Kurukshetra, March 1, 2012: Sikh environmental activist gathered today to plan for direct action day on Sikh Environment Day on March 14, which is the coronation day of the 7th Sikh Guru , Guru Har Rai. This is the largest meeting of Sikhs on environment in Haryana and first ever joint action plan being launched by participating organizations including the apex body, SGPC. Prominent Sikh personalities joined together to give a call for the community to mark this day to work for save environment.
Gurpreet Singh (EcoSikh Haryana) introduced the concept of Sikh Environment Day and what it means to mark this day with various individual actions for environment like planting a sappling and conserve natural resources such as land and water. He also related this to the teachings of Guru Har Rai who taught that one must live a life which is harmless to its surroundings. Raghujit Singh, Vice-President of SGPC spoke about plans by SGPC to celebrate this day by tree plantations and turning gurdwaras to become eco-friendly.
From right to left: Gurpreet Singh of EcoSikh Haryana, Giani Sahib Singh, Baba Sewa Singh,
Kirpal Singh Chauhan, Tejinderpal Singh Dhillon
Padham Shri Baba Sewa Singh Ji inaugurated the meet and explained, “Human beings have spoiled the environment and only human beings can save it and plants needs to be treated as kids, and they need protection and nurturing.” Baba ji announced that Sikh Environment Day celebrations will be carried in Khadur Sahib, Gwalior and Ganganagar as well.”
Sikh Mission Harayana (SGPC) Head, Kirpal Singh Chouhan explained that SGPC has always celebrated Sikh Environment Day and this year they will plant 50 trees from each Gurdwaras. He appealed all the invitees to put their best effort to support the environment revolution initiated by EcoSikh, he also said that we should plant one tree each in support of the message by Sri Akal Takhat.
Ravneet Singh, EcoSikh Project Manager India welcomed all the Gurdwara heads nearly 65 in number, with the Sikh Environment Day Guide inspiring them to involve all the local Sikh Community in saving organizing Kirtan Darbars and plantation drives, he added, that, ” each Sikh family should plant one tree as a tribute to Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib.”
Ravneet Singh of EcoSikh speaking at the event
Amongst the organizations, Jarnail Singh of Guru Granth Sahib Sewa Society will plant trees in 23 Gurdwaras of Yamuna Nagar and they have nominated 100 families who will plant trees on Sikh Environment Day and they will gift flowering plants in pots to shopkeepers in their district.
Sajjan Singh from Sri Akal Sahaye Sewa Society, Khreedwa declared to create awareness about Sikh Environment Day in 50 Haryana villages.
Sukhdev Singh Manager of the hosting Gurdwara shared his story of creating Guru’s Garden in Gurdwara at Bani Badarpur.
Sikh representatives of various gurdwaras and institutions making commitment
Tejinderpal Singh Dhillon (Sen. Secretary SGPC Haryana), Harbhajan Singh Masana (SGPC member), Karambir Singh Kang (Akali Leader), Jarnail Singh Bodi (District President SGPC), Indian National Lokdal women leader, Surjit Kaur declared to contribute in creating environment awareness in their field.
At the call of EcoSikh, a Washington based international Sikh organization, over 700 Sikh institutions, Gurdwars, Educational institutions and Sikh owned businesses all over the world are celebrating the Sikh Environment Day (SED) on March 14, 2012 for the second consecutive year.
It is the coronation day of 7th Sikh Guru, Guru Har Rai, who is remembered in Sikh history for his deep sensitivity to nature and its preservation.
Last year, 450 Sikh organizations and gurdwaras observed this day with various activities. Looking at the response last year, EcoSikh doubled the expectation and targeting reaching out to 700 Sikh institutions.