One thing about the use of social media is finding out about interesting events that are going on all around the world. One of the events is Sikh Heritage Month. Based in Canada, this event is something that stood out especially being that it is April and Vaisakhi is celebrated in this month.
Representative Gurkirat Singh tells what this month is all about.
“Sikh Heritage Month is a month-long celebration for the month of April which aims to celebrate the contributions and aspirations of all Sikh-Canadians and develop a greater understanding and appreciation for a rich, unique and diverse heritage,” Singh said.
This event has been going on for a while.
“MPP Jagmeet Singh proposed a private members bill in 2013 in the Ontario Legislature which passed unanimously. Since then every April is recognized as the Sikh Heritage Month in the province of Ontario,” Singh added. “By proclaiming the month of April as Sikh Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the important contributions that Sikh Canadians have made to Ontario’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric. Sikh Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Sikh Canadians and the important role that they have played and continue to play in communities across Ontario.”
One of the key things about this event being in April is the celebration of Vaisakhi happening worldwide and some events such as Vaisakhi Mela will continue into May.
“Sikh Heritage Month is a month long of celebrations across the province of Ontario. Due to it being passed through the legislature, Sikhs have used this as a platform to host events showcasing Sikh arts, culture, values and beliefs in cities all across Ontario. This is important to us as it helps us educate our youth as well other communities about what Sikhs are, what they believe in and allows us to celebrate Sikhism during the month of Vaisakhi,” he added.
Celebrities had the opportunity to take the platform as well.
“We had pleasure of hosting an event with Fateh a few weeks back for Sikh Heritage Month 2017 in the City of Brampton. Fateh is from the city of  Brampton and became a successful rapper and artist while maintaining his Sikh identity. During our chat with Fateh he spoke in length about the role of Sikhi in his life, career and the importance of the Sikh identity to him. It was a pleasure to have him here and speak to the youth and deliver such a positive message,” Singh said.
President of Jakara Jasmin Gill (senior, Psychology) related this to something her organization will be doing this weekend.
“What we are doing this weekend relates to our religion. We are trying to spread awareness about Sikhs by greeting our neighbors that live around the Turlock Gurdwara and then thanking them for their support by giving a hundred families pizzas,” Gill said.
For more information about Sikh Heritage Month you can check them out via Instagram @sikhhertiagemonth.