Proposed Gurdwara Nishkam Seva Building
Sikh Study Circle of DFW announces foundation laying of its new Gurdwara building (Gurdwara Nishkam Seva) as part of its Baisakhi Celebrations
History of Sikh Study Circle DFW (www.irvinggurdwara.org)
Since its inception in 1989, the Sikh Study Circle of Dallas-Fortworth has been one of the most important centers of Sikh life in the southwestern U.S. Due to the efforts of countless dedicated members of the Dallas-Fort Worth community, Sikh Study Circle has been a beehive of diverse spiritual activities. Located centrally between Dallas and Fortworth, the organization has a rich history of accomplishments. The young, dynamic and dedicated sangat has organized youth camps, published books, and held annual Khalsa Parades since 1998.
Each Sunday, 50 to 100 or more people gather at Sikh Study Circle for Gurdwara and langar. Kirtan is performed by the resident Bhai Sahib and many members of the sangat. An English translation of the Hukam is included, after its recitation in the original Gurmukhi.
In 1990, the Sikh Study Circle of Dallas-Fort Worth published a book of questions and answers called Sikh Faith for the Youth. It begins, "During the Sikh youth camps held in North America for the past 15 years, we have been bombarded with a multitude of questions about our religion. The Sikh Faith for Youth, in the form of questions and answers, is the need of the hour." The book gathers together hundreds of common questions: If God made this world, why is there evil? Why do men and women sit separately in the Gurdwara?" Asking probing questions about one's own religion is in the best perennial tradition of America's religious life-whether one is Christian, Jewish, or Sikh. A book like the one produced in Dallas is but one of a multitude of approaches to the challenge of appropriating Sikh faith in the next generation. Since its original printing, the book has been printed many times by other organizations, including aboard in Singapore, Malaysia and India. In addition the Sikh Study Circle published quarterly "The Sikh Newsletter" continuously for 8 years from 1990 to 1998. It was a publication that reached over a1000 Sikh households in South West USA. In the same period, the Sikh Youth Camps were organized on a national basis and were altogether attended by over 400 youngsters from all over USA.
On April 12, 1998, Sikh Study Circle hosted its first DFW Khalsa Parade. Approximately 300 Sikhs, representing all Gurdwaras in the Dallas area, attended the event. With many colorful banners, the parade originated at Sikh Study Circle and proceeded to a nearby school ground, where groups presented kirtan and told the story of Baisakhi Day, giving the names and backgrounds of the Five Beloved Ones. All agreed that one of the day's highlights was the Gatka demonstration, involving several teens and young adults, organized by Sat Nam Kaur Khalsa.
Since that first Parade in 1998, the Sikh Study Circle has held the "Nagar Kirtans" annually on "Baisakhi Day" celebrations. Khalsa's 300th Anniversary Baisakhi parade was held in downtown Dallas, with its final destination at the beautiful Thanksgiving Square in the heart of downtown. It was a hugely successful event, attended by over 2000 people, with Gov. George Bush, (then Governor of Texas, and later President of the United States) issuing a proclamation to mark it as "Month of the Khalsa". It was headlined by Dallas Morning News and covered by all major TV networks. The same was true of the 2005 Khalsa Parade which was also held in downtown Dallas and Gov. Rick Perry issued the proclamation. Both these Parades had a significant interfaith component, where peoples of other traditions also had a prominent role in the activities. For other years, the annual parades have been held in the Gurdwara grounds itself.
These activities of the Sikh Study Circle provide an invaluable support to the sangat. Its members are looking forward to more experiences of growth together, as well as networking with other sangats. To better serve the community, the Sikh Study Circle is embarking on a project to build a new building and also taking on the assumed name of "Gurdwara Nishkam Seva". The foundation of the new building is being laid by the Panj Piaras (five beloved Ones) on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi celebrations on April 17, 2011.
The new building will span 3200 sq. ft. and include the main Divan Hall and a modern kitchen facility for langar preparation. To accomplish this task, the organization needs the support from Sikhs around the US and the world to donate generously. More information can be obtained from the website www.irvinggurdwara.org. Donations can be sent via check to "Sikh Study Circle DFW" (address: 834 N. Nursery Road, Irving, Texas 75013) or can be made online using Paypal (please go to the Gurdwara website). A tax exempt receipt will be issued for every donation received. With Guru's blessings and invaluable support from Sikhs around the world, the Sikh Study Circle DFW is sure to continue its activities in the spirit of Chardi Kala (inspiring optimism).
We invite and welcome all to join us for this year's Baisakhi celebration, as per the program on 17th April, 2011:
Nishan Sahib Seva: 9:30 AM
Bhog Sri Akhand Paath Sahib: 10:00 AM
Kirtan and Katha: 10.30 AM to 12:15 PM
Nagar Kirtan (Khalsa Parade): 12:30 PM
Foundation laying of Gurdwara Nishkam Seva: 1:00 PM
Guru Ka Langar: 1:30 PM