SGPC to give say to foreign Sikhs
Mulls panel to address Sikh concerns across globe
Perneet Singh
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, December 22
Even as the SGPC is gearing up for a protest outside the US Embassy in New Delhi tomorrow over the turban frisking issue, it is toying with the idea of setting up an advisory panel comprising Sikh representatives from foreign countries to deal with the problems being faced by the community abroad.
This is being seen as a move to address the concerns of Sikh community across the globe, particularly in view of the prevailing scenario over turban issue in countries like the US and France. Sikhs have a sizable population in various countries, including America, Canada, France, Argentina and New Zealand, where they are confronting various religious and social problems.
These include the issues of Sikh identity and turban issue. In France, the issue of ban on wearing Sikh turban in schools has been troubling the community while Sikh outfits there have failed to convince the lawmakers that the turban is an inseparable part of Sikh identity. A similar situation has now arisen in the US following norms by airport authorities regarding turban frisking of Sikhs.
SGPC chief Avtar Singh said the Sikhs were facing these problems due to lack of awareness on Sikhism.
“Under the plan, the SGPC will set up Sikh Missions in different countries. We are also considering nomination of Sikh representatives,
numbering 10, from various countries to the SGPC House,” he added.
The General House has unanimously passed the resolution in this regard and it has been sent to the Union Government.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20101223/main4.htm
Mulls panel to address Sikh concerns across globe
Perneet Singh
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, December 22
Even as the SGPC is gearing up for a protest outside the US Embassy in New Delhi tomorrow over the turban frisking issue, it is toying with the idea of setting up an advisory panel comprising Sikh representatives from foreign countries to deal with the problems being faced by the community abroad.
This is being seen as a move to address the concerns of Sikh community across the globe, particularly in view of the prevailing scenario over turban issue in countries like the US and France. Sikhs have a sizable population in various countries, including America, Canada, France, Argentina and New Zealand, where they are confronting various religious and social problems.
These include the issues of Sikh identity and turban issue. In France, the issue of ban on wearing Sikh turban in schools has been troubling the community while Sikh outfits there have failed to convince the lawmakers that the turban is an inseparable part of Sikh identity. A similar situation has now arisen in the US following norms by airport authorities regarding turban frisking of Sikhs.
SGPC chief Avtar Singh said the Sikhs were facing these problems due to lack of awareness on Sikhism.
“Under the plan, the SGPC will set up Sikh Missions in different countries. We are also considering nomination of Sikh representatives,
numbering 10, from various countries to the SGPC House,” he added.
The General House has unanimously passed the resolution in this regard and it has been sent to the Union Government.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20101223/main4.htm
