Event Report: EcoSikh Awareness Event

Date: 1st February 2025 Venue: Naad Community Center, Papatoetoe

On 1st February 2025, an enlightening and inspiring event was held at the Naad Community Center in Papatoetoe, featuring Dr. Rajwant Singh as the guest speaker. Dr. Singh, the founder and President of EcoSikh, is also the Chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE), Communications Director of the Sikh Human Development Foundation, and Secretary of the Guru Gobind Singh Foundation in Maryland. The event was attended by a diverse audience, including community leaders, environmental enthusiasts, and Sikh youth.

Dr. Rajwant Singh passionately spoke about the EcoSikh initiative and the significant environmental projects being carried out in Punjab and beyond. He detailed the efforts to create forests in Punjab, emphasizing the techniques used and the environmental importance of these projects. He also highlighted the responsibility of Sikhs in preserving the environment, drawing upon the spiritual philosophy of “Pavan Guru, Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat” to stress the sacred connection between nature and humanity.

Following his presentation, the session was opened for questions, allowing attendees to engage in meaningful discussions regarding environmental conservation and the role of the Sikh community in global sustainability efforts.

Manjeet Singh, Director of Rhythm School, facilitated the interactive session by opening the floor for questions. Towards the conclusion of the event, Daljit Singh Ji from SuperSikh Society acknowledged Dr. Rajwant Singh’s efforts and commended the EcoSikh projects.

Some clips of the event

Ravneet Kaur from Sikh Youth New Zealand also expressed her appreciation for the EcoSikh initiative. Harpreet Singh from the Interfaith Council made an important announcement regarding the launch of the first EcoSikh event in New Zealand on 23rd February 2025, where local interfaith groups will collaborate to clean a creek in Auckland.

Navjet Singh Randhawa showed great interest in the EcoSikh projects and proposed innovative ideas to accelerate afforestation efforts by securing land through the support of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Additionally, Gurjot Singh from the Institute of Sikh Studies NZ expressed his appreciation for the environmental initiatives and pledged support in establishing an EcoSikh team in New Zealand.

The event concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks from Manjeet Singh Ji. The gathering successfully raised awareness about environmental sustainability and fostered collaboration among community members to support EcoSikh’s vision in New Zealand. Many individuals present expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to contributing towards a greener future.