Vaisakhi Greetings From WSO

Ottawa (April 14, 2011):  The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) extends its greetings to all Canadians on the occasion of Vaisakhi, the birth of the Khalsa.

On this day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh created the order of the Khalsa and enshrined within it the principles of justice, equality, service and compassion. 312 years later Sikhs continue to be guided by those founding principles as they have spread into communities all across the globe.

Sikhs in Canada mark Vaisakhi with colourful parades in all major cities and the distribution of free food to Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike.  Events like food  and blood drives are also organized in local communities.  With well over a century of history in Canada, Sikhs are engaged in every facet of Canadian life.

Sikhs in Canada are fortunate to see many of the values of their faith mirrored in the values enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights.  But despite having a long and rich history in Canada, Sikhs continue to face legal battles with regards to their articles of faith. As it has for the past 27 years,  WSO is regularly involved in cases across Canada, defending the rights of Sikhs to wear the kirpan, dastaar and other articles of faith.   There continues to be a need to educate about the Sikh faith to ensure that others understand who we are and what we believe. With your support, WSO is committed to continue serving as a strong voice for Sikh Canadians  and as a fearless advocate for human rights.

So, this Vaisakhi, let’s make an extra effort to share and celebrate our faith with our fellow Canadians.  Only by getting to know our neighbours and letting them know about our faith will we foster greater understanding.

Once again, on behalf of the WSO team, we wish everyone a very happy Vaisakhi.

The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of the Sikh Diaspora, as well as to promote and advocate for the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social and economic status.