San Antonio police ask brave Sikh young men and women to join police during
plantation of 45 trees at Sikh Center of San Antonio, TX
With the unfortunate politics that surround many Gurdwaras nowadays, a visit from the
police to a Gurdwara almost always indicates intra-Sangat conflict. At the Sikh Center of
San Antonio, however, this was not the case. In an effort to increase diversity in the police
force, San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) Lieutenant Marcus Booth visited the
Gurdwara on March 18 to advertise the hiring opportunities in which SAPD felt that Sikhs
would particularly excel. Booth spoke to the San Antonio Sangat directly during divaan as
well as after Langar, many times citing Sikh history, including the Sikh Regiments that
fought during World War II, as well as Sikh culture like the tradition of Gatka.
Booth received a warm welcome from the San Antonio Sangat, and was respectful to all throughout the day, receiving many questions and just as many compliments on the knowledge and respect shown by the SAPD regarding the collective Sikh community. The Sikh Center of San Antonio looks forward to more positive outreach from the SAPD community, and encourages police departments of other cities to do the same for Sikh Gurdwaras in their community.
Lieutenant Marcus Booth asked Sikh men and women to consider joining SAPD and educated them about the requirements for joining police:
Applicants must be at least 20 1/2 years old and must be less than 45 years old. Secondly, applicants must have completed 12 hours of college credit and have maintained at least a “C” average. Third, all applicants must be United States citizens at the time of application and, lastly, call the San Antonio Police Department at (201) 207-5050, to apply
That same day, the Sikh Center of San Antonio participated in EcoSikh, which promotes environmental awareness and conscientiousness within the Sikh community. Members sponsored a total of 45 fruit trees that were planted around the perimeter of the Gurdwara property that day. A total of $2050 was donated by members the previous Sunday to help fund the fruit trees. The fruit trees were planted collectively by the Sangat, including the Bhai Sahibs, general voting members, committee members, and children alike in a jovial atmosphere filled with passionate Jakaaras. These trees were an important addition to the already existing vegetable gardens, the Guru Har Rai Ji Gardens, which contribute to the Langar made by the Gurdwara every Sunday, reducing costs to the Gurdwara for Langar, and trips to the grocery store.
The Guru Har Rai Ji Gardens were created in an effort to emblemize the legacy left by Sri Guru Har Rai Ji Maharaj, who is
characteristically remembered for his love and respect for nature. Guru ji developed the
major parks and gardens in Kiratpur Sahib, planting beautiful flowers as well as herbs and
fruit trees. The Sikh Center of San Antonio is proud to have associated itself with EcoSikh,
as well as increased its awareness of the environment through the Sangat’s continual
inspiration gained from the Guru. With the Guru’s blessing, the Sikh Center of San Antonio
aspires to continue both its external outreach towards the San Antonio Police Department,
as well as its internal investment with the Guru Har Rai Ji Gardens and environmental conservation.
By: Harjot Kaur