The biodiversity conference has created a great impact on the Sikh community whose members have come forward to set an example in conservation of the environment. The Prabhandak Committees have decided to take up various environmental activities in all the Sikh Gurudwaras and support government agencies in protecting the environment for a better future.
In this connection, a meeting was organised under the aegis of the Andhra Pradesh Sikh Educational Society to receive EcoSikh’s environmental vision. EcoSikh is a global Sikh environmental initiative and is involved in the green project at Amritsar.
Members from over 18 Sikh Gurudwaras and other organisations attended the meeting. EcoSikh India Manager, S Ravneet Pal Singh from Amritsar who came to participate in CoP-11, gave a presentation on the concept of environment and Sikh Gurdwaras.
DP Singh Chawla from Takhat Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, motivated the South Indian Sikh community to commit to EcoSikh cause. He promised them full support and said, “We should all commit for the planned Sikh Environment Day celebrations on March 14 every year and prepare our kids to work for the planet’s well being.”
Alison Hilliard, Deputy Director of Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC), UK, said that the world is looking forward to every faith to take the lead in countering global warming, and making their religious ceremonies and traditions more environment-friendly.
“We know the Sikh community’s utmost dedication from the history of Sikhs who fought for the UK during the world war, and now the world has high hopes on Sikhs to contribute for the well being of earth and its environment,” she said. SGPC Additional Secretary S Roop Singh said, ”A Sikh is duty bound to protect environment and making his religious and social practices in harmony with nature.”
The Sikh Gurudwaras apart from greening the Gurudwaras and their surroundings have also decided to join hands with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation in taking up tree plantation programme.