
Though a relatively young religion compared to others, Sikhi holds profound wisdom. As prejudice rises, the need to support humanity strengthens. This yearning to contribute to society's betterment is a core principle of Sikhi. The core principles include faith in God, following truth, serving others selflessly, detachment from material possessions, and following the teachings of the Gurus. These principles are also the foundation of UNITED SIKHS, which aims to help underprivileged communities and those in crisis.
Sikh principles, distilled from the teachings of the ten Gurus, foster a transformative way of life:
- Living with Morality and Ethics: Sikhi emphasizes honesty, integrity, and service to others, leading to a fulfilling life free from material attachment. This core principle of seva (selfless service) inspires the volunteers to readily step up and help those in need during difficult times.
- Equality and Unity: Sikhi transcends differences of gender, caste, or creed, promoting a society built on equality and unity. This creates a sense of belonging and encourages people to see each other as equals.
- Seva (Selfless Service): The core principle of Seva encourages us to give back to the communities and help those in need. This promotes compassion, strengthens social bonds, and creates a more supportive environment for every individual.
- Naam Japna (Remembering God): UNITED SIKHS promotes meditation, and focusing on the divine path (Naam Japna) brings inner peace, purpose, and resilience in the face of challenges. This spiritual grounding enhances mental well-being and overall quality of life.
- Community Support: Sikhs are known for their commitment to Langar, the community kitchen that provides free meals to all, regardless of background. UNITED SIKHS also provides free meals to those who are in need. These principles aren't just written records; they are actively practiced.
Following the Principles of Sikhi
UNITED SIKHS continues to promote Sikh principles around the world. It actively promotes freedom of faith through Sikh principles. Some of our initiatives directly help people exercise their right to freedom of religion and faith.
Advocating for Faith and Freedom in USA
In Battle Creek, Michigan, USA, Sukhmeet Kaur, a Sikh student in the 8th grade, faced discrimination due to her religious beliefs. UNITED SIKHS pitched in to help the Sukhmeet, who was asked to either remove her Kirpan which is a small religious sword in Sikhi, or discontinue attending school. As Kirpan is a reminder of the Sikh principle of their duty to uphold justice and truth it holds a significant importance in Sikhi. As UNITED SIKHS promotes freedom of faith and religion, we vouched for Sukhmeet’s sentiment and advocated for Kaur's right to wear the Kirpan.
UNITED SIKHS Against Human Trafficking
UNITED SIKHS International Civil and Human Rights Advocacy (ICHRA) also upholds these principles by raising awareness against human trafficking. We participated in the Human Trafficking Prevention Month Awareness Campaign. Human trafficking is the act of using force, fraud, or coercion to exploit people for labor or commercial sexual acts. UNITED SIKHS ICHRA, a prominent United Nations-supported organization, emphasizes the need for collective action to end human trafficking.
Conclusion
Following the teachings of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, UNITED SIKHS embodies Sikh principles. Their volunteers dedicate their time and resources to serving others, setting a powerful example of compassion and selflessness. This inspires others to get involved in creating a more just and peaceful world. UNITED SIKHS' initiatives also aim to help underprivileged people, including children, immigrant workers, and those affected by famine and war. Their work challenges stereotypes and prejudices against Sikhs, showcasing the positive contributions of their faith to the world.