Utah's Sikh Community
Indian Sikhs are voicing their opposition to the terrorist attacks on the United States,
while urging Americans to understand who they are and what they believe.
Religion Specialist Carole Mikita met with some of Utah's Sikh Community and has their story.
The Sikhs say they have cause for concern. In an apparent act of retaliation, the only person killed following the terrorist attacks was a man in Phoenix who wore a beard and a turban. He was not a follower of Osama bin Laden, but a Sikh.
This was the scene last Sunday in Phoenix as a community mourned the death of an Indian immigrant who was shot to death outside his gas station. Like many Sikh men, he had a beard and wore a turban. Mistaken for a supporter of extremist Muslims, his murder was an apparent revenge attack.
Members of Utah's Sikh community say they condemn these acts of terrorism against America, which is now their country, too.
J.B. Singh, Tooele businessman: "THIS IS MY FAMILY, MY COUNTRY. AND WE'RE ALWAYS WITH AMERICA. AND WE ALWAYS PRAY TO GOD, THAT GOD BLESS AMERICA, ALL THE TIME."
Dozens of Sikhs protested in India last week, shouting slogans like "We are not with the Taliban", and burning coffins with the name Osama bin Laden on them.
Founded in the 15th century, the Sikh faith teachs that there is one God and all religious paths lead to Him. The genders are equal-- it's a person's actions and love that determine awards in the next life. An ideal Sikh is a saint first, then, if necessary, a soldier.
Kuldip S. Bhatia, Sunny Food Mart owner: "WE PLEDGE TO SUPPORT PRESIDENT BUSH IN EVERY WAY, AND TO FIGHT AGAINST HATE AND TERRORISM. AND BRAVELY SIKHS STAND, THEY ARE VERY BRAVE."
Sikhs call themselves a peace-loving people. They pray twice a day, everyday, and now for those who suffer because of terrorism.
Dr. Surinder Bhatia, Retired school psychologist: "ON SEPTEMBER 16TH, WE PRAYED FOR ALL THE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES. I DON'T MEAN WE JUST PRAYED ONE TIME AND WE FORGOT ABOUT THAT. OUR PRAYERS ARE CONTINUOUS."
Utah's Sikh community will soon have its own building for religious services in West Valley City. They meet every other Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. All are welcome, they say.
For more information on the Sikh faith and its history, go to:
KSL 5 News Site
