Do you have some information about various Katrina Hurricane Relief Projects running altogether? Please spare a few minutes to post this in the form below.

I really hope that everything works out for everyone including my aunt Eden who is in Mississippi somewhere. Hopefully things will get better for you guys. Good luck.

Kanesheajackson@yahoo.com

The impact of Katrina disaster, perhaps, will not be fully known for a long time. The Chief of FEMA Michael Brown had to quit his post for failing to gauge the trauma endured by besieged population of New Orleans. There were no First Responders to woes and wails of inhabitants. The poor suffered starvation, disease and death in the initial phase of Katrina strike. The images of submerged houses, frightened residents, weeping children reminded me of floods in Punjab, India in September, 1988. I stayed that night in Punjabi University Patiala Guest House for an appointment with Vice Chancellor Joginder Singh Puar the following day. But unfortunately, the entire campus was found submerged in 5-6 feet water by the time it was morning.

As the level was still rising, I walked through water up to my neck to the University gate. Telephone lines, bus and railway services came to a grinding halt. The gush of Ghaggar river and inundated seasonal rivulets tearing down the road that connected Patiala with Chandigarh. Villagers bore the maximum brunt of devastating floods, but in spite of that they were the first responders to thousands of bus passengers caught on their way. They started a community kitchen, gave hot milk to shivering children and guided people through water with long bamboo sticks. I walked on foot with a group of stranded people from Patiala to Rajpura. It became night when we reached the outskirts of Rajpura. The town was under 6-8 feet of water. We had no choice except to look for a shelter somewhere.

Completely soaked, we found a little space in a Gurudwara near GT road that was packed with people of all colors, creeds, castes and religions. Volunteers sprung into action with food, water, and clothes. I am a witness to hundred of buses, cars and trucks on the GT road that night. Villagers from surrounding areas were religiously involved in rushing supplies to women, children, old and young. There was no sign of government help for months to come and villagers' gesture to the public in trouble remained unappreciated and unrecognized.

Disasters evoke a wave of compassion for the sufferers almost in all communities. People identify with sadness what victims tolerate while braving intimidating conditions. Appeals from agencies like Red Cross are issued to raise funds for entrapped neighborhoods. The pattern of Sikh response in major disasters has encouraged an American to study the support system of their philanthropy. Prof. A Verne Dusenbery of Hamlin University, USA has been granted Fulbright scholarship for studying various aspects of Sikh philanthropy. Darshan Singh Tatla, a known Sikh scholar is providing the needed infrastructural support for this research project. Paradigm of Sikh compassion and concern in disasters has drawn Professor Dusenbery' notice when the community, in fact, most needs it. He will spend his time in India to further probe the dynamics of Sikh philanthropy.

In the wake of Katrina disaster, Sikhs gathered in Gurudwaras to work out suitable ways to support the victims of nature's fury. As expected the response was overwhelming. The collection immediately started in the name of American Red Cross. Similarly, Sikhs had reacted to 9/11 mayhem. They contributed liberally to the disaster fund. However, the ignorant chauvinist Frank Silva Roque took his gun early in the morning on 9/15/01, and found it easier to shoot a man named Balbir Singh Sodhi, little realizing that he had responded to the tragedy by paying his donation to the American Red Cross a day before his death. Now Katrina has touched hearts of Sikhs who are coming in large number to pay their part to the rehabilitation of Louisiana's uprooted, shell-shocked, and traumatized both by the hand of nature 'red in tooth and claw' and the hand of man soaked in the blood of New Orleans.

Sardara had paid $100 to Red Cross at Costco without consulting anyone. On Sunday, he went to the Gurdwara, and heard Dr. Gurtej Singh Cheema announcing to liberally donate for Katrina victims. Sardara was again in a bind as he thought his donation at Costco remained unnoticed by the community. He again paid $100 and got a receipt from the Gurdwara. When back home and was watching Fox news he noticed names of Jewish, Catholic, Baptists and many other charities displayed in the News coverage. Not seeing any reporting of Sikhs engaged in a philanthropic act, Sardara felt that he wasn't being represented by his community leaders as a sympathetic American to the cause of disaster victims.

Sardara inquired why Sikhs wouldn't organize on one platform and collectively contribute to the American Red Cross as a community. Devinder answered that centralizing donations would create an internal power struggle. He argued, "Real Sikhs won't make a show of their charities. They don't even get a receipt for their contribution." Sardara didn't have much audacity to rebuff Devinder's pious angle to the issue. However, Sarbjit Kaur entered the discussion and commented, "We all know how we condemned 9/11 attack as a war on innocent people. But how many Americans did know your dedication to the humanity? They still confuse you with Osama Bin Laden. Why shouldn't we come forward as a community?" Devinder didn't say a word after that as if he was convinced with what Sarbjit's had said.

