To the editor,
I am writing to express my gratitude towards North Bay, for celebrating its first-ever Sikh Heritage Month on April 27th.
In 2013, history was made with April proclaimed Sikh Heritage Month by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario (Bill 52). The first of its kind in the world, Sikh Heritage Month is a celebration of arts, culture, and heritage.
As a Sikh international student, I am touched by the warm welcome and inclusivity of the community, which has made me feel at home.
I would like to extend a special thanks to Mayor Peter Chirico for recognizing the importance of celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Sikhs in North Bay. The Mayor's efforts have helped to bring the community together and foster a sense of belonging for Sikhs and other diverse communities.
Sikhism is a religion founded in the 15th century in Punjab, India, and is based on the principles of equality, social justice, and service to humanity. Sikh Heritage Month is an opportunity to not only celebrate the rich Sikh history and culture but also to educate others about the faith and the contributions of Sikhs to Canada and the world.
Being a Sikh in a foreign land can sometimes be challenging, but initiatives like this make everyone feel welcomed and appreciated in the community.
It is heartening to see the vibrant celebrations and events that have been organized throughout the month to showcase the history, culture, and contributions of Sikhs to North Bay and Canada. This recognition is especially significant for the Sikh community, as it helps to create awareness about the religion and dispel any misconceptions.
With recent changes in demographics, I believe there’s a need to educate people more about Sikhs and their religion as they are required to wear certain items as part of their religious uniform, as prescribed by the Sikh Code of Conduct. These articles of faith can include a turban and a kirpan, which is a small, curved single-edge blade worn for ceremonial purposes.
North Bay has set a shining example of how a community can embrace and celebrate diversity, making it an ideal place for international students like myself. The welcoming nature of the people of North Bay has made me feel included and valued, which has helped me to adjust to life in Canada.
I hope that North Bay continues to celebrate Sikh Heritage Month and other cultural events, showcasing the rich diversity that exists within the community. This would not only promote inclusivity and understanding but also make North Bay a shining example of a truly welcoming and diverse community.
Thank you, North Bay, for your warm welcome and for celebrating Sikh Heritage Month.
Arshpreet Singh
