Current Events
United Sikhs' Jatinder Singh Offers Sikh Prayer at Opening Session of UN General Assembly
NEWS REPORT
United Nations Headquarters, New York
On Thursday, February 14, 2013, Jatinder P. Singh, Associate Director of United Sikhs, had the honour and privilege of offering prayers at the United Nations 67th General Assembly Opening Session that took place in New York, USA.
Jatinder read the Mool Mantar, the opening verse of the Japji Sahib composition by Guru Nanak which begins the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Scripture. The recitation was accompanied by a flute played by Jon Blond.
“Ik Oankaar, Satnaam (There is One God, the Name is Truth) ... In this age of Darkness, this world is loaded with maya, money, and weapons of mass destruction. The only answer to save this world is in prayers in the company of Saints.”
Jatinder then read the English translation of an excerpt from Sukhmani Sahib:
“In the company of saints, all enemies become friends. In the company of saints, man becomes pure ...” He closed the prayer by adding, “ I truly hope one day, all the countries can get together at the United Nations and just pray for world peace. Sat Sri Akal.”
Attendees from diverse faiths, organizers of this event, and members of the UN approached Jatinder after his prayer and shared how they were moved by the positive and uplifting message of peace that was presented in the prayer. One member was so moved that she asked for a copy of the Sukhmani Sahib to take with her.
There were over 1500 attendees, and messages of world peace and prayers were also offered by members of other religions and denominations.
This was followed by a world peace flag ceremony, where the flags of each of the 193 UN member states and two observer missions were presented. As each country was presented, everyone welcomed them in saying “May Peace be in … (followed by the country’s name).
This moving scene was accompanied by Chris Farrell on the piano.
February 27, 2013
Conversation about this article
1: Bhai Harbans Lal (Dallas, Texas, USA), February 27, 2013, 3:01 PM.
We are pleased that United Sikhs achieved NGO status with a consultative rank. It provided opportunity for our presence at the UNO campus. This is the first time that any Sikh organization has become NGO at this level, besides the 3HO. Thus there will be many opportunities to interact with other NGOs and UNO programs which are very important contacts.
2: Karamjeet Singh (Chicago, Illinois, USA), February 27, 2013, 10:13 PM.
We Sikhs should be proud of this UN event that gave an opportunity to present a Sikh Prayer in the Hall of the Nations. 'United Sikhs' is getting recognition as an NGO: it is a great achievement. Congratulations.
3: Gurdarshan (Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia), February 28, 2013, 6:38 AM.
Congratulation to United Sikhs. It is time for United Sikhs to go international by setting up branches in every nation. Rabb raakha ... may the United Sikhs represent us well worldwide.
4: Gurjender Singh (Maryland, USA), February 28, 2013, 10:02 AM.
Conratulations to United Sikhs. To be more effective and get more out of such opportunities, United Sikhs should co-odinate their activities with other organizations such as The Sikh Coalition, SALDEF, etc. and work with them on issues facing the Sikhs in the diaspora. It is a request that all our organizations and institutions come forward collectively to build awareness of the turban, et al, by the media and the public.
5: Santbir Singh (Mountain View, California,.USA), February 28, 2013, 11:20 AM.
Great news. Good breakthrough. We must keep it up in all international forums.
6: Jas Kaur (Ohio, USA), February 28, 2013, 11:51 PM.
Great work, United Sikhs! You guys did awesome work during Hurricane Sandy.