University of Wisconsin-Parkside is proud to present “Understanding Sikhism” on Friday, December 6th at UW-Parkside in the Student Center Cinema. Understanding Sikhism is a series of lectures describing Sikh beliefs and characteristics.
Although the Sikh religion is the world’s fifth-largest, and roughly a half-million Sikhs live in the United States, misconceptions about Sikhs and Sikhism are common. These misunderstandings are starting to lead to a rise in hate crimes against Sikh communities, including the local one in Oak Creek. Sikhism originated in the Punjab region of South Asia on the border of India and Pakistan and is based on the teachings of Guru Nanak. Observant Sikhs can be distinguished by their distinctive dress and physical symbols of faith dating back hundreds of years. The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is proud to host this series of lectures describing Sikh beliefs and characteristics, discussing Sikhs in America, and providing opportunities for questions from the public to be answered. Join us to learn about Sikhism, listen to Sikh music, and enjoy Sikh food!
Session I will run from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., and focus on Sikhs in America. Session II will run from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and focus on explaining elements of the Sikh faith. Session III will run from noon to 1:30 p.m. and serve as the Q&A portion of the event. You can register for the event here: https://continuingeducationuwp.regfox.com/understanding-sikhism.
Session I: 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.: Sikhs in America
- Introduction to Sikhism
- History of Sikhs in America
- Elements of the Sikh faith and clothing (e.g. Kesh, Kara, Kanga, Kaccha, and Kirpan)
- Any misconceptions of Sikhs?
- Discrimination that Sikhs have faced in America
- Singing/Music/Drums
Session II: 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.: What is Sikhism?
- Introduction to Sikhism (e.g. the origin of the religion)
- Founder: Guru Nanak
- Location (Punjab and Golden Temple in Amritsar)
- Elements of the Sikh faith and clothing (e.g. Kesh, Kara, Kanga, Kaccha, and Kirpan)
- Singing/Music/Drums
Session III: 12 p.m. to 1:35 p.m.: Sikh Question and Answer Session
- Introduction to Sikhism
- Founder: Guru Nanak (a discussion on his importance, his revolutionary views on women, his interfaith beliefs, etc.)
- Q&A session with the audience (collected during the event and asked to a panel)
- Singing/Music/Drums
- Appetizers