Immigration Matters – Conomociento

Immigration is a popular topic amongst Punjabis. Many of us being immigrants ourselves, if not the children of immigrants, the topic often hits home. Still anytime the topic of ‘illegal immigration’ takes place (at least here in the United States), many Sikhs believe that it is the problem of Mexicans. Despite the fact that many of us know, have family members, have ourselves come to this country without ‘legal’ documentation, still the problem is that of another.

A recent article in the Los Angeles Times helps explode this myth:

About 650 Indians were arrested in southern Texas in the last three months of 2010 alone. Indians are now the largest group of immigrants other than Latin Americans being caught at the Southwest border…Most of the immigrants say they are from the Punjab or Gujarat states.

I strongly suggest Langa(r)eaders to take a look at the article.  Interestingly enough, despite the importance of the issue, few Sikhs really engage with the issue.  Most Sikh advocacy organizations in the US (SALDEF, Sikh Coalition, etc.) are sympathetic to the issue, but hardly promote action or dialogue within the community.  In fact, the institution that most deals with the issue are our local Gurdwaras.

I am pleased to announce the Sikh youth as taking a strong engagement with the issue.  The College Sikh collaborative has teamed up with the Jakara Movement, to create the first all-SSA Alternative Spring Break (ASB).  This pilot project will look at the issue of immigration through working with border human rights groups, working with families of day laborers, speaking to law enforcement officials, and visiting numerous sites to engage with the issue.  If you are free on the dates – March 23-25, 2011, do register (hey, actually do something during your spring break!).  THE DEADLINE FOR REGISTERING HAS BEEN EXTENDED until Sunday, March 20, 2011!  I hope to provide a report of the initiative afterwards.

Jakara Fresno and Kerman – Raise over $500

Every year Kid’s Day is a special fundraising event for Central California’s Valley Children’s Hospital.  This year, just like last, the chapters in Fresno and Kerman helped raise money for the hospital.  This year they combined for a spectacular $525.  We salute all the people that come together to make great things possible.  Together, we are the movement.

A 2011 Sikholarly Success

My apologies for a post that is far overdue.  So Sikholars 2011 came and went.  This year was an even greater success than last year with attendance of over 110+ and a growing number of presenters.  This year’s Sikholars 2011 class – Kamal Arora, Amneet Singh Bali, Sonia Dhami, Amandeep Kaur Dhillon, Neelamjit Singh Dhillon, Sandeep Singh Dhillon, Roopan Kaur Gill, Gurbachan Singh Jandu, Tarnjit Kaur Johal, Varinder Singh Johal, Simran Kaur, Sujot Kaur, Tavleen Kaur, Semran Kaur Mann, Ranjanpreet Kaur Nagra, Neilinder Singh Ranu, Sharanjit Kaur Sandhra, and Elizabeth Weigler – was our best yet and we look forward to incoming Sikholars classes.

The event was made possible by the CSU East Bay Ethnic Studies Department, the Sabharwal Sikh and Punjabi Studies Chair, the CSU East Bay Sikh Students Association, the Jakara Movement, and the scores of volunteers.

Below the fold, as promised are uploaded copies of some of the papers (we did not receive permission from all the Sikholars to upload their papers due to ongoing research, publication in academic journals, etc.).  These papers will be made available for one month as per our goal of greater democratization of research.

We look forward to Sikholars 2012

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Concimiento – First-Ever SSA Alternative Spring Break

Sikholars 2011 Agenda

Read the fine print and register now!

Sikholars 2011 Agenda

Sikholars 2011 Announced

The candidates have submitted.  The abstracts are published and we are welcoming all to join us in this unique conference experience.  Sikholars 2011 is the first conference aimed at Sikh researchers, professionals, and activists.  Geared towards those 25+, we hope you join us in the Bay Area from February 25-27, 2011.  Registration is limited to the first 100 registrants.  Register now and see you in Hayward!

Sikholars 2011 Abstracts

Looking for a Camp Co-Lead

You know about the camps – they are the most important component of the Jakara Movement.  Now we need you!

Got leadership skills? Looking to get involved in your community? Jakara Movement is looking for a project co-lead for our biannual Jakara Junior camps! If you’re interested in contributing to a nationwide project while advancing your own leadership skills, we would love to hear from you! Apply now!

CLICK HERE FOR THE APPLICATION

Sikhi-Seva-Cinema

Seattle, Fresno, Sacramento, and now Bakersfield have joined in on “Sikhi, Seva, and Cinema”.  Initiated last year, this Jakara Movement projects engages the youth in our community to think about community service and seva.  First watching inspirational movies on Bhai Taru Singh, the Chotay Sahibzadas, and Sundari, the volunteers move to feed their community’s homeless population.

Over 1000 people were fed and large sections of the Sikh community participated – from children viewers, to youth sandwich makers, to all older donors.  All made this a success!

None are high; none are low.  We engage in seva for love of the Guru’s creation.  Join, participate, and make it happen in your community next year.

Click below to view some pictures of the event:

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Got On the Bus 2010!

A special thank you to those 40 Sikhs that ‘got on the bus’ from Southern California to Yuba City!

Next year, hope to have you join.

Get on the Bus!