September 4, 2000

Friends:

Given below is summary back ground and initial thoughts about the Sikh Religious Seminar scheduled for Friday and Saturday of the Thanksgiving weekend in November 2000.  The objective is to start the process of organizing the seminar.

Summary background:

In wake of creeping ritualism in our Gurdwaras and increasing physical and ideological attacks on the Sikh Nation, the Atlanta Sangat felt the need to enhance the knowledge of Sikh principles among the adult Sikh Sangat.  To allow for maximum benefit, it was decided to solicit participation from neighboring Gurdwaras.

With that in mind both Augusta Gurdwaras, Columbia (SC) Gurdwara, Birmingham (AL) sangat was approached and each one have nominated one member to participate in organization of the seminar.  The nominees are: 

Atlanta:  Gulbarg Singh Basi

Augusta (Singh Sabha): S. Paramjit Singh Pammi,

Augusta (Guru Nanak Dev): Jasbir Singh Mokha,

Birmingham: H.S. Bagga

Columbia: Gursharan Singh Malhi.

The purpose of providing notes below is for all the recipients, especially those that were not present at the discussion, to provide their input. Please review these notes, discuss them with who ever you decide (members of your congregation) and then forward your comments to GBASI@aol.com.

Gulbarg Singh, Jabir Singh, and Paramjit Singh meat at Jasbir Singh’s home on Sunday, September 3, 2000. Summary of their discussion is given below.

There are four areas of Sikh life that need attention/discussion.

1)       Sikh Religious teachings, (Seminar geared to adults in the US)

2)   How to respond to recent attacks on the Sikh   ideology.

3) Socioeconomic aspects of Sikh life in the United States (Job issues etc.).

4)   How to pass our Sikh heritage to our Youth.

Because of the urgency to act, three of present thought that item 2) above was appropriate for the Seminar.  Please consider the four and look at them from the angle where can be provide the most benefit to the Sangat at large?  Give your comments.

Considered schedule for the seminar is:

First Session: Friday, 1:00 PM to 4:00: Past of the topic selected

Second Session: Friday 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Most recent and Present of the topic selected

Third Session: Saturday 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon: Future action items for the topic selected

Fourth Session: Saturday 2:00 PM to –5:00 PM: Successes and challenges of the Gurdwaras? Possibly form an advisory committee on these local issues.

Speakers invited:

Confirmed: Dr. Ranbir Singh Sandhu, Columbus Ohio, (confirmed)

Most Likely: Raja Mrigendra Singh s/o Maharaja Bhupindra Singh Of Patiala,  
Dr. Gurbakhsh Singh Kala Afgana, 
Prof. Gurbakhsh Singh Gill 
S. Ujjagar Singh ????

The suggested format is to have two facilitators and three speakers for each of the first three sessions.  Each speaker essentially has one hour.  First 35 to 40 minutes lecture, next 15 to 20 minutes question/answers. Facilitators to collect written questions from the audience present them to the Speakers.  Keep order and control of the time.

Gurdwara (SSCI) |  1821 South Hairston Rd  | St. Mtn GA 30088 | Tel: 404-808-6320