USA: Asawari Kaur representing the Sikh religion was invited to speak at a multifaith event by the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana at their place of worship in Indianapolis. The event was held on Aug 8, 2026 with representatives from the Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sikh religious traditions. The event was to educate the attendees while overall theme was, demystifying religions.

Geshe Lharampa Tenzin Dekyong, Dr. Priya Menon, Dr. Sonal Sanghani, Mrs. Asawari Kaur representing the Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs were the speakers, with Dr. Vidya Karthik moderating the panel in a Q & A format.

The questions and discussion revolved around the four distinctly independent South Asian religions. Since, most of them are non-proselytizing in nature, there is much ignorance around their core values and the protocols of prayer/worship.  

Asawari Kaur spoke about the Sikh faith tradition and its many distinct features including it being a revealed religion with a unique scripture that is written in divine poetry. She elaborated that there are some shared values and beliefs that are common to not only the other South Asian faith traditions but also the three major Semitic faiths, originating from the Middle East.

The panel discussion involved discussions about the origin of each faith tradition, their founders, concept of God or other founding principles, places of prayer, religious texts, festivals, misconceptions about each faith, proselytization, attitudes towards other living beings, the environment, symbols related to each faith, etc.

The event was very well attended with over 150 people in attendance. People of all faith traditions including Christianity, Judaism and Islam were present at the function who gave a lot of positive feedback.

Religious protocol dictates that no one religion can take the unilateral position of being the dominant one by leading or dictating to others or define them in any way they choose. Since the formation of modern India in 1947 and the framing of the Indian Constitution in 1950; Article 25 (b) Explanation II, “In sub-clause (b) of clause (2), the reference to Hindus shall be construed as including a reference to persons professing the Sikh, Jaina or Buddhist religion, and the reference to Hindu religious institutions shall be construed accordingly.” Buddhism, Jainism and the Sikh Religion have and are permanently relegated to mere sects or denominations of Hinduism and their places of prayer managed in the same manner. Furthermore, the Sikh religion is absolutely not part of any overarching ‘dharmic umbrella’, rather a recognized wholly independent and world religion in its own right.   

Within the boundaries of religious etiquette, understanding the common values and yet respecting each other’s differences and uniqueness is the way to strengthen interfaith dialogue and relationships to make a more peaceful world

Attendees at the Interfaith eventThe American Sikh Council is the umbrella organization representative of Sikhs in the United States. It is an elected body of Sikh Gurdwaras and institutions. Currently 76 Gurdwaras and other Sikh institutions across the nation are members of ASC. The major governing purpose of the organization is to represent the collective view of Sikhs in the United States. ASC works to promote Sikh interests at the national and international level focusing on issues of advocacy, education, and well-being of humankind.