London, United Kingdom (January 24, 2014): It is learnt that the Sikh Research Institute UK will be hosting a series programs from the 19th to the 23rd of February beginning with Harinder Singh presenting at City University, this event will look at the challenges the Sikh nation is facing and how prepared we are in meeting them. This will be followed by a presentation to Sikh professionals at Ernst & Young exploring the nature of Sikhi as a distinct social, religious and political path that went on to change the destiny of South Asia.
This year marks thirty years since the genocidal campaigns of June and November 1984 which resulted in the deaths of thousands of Sikh men, woman and children throughout India. Much activity and discussion in the Sikh community will focus on these events. At the same time, there will be a wider discourse outside of the Sikh community that often does not do justice to the Sikh narrative, and is largely based on misinformation disseminated by the Government of India over the past three decades. The Sikh Research Institute is committed to strengthening individuals and building communities by enhancing leadership skills and endorsing community action, and will be delivering a unique one day workshop for the next generation of Sikh activists in the UK.
The workshop will be facilitated by presenters with an in-depth knowledge of 1984, as well as areas such as community building, human rights, media skills and working with civic organizations, and will look at the following areas.
- The importance of commemorating 1984
- Viewing 1984 through a Sikh Lens
- Tackling the propaganda
- Involving your local Sikh sangat
- Communicating effectively in the Media
- Engaging the wider non-Sikh community
In addition, a printed resource toolkit will be provided to all attendees, which will include a reading list of primary and secondary reference material, suggested answers to commonly asked questions, lesson plans to teach children and young adults about the events of 1984, key tips on engaging with media, and suggested activities to involve local Sikh Sangats.
Challenges to the Sikh Nation Are we prepared for the future? City University. Wed 19 Feb | 18:00 – 19:30 Room AG07, City University, Northampton Square, Islington, EC1V 0NB Engaging with 1984 Inspiring the Next Generation of Sikh Activists Norwood Hall Sat 22 Feb | 09:30 – 16:00 Norwood Green Road, Southall, Middlesex, UB2 4LA. Is Sikhi a Religion? Ernst & Young Thurs 20 Feb | 17:30 – 20:00 1 More London Place, London, SE1 2AF. Gurduara Talk Singh Sabha Southall Sun 23 Feb | Evening Divan Park Avenue, Southall.