress.
Mr. Navtej Sarna, India’s Ambassador to Israel and author
of the book, The Exile on Duleep Singh, the last Maharaja of Punjab,
affirmed the importance of “original documents and manuscripts
from Sikh history to form a distinct collection at the Library
of Congress.”
SPECIAL HONORS AND ASSURANCE BY DISTINGUISHED LEADERS
“This Event is to promote and recognize the contributions
of Sikh Americans by establishing a Sikh Collection Initiative
at the Library of Congress.” - Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor, District
of Columbia
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.
“Ending hate crimes (against any individual or group because
of their ethnicity, faith or life style) in America should be
a national priority. Tolerance is not good enough; we must develop
a culture of respect. When anyone is diminished, it diminishes
our entire community; stand up for what is right,” –
Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland)
“Throughout the United States, some of the roughly one
million Sikh Americans are excelling in innumerable professional,
academic, entrepreneurial, and artistic fields of endeavor. The
reputation of Sikhs for service to their neighbors, community,
and country is well-deserved… I appreciate especially the
awareness and activism of the Sikh community in the National issues
of the day. In my experience, faith-based communities have become
increasingly sophisticated in their understanding of the political
process… The admirable stance of Sikhs who responded with
patient efforts at education and calls for greater understanding
set an example of resilience and courage that all Americans should
appreciate and emulate.” ? Senator Richard G. Lugar (R-
Indiana; ranking member U.S. Foreign Relations Committee). Full
text of speech (attached).
“Do not hesitate to call us…Help us make a greater
nation” ? Congressman Mike Honda
Born in Pakistan and having spent three years in India, Congressman
Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) expressed deep solidarity with the
Sikh concerns and promised to address them.
CALLING ATTENTION TO HERITAGE, ACHIEVEMENTS, AND CONCERNS
Pushpinder Singh, Executive Editor of Nishaan Magazine, and Dr.
Kenneth Robbins, Asian Division Friends Society, brought home
the incomparable “Portraits of Courage” of the Sikh
Gurus and followers in defense of righteous causes. Pushpinder
added, “Sikh faith was conceived in the crucible of adversity”
and offers us incredible testimony of courage, sacrifices and
service to humanity.
Dr. Kenneth Robbins reminded the gathering of Sikh faith tradition
of righteous values: “Guru Nanak’s Sword of Knowledge,
Sword of Humility, Sword of Seva, and Guru Gobind Singh’s
Sword of Saint-Soldier. Sikhs see no stranger as commanded by
their faith; Sikhs have sought out other people; Sikhs have championed
values of equality, justice, and human dignity, consistent with
American values.” These are timeless lessons and a proud
legacy.
“Let us go beyond the glories of heroes in the time of
Guru Nanak…How hard it must have been to go against the
caste system currents” - Dr. Ajeet Cour, celebrated author
and Padam Shri Award Recipient.
“(Maharaja Ranjit Singh) Singh’s consummate humanity
was unique among empire-builders… Inspired by the principles
of peaceful co-existence, uniquely articulated by the Sikh Gurus
and firm in upholding the rights of others, he was unabashed in
exercising his own.” – Patwant Singh and Jyoti Rai
in The Empire of the Sikhs. This book was launched at the National
Sikh Conference and authors were present to sign it.
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.”
“Desire to contribute, give back … any life wherever
it is lived is of equal value” Dr. Kanwarjit Singh, Gates
Foundation
Dr. G.S. Mann (Chair Sikh Studies UCSB) highlighted the nature
and scope of Sikh Studies at UCSB and Dr. Paul Taylor (Smithsonian
Institution) discussed the importance of introducing Sikh heritage,
faith, and the arts through exhibits and presentations at educational
and cultural institutions as an urgent step toward greater understanding
of Sikh spirit and contributions.
To underscore her milestone achievement, Arpinder Kaur, a Sikh
turbaned female First Officer of American Airline Eagle, said
that it is all about “Creating a positive image, creating
confidence and comfort.” Arpinder added that only 2% of
commercial airline pilots in the U.S. (7% in India) are women;
with a firm resolve and pursuit of our goal, “everything
is possible.”
I do not “Beat them (others that I work with or at the
construction sites) on their heads about my (Sikh) identity;”
I strive, “Finding the universals that drive us” ?
Jasmeet Singh Rangr, Architect
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.”
OUR SPIRIT, OUR FUTURE, AND OUR CHALLENGES
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.
Kanwal Prakash Singh
Indianapolis, Indiana USA
June 27, 2009
