Friday, May 24th, 2013
Canadian military says no to ‘Sikh Cadet Corps’
Pargat Singh Bhurji is the director of the Friends of the Sikh Cadet Corps Society in Surrey.
LARISSA CAHUTE
VANCOUVER DESI
Members of Surrey’s South Asian community have united to put together a petition in an effort to fight for their Sikh Cadet Corps.
“The community is really upset,” said Pargat Singh Bhurji, Director of the Friends of the Sikh Cadet Corps Society.
In a Sept. 13 meeting, the Department of National Defence and the Army Cadet League of Canada opposed the Surrey cadet corps’ name – the 3300 British Columbian Royal Army Cadet (Surrey Sikhs) – which halted its September 19 launch.
According to Kimberley Caron a DND spokeswoman for cadet organizations, officials agreed the word ‘Sikh’ was not inclusive of all youths age 12-18 because it may deter non-Sikhs from joining.
“The name Sikh (means) student and it includes everybody,” said Bhurji. “It’s not like segregating, that other faiths or other believers could not come.”
Numerous community members visited Bhurji on Monday after the story broke on VancouverDesi.com, The Province newsroom’s new South Asian website.
“The community wants the process to be solved with the name,” he said. “The reason everybody wanted their kids in it was because of the name.”
Regardless of what they’re called, Bhurji insisted they’re doing this for the “bright future of Canada.”
“We are not doing any harm, we are maintaining future leaders here,” he said.
Petition or not, Caron said the Department of National Defence stand firm by their decision.
“That’s our stance on it – that the word ‘Sikh’ has not been approved in the name of the Surrey 3300,” she said.
The original story garnered a lot of attention and even some of those from the community agreed with Caron.
“My brother was enrolled in cadets growing up, he had a turban, never had a problem,” one reader, Gina commented on VancouverDesi.com. “I respect my religion and culture but nowadays people are taking things way [too] far. We do not need to have a ‘Sikh’ specific cadet group.”
She went on to write that communication is the key to solving problems – not opening religion-specific groups.
“My brother had no problem with air cadets, he wore a turban and he performed every activity without any problem,” she wrote. “Every member of air cadets was welcoming and supportive, maybe because we tried to communicate and actually fit in.”
Another reader, Kulwant Singh commented “it’s only fair the military says no, due to the fact the military and cadets are supposed to be accommodating to all race, religions and cultures – non-Sikhs may feel unwelcome.”
Caron said they’ve offered the group a number of alternative names they believe still celebrate Sikh heritage, like naming it after a prominent Sikh leader, veteran or community member.
But Sikh cadet corps founder and publisher of the South Asian Post, Harbinder Singh Sewak, said they weren’t familiar with any of the veterans names that were suggested.
“We don’t know any history about this guy so why put a name that doesn’t resonate or anything that has to do with the Sikh cadets at all,” he said. “It doesn’t make sense to me.”
Sewak and Caron both hope to resolve the issue soon, but according to Sewak he’s had “zero” communication from officials since their Sept. 13 meeting.
Tags: cadets, canadian military, Desi, Multiculturalism, Sikh, The Province, vancouverdesi.com
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Dispense with the argument. Why not name the 3300 BCR (DCO) in honour of the first Indian Victoria Cross Recipient, which was in WW1: Khudadad Khan, VC (20 October 1888 – 8 March 1971) of the 129th Duke of Connaught’s Own (British Indian Army) – There is the direct affiliation and inclusion that is wanted especially with the cadet corps’ affiliated unit the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own). ref. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khudadad_Khan
14 Sikh Victoria Cross recipients, pick one and name the 3300 after him.
I am a sikh myself and I don’t agree with the name either. We have come along way in promoting multiculturalism, so why take a step back now. The cadets have never been about religion, so why make it now.
Well said. Have a good day!
I am a punjabi. I am glad CDN forces didn’t allow this. We need to stop acting like “Indo-Canadians” & start behaving like Canadians. Don’t like it, go back to Punjab & join the Punjab or Sikh Regiments. Not in Canada. Not anytime.
