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ECOSIKH
MISSION
Ecosikh connects Sikh values, beliefs and institutions to the most important environmental issues
our world is facing. They draw on the rich tradition of the Sikh Gurus and the Khalsa Panth to shape
the behaviour and outlook of Sikhs and the world, ensuring that our deep reverence for all creation
remains a central part of the Sikh way of life.
VISION
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first embodiment of Divine Light in Sikh tradition, laid foundation for a sacred
vision for the environment when he composed the shloak as second Mehala:-
‘Pavan Guru Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat!’
(Air is Guru, Water the father, and the Earth is the great Mother)
They honor our Guru’s wisdom by believing that all humans have an intrinsic sensitivity to the
natural world, and that a sustainable, more just society is possible where water, air, land, forests,
and biodiversity remain vibrant, living systems for our generation and future generations
HISTORY
Its just been 4 years since Eco Sikh was launched.
In November 2009, Sikh environmental leaders Baba Sewa Singh of Khadur Sahib, Amritsar and Baba
Balbir Singh Seechewal of Sultanpur, Kapurthala Punjab, joined two hundred leaders from nine of
the world’s major faiths: Baha’ism, Buddhism, Christianity, Daoism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism,
Shintoism and Sikhism to gather in Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom to commit to long term
practical action for the environment. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon addressed the celebration,
which was hosted by Prince Philip, founder of the ARC.
The Celebration at Windsor Castle came a month before the major Copenhagen Climate Change
talks in December 2009 and was considered the first major, internationally coordinated commitment
by the religions to the environment. The event was supported by the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) and major secular bodies, including Conservation International, the Forest
Stewadship Council, Fairtrade, and the World-Wide Fund.
PROGRAMMES
1. Sikh Environment Day
The first is to help Sikhs celebrate March 14th, or the days around it, as Sikh Environment Day, with
people planting saplings, radio programs broadcasting environmental messages, ragis singing green
gurbanis, people cooking organic (or kind-to- the-environment) food, gurdwaras discussing green
energy and implementing green energy solutions, schools giving green lessons, organising Green
Nagar Kirtans, and so much else.
2. Green Pilgrimage Network
The second is to help and encourage the cities of Amritsar and Nanded to be active Green Pilgrimage
Cities, as members of the Green Pilgrimage Network.
3. Green Gurdwaras
The third is to help gurdwaras in India and the diaspora become sustainable – and models of
sustainability for the entire Sikh community.
They understand that the collective, humble efforts of Sikhs around the world are what make
the greatest impact. EcoSikh works by building a space for Sikhs to strengthen their commitments
to the entire creation, so that we contribute to a healthy, prosperous world, for our generation
and future generations.
RESOURCES
Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC) www.arcworld.org
Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE) www.score.org
Chandigarh Nature and Health Society: www.museumoftrees.org
Seechewal Charitable Trust NirmalKuteya Seechewal: Dedicated to Environment, Health and
Education: www.santseechewal.net
Sri Guru Angad Dev College of Education: Khadur Sahib www.sgadce.org
CONTACTS
Address- B, BRS Nagar, Ludhiana, Punjab
Contact Number- 0161-4683208
Website- http://www.ecosikh.org