In the month of October, from the 13th to the 18th, I received a unique privilege. As a representative of the Sikh global community and a student at the University of Oregon, I was chosen to attend Global Zero's Los Angeles Summit at the Regan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA.
"The international Global Zero movement launched in December 2008 includes more than 300 political, military, business, faith and civic leaders — and hundreds of thousands of citizens — working for the phased, verified elimination of all nuclear weapons worldwide." --globalzero.org
Global Zero is also supported by student leaders as well. Along with the aforementioned summit, which saw dozens of former ambassadors, generals, an political leaders assemble to discuss getting to zero, GZ organized a student institute. The 35 students present were greeted by the founders of the movement and briefed on the issues surrounding disarmament by the GZ staff.
Student leaders from UC Irvine,
University of Georgia, UA Anchorage, Cornell College,
William and Mary,
Michigan State, and University of Oregon --Photo Global Zero
The 35 students from around the country and from Europe were an impressive group. I am confident that I spent time with many future global leaders, intellectuals, and activists. Each one brought unique insight to the group. Not to mention, they were a fun group who I won't soon forget.
Each of the five days I would awake in my hotel room and meditate. In the silence of the morning, I would reflect the gravity of the moment in which I had been placed. I felt very aware of my identity as a Sikh and the fact that I was suddenly representing my community on a global stage. I took solace in the quiet support of my community, but on the first day of the summit, I saw just how much my identity would impact the proceeding days.
As a part of our institute, we were treated to a short lecture and Q&A session with two renowned ambassadors. The latter of the two was former ambassador to the Soviet Union, Jack Matlock, Jr. (his wikipedia page speaks for itself!). Preceding Amb. Matlock was former Ambassador from Pakistan to the United States Mahmud Ali Durrani.
Amb. Durrani joined us for lunch before his discussion. I was excited to meet Amb. Durrani to discuss his perspective on India-Pakistan relations. When I approached him to introduce myself he looked at me with kind eyes, inspected my name tag and said, "Khalsa! I wonder if this Khalsa can speak Punjabi!" I answered with a proud, "Hanji, main Punjabi boldaa haan" and we were off in Punjabi back and forth until I had exhausted my vocabulary. We said nothing more than greetings and polite small talk, but that simple interaction gave me the comfort and confidence to approach the ambassador several times throughout the five days, which culminated in a candid and heartfelt conversation on the last bus leaving the last day of the summit.
Amb. Durrani was instantly likeable and at once candid and serious. --Photo Global Zero
I remained acutely aware of my outward spiritual identity as I was greeted by a number of ambassadors and generals in various interesting ways. Dr. Larry Brilliant greeted me with a jovial "Sat Sri Akal" and told me about meeting Yogi Bhajan, Minister Hikmet Çetin smiled at me and said I looked like a Muslim holy man, and Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani, an ethnic Sindhi, referred to me as "one of ours" and we discussed the rich clutural and spiritual connections between Punjabis and Sindhis.
The cause of Global Zero is noble and vital to global security and peace. Amb. Durrani stressed throughout the summit that we must consider the sheer violence of nuclear weapons. Leading minds agree that Cold War deterrence is no longer a valid strategy. With eight countries now in possession of nuclear weapons and antagonistic states like Iran seeking their own nuclear program, the world is less safe with these weapons around.
Dr. Larry Brilliant greeted me with a jovial "Sat Sri Akal!" --Photo Global Zero
"Global Zero members believe that the only way to eliminate the nuclear threat — including proliferation and nuclear terrorism — is to stop the spread of nuclear weapons, secure all nuclear materials and eliminate all nuclear weapons: global zero.
The movement combines grassroots and media outreach, cutting-edge policy analysis and direct dialogue with governments to make the elimination of nuclear weapons an urgent global imperative and to bring all nuclear weapons countries to the table to negotiate the phased reduction of arsenals to zero." --globalzero.org
Flanked by history: Left
Foreground: Amb. Thomas Pickering; Right Foreground: Mahmud Durrani;
Right: Air
Chief Marshal Shashindra Pal Tyagi; Background: Fmr. Undersecy of Defence Larry
Korb
-- Photo Global Zero
I find this goal in line with Sikh ideals. While we strongly believe in self defense, these indiscriminately destructive, geriatric weapons of a bygone era contradict the Sikh concept of using the sword to protect the defenseless and fight for the good of humanity. Sarbat da bhalaa.
I think that we as Sikhs can play a role in eliminating nuclear weapons. You can start by signing this petition: www.cutnukes.net/oregon. The "Cut Nukes" campaign hinges on the fact that globally over the next decade we will spend $1 trillion on building and maintaining nuclear weapons. In these tough economic times, the petition will ask to cut nuclear weapons in lieu of vital generative services like education and healthcare.
If you would then take the time to post the above link to your Facebook, twitter, or email lists asking your friends to fill out the petition, it would also be a great first step. Stay posted at globalzero.org to monitor the movement's progress and to stay involved.
For further information the documentary film "Countdown to Zero" is a great reference. It is available streaming on Netflix.
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This article has ranged in subject matter so I would like to collect my thoughts. We as Sikhs have a recognizable identity that speaks integrity to many who see it. Remember that when you go out in the world. Also, remember that you have a whole community full of resources and encouragement behind you, keep up and you will be kept up by the powerful tide of the community's love. This identity is the identity not only given by our Guru, but the identity of our Guru. The grace you bestow is not only your grace but also that of the Guru through you, drop your ego and serve. I was thrust into a quasi surreal situation. I reminded myself that I am not special. I am simply a a person in an auspicious position, I can choose to inflate my ego or bow my head to the service of humanity (which Guru Gobind Singh tells us is direct service to the Guru).
We as Sikhs, as a part of our dharma, have the duty to serve. The Global Zero goal is straight forward and global human welfare lies in its success or failure. We can do something about it. Our community has deep ties in India, which, in the Indo-Pak quasi cold war, is a problem area that needs to work toward peace if we want to realize Global Zero. Many world leaders including President Obama are on board with the mission, but we must sway public opinion in favor of the mission. We can do it.
I am humbled by this experience and hope that I can have more opportunities
to represent our sangat and Guru again. Feel free to contact me on Facebook,
follow me on twitter,
or email [email protected].
I also blog at shabdsingh.wordpress.com
Akal Sahai,
Shabd Singh Khalsa