• 05/31/2023

  Sidak 2023

  

  Sidak is an experience for those aged 18-40 to strengthen their connection to the Sikh faith while developing their leadership skills. Sidak is a unique experiential and educational experience that brings Sikhs from diverse backgrounds together to learn with and from one another. Since 2003, the Sidak program has been transforming young adults into Sikhi-inspired leaders through the lens of the Gurmat framework based on Bani (text), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle). From 23 July to 5 August, Sidak will return to Khalsa Centre in Mission, British Columbia again. In this immersive experience, Sidakers will dive deeper into their own Sikhi through the lens of Gurmat (the Guru’s Wisdom) and have the opportunity to be inspired by the facilitators and the other participants. Sidak will provide participants with an opportunity to enhance their personal relationship with IkOankar, engage in critical conversations about issues affecting Sikhs and the Panth, and develop opinions on non-Sikh issues that are supported by a Gurmat framework. 

  
  Thanks to the generosity of our amazing donors, Sidak 2023 will be offered fee-free for the second year in a row. Your support has provided a life-changing experience for the largest group of Sidakers that we had in 20 years. On behalf of the Sidakers, both last year and this coming year, we thank you for your continued support of Sidak! 

  
  “I appreciate this opportunity so much, and it’s helped me grow into a better leader, more thorough thinker, and more impactful Sikh. It’s also given me a huge network. Amazing experience overall!” - Mohkam Singh, 2022.

  
  “Thank you for making Sidak possible this year. I am so grateful I got to be a part of such a unique and incredible experience!“ - Sukhmani Kaur, 2022

  
  “This would not have been possible without all of your help. It’s been a really educational and mind-opening experience, and we thank you for that aid in creating this opportunity for the next generation of the Panth.” - Nihal Singh, 2022

• 10/17/2022

  SikhRI Concludes its 20th Sidak Leadership Program

  

  Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) is delighted to announce the completion of its 20th annual Sidak leadership program, which took place from July 24 to August 6 in Mission, BC, Canada. 

  This year’s program brought together 53 Sidakers and 14 staff members and facilitators from six nations (Belgium, Canada, India, Mexico, UK, and the USA) for two weeks of immersive education and experience at the Khalsa Centre in Miracle Valley.

  
  “With the tremendous support of our funders, we were finally able to realize our vision of making Sidak free-free for all participants. As expected, removing this financial barrier resulted in our largest cohort ever in 2022.”
  — Kulvir Singh, SikhRI Chair

  
  Testimonials and reviews from all participants were nothing short of astonishment by their positivity. 

  
  The program has given me more confidence in interacting with new people and thinking critically about Sikhi. I’m equipped with much better knowledge so that I can learn much more on my own about Sikhi and the Guru Granth Sahib.
  — Teja Singh, Gurbani 101 Attendee

  Sidak is a great grounding experience in Sikhi! It was like a panthic think tank experience, and I got to meet the coolest sangat. I never imagined having conversations so grounded in Sikhi, and it’s giving me a great direction for life going into college.
  — Manat Kaur, Sikhi 101 Attendee

  I think the program will continue to benefit me in the future as I incorporate Gurmat Framework to questions that life will continue to pose.
  — Imreet Kaur, Sikhi 201 Attendee

  
  During Sidak, all participants learned to explore personal and panthic (collective) issues through a Gurmat (Guru’s Wisdom) framework based on Bani (wisdom), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle) to ultimately develop their own views and solutions to pressing problems worldwide. 
   

  Sidak 2022 was composed of three in-depth tracks that ran simultaneously: 
  Gurbani 101 ~ Introduction to Guru Granth Sahib
  Sikhi 101 ~ Introduction to Sikh History & Theology
  Sikhi 201~ Religion & Revolution

  SikhRI will be updating the curriculum for the following year. 2023 registration will open by year-end to accept 60 candidates. To find out more about Sidak, visit SikhRI.org/Sidak

• 08/02/2022

  August 2, 2022

  Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its leadership program Sidak! The generosity of our donors has enabled us to offer Sidak fee-free this year. Sidak will take place from 24 July to 6 August 2022 in British Columbia, Canada.
  
