We the sevadars of the Building Committee for the new Gurdwara building, and the collective sadh sangat of the Gurdwara Sahib Guru Nanak Dwara in Phoenix, Arizona, are pleased to state that the first phase of the project for the new Gurdwara building is now completed and we now have authorization from the city of Phoenix to go ahead with the construction.
About two and one half years ago, we all collectively stood in front of Guru Ji with folded hands and bowed heads and prayed for the permission to undertake this huge project of great significance, as guided by Guru's mandate. Although we had no doubt in our minds that some day we would be able to achieve our goal of serving the sadh sangat in a new, larger facility, there still were some lingering discomforts. There were genuine concerns about the need, feasibility, and apparent practical hurdles, keeping in mind the diverse cultural background of the members of this sadh sangat. In addition, nowhere on earth was such a unique, united institution ever erected by people whose backgrounds were so different. It was also felt by some of us that in view of limited resources, the attempt at such a huge undertaking at this stage was unrealistic at best. Another cause of concern was the obvious stigma and tarnished image that has been projected on various Sikh institutions in this country by the prevalent infig
hting among their members. This behavior has taken too many Gurdwaras away from their ultimate purpose, which is spiritual upliftment and spreading the message of the Gurus.
In spite of these concerns, and with the blessings of Wahe Guru, we here in Phoenix have been able to make some headway. Our cultural diversity has turned out to be our biggest strength, simply because of our persistent faith in Sikh unity and oneness of the Khalsa. This persistent faith works like a strong beam of steel in holding our structure together during times of upheavals and strong storms that threaten our foundation. Our enthusiasm is never-ending, and is growing as we weather these storms. Our resources are growing also; we have $350,000 in the sangat's account for this building project.
On February 28, 1999, we again made history when the sadh sangat gathered outside after Gurdwara and prepared the land where the ground is to be dug in the next few weeks for our new Gurdwara. Bit by bit we are seeing our dreams come true. Soon a beautiful house of Guru starts rising on this land.
This letter is being sent to you now to let you know that this is the time you can make a solid commitment to the Guru, to yourself, and to your children, by giving a helping hand to this project. When this project is completed, it will serve our children and our children's children. It will be a place where they will sit side by side with other Sikh boys and girls of their age and read Punjabi as well as Gurbani. This will be the house of Guru Nanak through Guru Gobind Singh Ji, where the Guru's message will be experienced in its real sense.
To achieve anything in life, one has to make sacrifices. There is nothing better than having young Sikh boys and girls learn Gurbani and the Sikh way of life in a neat and clean environment that is free of politics, where they know no difference between one Sikh and another, where they learn how to live without hatred for others, where they understand the dignity of a religious place and learn that a Gurdwara can and does exist as a Throne for the Guru.
We also want to emphasize that this is a huge project. As such the funds we have at this time are far less than what are needed to finish it. This marvelous project is very ambitious. Once completed, it will be unique, not only architecturally, but also in the philosophy which it will impart, the universal philosophy of our Gurus. It will be an example of that universal philosophy which emphasizes seva, humility, unity and brotherhood, love for humanity, peaceful courage, and spirituality. In other words it will represent the philosophy of spiritual Gursikhs. We will not lose sight of the Sikh code of conduct, and it will be shared in its truest sense.
Especially during this three hundredth year of Parkash Utsav celebrations of the Khalsa Panth, it is incumbent upon all the Sikhs of Guru Gobind Singh Ji to do whatever each of us can to help a cause that was so dear to Him. This helps fulfill His dream of the Khalsa, a Khalsa that is unique and righteous. Your contribution to this project is helping it move forward quickly and successfully, and will be a fitting tribute to His legacy in this sacred year. Your generous financial involvement in this project is highly, respectfully, humbly, and urgently sought.
With deepest regards,
Jaswant Singh Sachdev, M.D.
New Building Project
Gurdwara Sahib Guru Nanak Dwara
P.S. For more information about this project, or to make a contribution, please contact S.S. Gurukirn Kaur Khalsa by phone at 602-252-0931, by fax at 602-254-2232, by email at [email protected], or by mail at 2313 N. Richland Street, Phoenix, 85006 AZ, U.S.A.