Two New Sikh Scholarships for Excellence

The list of 1984-inspired Sikh propositions continue to grow.  In the past, I have mentioned more than my fair share and last week my fellow langa(w)r-iter added one more.  Here is another great proposal.

This year marks the the creation of two great scholarships by the Jakara Movement.  One aimed at high schoolers: “Bhai Amrik Singh Scholarship for Excellence” and the other at junior/community college transfers: “Bibi Upkar Kaur Scholarship for Excellence.”  In this 25th year of commemoration of the 3rd Sikh Genocide (Ghallughara), these are the institutions that will last. The Scholarships provide national recognition and financial support for students, who exhibit outstanding academic strength as well as exceptional service to Sikhs and the American community at large.

The organizers describe them:

In honor of two pioneers of Sikh activism, Bibi Upkar Kaur and Bhai Amrik Singh’s exemplary dedication to the Sikh community are illustrated by their association with Sikh student organizations. Both were presidents of their respective Sikh student organizations and lived by their convictions of striving for excellence through dedication and perseverance in all aspects of their lives. Both applied this conviction to their educational pursuits, being accomplished students, and supportive of other students in pursuing academic excellence and achievement as well. They believed that as Sikhs, students had the obligation to not only excel in education, but also to carry the responsibility of being of service to the community. Bibi Upkar Kaur and Bhai Amrik Singh gave their lives for this very cause. Hence, these distinguished awards reflects Bibi Upkar Kaur and Bhai Amrik Singh’s legacies of commitment to academic excellence and service to the Sikh community as well as the greater community at large.

ALL Sikhs that have shown excellence education and community service are invited to apply.  The deadline for both is August 15, 2009.  While I am not sure how many high schoolers/or even community college transfers read The Langar Hall, I am sure that many of our readers have younger brothers/sisters, cousins, nephews/nieces, etc. that are.  Let them know and get them to apply!  What marks this award apart from other Sikh scholarships is the emphasis is not on appearance, but rather on service.  Help spread the word!