The Center for Sikh Studies was inaugurated at Claremont Lincoln University in California on Feb. 1. The center aims to raise awareness and understanding of Sikhism and provide a site for meaningful interreligious dialogue.
According to a press release on the university’s website, more than 60 people, including university staff and members of the Southern California Sikh community, attended the inauguration. The center is the brainchild of Dr. H. Sahota, a cardiologist, and Harry Sidhu, director of the Orange County Water District and former Anaheim mayor pro tem.
University President Jerry Campbell and Provost Phillip Clayton were presented ceremonial siropas by Harbhajan Samra, a businessman, and Sir Eldon Griffiths, former British lawmaker. Portraits of the first and 10th Sikh gurus were also presented to the university. Sahota and Sidhu were presented with commemorative university mugs as a symbol of the continuous hospitality the Sikh community will receive.
In his remarks, Sidhu urged the Sikh community to help sustain and advance the center. He said the center will offer two or more Sikh studies courses per year, and will hire more faculty to be able to offer an accredited master's degree in Sikh studies and offer online courses as well.