  Sixty-six young Sikhs have applied to attend this year. We accepted fifty-five individuals from the USA, Canada, Mexico, Belgium, United Kingdom, U.A.E., and India to begin their journey to deepen their connection to Sikhi.
  
  14 facilitators will guide the 55 individuals through the following tracks:
  
  Sikhi 101: Introduction to Sikh History & Theology

  • Formulate an understanding of the unique characteristics and fundamental differences of Sikh theology from other faith systems
  • Interpret Asa Ki Var in ways that reflect the originality of Sikh theology
  • Identify major historical Sikh events and analyze their impact on today’s Sikh diaspora

  
  Sikhi 201: Religion & Revolution

  • Critically examine Sikh thought and practices in the context of popular understanding.
  • Formulate a Sikh stance on contemporary issues using an analytic framework based on Bani (wisdom), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle)
  • Engage in and critique academic, traditional, and contemporary Sikh writings
  • Describe and analyze major movements in post-Guru Sikh history for contemporary application

  Gurbani 101: Introduction to Guru Granth Sahib

  • Recognize the structure, format, and layout of Guru Granth Sahib
  • Identify different languages of Gurbani
  • Understand the basic grammar of Gurbani
  • Identify major symbolism, cultural and folk elements
  • Familiarize with key themes, terms, and phrases

  Your investment in Sidak allows this transformational experience to be offered at no cost to young Sikh leaders in our communities. These leaders will join the ever-growing number of Sidak alumni to go on and effect change in our Panth and world.

• 05/02/2022

  May 2, 2022

  

  Sidak is pleased to announce that in 2022, the program will run fee-free in celebration of its 20th anniversary from 24 July to 6 August 2022. Sidak aspires to offer this educational experience to all young Sikh adult seekers. Due to funding and scaling, it may take SikhRI a few years to honor this commitment. Therefore, there is a selection process in place. All Sikhs from 18-39 are welcome to apply; however, the new fee-free structure means positions will be limited and competitive.

  Sidak combines Surat (awareness) and Ruh (spirit). These two are equally important and balanced in the program, as participants journey towards becoming Guru-centered. Facilitators seek to model both elements and inspire attendees to do the same.

  Sidak is designed as an adult learning experience. This means that there are many activities you will be asked to participate in, including organizing a cohort group, presenting group thoughts and ideas, leading a discussion on a given topic, listening to content delivery, and expressing new solutions to old problems. This style requires that you participate but, more importantly, that you are growing as a leader. Your facilitators will be there to monitor and present skills and knowledge needed at every level of learning. They will facilitate and help you learn, but the real learning is up to you.

  This two-week intensive immersion into Sikh culture, language, values, and community is held annually in the summer at the Khalsa Centre in British Columbia. Overlooking Miracle Valley, the 160-acre border of the Khalsa Centre is enveloped in majestic trees on multiple lakes amidst breathtaking beauty in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.

• 05/02/2022

  May 2, 2022

  

  This Sidak event provides participants aged 18-39 a 2.5-hour glimpse into the 2-week Sidak summer leadership program. Prospective Sidakers will get a chance to preview learning and sharing via the curated content and the inspired facilitators.

  Session 1: What is Guru?
  Explores what Guru means in the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikh history, and tradition. It addresses questions like who is Guru, what is the need of a Guru, and what is the role of the Guru in a Sikh’s personal and collective life.

  Session 2: The Ten Nanaks
  Explores the Guru-Personality of the Ten Nanaks and the qualities they embodied through a historical perspective.

  Session 3: Present Guruship
  Explores the institution itself through Guru Nanak Sahib to Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, finally merging into the eternal duel personality of Guru Granth Sahib - Guru Khalsa Panth.

• 01/31/2022

  January 31, 2022

  

  Sidak has wrapped up for another year. Engaging those aged 18-40 from around the world, Sidak strengthens connections to the Sikh faith while developing leadership skills through the lens of the Gurmat framework based on Bani (text), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle). In 2021, Sidak continued in an online format where Sidakers had the opportunity to engage in the Sidak experience for five inspiring and empowering days. From July 26 - July 30, Sidakers explored the Bani of Guru Nanak Sahib “Sidh Gosti: A Virtual Sidak Course.”. Through daily Hukam reflections, interactive themed activities, and engaging discussions, Sidakers had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Guru Nanak Sahib’s Bani and make personal connections and connect with others. This year, 48 participants from  7 different countries participated in this online experience that enhanced their personal relationship with IkOankar, engaged them in critical conversations about issues affecting Sikhs and the Panth, and developed opinions on non-Sikh issues that are supported by a Gurmat framework. 
  
  

  “I learned more about who the Sidhs were and how Guru Sahib really stressed being connected with the world and society” - Manat Kaur, USA

  
  “I had not previously explored the Sidh Gost bani, so that was definitely something new that I learned. I also learned a new facet to Guru Nanak’s personality in the way he approached the Sidhs, that makes me appreciate his brilliance even more.” - Balmindar Kaur, Dubai AE
  
  

  Your investment in Sidak allows this transformational experience to be offered at no cost for young Sikh leaders in our communities. These leaders will join the ever-growing number of Sidak alumni that have come through Sidak to then go on and affect change in our Panth and our world. Since 2003, Sidak has had 440 participants from 9 countries, and the alumni have been involved in changes in their communities as well as globally. We are looking forward to Sidak 2022 in Mission, British Columbia as we continue to engage with more individuals that will be the next change makers inspired by Guru and Shabad.

• 07/23/2021

  July 2021

  

  As we approach mid summer, we at Sikh Research Institute are focused on Sidak. Sidak is an experience for those aged 18-40 to strengthen their connection to the Sikh faith while developing their leadership skills. Since 2003, the Sidak program has been transforming young adults into Sikhi-inspired leaders through the lens of the Gurmat framework based on Bani (text), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle). From July 26 - July 30, Sidak is moving online for a 5-day exploration of the Bani of Guru Nanak Sahib “Sidh Gosti: A Virtual Sidak Course.” In this immersive experience, participants will dive deeper into Sidh Gosti through the lens of Gurmat (the Guru’s Wisdom) and have the opportunity to be inspired by the facilitators and the other participants. Each day will consist of a Hukam reflection, an interactive themed activity, and a learning session. It will provide participants with an opportunity to enhance their personal relationship with IkOankar, engage in critical conversations about issues affecting Sikhs and the Panth, and develop opinions on non-Sikh issues that are supported by a Gurmat framework. 

  
  Your investment in Sidak allows young Sikh leaders in our communities to gain the knowledge and tools to affect change in our Panth and the world. Since 2003, Sidak has had 440 participants from 9 countries, and the alumni have been involved in changes in their communities as well as globally. 

  
  “This program also allowed me to evaluate the major historical events critically and to develop a response to current events through the lens of Sikhi, including Gurbani, Tvarikh and Rahit” - Sukhdeep Singh.

  
  “Sidak has encouraged me to start critically thinking about the things I do pertaining to Sikhi. I used to just trust what I was told and felt like I couldn’t and shouldn’t question it, but now I have resources to get answers to questions I have, and I know that it is not only okay but also important to question. “ - Mehakleen Kaur

  
  Your generous donation will provide applicants with the ability to participate in a five day Virtual Sidak course led each day by our diverse and engaging facilitation team, many of whom are Sidak alumni. This Virtual Sidak is free for participants. The cost of making this possible is $15,000 USD and we are asking you for your support in reaching our goal. Your donation is an investment in raising the next generation of Sikhs to think and act like Sikh ambassadors. 

• 10/31/2020

  November 2021

  

  
  Sidak has wrapped up for another year. Engaging those aged 18-40 from around the world, Sidak strengthens connections to the Sikh faith while developing leadership skills through the lens of the Gurmat framework based on Bani (text), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle). In 2021, Sidak continued in an online format where Sidakers had the opportunity to engage in the Sidak experience for five inspiring and empowering days. From July 26 - July 30, Sidakers explored the Bani of Guru Nanak Sahib “Sidh Gosti: A Virtual Sidak Course.”. Through daily Hukam reflections, interactive themed activities and engaging discussions, Sidakers had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Guru Nanak Sahib’s Bani and make personal connections and connecting with others. This year, 48 participants from  7 different countries participated in this online experience that enhanced their personal relationship with IkOankar, engaged them in critical conversations about issues affecting Sikhs and the Panth, and developed opinions on non-Sikh issues that are supported by a Gurmat framework. 

