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- Objective
Sri Hemkunt Foundation, Inc. New York, was established in 1980 with the broad objective of
sharing universal brotherhood with the community, and helping to create environment in
which the children can learn the spiritual, moral, and religious teachings in a scientific
manner and feel proud to be a Sikh. Promotion of learning Punjabi language in Gurmukhi
script, Kirtan, Gurbani, philosophy and Sikh religion, Sikh history, culture and fine arts
have been the corner stone of the Foundation. Since its inception the Foundation has been
engaged inter alia in disseminating information to children and youth of various
age groups.
- Study Tour
In 1981, the Foundation organized a study tour of 35 children of different age groups to
visit India, in order to acquaint themselves with history, culture and religion. Also to
enable them to have a glimpse of glorious cultural heritage, visits were arranged for them
to various religious and historic places, and educational institutions in different parts
of India. One of the high lights of this trip was the exhilarating and breath taking visit
to Sri Hemkunt Sahib in the lofty Himalayan located at more than 15,000 feet above sea
level. What an experience and Spiritual bliss enjoyed!
- Inspiration
Next came the distribution of religious books written by the versatile saint-scholar and
inspirational author Bhai Vir Singh. A big leap forward came in 1983 when a
symposium on "Rana Bhabor" written by Bhai Vir Singh was organized
in which 19 children participated. In a period of 12 years, the participation has extended
to 38 centers divided in 9 zones and spread over 3 continents.
- Expansion
Starting locally from New York, the interest spread nationally and soon
attained an international dimension. The first international symposium was held in New
York in 1989 and then in 1990, followed by London, UK in 1991, Washington (DC) in 1992,
Toronto, Canada in 1993, Nairobi, Kenya in 1994, and Chicago, USA in 1995. Future
competitions are scheduled – Florida USA 1996, England, UK - 1997 and California, USA
1998.
- Role Models
The concept of invited speakers was introduced in 1990 and Sikh scholars who are held in
high esteem in the Sikh community and have an impeccable record of community service and
achievement in their chosen profession, and can serve as role models for the youth are
invited as key-note speakers. We had the privilege of inviting the Sikh leader and
professor-Dr. Arjan Kripal Singh (UK), eminent scholar, writer and
scientist- Dr. Jaswant Singh Neki, efficient bureaucrat and successful editor- S.
Saran Singh I.A.S (retired), prolific writer-editor and an eloquent orator - Dr.
Inderjit Singh (UK) and S. Gurbax Singh Mahli, current Member Parliament
(Canada), as key-note speakers and chief guests at our international symposia.
- Trends & Topics
Among the books prescribed for competition of different age groups were some of the
translations of the works of Bhai Vir Singh like Sundri, Bijai Singh, Satwant Kaur, and
Baba Naudh Singh, etc. Other books with titles like
Ten Masters , Heritage of the
Sikhs, Sikhism and Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh
Moral Tradition and many more books on the Ten Gurus and Mahraja Ranjit Singh. In
order to cater to the tastes and interests of the youth, there were also topics rather
than books, and included issues like the Role of Women, Sikh Ethics, and Truthful
Living in 21st Century .
- Experience
In 1994 Nitnem program was introduced during Christmas holidays and was extended to
summer program in July 1995 on popular demand. The enthusiasm, punctuality and spirit of
the children - even 7 years old, was very encouraging. They were rewarded with suitable
prizes.
- Cooperation & Coordination
Leadership by the trustees and associates, cooperation and stimulation by the
functional unit coordinators as well as the center and zonal convenors, physical and
financial support from the community and individuals, all combined with a unified mission,
have resulted in this success.
- Planning & Commitment
- In 1999, a big event, worthy of the tri-centenary birth
celebration of the Khalsa, is being planned in New York USA.
- It is just a beginning and lot more needs to be done. We
appreciate your cooperation in the past and look forward to sharing a common commitment in
the future.
Guru Rakha
Sri Hemkunt Foundation Inc.
(A Non-Profit Tax-Exempt Organization)
1380 North Jerusalem Road, North Merrick, NY 11566
Tel. (516) 481-5652
Fax. (516) 845-4034
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