Sikh group to launch global ecological movement

WASHINGTON - Two young Sikh professionals are joining EcoSikh, a community environment group to launch a global ecological movement with several diverse initiatives on behalf of the global Sikh community.

Ravneet Pal Singh from Ludhiana, Punjab and Bandana Kaur from New York started in their role earlier this month to further the mission of EcoSikh to help the world’s major religious traditions create long term plans to improve their relationship with the environment.

The group was formed in collaboration between the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Alliance for Religions and Conservation (ARC) and the Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE).

“The aim is to mobilise Sikh communities in India and elsewhere to develop practical solutions to today’s pressing environmental challenges in accordance with the teachings of the Sikh Gurus and also exchange ideas with faith communities around the world,” said Dr. Rajwant Singh, SCORE chairman and convener of EcoSikh.

“This will be achieved by creating partnerships, improving environmental education, and using advocacy, media and other networks to strengthen the Sikhs’ commitment to the environment,” he added.

Ravneetpal Singh, 29, well versed in Sikh scriptural teachings on the environment, graduated with a degree in agricultural engineering from Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana. He will coordinate activities from Ludhiana.

He worked as a project manager in a multinational irrigation company. His main task was to promote water conservation through sound irrigation designs, construction observations and water management practices.

Bandana Kaur in New York has a Masters degree in environmental science from Yale University’s School of Forestry and in Environmental Studies.

During her time at Yale, Bandana spent two summers in the Punjab learning about the ecological challenges facing the state, and researching women’s participation in agricultural biodiversity conservation in rural areas. She has also spent several years working on water, forest, and climate issues in non-profits, both in the US and India. She feels strongly that a global alliance to address the environmental challenges that impact the Sikh community and the world is an urgent need.

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)