UNITED SIKHS’ Right to Turban Campaign encourages all Sikhs to continue to educate the French consulates around the globe to reverse the turban ban in France by having foreign relations committees from other countries to initiate a dialogue with the French Government. Sikh delegations should visit French Government dignitaries in their countries to express their concerns, as well as request DSGMC to setup a meeting with the Akaal Takth Jathedar and the Pope to address Sikh identity issues in Europe.
“The Sikh identity has to be defended like a nation defends its borders – with vigour and resources. UNITED SIKHS has set up a special Fund called “INSAAF” (International Sikh Advocacy and Awareness Fund). We ask every Sikh who receives this message to donate their dasvandh (tithe) to this Fund,” said UNITED SIKHS International Legal Director, Mejindarpal Kaur in her video statement from Sangat TV’s London studios.
At the conclusion of this year’s conference, collaboratively, delegates have determined that Sikh issues need to be resolved locally with assistance from experts from Sikh communities around the world. “The Conference declared that a Global Sikh Alliance should be formed and that there is a need to have a Global Sikh Assembly every year, based on the concept of “Guru Granth, Guru Panth” and the tradition of ” Sarbat Khalsa”, said Sukhvinder Singh Padda, representing the Sikh Council UK and also a Senior Advisor to the Sikh Federation UK. He added, “It was great to see the President and General Secretary of the DSGMC present and their inclusion in the Global Sikh Alliance. The SCUK is committed to making the Global Sikh Alliance a success.”
Kiranjot Kaur, a senior Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member and former General Secretary addressed the conference saying, “The SGPC, Amritsar, is highly committed to protecting Sikh Heritage in India. The SGPC is considering providing skills and technology to KAR SEWA teams, so that their seva at historic sites would ensure that our history is conserved and preserved.”
Manwinder Singh, Legal Director of UNITED SIKHS-USA, said “There is a need for greater communication and networking between Sikh Organizations and Institutions that are working on issues affecting Sikhs globally, The Global Sikh Alliance will not only make best use of resources collectively, but also utilise and harness the great diverse skills bank we have within the Panth. It will be an opportunity to share our success and meet challenges together.”
The following organizations have agreed to take action in the creation of the Global Sikh Assembly (in alphabetical order): American Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee, Dastaar Action Committee (France), Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), Sikh Council (UK), and the UNITED SIKHS’ and is open to other Sikh organizations to join in.