A delegation of the members of the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI-USA & Canada) visited the Golden Temple, Amritsar in India to pay tribute to Sikh leadership for its pioneering work in serving the displaced people all around the world including Rohingayas, Yemenis, Iraqis and Syrians. The delegation was warmly received by the leadership and immensely appreciated. In the discussion that took place, the participants emphasized on the need to develop better relations between the two communities to serve the humanity. The two sides realized that there exist bitterness in the relationship consequent to untoward happenings in the past but agreed to iron out the differences and work for improved relationships.
The Golden Temple is the center of Sikhism. More than one hundred thousand people visit the Temple daily to worship. The management offer free food to all visitors that is called langar. It is a tradition that is followed in all the Sikh places of worship called Gurdawara. The food is served by volunteers as part of their devotion to God. Thousands of volunteer come to the Golden Temple from different parts of the world to offer their services voluntarily in different areas of work such as shoe polishing (polished when you leave your shoes out side & walk inside bare foot), cleaning, washing Langar dishes and many other services, including providing milk to children for 24 hours.
The visit was arranged by Sardar Teji Malik, a prominent member of the Interfaith community in the US.
During the visit the delegation witnessed various aspects of the Sikh worship and devotion. They also visited the spot where Sardar Bhindrawale was killed inside the Temple by the Indian Army in 1984 during the reign of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Devotees offer their tribute to the memorial.
One of the highlights of the Golden Temple is a space where people from different walks to life are given an opportunity to share their talents with the community. While on side the devotees worship, on the other side, artists, writers, singers and public servants share their views with the visiting public.
It is interesting to note that all the food served at the Temple is vegetarian and organically produced as it is grown on the land owned by it,
Dr. Ram Puniyani, a worldwide known human rights activist was the Honored Guest from India and a keynote speaker at the convention. He asserted that the communalization of Indian politics by certain special interest groups, motivated by their narrowly defined religious agenda, was one of the factors causing insecurity among minorities and Dalits.
The delegation included, Dr,. Nakadar (USA), Dr. Qutbuddin (USA), Dr. Iqbal Ahmed USA), Dr. Razia Ahmed (USA), Nahid Ahmed (India), Dr. Aslam Abdulla (USA), Siraj Thakor (Canada) and Ayub Khan (Canada).
