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Palatine Gurudwara on Feburary 22, 2001
SIKH GURUDWARA IN PALATINE HOSTS LOCAL POLICE OFFICERS
PALATINE, Illinois: "Is there any truth to the rumor that you always
carry
a knife in your turban?" politely asked a veteran Palatine police
officer.
" No! Absolutely not," answered the instructor with a big smile.
"Do you also do weddings here?" asked another tall, blonde and beautiful
lady police officer Kelly Poliquin. "Well of course! Anand Karaj
is a
beautiful Sikh wedding ceremony; just like a prince charming marrying
a
princess; you must come again and see one such colorful celebration,"
replied the instructor.
The place was the Sikh Religious Society of Chicago (SRS) Gurudwara
in
Palatine, on February 22, 2001, where about a dozen or so new and
seasoned
Palatine Police Officers came on a training mission assignment.
Rajinder
Singh Mago, the S.R.S. media and public relations coordinator, was
the
instructor answering questions.
"The village has an increasingly diverse population and the police
department has felt the need for a sensitivity training, we applaud
their
initiative," said the S.R.S. president Kulwant Singh Hundal, who
welcomed
the officers and showed them around. Harjap Singh Sangha, S.R.S.
social
secretary entertained the group with refreshments and the anecdotal
Donuts
during informal class break time in a jovial atmosphere.
The officers were shown a video and introduced to the basic tenets
of
Sikhism, and the reasons behind the religiously mandated, unique
physical
appearance, of a practicing Sikh. Requirement to wear the five articles
of
faith, also known as 5K's, (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachhehra and Kirpaan),
and the significance of unshorn hair, turban, and Kirpaan were also
discussed.
Bhai Mohinder Singh, the Head Granthi, displayed his personal Kirpaan
and
asserted that it was not a concealed weapon but a symbol of courage
and a
Sikh's mandate and right to wear one.
"The first amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees
freedom
of religious practice for all in this country. We are law-abiding
citizens
and this is home," added Rajinder Singh Mago.
"This is greatly helpful in understanding your religious and cultural
background. Now we are better informed to act more appropriately
while
responding to an emergency call or dealing with your community in
general," said Sergeant Randy Walker, the squad commander.
The officers were informed of the proper protocol one must observe
while
entering a Sikh Gurudwara, for example taking the shoes off, keeping
the
head covered, and not to carry any smoking or intoxicating material
on
one's person.
The officers sat in front of Guru Granth Sahib to get a feel for
a Sikh
religious place of worship. Though plenty fit, they had a revelation
that
sitting on the floor cross-legged for extended periods of time was
no easy
assignment.
Sikh Religious Society of Chicago News Release: February 26, 2001
Contact: Rajinder Singh Mago: (630) 377-5893 - H: (708) 865-3031 -
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