Sikh Association hosting vigil

[singhbj]

Sikh Association hosting vigil
By LISA BACKUS STAFF WRITER | Posted 13 hours ago

SOUTHINGTON — Members of the Connecticut Sikh Association are inviting the public to attend a vigil for the victims of the Orlando shooting Friday evening.

“The killing of innocent people is a heinous crime,” said the association’s secretary, Kanwalpreet Singh. “We believe in equality, all humans are one race, man, woman, black, white. We stand behind the victims and their families. We all stand united.”

The vigil will start at 7:30 p.m. at the association’s temple at 1610 West St. The public is invited to attend.

The 500-member association has hosted vigils in the past for the victims of the Sandy Hook shootings and regularly contributes to the community with donations to charitable organizations such as the Bread for Life food pantry and blood drives for the American Red Cross.

Members of the Association also attended a unity rally involving all faiths held this winter after disturbing fliers were discovered in town.

Sikhs are not Muslim or Hindu, but rather a separate religion focused on equality for all.

Sikhs actively practice their faith by engaging in the principles of hard work, sharing with the needy and prayer to God, said Kulwant Samra, a trustee and former president.

“We feel this is a good thing to do to connect with the community,” Samra said of the vigil. “It’s important that we stay in touch with the community.”

Lisa Backus can be reached at (860) 225-4601, ext. 5066 or [email protected].

Source - http://www.centralctcommunications.com/ ... l?mode=jqm