Thank you
I am very glad they didnt allow this… I am tired of driving around seeing sikh this sikh that…
we live in CANADA!!!! i think this group of people take their religion and its symbols to far at times… everywhere you look there it is…
Also I am glad they didnt allow this as this is just another thing for them to gloat about…
I’m a Sikh and agree with the Military’s response. We all know to a certain extent that profiling exists. It is for this reason we separate state and religion. To call this branch in the Military “Sikh Cadet Corps” is in itself, contrary to the principal of separation and promotes exclusion. Understanding that minorities need to be represented, there are other methods of recruitment such as affirmative action. Recruitment to the cadets should not be perceived to be exclusive but inclusive and this is what affirmative action does.
Canada 64,976 dead in world war one
i cant find any history or records of world war two sikhs from canada
ten sikhs served in world one from canada two died
John Baboo of Winnipeg, originally from Punjab, India. He was wounded at Vimy Ridge.
Sunta Gougersingh, originally from Punjab, India, who enlisted in Montréal and served in the Québec Regiment. He was killed in action 19 October 1915.
Buckam Singh of BC, originally from Punjab, India, who served with the 20th Canadian Infantry and was wounded twice. He died in Kitchener, Ont, 27 August 1919.
Hari Singh of Toronto, originally from Punjab, India, who served with the Reserve Battalion, Royal Canadian Dragoons.
Harnom Singh, alias Harry Robson, of Chilliwack, BC, possibly born in Juarez, Mexico. His parents were possibly from Singapore and India. He served in the 143rd Railway Construction Battalion.
John Singh of Winnipeg, born in India. He served in the 108th Overseas Battalion.
Lashman Singh, born in India, and enlisted at Smiths Falls, Ont. He served with the 75th battalion and was killed in action on 24 October 1918.
Ram Singh of Grand Forks, BC, born in Punjab, India. He enlisted in Vancouver.
Sewa Singh of Vancouver, born in Dinjutah, India. He served with the 1st Canadian Reserves Battalion.
Waryam Singh, born in Punjab, India, and enlisted at Smiths Falls, Ont. He served with the 38th Battalion, Eastern Ontario Regiment.
Wow has anyone asked these kids what they want? If they want to be in a Sikh regiment then let them. They would be doing something productive instead of sitting at home watching tv. I thought it would be a great way to involve families who might otherwise not enroll their children in a cadets program. It is their choice how they spend their own money on their children.
They want to be in an All-Sikh group, either go back to India, or use your own money. Simple.
Last comment, as I’ll give someone else a chance.
What does it teach our children if we argue over what to name a group? It is small and insignificant and the important thing is that it’s a successful group of happy children. Pride doesn’t come in the form of text, it lives within your art and is demonstrated through your actions. Be proud who you are, but don’t fight over it because that’s the worst lesson you can teach your children. And their interests should be in the forefront in all of this….I doubt very much that they care what this unit is called.
wow i had no idea canada was thisracist, its reminding me more & more like the biggest terrorists on the planet the usa, sikhshave died for this country but continued to get disrespected. wow oh cannda
“Canada” is not racist and that’s a pretty broad, offensive statement. Be direct in your reply to identify what, exactly, you are referring to?
It’s not a matter of being disrespected…it’s a matter of overall respect that considers everyone and labels really don’t help us to eliminiate racism, as they suggest that something is only for a certain group of people. In this beautiful country of Canada, we’re trying to get away from identifying ourselves as anything BUT Canadian…as we should be proud of that first and foremost. Especially if representing the country as cadets.
I used to live in Surrey. The argument that the Sikhs are using to put this Cadet unit together is “We Don’t Fit In.”
Now as a White, Non-Religious Male in the City of Surrey where there is a huge Southeast Asian/Indian/whatever population, if I said “I don’t fit in” and went to the Mayor to have my own part of the City just for White, Non-Religious people to feel like they “Fit In” on your tax money, you’d be calling us racist too.
How is that any different than wanting your own, all-Sikh, Sikh-named Cadet unit that goes against the true purpose of the Canadian Cadet Organizations and the regulations of the organization and the Canadian Forces?
This isn’t racist. Sikh is a religion, not a race, buddy. No religion in the Military or government.
i am confused as when sihks died for this country – are you referring to air india – because in the two world wars – they fought for britian as did we
jagga – i am hoping you are not calling canada racist – or maybe we suffer from reverse racism
first off Canada is not racist… if it was then all these people from India, china, japan, and all other places around the world wouldnt be able to come here.
secondly there is no religion in the forces. making a section named specifically for a group of sikhs thats just pure ignorance by the indian people who want it. its just a way to say hey LOOK AT US…. its a straight up typical jack thing to do just like most indian people its a pride thing… I am glad they denied this.
ps. I am an Indian. and I hate this sorta shit from our community. and yo Jagga its easy to pull the racist card.
