The Revival of Sikhi seminar at the first-ever International Sikh Conference in Indonesia truly lived to its name, creating a deep interest in Sikhism, especially amongst the youth. A galaxy of speakers from different countries enabled Sikh Indonesians to resolve to expand the Indonesian Sikh council, to follow the Mool Nanakshahi Calendar across the country and to strengthen efforts for a Gurmat-based life.

Achieving the primary purpose of revival of interest in Sikhi, as intentioned by the organisers, the International Sikh Conference during the first week of December, saw an overwhelming, dedicated and focussed participation by the Young Khalsa -boys, girls and kids, intently listening and imbibing the spirit of the speeches. A galaxy of speakers from various corners of the world, brought together under the leadership of veteran Sikh Indonesian Balwant Singh, supported by Global Sikh Council, at Gurudwara Guru Nanak Dev Tanggerang Selatan Jakarta, led the celebrations of 25 years of existence of the Gurdwara Sahib in this predominantly Muslim nation.

In accordance with the wishes of the Sikh Sangat of Indonesia, numbering around 5000, after months of preparation, Sikh Indonesians from across the different islands of the country, representing 5 Gurdwaras and speakers from Mumbai, Delhi, Punjab, Malaysia, Hongkong, Switzerland and the United States, participated in the International Sikh conference which concluded with the unanimous adoption of the Jakarta Resolution to resolve to unify Sikhs in the country under one platform by strengthening the Indonesian Council for Sikhs. It was a hugely worthwhile experience which will go a long way in bridging the global gap between Sikhs of one region and another.

Opening the conference, Balwant Singh shared the history of the Gurdwara, challenges faced and plans for the future for the Gurdwara Sahib as well as the Jakarta Gurmat School. The chief guest Bapak K. S. Arsana the minister for public communication PHDI (Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia)  extending full support to the Indonesian Sikh community on behalf of his president and the organisation, lauded the contribution of the Sikhs in the freedom struggle of Indonesia and in zealous nation building of the country. He also released the first-ever Special print edition of the World Sikh News, especially crafted for the occasion. 

Seeking a commitment to adhere to the teachings of Gurus and unflinching compliance to Sikh Rehat Maryada, GSC President -Lady Kanwaljit Kaur via Skype from London, greeted the seminar participants who deliberated on a variety of issues and addressed many concerns.

Former Indonesian government leader Harbinderjit Singh Dilon urged Sikh intellectuals and scholars to frame a common outlook for Sikhi so that people in countries like Indonesia do not get confused.  The founding member of Global Sikh Council -GSC, Gulbarg Singh Bassi from the United States of America, presented the threat of distortion of Gurbani and the Sikh Rehat Maryada happening in a planned manner and steps to be taken to ensure complete acceptance and compliance of the Sikh Rehat Maryada.

Noted Sikh scholar from Malaysia Dr Karminder Singh gave a powerful presentation on Sikh youth and emphasized the significance of religious tolerance based on his experience in the US.  Veteran scholar and traveller Col Dr Dalwinder Singh Grewal from Punjab made a presentation on Travels of Guru Nanak in Southeast Asia, emphasizing that he was engaged in rediscovering the truth about Guru Nanak’s visit to Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries.

GSC Secretary Gurdeep Singh Kundan from Switzerland emphasized upon the need for strengthening the membership and scope of the Global Sikh Council and how it can play a role to win back youngsters into the Sikh fold.

Senior Research Fellow at the Sikh Research Institute -Harinder Singh from the US presented his views on the dynamism required of the next generation Sikh leader in his presentation ‘The Next Sikh: Clear, Consistent and Current’. Dr Harbant Singh from Malaysia took the audience through the lives of Gurus through their messages in his paper ‘Sikhi Lens of The Gurus – a conceptual analysis’.

Prof. Ravjeet Kaur from Chandigarh shared views on the importance of Sidak camps and the work of Keerat Foundation imparting education to children under age 15. Gurmel Singh representing Singh Sabha Hong Kong spoke on teachings of Sikhi and its relevance in present times.  Gurmat school student from Hong Kong -Surjan Singh dwelt on his love for the Sikh way of life. Renowned documentary filmmaker from Delhi Dr. S.P  Sabharwal emphasized the role of Guru Granth Sahib in our daily lives.

“On the heels of the celebration of Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh on 5 January, the conference decided to adopt the Mool Nanakshahi Calendar as prepared by Pal Singh Purewal and adopted by GSC and other bodies. It was emphasized that by adopting this calendar all Gurpurabs will have fixed dates and will enable Sikhs in Indonesia to be in sync with the Global Sikh community.”