It is true Sikhs can't bear their heart on their sleeves except to come out in a big number to show their solidarity to a good cause. To die in service of others, upholding highest principles of truth, justice, and sacrifice is what Gurus stood for. It is true that despite many efforts to relate to an average American, they still are object of hatred, bias and ridicule. Sarbjit has become very vocal since she became an object of dislike of the very people whom she holds in due respect. She regrets that the community's love and respect for others still remains unrecognized, and is afraid that their contribution to the disaster will be lost in a dark maze of prejudice, racial bias, and thousands of inappropriate interpretations.

Devinder showed his skepticism as he argued Sikhs were divided into a thousand different groups with equally different interests, how could they work collectively and collaboratively? He declared that it was quite impossible not only in America, but also anywhere in the world. Sarbjit again intervened with references to history. "Do you think the Gurus' had a smooth ride while carrying on their mission? They had diehard opponents at all points of their journey. But the Gurus were not disappointed by derogatory tones of others. No doubt we have splintered groups, but should we give up all efforts to manage our affairs in our own way?" Sardara was convinced that at least we should continue a dialog, and proposed that Sikhs should have a common front to represent them at the national level.

"Why are we asked to contribute to the same disaster by different groups, societies, organizations and governments? Is it possible to establish a fund that will honor Sikh personalities like Ghania Ji at the global level? Devinder thought it was mere Utopia, just wishful thinking. He raised doubts about making it a reality. Who will work for it? Sardara admitted that it was a hard task but clarified that he was not proposing to eliminate different voices, rather he hoped to chalk out a minimum program on which there could be a consensus.

"The goal is to prepare Sikhs to share a bigger responsibility collectively and collaboratively. I don't want to involve in Gurdwara politics. If you can give representation to at least one member of each Gurdwara in the proposed Council of the Sikhs of United States of America, you have risen above petty politics. Why can't all members share different backgrounds, different group allegiances, and different interests for one single purpose and that is to uphold Sikh values as the highest truth and guiding principle? Such a council or the parliament of Gurdwaras may have two sessions in each year at different locations." Sardara's idea seemed unreal yet fascinating. Devinder's skepticism too was not without a reason. However, Sarbjit Kaur's optimism held some promise in the distant future.

Amrik Singh

This article can also be reached at http://www.sikhspectrum.com/082005/disaster.htm

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikh Scriptures and eternal Guru of the Sikhs, was recovered yesterday from the submerged New Orleans Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) after a 22 hours rescue operation by a team of UNITED SIKHS volunteers led by rescue experts.

UNITED SIKHS rescue squad with Sri Guru Granth Sahib on the Zodiac Boat.

UNITED SIKHS has deployed a relief team and is in the process of procuring supplies for the areas worst hit by hurricane Katrina in the states of Mississippi, Louisiana and Albama where thousands are feared dead, hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless and where millions are without power and adequate resources.

File Picture of The New Orleans Gurdwara.

The Gurdwara on Morris Rd., East New Orleans, built about fifteen years ago, which was under 9-feet deep water, bore the brunt when the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina unleashed its fury on the city. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji could not be removed from the Gurdwara before mandatory evacuation orders were issued.

UNITED SIKHS requested federal and state government agencies for immediate removal of the Holy Scriptures from the submerged Gurdwara. A letter was sent to President Bush on 4-Sep seeking assistance to airlift the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. But there was no response. The UNITED SIKHS emergency relief team sought the help of UNITED SIKHS volunteer, Ranbir Kaur, a US Army National Guard from Bakersfield CA, to hire the rescue services of SRT (A private helicopter special response and training company of California) and launched the rescue operation. It took three days to obtain clearance from different agencies before SRT could access the flood affected area. In a precarious environment, amidst curfew and random shootings the UNITED SIKHS rescue squad comprising Hardayal Singh and Bhai Nirmal Singh teamed up with air force rescue experts David Cruz and Tom Bausmas of SRT to remove the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in an operation that lasted over a period of 22 hours from 5pm on Tuesday until 3pm yesterday.

Zodiac Boats equipped with under water cameras and rescue equipment were used to reach the flooded Gurdwara building. It was completely damaged inside. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji's swarup was on the Palki (palanquin) and floating on water when the rescue team entered the building. "I was amazed, looking at the Guru Sahib's sukhasan on the palki, floating on five feet of water and untouched by the flood waters," said Hardayal Singh.

Hardayal Singh and the Bhai Nirmal Singh paid their respects before the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and respectfully carried the Sikh Scriptures on their head to the rescue boat. They also retrieved gutkas, pothis, khanda, kirpans and other religious material from the building. A joyful gathering of Sikhs paid their respects as the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was brought to the president of the Gurdwara's, Sumir Kaur's, home, which is also the UNITED SIKHS Katrina relief command center.

"I am overwhelmed and glad that Guru Granth Sahib has been recovered from the floods. I am honored to have been part of this rescue operation" said Ranbir Kaur of Bakersfield, CA.

