Central Park Skywriting to Promote Peace Following Wisconsin Sikh Temple Shooting
Sikh Entrepreneur Taj Chahal acknowledges Wisconsin shooting with Central Park skywriting; spreads awareness about Sikh community.
New York, NY (PRWEB) August 31, 2012: A skywriting message flew over Central Park on Sunday, August 26, 2012 to commemorate victims of the shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek on August 5. The message was organized by Taj Chahal, an entrepreneur who is spreading acceptance for the Sikh community.
As reported in a Fox News article dated August 6, a gunman opened fire killing six, while three others were critically wounded. The victims were Sita Singh, 41, Ranjit Singh, 49, Satwant Singh Kaleka, 65, Prakash Singh, 39, Paramjit Kaur, 41, and Suveg Singh, 84. The shooter was identified as Wade Michael Page, a 40-year-old Army veteran with associations to the white supremacist movement.
Phrases such as “United We Stand” displayed across the sky to encourage solidarity in America despite the religious and social differences that may have led to the shooting.
On behalf of SikhNet and his community, advocate Taj Chahal states, “In light of recent events, it is necessary that we have our voices heard - that we speak up and inform the world who Sikhs are and what we stand for - that although we wear turbans, we are not advocates for violence - that although we're different shades, we are still Americans in search of the American dream.”
The message also thanked Lieutenant Brian Murphy for his brave efforts on the day of the shooting, during which he was critically injured. According to Today’s TMJ4, Murphy, who is a 21-year veteran of the Oak Creek, Wisc. police department, was shot at least eight times during the shooting. He has since been released from the hospital.
The skywriting concluded with “Chardi Kala" a Punjab phrase that encourages positivity and strength.
“This was not just an attack against Sikhs, but against all Americans. Let's not allow such acts of hatred to divide us as a nation. It is with great sadness that I reflect on this tragedy, and with great pride that I present myself today, as a Sikh, as an American, and above all, as a human, speaking out,” says Chahal.
The skywriting was made possible by AirSign.com; a video can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMPcKmUWX2U.
Contact:
Taj Chahal
408-833-9500
Email
--------------------------------
Related Article:
Lt. Murphy Honored In Skywriting Over Central Park
Mark Schaaf
'Thank you Lt. Murphy' and messages of support for the Sikh community were spelled out in the sky in New York City.
Air signs over Central Park on Aug. 26 acknowledged the Sikh temple shootings and Oak Creek Police Lt. Brian Murphy.
They were captured in the YouTube video above and included messages of unity and prayer.
Taj Chahal wrote the air signs were "necessary to inform, enlighten, educate, and mourn recent events."
"For many years, members of the Sikh community have dealt with bullying, name calling, being confused with other groups, and silently we sat, knowing that forgiveness is key. In light of recent events, it is necessary that we have our voices heard - that we speak up and inform the world who Sikhs are and what we stand for - that though we wear turbans, we are not advocates for violence; that though we're different shades we are still Americans, in search of the American dream."