Canadian Sikhs – Putting the Past in Perspective as we Focus on the Future

Ottawa (June 2, 2009) - On June 4th, Sikhs around the world will mark the 25th anniversary of the tragic developments that culminated in the Indian army’s military assault against the Sikh people. On this day in 1984, the Indian army launched its offensive against the Sikhs of Punjab, systematically killing thousands of innocent men, women and children, desecrating Sikh places of worship, and abrogating their fundamental rights. 

In remembrance of this tragic day, the World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) has invited renowned researchers, scholars and journalists to put the past quarter century of developments in the Sikh world in perspective, and identify the challenges that will define our shared global future.

This commemorative event continues a 25-year annual tradition on Parliament Hill and across Canadian cities by the WSO. The event provides an evening of social interaction between elected officials, parliamentarians, community leaders, and members of the Sikh community.

The 25th Annual WSO Parliamentary Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, June 04, 2009, between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm, in Room 200, West Block, Parliament Hill. 
The theme for this year’s gathering is: “Past in Perspective…Future in Focus”

The proceedings are expected to be reflective and thought-provoking. They will provide a chance for those gathered to gain insight into how the events of June 1984 have shaped the Sikh community worldwide, with a look into the short and long term future of the global Sikh community.

To mark this important occasion and to initiate dialogue among Canadian Sikhs and non-Sikhs about present and upcoming challenges, WSO is holding similar events in Mississauga on June 6th, Surrey on June 14th, Edmonton on June 19th and Calgary on June 21st. 
The World Sikh Organization (WSO) is a non-profit international 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.

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For more information, please contact: 
Maj (retd.) Jasbeer Singh, Media Relations

Tel. 780-457-3333, Cell. 780-235-6000, Email: [email protected]

Amanpreet Singh Bal

Tel. 905-567-1795, Cell 647-224-0000, Email: [email protected]