When Sikh Lions Roar in Canada
June soon approaches and many in the Sikh community will take the time to remember the events beginning in 1984. While some traditional sites of remembrance, mainly Gurdwaras, will continue to fulfill their duties to celebrate those that gave their lives and remember those families devastated by the Indian state’s violence, especially encouraging are new Sikh youth initiatives. Last week I discussed the Jakara Movement Sikh Conference and even the initiative “Sukhmani Sahib for the Shaheeds.” Now in Canada, the Sikh Activists Network is hosting two tremendous events.
The Details:
When Lions Roar: A Night of Music, Poetry, and Performance
Remembering the Sikh Genocide of 1984Toronto: Friday June 5th, Crown Banquet Hall (Malton), 6pm
Vancouver: Friday July 3rd, Rhizome Café (Vancouver), 6pmAdmission is FREE, but give a donation so that they can continue this initiative
I strongly urge our Sikh-Canadian readers to attend and support this initiative. For more information visit their website and support young activists that are using new mediums of expression. And just as I suspect people will begin criticizing this initiative (unfortunately for too many in our community, the impulse to divide reigns supreme over the impulse to unite), I end this post with some of the activists’ own words for the reason behind the initiative:
Often, Sikh youth may intentionally or unintentionally ostracize and marginalize those who may be on a different path. Instead of empowering such youth with love, it is often that youth are mocked and belittled by the some who view themselves as superior or more “religious”. Other times, Sikh Youth may not know how to bridge the gap between Sikh vs Punjabi, which in turn results in a growing disparity.
It is time that we mend bridges by utilizing mediums, through which those who have been marginalized in the past, are welcomed. This event has already mobilized a large portion of the population who have a love for Sikhi that they have been urging to express, but not knowing how to.
In addition to that, it has sparked interest in those who have not been exposed to Sikhi or Sikh History. There is currently a massive moblization in Toronto, Brampton and Missasauga High Schools for this event. The goal is to create that initial spark by keeping it positive.
Attend and share your impressions of the event! Anyone interest to do this in the US? NY, Bay Area, Yuba City, Central California would all be great possibilities….
24 Responses to “When Sikh Lions Roar in Canada”
wordddd upp! G.N.E. will be in the house that night, make sure you come through and support the cause.
Also, We are working on "Lahir 2009" for the month of July in the Washington D.C. area. more info to come soon!
1
"When Lions Roar?"
Of course, I am one of the critics. The pictures on their website (posters) quite literally scared me. The men look enraged! Man, we need peace and tolerance … not any more flaring of tempers! Inciting youth to 'roar' by brainwashing them that they are (metaphorically) 'lions' ONLY owing to the 'religion' or the 'culture' that they were born into … I really have no comments.
But good attempt for the poetry, hip hop and whatever else creative activities such events promote.
[deleted….Please atheist..humor me, pretend you can stay on topic….thanks…Admin Singh]
wordddd upp! G.N.E. will be in the house that night, make sure you come through and support the cause.
Also, We are working on “Lahir 2009” for the month of July in the Washington D.C. area. more info to come soon!
1
“When Lions Roar?”
Of course, I am one of the critics. The pictures on their website (posters) quite literally scared me. The men look enraged! Man, we need peace and tolerance … not any more flaring of tempers! Inciting youth to ‘roar’ by brainwashing them that they are (metaphorically) ‘lions’ ONLY owing to the ‘religion’ or the ‘culture’ that they were born into … I really have no comments.
But good attempt for the poetry, hip hop and whatever else creative activities such events promote.
