Sikhs - Facts and Figures
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A 30-Second Introduction to Sikhi
Sikhi (sik-ee), or Sikhism (sik-izm), is the world’s 5th largest organized religion; there are more than 25 million Sikhs worldwide and over 500,000 Sikhs in the United States. Founded in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century, Sikhism is a monotheistic religion; there is one Creator, considered formless and eternal. Guru Nanak (1469-1539 CE), the founder of Sikhism, taught equality of all people, honesty, hard work, and service to others. An emphasis on egalitarianism and active engagement with the world distinguished the new Sikh religion from the Hindu and Muslim traditions active in the Punjab region at the time.
Sikhs first came to the U.S. in the 1890s, initially settling on the West Coast. Today, Sikh communities are found across the country. Throughout their history in the US, Sikh Americans have been active in fighting for immigration and citizenship rights for minority communities, as well as involved in all aspects of American life, including entertainment, law-enforcement, the arts, academia, and politics. |
Some Key Terms
Gurdwara – A Sikh house of worship and place of community gathering.
Kaur – Middle or last name often used by Sikh women, signifying equality. Langar – A free community meal prepared and served by volunteers at a gurdwara. Sikhi – Punjabi word for the Sikh religion, which Sikhs prefer to use rather than “Sikhism.” Singh – Middle or last name often used by Sikh men, signifying equality. Sri Guru Granth Sahib – The scared scripture of the Sikhs. Turban – Worn by Sikh men and some Sikh women, covers uncut hair, and is a symbol of honor and dignity.
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Experiences of Sikh Americans include
Bullying and harassment
This is why the Kaur Foundation begins in the classroom -- We believe in the the power of education to impact social change. |
Resources for Sikh Heritage and Awareness Month
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California Celebrates Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month in November:
The California State Assembly passed a resolution declaring November Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month. Quoting the California department of Education, "This resolution will recognize the “significant contributions made by Californians of Sikh heritage to the state and afford all Californians the opportunity to understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and shared principles of Sikh Americans.” Sikhs first entered California in 1899 through Angel Island and the first Sikh temple in the United States — Sikh Temple Stockton — was founded in 1912 in Stockton, California.
Letter from the California Department of Education: "I am writing to inform you that November is California Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month. Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 122 recognizes the important contributions made by Sikh Americans to the history of California. I encourage local educational agencies to observe California Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month by conducting appropriate exercises to promote awareness of the contributions of Sikh Americans."