For saving Sikhs from hate crime, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) released a document here on Tuesday to explain Sikh faith and identity to foreign people.
Published in English, document contains the history and global achievements of Sikhs. “Most of the world is unaware of the distinct identity of Sikhs,” SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar said . “They are mistaken for Muslims because of their headgear and made target of hate crime. The document explains how the Sikh turban is different.”
The SGPC will send the document to foreign embassies and governments to reduce the confusion about Sikh identity. A copy will be presented to every foreign visitor at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Since the 9/11 terror attacks, Sikhs have been victims of hate crimes in the west. The need for the document was felt ever since. “The contribution of Sikhs in World War-1, their presence in 58 countries, their gurdwaras abroad, and their contribution is all mentioned in the document,” said Makkar.