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Sikh-Americans hire marketing firm for Sikhism awareness in US

In efforts to reduce the hate crimes and violence that the Sikhs have faced since 9/11, the Sikh-American community have hired a well know marketing firm to generate a nationwide awareness about Sikhism.

It has become increasingly important in today’s political and social environment, the National Sikh Campaign (NSC) said in a statement as it announced to hire the services of FP1, a conservative-leaning Washington-based marketing firm which has an impressive clientele which includes Facebook and Ford.

Through research conducted in early 2015, it has been verified that when Americans learn about the key tenets of the Sikh religion, their feelings become far more positive, a media release said.

“Engaging FP1 was a crucial decision in making our entire strategy complete, and their expertise in reaching conservative Americans will be valuable in expanding our reach beyond our target audience of millennials and progressives,” said Dr Rajwant Singh, Co-founder and senior advisor of NSC.

“This is perhaps the first time that any US Sikh community has undertaken a major, proactive effort to reach out to Americans nationwide,” he added.

“Every step in our plan has been tested to have maximum effectiveness in shifting the perception and driving positive awareness of Sikh Americans,” said Shawn Singh Ghuman, communications director of NSC.

“We plan to use every tool, channel, and capability in the marketing communications industry to engage our society with the values Sikhism extolls,” he said.

The Sikhs article of faith — the turban and beard — have been falsely associated with terrorism in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

While there are an estimated 500,000 Sikh-Americans in the US, who have been an integral part of the American fabric for generations, the first post-9/11 fatal hate crime victim was a Sikh.

with thanks : The Hindu : LINK

DSGMC Elections - Candidates can share their profile on SikhsIndia

As the Elections to the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee are most likely to be held on 26th February, SikhsIndia invites all the candidates, irrespective of their political outfits, to share their Profiles with us for uploading on the SikhsIndia Network. We will also interview the candidates and share it on our Network. Please feel free to contact us, once the Elections are notified on February 1st & once the nominations are done. We will try our best to give you a clear picture of Candidates. Rest depends upon you, whom you vote.

https://www.facebook.com/SikhsIndia

Delhi: Gurdwara polls on February 26

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) polls are all set to be held on February 26. With the state government and lieutenant governor Anil Baijal approving the election notification, the poll date and schedule is expected to be notified on February 1. DSGMC is a 55-member body with 46 elected members and 10 historical gurdwaras and 30 educational institutions come under its purview.

With thanks : TOI : LINK : for detailed news.

Pic of a Sikh on the Fiji Islands Dollar

with thanks : Amar Ujala News Paper

350th Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Heartiest Gurupurab Greetings to the entire humanity on the 350th Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru

Happy New Year at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib at 12 AM

Three held for cutting elderly Sikh man’s hair in Nahan

Tension gripped Nahan after miscreants cut the hair of a deaf and dumb elderly Sikh man on Friday evening. When the victim reached his locality, Mohalla Govindgarh, people belonging to his community started agitating.

On their complaint, police arrested three persons — Kamlesh, Vikas and Vishal — for allegedly committing the crime. They were booked under Section 295-A (outrage religious feelings) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

more details : LINK : Hindustan Times

Nitish Kumar launches 125 hi-tech luxury buses for Sikh pilgrims visiting Patna

PATNA: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on Saturday launched altogether 227 high-tech luxury buses in the state capital here ahead of the five-day celebration of 350th birth anniversary of Sikh's tenth guru Gobind Singh Maharaj, beginning from January 1.

Of total 227 buses, 125 have been dedicated for free-of-the-cost ferrying of Sikh pilgrims who have already began arriving here to participate in the 350th Prakashvotsava which is being celebrated at grand level.

The high-tech buses are fitted with facilities like global positioning system (GPS), door censor, CCTV camera, reverse camera, information panel and emergency alarm.

more details : LINK : TOI

Keeping Families Warm This Winter

WEST MIDLANDS, UK: Meet the super hero squad from UNITED SIKHS. Unlike your typical community defenders, armed with weapons or magic powers, members of this community group show up with the items their neighbors most need - pillows, duvets, hats, gloves, scarves and coats.

According to a new report from Shelter, an increasing number of families in England are sleeping rough. The study found more than 255,000 families are without a permanent home. Out of the 50 English cities highlighted, Birmingham and West Midlands areas ranked as the 28th worst; 1 in every 119 people are homeless. Fully aware of the problem, members of UNITED SIKHS made it their mission to keep their neighbors warm this winter. Their strategy? The Rescue a Family Winter Warmer project.

As part of the project, local chapter members swept in with basic essentials to get families through the cold temperatures of the winter months. There are currently an estimated 9,560 homeless people in the West Midlands area alone.

"We knew there was a problem and we knew we had the capacity to help solve it. Rather than waiting for the calls for help, we approached the shelters. We requested lists of needs from each family." Sun Kaur, of UNITED SIKHS said. "We believe we are blessed. As Sikhs, as neighbors, it is our privilege and duty to serve our brothers and sisters who need us right now."

The shelters, Rocket Pool Youth centre in the West Midlands and the and Eastfield Strengthening Families Hub, were overwhelmed by the proactive outpouring of support .

"On behalf of the team here at Eastfield Strengthening Families Hub we want to express our gratitude for all the help and support provided to us in our aim to support families in our local community. The kind donation of gifts and food parcels have been distributed to families experiencing real difficulties and as a result are currently receiving support from the team to help them secure improved outcomes" said Sharon Leonard of Eastfield Hub.

In addition to financial poverty, many of the individuals served by UNITED SIKHS have also endured additional traumatic life experiences, ranging from domestic abuse and mental health issues to substance abuse.

"Thank you for what you have done for me and my children. I am a single mother and due to unforeseen circumstances me and my children do not have many items of clothing. I am really grateful to United Sikhs for the coats they have given to my children," one mother said of the organization.

"The Rocket Pool Strengthening Families Hub would like to say a big thank you to UNITED SIKHS for the wonderful donations of winter coats, bedding, and Christmas gifts. When distributing the donations our families have expressed that this assistance has eased the increasing pressures on them especially at this time of year." said Hayley Quintyne of Rocket Pool Hub.

To assist families in need this winter, contribute to the Rescue A Family project by donating online to unitedsikhs.org/donate.

***Special thanks to HS Impex ltd , Birmingham, Mann Brothers, Birmingham and members of the community who donated winter goods.

A view of Anandpur Sahib !

A view of Anandpur Sahib. The gurdwara Keshgarha Sahib can be seen top right. This is where Guru Gobind Singh Ji administered the Amrit to the five Sikhs and created the brotherhood of the Khalsa. Pic mailed by : Preet Singh