Students in Kolkata at Khalsa English High School
Washington DC, March 13, 2012: More than 1001 Sikh institutions and gurdwaras all across the world are celebrating Sikh Environment Day on March 14. EcoSikh, a Washington based Sikh organization has received confirmation from 1001 Sikh groups so far in response to an appeal by the organization to celebrate March 14, 2012 as a Sikh Environment Day for the second year. March 14th is the day when Guru Har Rai, a famous nature and animal lover, became the seventh Sikh Guru in 1644.
EcoSikh had originally set the goal of enrolling more than 700 Sikh institutions, schools, families and gurdwaras all over the world to celebrate this day, up from 450 who celebrated last year. This year it also invited Sikh-owned businesses to join in this endeavor.
The day was supported at the highest international levels, with a personal letter of support from Olav Kjorven, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Dr. Rajwant Singh, President of EcoSikh said: “It is amazing to see so much enthusiasm among the Sikh masses all around the world, and we believe that this is perhaps the largest direct action by the Sikhs for the environment. Guru Har Rai's life has inspired so many individuals to lead efforts at local levels in India and all across the globe to take meaningful actions dedicated to protecting the planet We had set the audacious goal of 700 in relation with the 7th Guru but the list has far exceeded that, and it is still growing."
According to Ravneet Singh: "All the major institutions are observing this day, including the Sikh apex-body SGPC which is planting more than 5,000 trees in 145 gurdwaras, schools and colleges. We were thrilled to see a major celebration at Manji Sahib at the Golden Temple complex last night with the theme of environment. In addition, we are surprised and delighted by the support we have received from so many educators and media persons all across India and Punjab. Everybody is feeling that this is their own project and that is the ultimate success of this day. It was heart warming to see Sikh and non-Sikh students lead the efforts to clean the streets in Kolkata, a major city in India. Many did not register with us especially in the rural areas in Punjab but we know that they are marking this day with many environmental actions."
EcoSikh has a website for gurdwaras and Sikh institutions to register their participation internationally. This year many schools in India observed this day with cleaning streets and making pledges to work for environmental preservation as a tribute to Guru Har Rai ji.
The Sikhs remember Guru Har Rai ji for his sensitivity to nature and his passion for preserving it. The Seventh Guru was instrumental in developing Kiratpur Sahib on the banks of tributary of the river Sutlej in Punjab as a town of parks and gardens: he planted flowers and fruit bearing trees all over the area, as well as medicinal herbs and wildlife sanctuaries for the benefit of the masses in the 17th century making him perhaps the earliest environmentalist in the Indian subcontinent. He inspired Sikhs to live a life of minimum harm to surroundings.
Engineering College Students taking a pledge for environment last week in Punjab
Bandana Kaur, New York based Program Director of EcoSikh in North America, said: Many Gurdwaras are engaging in the local environmental issues in North America in their own localities and many are becoming eco-friendly in their operations. Scores of young people are excited about this effort since it gives them the opportunity to relate to their faith in a unique way. The largest gurdwara in Europe, in Southhall, London has organized a major green drive on this day."
Sri Akal Takhat Sahib and Takhat Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharasthra, and Sikhs in many USA, Australia, Canada, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Argentina, Nigeria, Kenya, UK etc celebrated the first Sikh Environment Day as a tribute to Guru Har Rai ji.
LINKS
Link here for a latest list of who is participating across the world, and what they are planning:
Link here for the letter from Olav Kjorven, UN Assistant Secretary-General
Link here for a set of toolkits and ideas:
Link here to register. It is still not too late:
Link here to support EcoSikh financially: