At the August 17 meeting, Lynwood Rotary members and guests heard a presentation by Long Term Rotary member and owner of T.A.J. Office & School Supply, 11410 Long Beach Blvd., Lynwood, Rajen (Raj) Dhaliwal.
Using Wifi, Raj presented two videos about his Sikh religion.
In addition to an explanation of the Sikh religion, Raj provided some interesting facts about world history going back 5000 years. From 1 AD (Ano Domino), Year since Jesus) to our current year, 2017, according to Raj, in terms of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), from 1 AD to 1500 AD, India was the richest country in the world. Then from 1500-1700, China was #1 and India was #2. Then after 1700 when the Industrial Revolution started, Europe and America became the countries with the highest GDP. Now changes are continuing, and China will become #1,and India is now #3 after America.
The Sikh religion is concentrated in a northern part of India in the state of Punjab within India. The two videos had interesting views of the Golden Temple, located within a lake of water, in the city of Amitsar, India. The leaders of the religion, described as gurus, goes back to the year 1469 with Guru Nanak. The guiding force was a reaction against the caste system of Hinduism, the predominant religion in India, then and now. The caste system was a rigid practice of controlling wealth. Only those in the so-called ruling class, the Brahamins, could advance. Everyone else was required to continue in their inherited position in society.
Going back to about 1600, the first ten gurus or leaders are teachers. Their teachings were shown in one of the videos as being preserved, as holy texts. The teachers preached against a caste system. In the eyes of God, all human beings are the same. This includes women, who have equal rights. One of the videos shows the serving of food at the Golden Temple for a total of 100,000 meals in one day, all for free. Also shown is the daily cleaning of the temple in a very elaborate manner and ritualistic manner; also the daily procedures of the lead guru, in appearing in public, followed by at the end of the day his return to the Golden Temple.
The religion never asks for contributions, but receives a large amount of donations from the followers. With respect to hair, “scissors never touch us,” because we should remain natural. This applies to both women and men. Followers of the religion have always been able to physically defend themselves against others in India, and 40% of the military in India have been and continue to be of the Sikh religion. The concept is to be able to defend yourself and also to defend the needy.
A place for worship is referred to as a Gurudawara, “a door to God.” Raj noted that in the LA area, there are a number of gurudawaras, mentioning one at 1620 Preus Road, near Robertson Blvd., suggesting a visit.
Separate from the presentation by Raj, there was discussions lead by Rotary President Joe Wang.
There was coordination about the new members to be inducted when the Rotary District Governor visits the club on Oct 12: LUSD new superintendent, Dr. Gudiel Crosthwaite, and Alejandra Avalos, and Angel Farias.
Also there was mention of a scholarship for a Youth act volunteer for the Rotary Fireworks Stand. It was explained that she has volunteered for this work for several years.
And there were discussions about plans for the Rotary District annual Beach Party & Cardboard Boat Race at Seaside Lagoon, Redondo Beach, Sat, Aug 26, 5pm – 9pm. Joe Wang mentioned that as usual he will construct the boat in the next two weeks. Lulu talked about the requirement to sign up in advance for this event.
Daniel Miller / Omar Franco / Rowland Becerra –
Public Relations and Community Outreach for the Lynwood Rotary Club