SAN JOSE, CA: Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak. The essence of Sikh teaching is summed up by Guru Nanak as “Realization of Truth is higher than all else. Higher still is truthful living”. Gurudwara is Guru’s adobe, it is a place of worship in Sikhism where the holy Sikh scripture “Sri Guru Granth Sahib” is respectfully placed under a canopy on an elevated platform with a presiding presence.
Sikhs have been living in the United States for well over one hundred years. Sikh population of San Jose grew exponentially and this led to the establishment of gurudwaras to meet the religious needs of the growing community.
Jit Singh Bainiwal, Teja Singh, and late Pyara Singh Obhi along with the other dedicated sevadars from the community founded the Sikh Gurudwara San Jose in 1984. The first function of Sikh center San Jose was in 1985 at Aborn Road. In 1994, Gurudwara made an offer to purchase 40 acres of land on the Quimby Hills. This construction overcame lot of hurdles and was cleared by the court in 1998.
In August 2004, the Gurudwara formally moved to the location at Murrillo Avenue, not only in elegance and style, but also for a big community. The second phase of construction started in 2007 and it was opened on April 10, 2011. It not only establishes a permanent Sikh presence in San Jose, but also fulfills the dreams of thousands of Sikhs who had been working tireless to realize their dream. The first phase was completed in 2004 with the entire infrastructure for 12 million dollars. The second phase has now been completed with the cost of 20 million dollars. Bhupinder Singh Dhillon along with the current committee members thanked all of the Sadh Sangat support to make this the most beautiful gurudwara in the world.
Khalsa School, San Jose was started in 1989. The school teaches Punjabi and Sikh religious scriptures to over 625 students of age 3 to 15. The school operates with over 150 volunteers inculcating the culture, language and history to the future generations. Dr Gurinder Pal Singh and Pushpinder Kaur were involved in planning, administration and curriculum for the Khalsa School.
The program is scheduled every Sunday from 1-3 pm. They offer kirtan classes coupled with harmonium and tabla teachings. The Khalsa School participates in speech and kirtan competition at local, zonal, state and international level. They conduct annual sports event for kids of all ages. Some volunteers offer coaching for SAT program for high school students. The motto of Khalsa School is “Spread the love, Peaceful co-existence”, which is the need of hour for the community.
Free medical services are being offered by volunteer organizations every Sunday. Last week the services were rendered by Bhagat Puran Singh health initiative students from UC Berkeley. Bhagat Puran Singh Health Initiative was started by a few students from UC Davis and Sac State in an effort to provide basic healthcare screening and general health/nutrition advice to underserved and neglected communities.
They provide basic healthcare screening and general health/nutrition advice, healthcare advice to fight heart disease and diabetes, health knowledge to prevent chronic disease. A permanent clinic “Guru Harkrishan Free Medical Clinic” is in the works and will open in the near future.
Langar is the common kitchen where food is served in a gurudwara to all the visitors without distinction of background for free. Langar is open to Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike. San Jose Gurudwara is equipped with modern kitchen amenities and serves the best in class food to all visiting the holy shrine. On a Sunday, the Gurudwara serves food to over 5000 people.
The Gurudwara performs Sikh weddings on Saturdays. They do high quality live streaming of the weddings which can be accessed by family members of the bride and groom. This gives an opportunity for family members living far away in India or other parts to witness the happenings.
Guru Nanak rejected the caste system and the division of any people on the basis of religion, birth, power or wealth and this gurudwara is helping the community to spread love.
Vidya Sethuraman
India Post News Service
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