Last Saturday night, Sikhnet was recognized at the United Sikhs Gala in Washington, D.C., for "disseminating information" to the worldwide Sikh community. At the event, leaders from United Sikhs presented Sikhnet an award for their support in promoting humanitarian causes around the world. It was my honor receive the award and represent Sikhnet at the Gala.
The highlight of the event was the music of Rabbi Shergill, a singer-songwriter from a family of Punjabi poets. Rabbi is known for his modern, folk-rock renditions of classic Punjabi poetry, like the surprise hit "Bullah Ki Jana" of 2005. He is also an inspiring proponent of social and environmental change in the Punjab. Before starting his set, he spoke at length about issues like the rapidly sinking water table and erosion of valuable topsoil.
United Sikhs hosted the Gala as a fundraiser for addiction treatment in the Punjab, where drug- and alcohol use has reached epidemic proportions. According to United Sikhs, over 70% of people in the Punjab have substance addiction issues, and the problem is concentrated in villages and rural areas. United Sikhs already has one de-addiction facility in the Punjab that they hope will serve as a beacon for clean, healthy living.