Bhupinder Singh Kohli from Mumbai screened a documentary depicting selfishness and dwelt on Sewa as a key pillar of Sikhi and how it motivates him to serve humankind irrespective of religion, caste, creed, age and gender.  Leader of the Singh Sabha Mumbai -Kulwant Singh travelled the Shabad Guru Yatra and its message through his power-point presentation.

During one of the sessions, the movie Eh Janam Tuhmhare Lekhi based on the life of Bhagat Puran Singh was screened which was appreciated by all participants of the seminar.

One participant after another deeply appreciated the consistent campaign-like efforts of Balwant Singh, which made the conference possible and acknowledged the contribution of all participants who made exceptional presentations for the revival of Sikhi in Indonesia. The special World Sikh News edition was a talking point amongst the participants, especially the youth who got a special place in the publication.

Primary focussed for Revival of Sikhi in Indonesia, the Sangat resolved that in order to inculcate love and respect for Sikhi, all individuals and Gurdwaras will implement the Sikhi Revival Plan suggested by the Global Sikh Council, whose outline was presented by its former President, Gulbarg Singh from the US.  

The Sadh Sangat of Indonesia resolved to double up the efforts to expand the Indonesia Sikh Council to include all Gurdwara bodies in Indonesia as a parent body which would represent the Sikhs at the national and international level on all social, religious, cultural and political matters concerning the community. In this regard, it was further decided that the framework and constitution of the Indonesia Sikh Council will be prepared.

“Sharing ideas and expertise makes a rewarding and successful experience for the youth of our society. The fire of youth must be used not just to build careers but to build homes and communities based on love and giving.”

Sangeet Kaur and Manmith Kaur Bhuller

The International Sikh Conference expressed serious concern at the prevailing confusion regarding the celebration of Gurpurabs. The Sadh Sangat resolved that as advised by the Global Sikh Council and many other international organisations, the birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh Ji will be held on 5 January 2018 and 5 January every year as mentioned in the Nanakshahi Calendar.

On the heels of the resolution to celebrate Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh on 5 January, the conference decided to adopt the Mool Nanakshahi Calendar as prepared by Pal Singh Purewal and adopted by GSC and other bodies. It was emphasized that by adopting this calendar all Gurpurabs will have fixed dates and will enable Sikhs in Indonesia to be in sync with the Global Sikh community.

In view of the forthcoming 550-year Celebrations of the advent of Guru Nanak in 2019, the International Sikh Conference resolved to ask the Indonesian government to declare 2019 as the Year of Religious Tolerance.  The Indonesia Sikh Council will take this up in April 2018.

With a clarion call to meet every year, the International Sikh Conference in Indonesia was a harbinger of much-needed change and focus on how we manage our Gurdwaras and the steps we take to inculcate love for Sikhi amongst the next generation.

Speaking to WSN, the speaker from Mumbai -Kulwant Singh said, “It was absolutely remarkable to see the super excellent efforts  and organisational skills to improve the effectiveness of Sikh education by developing high standards of learning with comprehensive and modern teaching materials.”

From theology to Gurmukhi, from history to Panjabi, from Gurmat to Kirtan to Quizzes and Competitions, from language arts, including contemporary Panjabi and the Gurumukhi script  -all of these kept more than a hundred students engaged through workshops in lesson sharing, planning processes, with ample opportunity to provide feedback during the two days. It was indeed Revival of Sikhi in action.

Not only was the Sikh youth made aware of their rich heritage but also of the need for understanding and tolerance amongst communities. The process of concurrently evaluating the seminar was a unique process. The constructive dialogues to develop a lifestyle that is Guru-oriented for future generations and foster networking among participants were very impactful.

Sharing of knowledge on Sikhi in the context of improved governance, accountability, and effective development delivery and results were other key areas of the hands-on action work around the seminar, familiarizing the participants with the development of new approaches in monitoring and evaluation of life.

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Speaking for the students, coordinators Manmith Kaur Bhuller and Sangeet Kaur concluded, “Sharing ideas and expertise makes a rewarding and successful experience for the youth of our society. The fire of youth must be used not just to build careers but to build homes and communities based on love and giving. With direction and guidance, they can change the very shape of the world and we can have a peaceful world. If we complement the flame of youth with a sense of focus and urgency, they have the power to move worlds.”