Empowering Through Gurbani

We recently organized ‘Anhad Jhunkar,’ a special program where 300 young voices sang divine Gurbani shabads (hymns) in perfect harmony. The children sang 12 shabads on instruments like harmonium and tabla.

The children prepared for this samagam (event) at 12 different places for over two months to perform together at the event.

This event was the next step after ‘Ghar Ghar Nitnem Kanth Lehar’ campaign under Galwakkdi (a term from Punjabi that roughly translates to “embrace” or “hug” in English) project which saw children learn and understand the meaning of the Nitnem Banis, a collection of Sikh prayers that are recited daily. The Galwakkdi project helps children connect with their roots by teaching them Gurbani kirtan, Gatka, Sikh history and values.

“The children are learning to play instruments like the harmonium and tabla from our dedicated teachers. Seeing so many children engaged in learning Gurbani kirtan is heartening. This momentous divine celebration has been possible with the blessing of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji (the central religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded by Sikhs as the final, sovereign, and eternal living Guru) and dedicated efforts of Gurbani teachers and volunteers who have been working with these children at different centers. Our next goal is to teach them raag-based Gurbani kirtan, the devotional singing of Sikh hymns (Gurbani) set to Indian classical musical scales known as ‘raags’. We believe that connecting the next generation with the treasures of Gurbani is essential for a brighter future,” said UNITED SIKHS Panjab Director Amritpal Singh.

As a UN-affiliated global nonprofit organization with chapters across North America, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe, UNITED SIKHS embraces the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those emphasizing peace, justice, and strong institutions, good health and well-being, quality education, and reduced inequalities. Each project we undertake, including our work with children learning Gurbani kirtan and other efforts around community empowerment, aligns with these goals, aiming to create a more equitable, safe, and healthy world for all.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Amritpal Singh
Director
UNITED SIKHS, Panjab