A three member delegation of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee participated at “5th Annual Global Sikh Civil and Human Rights Conference” held at Bobigny , Paris , France from 16th until 17th of August of 2013.This global conference was hosted by the French chapter of United Sikhs , United Sikhs is a U.N. affiliated, international non-profit, non-governmental, humanitarian relief, human development and advocacy organization, aimed at empowering those in need, especially disadvantaged and minority communities across the world. The delegation was led by the President Manjit Singh (G.K.) and he was accompanied by General Secretary Manjinder Singh (Sirsa) and Honorary International Affairs Advisor Puneet Singh Chandhok.
The delegation was warmly greeted at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport on 15th of August by the management of United Sikhs and the local community in France. This has been the first time that ever since inception of this conference a high level delegation of D.S.G.M.C attended this event and interacted with global Sikh scholars and experts. During the visit, the delegation also met with the local Sikhs in Bobigny and discussed issues which included the turban ban in France and problems in issuance of local documents such as identity card, driving licenses with proper Sikh attire. The jam-packed event was attended by Sikhs based in Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, Pakistan, Sweden, Spain, India, Italy, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Untied States of America.The theme for this year conference was “Just Delayed is Just Denied” and included issue such as Turban Ban in Europe, 1984 Pogroms Against Sikhs, Death Penalty and Preserving Sikh Heritage and Providing a holistic education.
Speaking at the conference on Turban Ban in Europe, Manjit Singh (G.K.) said that “It is unfortunate that removal of turban at European airports on ground of security has become a habitual habit and as well turban being integral part of a Sikhs they are denied to wear it at schools in France. He and his accompanying delegation were recently asked to remove their turbans by the security officials at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport but they refused it and took the matter at highest level as it is said to be breach of recent regulation implemented by European Commission. He advised all Sikhs to refuse removal of turbans and strongly educate the local communities in their respective countries about the Sikh Religion and contribution of Sikhs in World War 1 & 2. He further added that weather its issue of turban removal in the name of security check or turban ban in school, D.S.G.M.C. is undertaking and raising this issue at the highest level with Indian Government and as well with concerned embassies in New Delhi. D.S.G.M.C will be holding workshop to educate the diplomatic community about the Sikh religion later this year at New Delhi” he further added.
On the issue of 1984 Pogroms against Sikhs, Manjit Singh (G.K.) informed the audience “1984 is an unforgettable incident and thousands of Sikhs were victim of the genocide. It is unfortunate that till today the main agitators and promoters of the genocide are walking free and justice is yet to be given. It has been our party’s priority as well to fight for justice and we have initiated various schemes such as 100% fee’s exemption from students belonging to victims’ families, providing pensions to widows, setting up of sewing centers for self-skill development etc. these schemes are part of Shiromani Akali Dal’s manifesto during D.S.G.M.C. elections 2013. He further advised and asked Sikhs situated abroad that they should ensure that 1984 genocide should not be used as tool by anti-social elements for disrupting peace and harmony of our motherland as Sikhs have highest contribution in the freedom struggle of India .It is our duty to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the nation and at the same time we will fight for the rights and justice of victims through the legal system” he concluded.
Hardayal Singh, Director of United Sikhs present during the conference thanked D.S.G.M.C. for its participation and lauded its vision in uplifting and development of the community. He said “I am glad to note various efforts and reforms being undertaken by D.S.G.M.C’s new governing body and in particular the relief efforts undertaken by them during Uttarakhand Floods or setting up of memorial for 1984 genocide victims , this has deepened our faith and the entire community appreciates their noble cause. We also look forward for their active voice and support in our aim to recognize the human race as one” he concluded.
