New York, NY: August 4, 2015 – Inspired by the Oak Creek sangat’s Chardhi Kala 6K Memorial Walk/Run, the Sikh Coalition organized a third annual National Day of Seva, in remembrance and solidarity for those who were injured and killed on August 5, 2012 in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.
In the spirit of Chardi Kala (eternal optimism) Sikhs and non-Sikhs participated in 20 service projects across 16 cities, which showcased that we will never allow misguided hatred or bigotry to prevail. These projects included langar services, packing meals for those in need, park clean-ups, toy drives, book readings and Habitat for Humanity projects.
“The Sikh community knows the pain and trauma that hatred brings,” said the Sikh Coalition’s Community Development Manager, Harjit Kaur. “From Oak Creek to Charleston, the seva projects reminded Americans that acts of hatred are not an attack against one, they are an attack against us all. Our resilience and strength to combat hate across our country was showcased this weekend.”
Through the Sikh Coalition’s partnership with local leaders, we also ensured that Americans who did not participate heard this message as well. The Detroit News, Huffington Post, Huffington Post Live, Modesto Bee, NBC News, Times of India and Hindustan Times were just some of the many news outlets to cover the seva projects across the country.
“Thank you to all of the community leaders who helped organize and coordinate their local seva projects and for every sevadaar who participated this past weekend,” said the organizers of the events across the nation. “Without your time and work, none of this impact would have been possible. We are also inspired by the hundreds of participants who joined the Oak Creek community for their annual Chardhi Kala Walk/Run. The Sikh community will continue to honor the lives lost in Oak Creek through seva. Our resolve to combat the problem of hate in our nation remains unwavering.”
