NORWICH, CT, USA—The Sikh Sewak Society from Connecticut ran a successful Vaisakhi education campaign focused in the Norwich and Newlondon County area. Bus shelter locations were rented to educate fellow Americans about the Sikh religion and Vasakhi. Around 100 signs were created and posted in total. The bus shelter signs showed the message, “Happy Vaisakhi,” with pictures of Sikhs, such as Kamal Kalsi and Sanatam Kaur, in order to raise awareness. Photos of Sikh boys with patkas were also used. The signs also cited statistics such this: “99% of people in America who tie turbans are Sikhs and not anyone else.”
Swaranjit Singh Khalsa, a member of Sikh Sewak Society International, said, “Our main goal is to make our fellow Americans feel comfortable when they see a turbaned Sikh. They should know we are Sikhs and we have our distinct identity. They should know we are from Punjab which is in India and that Sikhism is not a branch of any other religion.”
Khalsa also said that larger Sikh organizations such as United Sikhs, SALDEF, and Sikh Coalition were doing a great job raising awareness, but that every Sikh should contribute to this effort. Swaranjit Singh Khalsa also requested all Gurdwara Parbandak Committees to take initiative and participate in Sikh awareness activities.
The Lamar Company helped with this initiative by providing discounted pricing. Parminder Pal Singh Khalsa from Jalandhar, Punjab also contributed generously. The signs were designed by Rootsgear, a company based in New Jersey.
