SKIBS
SAHIB-E-KAMAL INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD SIKHVARSITY
The changing scenario of Punjab and Punjabis in India compelled us to explore the basic reasons as of to why Sikh youths are indulging in narcotics and illegal drugs, and drifting away from their fundamentally rich and simple religion. By adopting a methodical approach over the last three years of interacting with more than 70,000 Punjabis in schools, colleges, universities and gurdwaras, we have concluded that the fault of this disaster does not lie solely on the youth. Ideally, the spiritual upbringing of children should be a cooperative effort from parents, religious institutions, and the society as a whole.
We found that currently in Punjab most parents lack a true understanding of the religion itself, and therefore, are unable to pass along the teachings and principles of their own religion to the next generation. Furthermore, many gurdwaras are so overcome by politics, financial concerns, and individual egos, that their original purpose of promoting the Guru’s message has been lost.
Ultimately, society’s tolerance and acceptance of immoral behavior has provided an environment under which these practices have flourished. Society is a collection of individuals, and this is where we, as individuals, each have the opportunity to bring about a change -a change resulting in a positive direction -by becoming involved in projects such as the one described below.
Our Project
Our goal is to eradicate drug use among Punjabi youths by enlightening children ages 3-14 years old about Gurbani and the hazards of intoxicants.
It is essential that during these formative years their understanding of the religion intensifies or expands beyond that of simply imitating the actions of their elders. The objective is to help these preadolescent children develop a depth of religious knowledge and spiritual insight which will strengthen their moral convictions and improve their analytical capacity. This way when faced with the challenges of adolescence they will be able to overcome peer pressure and abstain from drugs.
Project Details
With blessings and inspirations from Guru Granth Sahib, as humble servants, we have started a mission to educate the youth about abstaining from intoxicants. There are many components to this project which include:
- Faith: Fostering a deeper understanding of religion by implementing an educational program and syllabus that promotes a stepwise acquisition of knowledge regarding Gurbani and Sikh history.
- Discipline: Forming sports clubs in the names of historical Sikhs in order to create a sense of discipline and foster social belonging. These will be run under the supervision of retired army personnel and other dedicated members who are not actively involved in politics or gurudwara parbandhak committees.
- Knowledge: Establishing small libraries of Gurmat and Sikh history in every village gurudwara to provide Sikh children with access to educational material that will broaden their religious knowledge.
- Good Health: Promoting overall health consciousness among villagers by providing blood pressure measuring apparatus and glucometers in every village. Two or three youth volunteers per village will be trained to take readings for villagers.
- Education: Showing religious movies to villagers and especially children which emphasize the detrimental consequences of drugs and the need to refrain from such evils.