On the sidelines of the conference, the delegation also met with Ambassador of India in Paris, H.E. Mr. Arun K. Singh and the meeting lasted about an hour. The visiting delegation raised the concerns and issues of local Sikh community which included non-issuance of driving licenses or identity card with turban by the French authorities, turban ban in schools and problems in issuance and renewal of Indian Passports. The ambassador informed “Government of India has been taking up the issue of turban ban in schools with the French authorities at highest level and including the issue of issuance of identity cards with the turban to Sikh Gentleman and this has been one of the major concerns as well.” He further added that “during a recent meeting held with the French officials on 30th of July it was informed to the Indian side that a direction has been issued to all border checkpoints in France to avoid removal of turban and respecting the Sikh sentiments but in regard to issuance of identity cards etc... the talks are being enhanced. On the issue of renewal and issuance of passports “systemization is taking place and all applications are handled according to law and it’s our endeavor to provide the best resolution” he concluded.
The conference also featured participation of International legal experts and leaders of other religious communities as well and one such was Aymeric Guleria, a French lawyer who has been fighting legal suits on behalf of United Sikhs. One of his achievements include filling of case with United Nations Human Rights Committee and subsequent decision of the suit in the favor of 77 year old Ranjit Singh in 2012 , who was asked to remove his turban during photograph process on residence card . The Committee said that France had failed to explain how the Sikh turban hindered identification since the wearer's face would be visible and he would be wearing the turban it at all times, therefore, the regulation constituted a violation of article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which was entered into force for France on 4 February 1981.
Deliberating on Preserving of Sikh Heritage & Providing Holistic Education at the conference, Manjinder Singh (Sirsa) said “Our heritage is big asset for the younger generation ahead and our ideal aim is to preserve it”. He informed that D.S.G.M.C is in the process of setting up a state of art museum within its complexes wherein all important scriptures and assets ranging from Sikh Guru’s to Sikh Royals will be on a display and it will be example to portray the rich traditions and achievements of Sikh Community. International archaeologists and architectural experts are also being roped in by D.S.G.M.C. for preserving of its heritage Gurdwara complexes. In terms of providing holistic education he informed “globalization needs to be adopted in our approach as the generation ahead is ambassador of our community and it’s our concern to deliver world class education to young minds. We need to impart our guru’s preaching’s from kindergarten level and then step by step modules with latest technology in our institutions in order to develop a healthy environment”. Guru Harkrishan Public Schools in Delhi which act as education arm of the organization are currently in process of transformation and major overhauling from academic to administrative front and the day will not be far that these schools will be enjoying an important status and the community will be soon proud of the quality being delivered in these institutions which were earlier rated as one of the best schools in Delhi, he concluded.
The conference was held at Shere Punjab complex in Bobigny, which itself is a symbol of people to people contact between the Sikh expatriates and the local French community.Gurdial Singh, who owes the complex and also happens to be the French advisor of United Sikhs said “ It was my ideal dream to have the conference hosted first time in Europe and subsequently with the visit of D.S.G.M.C delegation has brought more confidence in the International Sikh Community and we have been delighted to host them”.Bobigny is a suburb in Paris and approximately 15,000 Sikhs are estimated to settled down there.
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, which is a statutory body under the 1974 Act of Parliament, is in full swing to network the International Sikh Community and to act as catalyst for raising the global concerns of the community said Puneet Singh Chandhok, who has been recently appointed as honorary advisor to the organization. He further said “It has been endeavor of Shiromani Akali Dal to protect the rights and interests of Sikhs and under the leadership of party president S. Sukhbir Singh Badal, the team at D.S.G.M.C is striving towards a progressive road-map for the generation ahead. Interfaith dialogue among civilizations and active participation at international events will help us to understand and resolve the issues in a more efficient manner” he concluded.
International Sikh Summit is also expected to be held later next year at New Delhi. This summit is a unique meet planned by D.S.G.M.C to deliberate and discuss issues ranging from religious issues to education. The summit will be a two day event hosted by Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and is expected to be attended by international Sikh dignitaries consisting of parliamentarians, scholars, legal experts etc... “Delhi being the national capital territory of India and having presence of all international organization including embassies has been chosen as our first choice for this event and our voice will play a major impact” said Manjinder Singh (Sirsa).The two day conference at Bobigny concluded successfully and the ultimate resolution was no turban removal or touching with hands by security official at the airports rather chemical swab to be used with proper respect during the security checks.