Indianapolis (Kanwal Prakash & KP Singh)
Guru Nanak’s revolutionary reformation movement of 1469 that was nurtured by nine succeeding Sikh Gurus and generations of leaders with incredible struggle and sacrifices, and especially the Sikhs in Diaspora is today recognized as an enlightened renaissance with a proud spiritual journey and cultural heritage: Oneness of God; sanctity of all faiths; equality, justice, sacred dignity and repository and Divine Light in each living being; end of caste division and service of all humanity without distinction; and the safeguarding of our shared environment among its fundamental and unifying core values.
Last day, we celebrate the 550th Parkash Agmun (Guru Nanak’s arrive in this world), the Sikh community of 35 million worldwide, with enthusiastic support from our friends in the faiths and interfaith communities, spiritual and civic leaders, governments and institutions, are placing the faith message and its universal relevance for all humanity in landmark commemorations and celebrations with interfaith gatherings; Sikh Art and Film Festivals; Parades, Proclamations, and newly-researched publications. They are planting of millions of trees and supporting hunger and peace initiatives, like the sacred Kartarpur Sahib Corridor connecting India and the final resting place of Guru Nanak in Pakistan; and food for local and state distribution Pantries. There is music, Bhangra, sports, businesses, multi-culture commitments, and daring ideas and space initiatives.
In recent years, the Hoosier Sikhs have participated in many diverse community celebrations, interfaith forums, and historic cultural crossroads: Indiana Governor’s Proclamation declaring April 2019 as the National Sikh Heritage Month (April 2019); 500 Festival Parade (May 2019); The Asian Fest at The Indiana State Museum and International Festival at IUPUI (June 2019); the beautiful Raag Keertan Durbar at Gurdwara Sikh Satsang (September 2019) that attracted hundreds;
The Sikh Parade in Downtown Indianapolis and Nationalities Council's International Festival Queen’s Contest at Murat Temple (October 2019). Many high school and college students, special guests and community leaders have visited the Gurdwara Sikh Satsang (Acton Road) in 2019. Indy International Festival (November 2019) and other activities are on the 2019 Hoosier Sikh Calendar.