LUDHIANA—EcoSikh, a US-based International Ecology organisation, which has been instrumental in creating awareness among Sikh communities about traditional teachings on nature preservation, and to show people how they can take positive action to safeguard nature, unveiled plans for celebrating March 14 as “Sikh Environment Day.”
In a press conference, Dr. Rajwant Singh, President EcoSikh, said, “This day is significant since it marks the coronation of the 7th Sikh Guru, Guru Har Rai, who is known for his deep sensitivity towards nature and its preservation.
“This day reminds us of a commitment to care for nature and other inhabitants in the World, based on the teachings of Guru Har Rai ji. We are confident that once again Sikhs in Punjab and around the world will take part in greening the planet. Our audacious goal of having 2000 Sikh organizations celebrating the Sikh Environment Day is already getting support in all six continents.We want the media to help in taking the message to as many Sikhs as possible so that they feel motivated to join in this unique celebration,” he added.
EcoSikh also launched its Sikh Environment Day TV Promo before the media on the occasion.
Regarding this TV campaign, Mr. Ravneet Singh, the India Project Director of EcoSikh said, “Keeping in sync with changing times, we have created a small video which will be aired on TV channels in Punjab, India, and even abroad giving a clarion call to Sikhs to observe ‘Sikh Vatavaran Divas’.”
Ravneet Singh added, “We will be using the time of over a month to coordinate with Hundreds of Sikh Gurdwaras, schools, colleges, businesses, and institutions in Punjab and across the world to take active part in this joint effort.”
The EcoSikh activists said that this year support has come in from Punjab’s Industry with EcoSikh Punjab Convener, Ranjodh Singh—a leading Sikh industrialist in Punjab—gearing up industrial units to implement a green drive starting with this Sikh Environment day. They also said that they have roped in well known Sikh religious preachers or Kathawachaks.
Bhai Amrik Singh, a well-known international Sikh preacher, said, “Climate change is the most challenging issue of our times and preachers have a special role to convey the teachings of Sikhism and of Guru Har Rai ji on this issue and inspire masses to act for the betterment of the Mother Earth.”
Jaspreet Kaur, Project Coordinator of Guru Nanak Multiversity Educate Punjab Project said, “Our organization has been operational for moral studies in over 800 schools in Punjab and we will be organizing programs in collaboration with Satnam Sarv Kalyan Trust, Chief Khalsa Diwan, and EcoSikh. Our goal is to make young minds aware of how powerful they can be, and the difference they can make towards nature care.”
“Switching to traditional steel thalis, tips to save water and energy, clean and green Nagar Kirtans [Sikh religious processions] and making Gurdwaras and religious ceremonies plastic free, especially in Punjab, are the key agendas of Sikh Environment Day this year,” she added.
Mr. Jatinder Singh Sandhu, President, Gurdwara Sarabha Nagar, Ludhiana, a known environmentalist and Dr Birbikram Singh, Dean (Student welfare), Sri Guru Granth Sahib University, were also present in the conference.
It is noteworthy that last year, Jathedars of all five Sikh Takhts had marked this day to be celebrated as “Sikh Vatavaran Diwas.”
tell the work out on this day–1keep green every where-do planting-etc.