Indianapolis, July 30: Dashmesh Summer Camp was held in Gurdwara, Sikh Sangat of Indianapolis. The camp was organized by Charh di Kala Youth group. Sukhdip Singh and his wife Sardarni Parminder Kaur were the main coordinators.
Four learned Amritdhari American Sikhs - Gurujot Singh Khalsa (Creative Director, Sikhnet,leader), Gurujot Singh's wife, Gian Dharam Kaur Khalsa (originally from Brazil) and Sat Kartar Singh Khalsa, all from New Mexico, along with Himmat Singh Khalsa from Boston (originally from Canada) taught over 125 students Naam Simran and Japji Sahib, procedure for taking the Hukamnama, leading the Ardas in Punjabi and English. They also stressed the importance of healthy and nourishing food for our bodies. They taught leadership skills; Gutka (martial arts) and organized sports - volley ball, wrestling, rock-climbing, horse-riding, and other physical activities.
The teachers offered very measured and meaningful explanations of the significance and importance of Kundalini Yoga as a way to build strong and balanced body mind and spirit. Many parents participated in the open, frank and illuminating discussions about matters and significance of faith, culture, community and family as anchors of our humanity and upbringing.
For the young students, it was an eye-opener. The camp leaders and visiting teachers offered the young campers and their parents an opportunity to learn, to interact, to network and to prepare our young generations to think for themselves as world citizens in a brave new world.
The teachers provided inspiring personal testimony of embracing and practicing their Sikh faith, the sanctity and respect we have for the diverse faiths and traditions that today form the rich global spiritual landscape. They addressed the spiritual ideals, outside pressures, and faith-mandated lifestyle. They addressed concerns around our very visible Sikh identity that anchors the lives and experiences of the parents and older generations.
Eco-activist Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal was honored by Maninder Singh Walia, Gurdwara president, Jasvir Singh Lalli former president and Bhai Paritam Singh, priest of the Gurdwara. S. Kanwal Parkash Singh introduced the Seechewal. He said, Bhai Balbir Singh’s anti-pollution crusade and efforts have been recognized nationally and internationally with many awards and honors.
L to R: Himmat Singh, Gian Dharam Kaur, Gurujot Singh and Sat Kartar Singh doing kirtan.
Gurujot Singh and Gian Dharam Kaur with the campers