Preeti Kaur forwarded me this cool video that documents some visitors to the Harmandar Sahib, or “Golden Temple” complex. It’s like the Vatican for Sikhs. (As an aside, the most sacred temple for Sikhs is one’s own mind.) The cool part of this video is that they participate in making langar — the free community meal served to all, 24/7. Click through the video to YouTube and read the video comments and description.

SALDEF has created a neat little resource to promote Sikh awareness. And best of all, you can order it right now at $10 for 100. These glossy cards sport some basic information about Sikhs, and feature a nice utilitarian calendar on the back.

For me, the card serves as a nice conclusion to a conversation with a person I’ve just met. For example, when flying out to the west coast recently, I had a spirited debate about religion with an episcopalian woman and an agnostic gentleman seated in my row. The handy-dandy SALDEF card was an excellent close to our conversation as we continued on our travels.

A group in India, Akal Purakh Ki Fauj, is organizing a competition to chose the World’s Best Mr. Singh. Do you think I should enter? I do meet the minimum requirements. See the television advertisement below. Missing from all the materials is a registration deadline. I sent them a mail asking about it.

Requirements:

1. Saabat soorat Sikh boys from all over the world.
2. Age: 18 to 30 years.
3. Married/Unmarried.
4. Educated.
5. Minimum height: 5’8”. (relax able as per rules and regulations)
6. Good appearance and Physical fitness.
7. Should have good interests and hobbies. (like martial arts, Music, reading, writing skills)
8. Knowledge of Sikh history and Sikh principles.
9. General knowledge.

The BBC made an two part series on the Sikh faith in 1999. I remember trying to get a DVD copy, but it wasn’t possible since it was just “made for TV.” Fortunately, you can now find the total 90 minute production on Google Video. I love technology.

Part I:

Part II:

All TSA Screeners are required to watch this movie before Thanksgiving 2007. It’s been produced by the United States Department of Justice Community Relations Service, and the Sikh American Legal Defense Fund. It does a great job of explaining who Sikhs are, and what to do as a TSA screener or law-enforcement officer interacting with Sikhs. It also provides a great general overview for interested citizens.

UPDATE: 2/6/2007 You can now watch this video at higher quality on the DOJ Site!

Update: 11/30/2007 SALDEF reports that over 60,000 law enforcement officials have watched this video!

The Sikh Coalition recently launched a website for Sikh Kids. It’s basically the modern day equivalent of a brochure on a topic with an interactive discussion board, videos, and cool PowerPoint decks and resources. Useful and well-designed, kudos to the Coalition for putting this out!

http://khalsakids.org

Monty has created some buzz around himself and Sikhi, making the sports world a bit more aware, at the very least. He’s also leaner and taller than his older brother. Go Monty! Sports Illustrated and the Washington Post have taken notice. Sports Illustrated article. Washington Post article.