California (August 28, 2012): Taking another step forward to make the world acquaint with the distinct identity of Sikhs who were being subjected to hate crime post 9/11, United Sikhs, a NGO, has begun a drive to press upon California government to add Sikhism in school curriculum.
According to information released by United Sikhs the NGO has urged all California community members to sign the petition and send letters of support to Governor Jerry Brown to sign the bill SB1540 which required the California State Board of Education to consider the adoption of a revised history-social science framework.
The draft framework includes information about Sikhs in seven distinct areas the Kashmir Singh, United Sikhs’ Director Community Education and Empowerment Division informed Sikh Siyasat.
“When completed, this will become an important tool which will be used in all California schools to increase awareness and knowledge about Sikhism and its followers” he added.
The bill has so far been unopposed and passed in the legislature. The only remaining action was for Governor Brown to sign the bill added he. He said the move was initiated in light of the recent Wisconsin tragedy and the concerns that the Sikh community had been facing since 9/11.
Kashmir Singh said it had become imperative to bring awareness.
“What better way to start with the very grass root level so that the future generations can embrace the beauty of diversification and co-existence in our country” he added.