Sikh Human Rights Group Receives Status of United Nations Consultative Body

KHADUR SAHIB, Punjab—Sikh Human Rights Group (SHRG), an international body active since 1985, has received status of consultative body of Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.  This information was revealed by SHRG chairman Dr. Jasdev Singh Rai from UK in a seminar held at the Nishan-e-Sikhi auditorium here to introduce the body and its aims and objectives.

The seminar was held in collaboration with noted environmentalist Baba Sewa Singh Kar Sewa Khadur Sahib who is among the executive members of SHRG. 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 Sikh environmental and human rights activists to raise their voices at international level at United Nations events.”

“After getting the consultative status, we could easily approach international community to take up genuine issues including religious freedom, racism etc. which are 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”.

Baba Sewa Singh said, “We are dedicated for ensuring well being of human beings irrespective of religion, caste, creed and race. Kar Sewa Khadur Sahib has already undertaken environment conservation drive since 1999. Now, through Sikh Human Rights Group, we would try to spread mission of the Gurus on international level with the cooperation of Sikh community.”

Noted Sikh scholar Dr. Raghbir Singh Bains said that he hopes 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.