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Summary of Question:	What Would You Do If There Are No Sikhs?
Category:	Other
Date Posted:	Friday, 11/22/2002 10:12 PM MST

Sas Ri Akal

Hi! i lived in b.c. canada for 12 and half years(pretty much my whole life) and 2 years ago i moved to oceanside,california. When i got here i was in for a total shock! There were no punjabis what so ever here!in canada there were sooo many punjabis it was unreal and they all lived by me and alot of punjabis went to my school...When i am at highschool here in california people think i am mexican and i tell them i am not and they ask what i am and i say i am a sikh, and they are like whats that! it bothers me a lot! what do u think i should do when people ask me what a sikh is...how do u explain what a sikh is? i get so lonely being the only punjabi at my highschool and there are like nearly 2,300 students! well thanks for reading my message!
sincerley, alicia johal

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Sat Nam Alicia,

My heart goes out to you. It must be such a shock for you. I have a couple of suggestions for you.

- Think about what being a Sikh means to you. Answer their questions from your experience.

- Have simple answers, like, as Sikhs we believe in One God...all religions are equal...to a Sikh, our scriptures are a living Guru...a Guru is a guide in your life.

- Read up on Sikhism. Use this time to learn more about your heritage. Be a teacher to people. It is great that people are asking you about it. Invite people to your home and introduce them to your Sikh ways, not to convert anyone, but just to educate them. Cook an Indian meal for them. Make it fun.

At this time of so much misunderstanding about the Middle-East, India, etc. perhaps the Guru has put you there to be an embassador of peace and understanding. Use this opportunity to grow and excell. You have been surrounded by other Sikhs your whole life. Now, you have to really rise up to the challenge to be who you are with dignity, courage and pride. Be the daughter of Guru Gobind Singh and match the challenge. My prayers are with you. GTTK