Meanwhile, UNITED SIKHS volunteers and members continue to serve hot meals to over 1300 evacuees in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. More volunteers are flying to Baton Rouge from California and New Jersey to meet the demand of the UNITED SIKHS GHANAIA Katrina Relief efforts. "More supplies and funds will be channelled to the UNITED SIKHS command centre in Louisiana to meet the demand of Meal Ready-to-eat in Donaldsonville" said Dr Satwant Kaur Dhamoon, NJ Director of UNITED SIKHS.

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Issued By:
Kuldip Singh
Director
UNITED SIKHS
Katrina-project@unitedsikhs.org
Tel: 1 404 5508356, Toll Free: 1-888-243-1690

Appeal for volunteers and donations
www.unitedsikhs.org Freephone: 1-888-243-1690

New Orleans, USA

UNITED SIKHS has deployed a relief team and is in the process of procuring supplies for the areas worst hit by hurricane Katrina in the states of Mississippi, Louisiana and Albama where thousands are feared dead, hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless and where millions are without power and adequate resources.

The Gurdwara Sahib New Orleans is submerged and some 50 Sikh families from New Orleans and the outlying areas have been evacuated and are living in temporary homes.

The UNITED SIKHS GHANAIA Katrina base camp has been set up in Baton Rouge, capital of Louisiana, 85 miles from New Orleans. Sumir Kaur, president of the Gurdwara Sahib New Orleans has joined forces with UNITED SIKHS and is leading UNITED SIKHS' relief efforts from the base camp. UNITED SIKHS volunteer Talvinder Singh, from New Jersey, who is assisting Sumir Kaur, will be joined by other volunteers this weekend, to mobilise support and assistance for the Sikh sangat and other communities living in the affected areas.

"We are grateful that the Sikh community is safe but they will need help as they may have lost everything when they had to evacuate with just their clothes on their backs. Many may not have taken flood cover under their insurance policy as is the case with the Gurdwara Sahib," said Sumir Kaur.

"Talvinder Singh and I will go to the volunteer office tomorrow to identify needs for the whole community including psycho socio counselling to fulfil our duty towards all according to Sarbat da bhela," said Sumir Kaur.

"I am so glad UNITED SIKHS contacted me. I am very touched and am proud of the community to rise to the occasion in this way." Sumir Kaur, a retired microbiologist, said.

"I call upon the Sikh sangat to send their donations to UNITED SIKHS which will be channelled to the affected families through the Gurdwara Sahib on a need basis. Many evacuees don't have anything with them. They just have a few clothes. They need money to buy their supplies from stores. Many have no access to their bank accounts. And the stores are stripped of supplies. Everyone has lost jobs. Businesses are uncertain of their future."

At the end of Year 1999 ushering in Year 2000, the theme was a five storey high wooden Buddhist Pagoda with 5000 candles in it. It was set alight at the end of the night to a spectacular display of fireworks and our group with a five hundred strong ‘non-Sikh. Non-Indian’ choir singing ‘Aadh Gur-ay Namaih, Jugadh Gur-ay Namaih, satgur-ay Namaih, Sri Guru dev-ay Namaih”. I asked Neil after the event, as the flames were dying down, and we were standing around celebrating another very successful event, what was the significance of burning down a beautiful and lovingly built Pagoda?

"Each and every Sikh who wants to help should find a way to reach us at UNITED SIKHS and join our team of volunteers. This is the time to build our community and with open arms we welcome other Sikh organizations and relief agencies to join us in these efforts of "making a difference," said Navneet Singh of Atlanta, UNITED SIKHS director who was the team leader for the GHANAIA Tsunami team to South India and the Nicobar and Andaman Islands.

Sumir Kaur recounted how Keertan Singh and Harpreet Singh from Slidell, north of New Orleans which was a badly hit area, were boat lifted from the roof tops. "We were very worried for them as we hadn't heard for them immediately after the storm. Keertan Singh told me that he had his gutka (prayer book) and they did their prayers and waited for daylight before they pushed out the roof and started waving for help." she said. They are now staying with secretary of the Gurdwara Sahib, Nachhatar Singh Pannu, in Walker, Louisiana.

"Our governor and others have said half an hour ago it maybe several weeks people will be allowed to go back into the city and months for people to settle in and years and maybe never before things return to normal," said Sumir Kaur.

Biloxi city in Misissippi is also badly affected and we expect Sikhs to have been living there too. I will have a better idea of the situation in that area and Alabama soon and we will extend our relief work accordingly," Sumir Kaur said.

If you wish to volunteer please email Katrina-project@unitedsikhs.org
If you wish to donate please go to www.unitedsikhs.org/donate/

Issued by:
Navneet Singh
Director
UNITED SIKHS

Our Mission

To transform underprivileged and minority communities and individuals into informed and vibrant members of society through civic, educational and personal development programs, by fostering active participation in social and economic activity.

UNITED SIKHS is also an avenue for networking between like-minded organisations to establish and nurture meaningful projects and dialogues - whether social, cultural or political- to promote harmony, understanding and reciprocity in our villages, towns and cities.

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