Dear Members of the Khalsa Council and the Sadh Sangat,
Sat Nam and blessings to all for a Healthy, Happy and Holy New Year.
While we find ourselves in the midst of very challenging times, may we continue to look to God and Guru to guide our way, and always remember the blessings that surround us.
I have read with appreciation and inspiration the responses from Khalsa Council members to the very misleading letter sent by Gurukirn Kaur, the President of the Sikh Dharma Stewardship. Her letter was yet another attempt on the part of SDS, to try to misdirect the sangat away from the serious issues we are facing. The purpose of her letter was to intentionally misinform the Khalsa Council and the Sangat as to the true purpose of the corporation that was restructured as a means to serve the members of the Sadh Sangat and the mission of Sikh Dharma, free from the illegal control of UI and the SDS.
Her statement that; "Those who have founded and are promoting Sikh Dharma Worldwide have voluntarily left this corporate structure in order to create their own organization," is a complete and utter falsehood, and the SDS well knows this. They know, as do you and I, that none of us are leaving Sikh Dharma International. The original Sikh Dharma International Board of Directors and Officers have stated repeatedly that we are fully committed to continue serving SDI and that we do not accept the legality of SDS's attempted removal of the SDI Board, Officers and staff. We have stated repeatedly that to the extent SDI or UI attempts to change the SDI by-laws; we do not accept the effectiveness, legitimacy or legality of any such change.
On the contrary, those who support the law suit and have restructured a safe entity through which to serve the sangat and Sikh Dharma have shown the courage and willingness to step forward to preserve and protect Sikh Dharma International and the vision and legacy of the Siri Singh Sahib. Much to the chagrin of the SDS, we are not going anywhere. Our feet are firmly planted in the soil nurtured by the Siri Singh Sahib's direction, guidance and inspiration for over three decades.
The decision to activate Sikh Dharma Worldwide is a step that was taken in response to the aggressive actions of the SDS/UI and in response to the requests of the Sangat to provide a safe place to make charitable contributions that uphold and build the spirit of the Sikh Dharma International family, as established by the Siri Singh Sahib. It is an independent Sikh Dharma non-profit 501C3 corporation which the Siri Singh Sahib directed to be established over 30 years ago. It was recently restructured to allow the original SDI Board of Directors and Officers and staff to continue to serve Sikh Dharma and the Sadh Sangat. We can marvel over the fact that the Siri Singh Sahib had the intuition and vision to have this entity created, and the purpose it would one day serve.
Again, to be clear, Sikh Dharma Worldwide is intended to serve as an independent and protected vehicle for tax deductible donations that will be dedicated to the continuance and support of the legacy of Sikh Dharma, the Sikh Dharma Ministry and the Khalsa Council, as established by the Siri Singh Sahib. It is independent of the other SDI affiliates and thus from the control of UI or SDS. Those who support it are in no way abandoning Sikh Dharma International. We are trying to preserve it, to defend it, and to protect it. Please do not be misled by the words in Gurukirn Kaur's letter.
It is ironic that Gurukirn Kaur repeatedly refers to the corporate structure that the Siri Singh Sahib set up with checks and balances when UI has dismantled those checks and balances by taking over the Siri Singh Sahib Corporation and has created a new corporation--the SDS--which in turn has attempted to remove the Siri Sikdar Sahiba, who the Siri Singh Sahib appointed for life, and to remove the Secretary General who is the CEO of SDI. This wholesale disregard by UI for the intent of the Siri Singh Sahib is the basis of the lawsuit filed by SDI against UI and the SDS.
We all know that in the Sikh tradition there is no conflict with both being holy and being a warrior. Throughout Sikh history, the Gurus took a stand in the face of injustice to protect the innocent (here, our sangat and legacy non-profits) and Sikhism would not exist if they had not stood for the principles they believed in. They did not remain aloof or turn the other cheek from injustice, or claim to be "neutral" because it was more saintly or more conscious. Being neutral is in fact taking a stance, as it allows the status quo to go unchallenged and allows the injustices to continue.
In the past few weeks, we have been inspired by the spirit, the commitment and the devotion of the Sangat. Two Sikh Dharma communities have held benefits with the funds being donated towards the salaries of the supposedly 'fired' SDI staff members. We hope they will be sending out a report soon about their gatherings. In midst of difficult challenges, the most selfless and pure acts of consciousness emerge. Let's look to these acts of kindness and devotion to give us inspiration and hope during these difficult times.
With love and prayers for a blessed and very Happy New Year,
SS Gurujot Kaur Khalsa
Sikh Dharma Worldwide Dasvandh Option
Dear Ones,
Sat Nam. Sikh Dharma Worldwide, an independent, non-profit 501 (c) 3 corporation has been established so the Board and staff of Sikh Dharma International can continue their work of serving this Dharma. Sikh Dharma Worldwide is envisioned as a temporary entity to provide a safe haven for Dasvandh and other donations until the legal issues are resolved. The current Board of Sikh Dharma Worldwide is the same Board as the recently "fired" SDI Board.
Many people have inquired as to how they can support Sikh Dharma at this time. One of the best things to do in addition to your prayers, is to contribute to Sikh Dharma Worldwide Dasvandh. Contributions can be sent to:
Sikh Dharma Worldwide Dasvandh 551 W. Cordova Rd. #407 Santa Fe, NM 87505
For individuals wanting to sign up for automatic EFT or Credit Card donations, please see the Downloadable Donation Form. You can fax or scan and email the form back.
For those Sangat members already on an automatic plan that wish to start Dasvandh payments going to Sikh Dharma Worldwide, simply send an email to Amrit Kaur who works with Dasvandh (amritsddv@gmail.com) stating your preference to switch from Sikh Dharma International to Sikh Dharma Worldwide.
Feel free to share this page or forward the Downloadable Donation Form out to your Sangats if you are so inclined.
