TheBattleDrums.com

The first class of the semester had a great turnout! We had about 26 members of the Sikh Youth come together to talk about the topic of Integration is Not Assimilation. The first half an hour was spent on defining what each word means and what the phrase as a whole might mean. We also spoke about Segregration, American History, and how the lesson relates to us.

Some of my favorite quotables from the class are:

- “Integration is like a salad bowl, and Assimilation is like a smoothie”

- “Its not about how it relates to us, its about how we cause integration or assimilation. Because without us there wouldn’t be any talk about integration or assimilation”

We also played a quick 30 second game of sharades, which was won by Gurleen Kaur (champion child who received a Khanda sticker). The correct answer was Harmandir Sahib, which we said was a perfect example of Integration. Its situated in the middle of the water, but its still stands above it, similar to the lotus flower.

The Second half of the class was used to discuss the Sikh perspective on Integration and Assimilation. A line from Asa Ki Vaar reads “Neel Vastar Pahir Hoveh Parvaan”. Guru Nanak talks about how the hindus at the time dressed in blue robes and ate the food of the muslims in order to gain their acceptance. More on that can be found here: http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Asa_di_var_Page_10

A lot more happened and was talked about, but you gotta be there to be there. Every Sunday 10:30 – 11:30AM. Trailer # 9 at GNFA.

Look forward to next week’s class!