   

  “I learned more about who the Sidhs were and how Guru Sahib really stressed being connected with the world and society” - Manat Kaur, USA

  
  “I had not previously explored the Sidh Gost bani, so that was definitely something new that I learned. I also learned a new facet to Guru Nanak’s personality in the way he approached the Sidhs, that makes me appreciate his brilliance even more.” - Balmindar Kaur, Dubai AE

   

  Your investment in Sidak allows this transformational experience to be offered at no cost  for young Sikh leaders in our communities. These leaders will join the ever growing number of Sidak alumni that have come through Sidak to then go on and affect change in our Panth and our world. Since 2003, Sidak has had 440 participants from 9 countries, and the alumni have been involved in changes in their communities as well as globally. We are looking forward to Sidak 2022 in Mission, British Columbia as we continue to engage with more individuals that will be the next change makers inspired by Guru and Shabad.

• 08/04/2019

  Sidak 2019

  

  Sidak has wrapped up for another year. The 17th annual leadership program, which took place from July 21 to August 3 in Mission, BC brought together participants from around the world. 32 Sidakers and 15 staff members and facilitators from seven countries which included Australia, Canada, Sweden, Malaysia, China, UK and the US, cam together for two weeks to connect, learn and grow.

  Sidak impacts thoes who attend in many ways, including inspiring Sidakers to continue after Sidak is over.

  "It [Sidak] has impacted me to start thinking about the world around me by encouraging me to bring Gurbani and our Sikh ideals into everyday life, which I did not do before. I am excited to continue understanding the meaning of Gurbani and taking inspiration from our history to apply it to my life." - Simran Kaur, Sidak Alumni 2019

  Sidak 2019 was composed of three in-depth tracks that ran simultaneously:

  During Sidak, all participants learned to explore personal and panthak issues through a Gurmat framework based on Bani (wisdom), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle) to ultimately develop their own views and solutions to pressing problems worldwide.

  As we look to Sidak 2020, we strongly encourage you to start a recurring donation if you have not done so already.  Your donation will help continue the work that has already started to update the curriculum for these and new tracks coming up next year. 

• 08/30/2018

  Project Update

  

  Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) is delighted to announce the completion of the 16th consecutive annual Sidak leadership program, which took place from July 22 to August 4 in Mission, BC.

  Sidak has changed the way I think about Sikhi, from a set of rules to something that provides the foundation for how I live my life and the goals that I set for myself. — Roop Kamal Kaur, Sidak 2018 participant

  

  This year’s program brought together 31 Sidakers and 13 staff members and facilitators from six nations (Australia, Canada, India, Italy, UK, USA) for two weeks of enlightenment at the Khalsa Centre in Miracle Valley.

  As customary after every Sidak, testimonials and reviews from all participants were collected, and this year we are nothing short from being astounded by their positivity. Consider this response from 2018 Sidaker, Prabhnoor Singh:

  I will go back being more inspired than ever to actually begin implementing a daily discipline so that I can work towards cultivating the love of Guru within myself and channeling that energy towards the wider community.

  Or this reflection on her path from a fellow Sidaker, Amanpreet Kaur:

  I had a lot of growth I needed to do. I still need to grow, but this was the push I needed to go in the right direction. I needed a positive environment full of love and support that would help me with Sikhi. I could not have asked for anything better.

  Sidak 2018 was composed of three in-depth tracks that ran simultaneously:

  

  During Sidak, all participants learned to explore personal and panthak issues through a Gurmat framework based on Bani (wisdom), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle) to ultimately develop their own views and solutions to pressing problems worldwide.

  With the 2018 program now wrapped up, we strongly encourage you to start a recurring donation if you have not done so already.  Your donation will help continue the work that has already started to update the curriculum for these and new tracks coming up next year. 

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