Agam - A Sikh boy

Agam with his invention of Lego Dinosaur Agam’s family Agamjyot Singh is a smart little boy whose family follows Sikh religion. So, as a Sikh boy, he wears a small turban whenever he go outside. He also has long hairs. Agam with his invention of Lego Dinosaur

Sikh religion Sikh religion is also called Khalsa. It is the fifth largest religion in the world after Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, with over 28 million followers in the world. You can say it is the youngest religion in the world as it was started in 15th century by the first prophet, Guru Nanak Dev ji. There had been ten Guru’s (or prophets) in Sikh religion. Sikhs follow Guru Granth Sahib (the Holy book) as it contains preaching of all the ten Guru’s and many other Saints of South Asia.

Sikhs in the World Sikh religion was established in South Asia. So, majority of Sikhs live in India, especially in its northern state of Punjab. But you will be able to find Sikhs all over the world, with second largest population (after India) in Canada, followed by England and Australia. The current Prime Minister of India, Mr Manmohan Singh, is also a Sikh. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with President George W. Bush at the Oval Office

Gurdwara (a Sikh temple) in Charlotte, NC Sikhs in our Community The Sikhs started coming to USA in early 20th century. Sikhs in Charlotte are contributing to this community since last 4 decades as Doctors, Architects, Engineers, Entrepreneurs etc. Sikhs have a beautiful Gurdwara (a Sikh temple) in Charlotte. Gurdwara (a Sikh temple) in Charlotte, NC

Sikhs in our Community The holiest place for Sikhs is Golden Temple in Amritsar, India. Agam’s family is from the Golden City of Amritsar, though Agam was born in New Jersey. In India, Amritsar gets more foreign tourist than Agra, the city of Taj Mahal. Agam (when he was three years old) with his cousin at Golden Temple, Amritsar, India

Believes of a Sikh God is one. As a Creator, He has no fear, enmity (loves all) or any form. He is the enlightener and beyond birth and death. He is timeless, and has been there forever. The goal of life is to merge with God (salvation) and to maintain a balance between spiritual and temporal obligations. The faith preaches a message of devotion and remembrance of God at all times. A Sikh believes in equality and social justice. All people of all races and sex are equal in the eyes of God. (There is total equality between man and woman, and women can participate in any religious function and lead the congregation in prayer.) Sikhs do not believe in rituals such as idol/image worship, fasting and pilgrimages. (These are popular in South Asia) The true path to God does not mean a renunciation of the world but through living the life of a householder, earning an honest living and avoiding temptation and sin. A Sikh must lead a truthful life helping others and render service to the poor and needy. Sikhs must contribute 1/10 of their disposable income for charitable purposes. Sikhs follow teachings of Ten Sikh Gurus and Guru Granth Sahib (the Holy scripture). As daily meditation, a Sikh must recite Hymns from Guru Granth Sahib. All Sikhs should get baptized (Amritdhari), and possess Panj Kakkaars (Five K's) all the time.

Believes of a Sikh There are five cardinal vices which a Sikh looks to overcome in order to achieve salvation, they are: Kam (Lust) Karodh (Anger) Lobh (Greed) Moh (Worldly attachment) Hankar (Pride)  To overcome these vices the following qualities are required: Santokh (Contentment) Dan (Charity)  Daya (Kindness) Parsanta (Happiness) Nimarta (Humility) 

Five Emblems of the Faith The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, mandated Panj Kakkaar’s (Five K’s), to be with Sikhs all the time. Kesh - Uncut hair. Historically in India, unshorn hair was a sign of spirituality and sainthood; this is consistent with the concept of saint-soldier in Sikhism. Kangha - A small wooden comb used to keep the hair tidy at all times. Typically worn underneath a turban, this represents cleanliness; and as such, is a practical way to look neat and pure at all times. Kara – An iron bracelet worn around the wrist as a reminder of one's faith. Kirpan - A saber to be used as a last measure of protection in case the need to defend oneself, or others in need, arises. Kach - Long undershorts.

“Sat Sri Akaal” Sikh Flag “Sat Sri Akal” is how Agam and all Sikhs greet others (with folded hands). It means “God is Truth”.