WASHINGTON,D.C- Camp Gurmat, a week-long annual Sikh youth camp, organized by the Guru Gobind Singh Foundation based here,explored the theme of Sikh women and looked in detail at women in Sikh history. Over 120 Sikh children from ages 7-17 traveled from all over the US and Canada to be part of this camp, which is held in a green, wooded facility in Rockville, in the suburbs of DC. Sikh youth and camp organizers raised the question of...
why Sikh women are not performing kirtan at Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), the sacrosanct of the Sikh faith.
Dr. Rajwant Singh and Gagan Kaur Narang taught history to all the campers. Both researched material to keep the interest of the youth and at the same time prompted them to discuss means of implementing the gender equality envisioned by Guru Nanak who spoke about the rights of women in society and advocated their full participation in all aspects of society. Singh said, “What we have discovered is that Sikh women have played an important and critical role in strengthening the journey of the Sikh faith for the last 500 years.
It is clear from the many other historical references that Sikh women were crucial to the success of the 5th largest religion and it is extremely important that we give them their deserving role in Sikh affairs, especially being able to sing shabads, at the Golden Temple.”
Narang, an IT professional, while commenting said, “Being a Sikh woman, this year’s theme was very close to my heart. It gave us an opportunity to explore the most important Sikh value- equality for all! It was amazing to see our young Singhs and Kaurs get excited about learning more and more about our brave and courageous historical and contemporary Kaurs.”
Throughout the week, Sikh youth sang the theme shabad “So Kion Munda Aakhiye, Jit Jamey Raajaan” written by Guru Nanak which exhorts that women be treated with respect and fairness. This shabad was discussed in detail, in addition to the philosophical aspects of Sikh theology which emphasize social and gender equality.
Dr. Rajwant Singh and Gagan Kaur Narang taught history to all the campers. Both researched material to keep the interest of the youth and at the same time prompted them to discuss means of implementing the gender equality envisioned by Guru Nanak who spoke about the rights of women in society and advocated their full participation in all aspects of society. Singh said, “What we have discovered is that Sikh women have played an important and critical role in strengthening the journey of the Sikh faith for the last 500 years.
It is clear from the many other historical references that Sikh women were crucial to the success of the 5th largest religion and it is extremely important that we give them their deserving role in Sikh affairs, especially being able to sing shabads, at the Golden Temple.”
Narang, an IT professional, while commenting said, “Being a Sikh woman, this year’s theme was very close to my heart. It gave us an opportunity to explore the most important Sikh value- equality for all! It was amazing to see our young Singhs and Kaurs get excited about learning more and more about our brave and courageous historical and contemporary Kaurs.”
Throughout the week, Sikh youth sang the theme shabad “So Kion Munda Aakhiye, Jit Jamey Raajaan” written by Guru Nanak which exhorts that women be treated with respect and fairness. This shabad was discussed in detail, in addition to the philosophical aspects of Sikh theology which emphasize social and gender equality.
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