Sikh culture is most prominent in the area of Punjab in India. The most important thing about being Sikh is the mother tongue, which is Punjabi. Nowadays, Sikhs are leaving their hometowns in India and migrating to new countries in search of work and a better life. Due to these reasons many are leaving their culture behind.
Punjabi people can be found in every part of the world. There are many gurudwaras (Sikh temples) around, which are to make them comfortable and feel like back home. It is the fourth most spoken language in Canada according to a study published in the times of India.
Many Sikhs came from the Punjab region, but some were born in Canada and belong to Punjabi families, which can make it difficult for them to learn the culture of their parents back home.
It is important to maintain their mother tongue as it helps to learn more languages. Ram Singh, the owner of Sikh Values Learning Centre in Calgary, made this dream come true for many Canadian parents by embracing Gurbani, which are compositions about Sikh Gurus, and kirtan, which is devotional singing in Sikhism.
(Photo by Kumkum Verma/SAIT)
“Punjabi culture is not about listening to Punjabi songs, Gurbani and kirtan are the most important parts of being a Punjabi,” said Singh.
Singh takes the responsibility to teach Sikh values and morals to people. He works to teach humanity and moral values to the new generation. They offer online and in-person classes to children, teenagers, and youth. He is trying to keep his culture alive abroad as well.
The Sikh Value Learning Centre has been serving others for the last 20 years.
“Getting positive response from parents and students made my heart whelming,” said Singh.
The learning centre is situated near Prairie Winds Park in Calgary.
The Sikh Value Learning Centre has morning and evening classes, which is easy for students to manage their hectic schedule. The class duration is 60 to 65 minutes long.
The main motive to start up this learning centre is to teach the next generations about the culture of their parents. Singh doesn’t want people to leave their traditions when they leave other countries.
Singh started by distributing pamphlets in the northeast part of the city and standing near the gurudwaras to talk with people visiting there. He motivated people and talked about his learning institute.
“I always [tell] them to come with the kids and give me a chance to enhance your kid’s future,” said Singh.
Singh takes on the responsibility to connect the students with a Guru and make them learn the Punjabi language, Gurbani and kirtan.
“Parents want their kids to learn their culture.”
