Sikh Donates Multi-Million $ Gift to Madonna University

DEEPINDER UPPAL Benefactor | 1937 Society

Deepinder Uppal, a professor of English and communication at Southwestern Michigan College with an upbringing in Sikhism, was first enlisted to mentor Dean Adkins, Madonna’s director of major gifts and gift planning, in order for Adkins to better understand the growing Sikh presence in SE Michigan philanthropy. A frequent visitor to campus, Uppal became strongly acquainted with Madonna values and the serendipitous possibilities in philanthropy.

Deepinder Uppal presents Sister Rose Marie Kujawa a commemorative dahl shield. A falcon adorns the shield, symbolizing the last Pontiff of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh. Two Sarbloh Kirpan swords, Miri and Piri, symbolizing the secular and spiritual forces influencing the soul, center the falcon. The shield is studded by four Khandas, an important Sikh amalgam representing knowledge of God and the eternal nature of God.

“When Dean talked about planned giving instruments that could help me solve some financial issues, and simultaneously create an irrevocable planned gift to do good, I was all for it. These types of charitable solutions had never been presented to me before,” said Uppal, who recently recorded a multi-million dollar intention with the University in the form of a deferred gift.

Uppal teaches and believes that religion should be a unifying concept, not a point of division. Founded in Punjab in the fifteenth century, Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that, today, ranks as the fifth largest religion in the world, with some 20 million followers.

“This is an opportunity to promote a dialogue between two religions,” said Uppal. “I am doing my part to live out the sentiments in Wand Kay Shako.” Taught by Guru Nanak Dev, founder of Sikhism, Wand Kay Shako means that one should share one’s wealth with others in the community to profoundly inspire and support society.

Sister Rose Marie Kujawa, Madonna president, was impressed with Uppal’s respect for the Sikh faith and for his vast understanding of the significance religion holds in our lives and communities.

“He reflected a strong thirst for knowledge of the eternal mysteries, which I found inspiring,” she said. “We at Madonna University are fortunate to call Deep a friend. He holds many values which are consistent with our own.”