[deleted….Please atheist..humor me, pretend you can stay on topic….thanks…Admin Singh]
but i don't know why admin are deleting some of my comments which are relevant to the conversation……….are they insecure about something……or they only believe in a different kind of freedom of speech
[No atheist…we delete comments that have nothing to do with the post and are being used as a soapbox. These are our rules…Admin Singh]
[You never mentioned the event. You are talking about something else. This is your last warning. If you wish to have a conversation with us or discuss our policies, then feel free to use the 'contact us' button. This is not that space….Admin Singh]
[nope, I am only one admin. This post is my responsibility, others will do the other posts. We do this out of seva and when we can. Sorry it isn't at your speed. It is at ours….Admin Singh]
bhaji,i was never so confident about my writing but you guys have given me a new confidence,i never thought it is gonna create such a havoc that admin will dedicate one sevadaar for my comments,i am proud my my brave sikh lion brothers…..you guys are indeed brave….keep it up
but i don’t know why admin are deleting some of my comments which are relevant to the conversation……….are they insecure about something……or they only believe in a different kind of freedom of speech
[No atheist…we delete comments that have nothing to do with the post and are being used as a soapbox. These are our rules…Admin Singh]
[You never mentioned the event. You are talking about something else. This is your last warning. If you wish to have a conversation with us or discuss our policies, then feel free to use the ‘contact us’ button. This is not that space….Admin Singh]
[nope, I am only one admin. This post is my responsibility, others will do the other posts. We do this out of seva and when we can. Sorry it isn’t at your speed. It is at ours….Admin Singh]
bhaji,i was never so confident about my writing but you guys have given me a new confidence,i never thought it is gonna create such a havoc that admin will dedicate one sevadaar for my comments,i am proud my my brave sikh lion brothers…..you guys are indeed brave….keep it up
I request people to grow up.
Use some new refreshed terminology. This age old term is obsolete now.
Those who take pride in calling themselves "Lions" need to abreast themselves of the latest knowledge of animal behaviorism. Lion is not "that" courageous, first of all. Infact, many a times it runs away like cowards. There are many animals who scare it off.
Secondly, how can a sikh be a lion ?? For, either he can be a sikh or a lion.
We perceive sikhs to be brave gentlemen, not lions.
The problem with the lions is that they are, after all, animals.
[Please use only one name on the blog, switching names will get you banned. Admin]
I request people to grow up.
Use some new refreshed terminology. This age old term is obsolete now.
Those who take pride in calling themselves “Lions” need to abreast themselves of the latest knowledge of animal behaviorism. Lion is not “that” courageous, first of all. Infact, many a times it runs away like cowards. There are many animals who scare it off.
Secondly, how can a sikh be a lion ?? For, either he can be a sikh or a lion.
We perceive sikhs to be brave gentlemen, not lions.
The problem with the lions is that they are, after all, animals.
[Please use only one name on the blog, switching names will get you banned. Admin]
LIONS LOVE INTERNET HATERS.
LET LIONS ROAR JUNE 6 WHETHER you can get down with it or not. SOMEONE has to step up and reclaim this shit. Voices lead to action this is just the beginning world….sikh activist network is real business
LIONS LOVE INTERNET HATERS.
LET LIONS ROAR JUNE 6 WHETHER you can get down with it or not. SOMEONE has to step up and reclaim this shit. Voices lead to action this is just the beginning world….sikh activist network is real business
Be it Lions, Tigers or Sikhs…its just about time to leave keyboard warriors and cowards that call them selves Sikhs behind and move on and make things happen. This is a great effort keep it up!
Be it Lions, Tigers or Sikhs…its just about time to leave keyboard warriors and cowards that call them selves Sikhs behind and move on and make things happen. This is a great effort keep it up!
For a minute, can we please focus on what's important instead of these arguments over words? It does not make you look any smarter, in fact it shows your desperate need to analyze an irrelevant point in order to demonstrate your superiority. No one cares Grow up Man, I promise.
The POINT is that these kids,students,poets, etc are doing something that is not done often enough. They are tapping into the population of Sikhs that may not otherwise even know about the events of 1984. I know it is hard for many to believe, but there are high school children who have no idea what happened. So the efforts of those who put this together should be applauded.
Thank God these people are using their artistic talents to get to those who are unaware of our history.
For a minute, can we please focus on what’s important instead of these arguments over words? It does not make you look any smarter, in fact it shows your desperate need to analyze an irrelevant point in order to demonstrate your superiority. No one cares Grow up Man, I promise.
The POINT is that these kids,students,poets, etc are doing something that is not done often enough. They are tapping into the population of Sikhs that may not otherwise even know about the events of 1984. I know it is hard for many to believe, but there are high school children who have no idea what happened. So the efforts of those who put this together should be applauded.
Thank God these people are using their artistic talents to get to those who are unaware of our history.
i want to perform on this event in vancouver when lions roar i also did a poem at the art gallery my name is paul. i was just wondering who do i contact to get in ?please email me or sumthing to let me noe….thanks you…fateh
i want to perform on this event in vancouver when lions roar i also did a poem at the art gallery my name is paul. i was just wondering who do i contact to get in ?please email me or sumthing to let me noe….thanks you…fateh