1. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 1 The Sikh Culture

2. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 2 99% of people wearing turbans in America are Sikhs Sikhs wear Turbans Sikhism is a very “visible religion

3. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 3 Sikhism is the 5 th Largest Religion in the World 1. Christianity – 2 billion 2. Islam – 1.3 billion 3. Hinduism – 900 million 4. Buddhism – 360 million 5. Sikhism – 22 million 6. Judaism – 14 million Source: www.adherents.com

4. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 4 Sikhism is the Newest Major Religion in the World 2000 BC2000 AD1000 BC01000 AD Hinduism Judaism Jainism Buddhism Taoism Shinto Christianity Sikhism Source: Experiencing World Religions, M Malloy Hinduism Judaism Jainism Buddhism Taoism Shinto Christianity Sikhism

5. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 5 1469: Guru Nanak - Birth of a Revolutionary l At that time l Land divided by Hindu/Islam religions l Ruled by invaders from Persia & Afghanistan l Rich exploited the poor l Strict Castes (Untouchables had no rights) l Women had no role l Superstitions & Rituals l Guru means “Spiritual Enlightener” Spread the revelation across 8000 miles on foot Defender of human rights and equality Tolerant of other’s perspective and freedom of choice Often used metaphor and analogy to communicate

6. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 6 The Ten Gurus (1469-1708) 1. Guru Nanak Dev ji (1469-1539)- one god, freedom, equality 2. Guru Angand Dev ji (1504-1552– Gurmukhi Script, Gyms, Food “Langar” halls 3. Guru Amar Das ji (1479-1574)– Women’s rights (anti Sati, veil, child marriage) 4. Guru Ram Das ji (1534-1581)– city of Amritsar, international trade, marriage ceremony 5. Guru Arjan Dev ji (1563-1606)– wrote Guru Granth Sahib, tithe tradition, executed by Emperor Jehangir 6. Guru Hargobind ji (1595-1644)– Saint-Soldier, formed military, first war with muslim ruler 7. Guru Har Rai ji (1630-1661)- 360 Sikh Centers 8. Guru Har Krishan ji (1656-1664)– Delhi presence, healthcare 9. Guru Tegh Bahadur ji (1621-1675)– sacrifice for Hindu religion 10. Guru Gobind Singh ji (1666-1708)– the Khalsa, 5 articles of faith, many wars

7. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 7 Sikhism has a High Moral Code of Conduct l DOs l Equality of all Humanity l Men and Women have same rights l Freedom and Liberty for all l Protect yours and others rights l Selfless Service and Sharing l Strong work ethic l Follow the Guru’s Path l Spiritual, Mental and Physical balance l DONTs l Smoking l Drugs l Alcohol Spiritual Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib (The Sikh scripture)

8. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 8 Equality (Key Aspects of Sikhism) Equality of Women “Women are equal” – Guru Nanak (16 th Century) Gurdwara( Sikh Temple) Four Doors – always open to all religions No Caste System “Singh” and “Kaur” Mai Bhago

9. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 9 Defend Rights (Key Aspects of Sikhism) Saint-Soldier Defender of Rights and Fighter of Oppression

10. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 10 Service (Key Aspects of Sikhism) Community Kitchen 24/7/365 - Free Signifies sharing and universal brotherhood Free Hospitals and Clinics Bhagat Puran Singh (Father Teresa)

11. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 11 Balanced Life (Key Aspects of Sikhism) Meditation Remembrance of God Martial Arts (Gatka) Sword Fighting

12. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 12 Sikh’s are given a Unique Identity symbolizing discipline and spirituality All Sikhs wear 5 Articles of Faith Uncut Hair (Kesh) SPIRITUALITY Comb (Kanga) CLEANLINESS Sword (Kirpan) PROTECTION Long Underpants (Kachera) SELF DISCIPLINE Iron Bracelet (Kara) GOOD DEEDS

13. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 13 After the Gurus 1670 - 1850 l 1670-1716 Banda Bahadur l Most respected and feared General of the Sikhs l 40,000 strong army; l 1718-1783 – Jassa Singh Ahluwalia l United Sikhs all over l 1762 – Sixth Afghan Invasion l The great Holocaust (30,000 Sikhs killed) l 1780 – 1839 – Maharaja Ranjit Singh l Ruler of Punjab – only area independent of British Empire; included Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kashmir l First Modern Indian Army – The Sikh Khalsa army; artillery; European generals; exists even today as most highly decorated army in the world l Focused on Art, Equality, abolished death penalty

14. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 14 British Occupation and World Wars 1850-1945 l 1845 1 st Anglo-Sikh War l 1849 2 nd Anglo-Sikh War l 1857 Sikh Mutiny l 1860 onwards – relative peace l World War I (1914-1918) l Sikhs liberated France as part of British Army; fought in Africa and Turkey l World War II (1939-1945) l Sikhs fought against Japan and Germany Kesur Singh Queen’s Army, 1897

15. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 15 Independence from British 1947 l 1947 l India and Pakistan l Punjab split in HALF l 1 million dead; 10 million injured; 30 million homeless

16. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 16 Sikhs came to America over a 100 years ago Sikhs came from India There are half a million Sikhs today in North America Sikhs live in over 60 countries San Francisco Chronicle, April 6, 1899

17. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 17 Sikhs are– doctors, engineers, teachers, scientists, and athletes Nuvraj Bassi, 6’6”, 290 lbs, Defensive Tackle, Univ of Oregon, Oregon Simran Singh, Captain Soccer O’Connor High School, Texas

18. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 18 World Marathon Record Holder Fauja Singh – 99 years old

19. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 19 Hollywood, MTV, Jazz Rabbi Shergill Waris Ahluwalia Snatam Kaur Lonnie Smith

20. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 20 Modern Day Sikhs Continue the Tradition of Global Peacekeepers

21. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 21 Festivals and Cultural Events Baisakhi (Spring Festival) Sikh New Year Guru Nanak’s Birthday December

22. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 22 The Turban - encapsulates the spirit of saint-soldier and the values a Sikh aims to live by l Mandatory – not a social or cultural article. l Symbolic of sovereignty of humans. l Always be recognized and duty bound to offer help. l Sikhs wearing it for the last 500 years. l Removal of turban in public is tantamount to a strip search. l Stand for social justice of all people. l Tell All l I uphold truth l I uphold justice l I have discipline l I have integrity l I am humble l I am spiritual

23. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 23 Sikh Americans –Freedom and Equality for all

24. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 24 Questions and Answers 1. Why do you wear a turban? 2. How long is the turban and does the color mean anything? 3. When do you have to wear a turban? 4. How long is your hair? 5. Why are so many people named SINGH and KAUR? 6. Do you have any other religious restrictions?

25. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 25 Questions and Answers 1. Why do you wear a turban? l Sikhs wear turbans to cover their long hair which is a requirement of their religion 2. How long is the turban and does the color mean anything? l A turban is 10-15 feet long and is tied every time. You can wear any color. 3. When do you have to wear a turban? l You can wear a turban wherever and whenever. For sports a smaller scarf-like turban, sometimes called a mini-turban, is worn. 4. How long is your hair? l Hair length varies from shoulder length to waist length. Hair stops growing after a while. 5. Why are so many people named SINGH and KAUR? l Equality! 6. Do you have any other religious restrictions? l Smoking, drugs and alcohol are prohibited for obvious reasons.