ISLAMABAD: The participants of a symposium titled “Sikhism: Contributions to Global Peace and Prosperity and Role in the Far East,” on Tuesday highlighted the contributions of the Sikh diaspora communities in promoting global peace, harmony, and prosperity as well as the role of the government of Pakistan in preservation and maintenance of Sikh holy sites in the country.
Organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) in Islamabad, the symposium brought together experts from the Far East Region to deliberate on various aspects of Sikhism and its impact on society.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Azam Nazeer Tarar, underscored the historical and cultural significance of Pakistan as the birthplace of Sikhism. He emphasized the government’s commitment to respecting Sikh sacred sites and ensuring the warm reception of Sikh pilgrims since the inception of Pakistan. Minister Tarar also lauded the valuable contributions made by Sikh diaspora communities to the economies of their respective home countries.
Participants at the symposium highlighted the core values of Sikhism, which include principles of peace, equality, selfless service, and community empowerment. They emphasized how these values form the foundation of Sikh diaspora communities’ efforts in promoting global peace and harmony, as well as preserving the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of the Sikh religion.
The speakers particularly emphasized the Sikh religious principle of “Seva” (selfless service) as a motivating factor in the promotion of harmony among the Sikh diaspora communities and a culture of service to humanity.
The speakers talked about various aspects of the Sikh tradition of selfless service such as feeding the hungry through the free communal kitchens known as Langars. They shared that Langars served free food to anyone in need irrespective of his or her background.
Delegates from Malaysia and Australia shared specific instances of service carried out by Sikh diaspora communities in their respective countries, highlighting initiatives aimed at promoting interfaith harmony and educational opportunities.
They mentioned several interfaith conferences and events they had participated in or organized in their countries. They further shared that the Sikh communities were also active in the education sector through the establishment of schools and provision of scholarships.
The participants highlighted the importance of peace, tolerance, and inclusivity and the need to build a more peaceful and inclusive society through educational initiatives.
Speakers also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts in preserving Sikh holy sites, such as Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, and Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassanabdal, with support from local Sikh communities.
Key participants of the symposium included Prof. Dr.Harwindar Singh, Founder, Harvey Gill Associates (Malaysia); Adv. DatoPretam Singh, Founder, Pretam Singh Nor & Co. (Malaysia); Mr. Gurbax Singh Bains, Supreme Sikh Council (Australia); Professor Dr Manjit Singh, Partner, MSSMR (Malaysia); and Adv. Sucha Singh, former President of the Malaysian Gurdwara Council, all of whom shared insights and experiences related to the contributions of Sikh diaspora communities to global peace and prosperity.
The speakers also shared information about the activities either directly organized or participated in by leaders of the Sikh diaspora communities for the promotion of interfaith harmony.
Inaugural address by @AzamNazeerTarar for Sikh Symposium says; "Pakistan holds spl. significance as the birth place of Sikhism, making it first home of all Sikhs. Sikhism emphasizes on equality & justice,pivotal for promoting peace n harmony among diverse faiths" @PkPublicDiplo pic.twitter.com/LLwH6ur1Wg
— Institute of Regional Studies Islamabad (@IRSIslamabad) June 4, 2024
Concluding session by Hon.Minister for Minorities Affairs, Govt of Punjab; Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora @SardarArora who highlighted such Sikh symposium by @IRSIslamabad promote interfaith harmony & bring diaspora together under one roof! pic.twitter.com/pKBDkOR8ZT
— Institute of Regional Studies Islamabad (@IRSIslamabad) June 4, 2024
