Tarn Taran, Punjab: Sikh Human Rights Group (SHRG), an international body active since 1985, has gotten status of consultative body of Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of United Nations, revealed by its chairman Dr. Jasdev Singh Rai from UK in a seminar held in Nishan-e-Sikhi auditorium here to introducing the body and its aims and objectives.
Dr. Jasdev Singh Rai
The seminar was held in collaboration with noted environmentalist Baba Sewa Singh Kar Sewa Khadur Sahib who is among the executive members of the international body. Akal Takh Sahib former Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti and Dr. Surjit Kaur from Pune University who are also member of this body, attended the seminar as well.
Addressing the seminar, Dr. Rai said, “It is matter of great pleasure for Sikhs and human rights activists that they get pass of participating in international conference organized by United Nations and other international bodies to raise their voice.”
Baba Sewa Singh (R) and former Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh (L) presenting a momento to Dr. Jasdev Singh Rai (C)
“After getting the consultative status, we could easily approach international community to take up genuine issues including religious freedom, racism etc. being faced by minority communities across the world”, he said, adding, “Our organization has already chalked out the plan to stop violation of human rights and we are firm in struggling for social cause as taught by Gurbani”.
A view of gathering
Baba Sewa Singh said, “we are dedicated for ensuring well being of human being irrespective of his religion, caste, creed and race etc. Kar Sewa Khadur Sahib has alreading undertaking environment conservation drive since 1999. Now, through Sikh Human Rights Group, we would try to spread mission of Gurus on international level with the cooperation of devotees.”
Noted Sikh scholar Dr. Raghbir Singh Bains said that they hope this body would make efforts for ensuring cleanliness of environment throughout the world in context of Sikh philosophy as getting clean environment is also among basic rights of a human being.
Giani Vedanti Said, “Ninth Sikh master Sri Guru Teg Bahadar taught us the lesson of fighting for human rights by sacrificing his life for religious freedom of a particular religious community.”
Besides presenting vote of thanks, Major general RS Chhatwal said that the status conferred by UN body has strengthened the cause of Sikh among international community.
Lastly, Baba Sewa Singh honoured Dr. Jasdev Singh Rai and other dignitaries who were present on the occasion.