“Gill had enrolled Mehtab in a Delta cadet corps two years ago, but with no other Sikhs or East Indians or Asians in the group, Mehtab never felt like he fit in. After two sessions, he decided to quit.”
If someone doesn’t feel they fit in, the answer isn’t to further isolate themselves…it’s to work towards it. Feeling comfortable outside your comfort zone is difficult for children – but is also a chance for growth & learning. By catering to those fears/obstacles, we don’t help to overcome them.
I agree with this decision, as these groups should be inclusive and this suggests this one’s exclusive.
Two sessions… That’s 2 nights (1 night per week). That’s not enough time to even find out if you like the program.
Myself, and like many other recruits I instructed over 7 years – it takes on average 2-3 months to feel comfortable in the unit.
Quitting after only 2 nights is just allowing your kid to get away with growing up thinking the world has to appease to him.
Very well said, Chief. Exactly…it doesn’t help your children if you try to mould the world around them…you must teach them to adapt so they can grow and flourish in any situation, not just their own clique. By broadening our children’s horizons, we only serve to help them in the end.
There are a few things that are just plain wrong with this entire thing.
First is the complaint from the person who said their son joined another Cadet unit, and as there were no Sikhs felt he didn’t fit in, so he quit. If this boy grew up and joined the military would he think he would be surrounded by Sihks? Not at all, he would likely end up in the PPCLI. Would he quit then, too?
Second is some idea that in order for South Asian people to participate in Canada that they need or require some special segregated rights. In this case, while they “claim” that enrollment would be open to everyone, do you think that a white or Chinese or Filipino kid would feel comfortable in a unit filled with people all from the same religious background? Absolutely not.
Finally, it’s kind of obvious that the whole rationale for this unit is so that the official headress of the unit is the turban. As a religious headdress, how many non Sikhs (Muslims come to mind especially) would feel comfortable donning such attire?
I am not against Sikhs being in the military, police, or any other Canadian institution for that matter. However there are standards of attire in these Canadian institutions and this attire was chosen to be an extension of the state, not kowtowing to some religious minority. No offense, but when you are in the navy you need to take the turban off and put on a proper navy headdress. A turban will not stop a bullet like a kevlar helmet if you are in the army.
Are traditional muslim women in the Canadian military allowed to remove the CF uniform and don a burka? I wonder how that would go over in Afghanistan.
I’m sorry, but if you immigrated to Canada it’s time to join the rest of Canada and get out of your ethnic enclaves. Mix your kids into regular Canadian youth activities, everything from Scouts and Guides to Cadets. Dont do them the disservice of surrounding your Sikh kids with other Sikh kids and trying to lobby for Sikh cadet units and trying to create Sikh Boy Scout units, shopping at Sikh stores and wearing Sikh attire and putting them in a special Sikh school.
No wonder that poor kid felt like he didn’t fit in. Too many Sikh parents restrict their kids activities to exclusively Sikh activities, so the poor kid didnt encounter any other Sikh kids in the other Surrey cadet unit, and when the kid got there, he didn’t know how to interact as an equal and a peer with the other non-Sikh kids there.
The people behind this need to give their heads a shake and start integrating into Canada properly or emmigrate to India; where Sikh is the predominant religion and soldiers and police wear turbans and where this type of environment is perfectly normal. This is Canada, not India, so what is happening here is just as perfectly normal that a Sikh military cadet unit would be rejected as it would be for a white immigrant to India to be forced to don a turban in order to join the army there.
As they say, when in Rome…
Couldn’t have said it better!!!!!
Well said. Thumbs up to you. Long live Canada
I saw it coming. Everyone knew well in advance that the name would be a full-stop on the Government’s end of things.
Sure they can argue “oh but you have the Canadian Scottish Regiment or the Irish Regiment” difference there is that in historical ties Canada herself had groups of Scottish and Irish militiamen purchase and fund their own regiments during the wars so that it each founding group of Canada was represented on the battlefield. Canada never had Sikh Regiments or even Sikhs period during any war up until maybe Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan. Saying “oh but 65 000 Sikhs fought for the British…” We’re not the British are we? Moot point.
You want your All-Sikh Youth Babysitter club, do it on your own dime, not mine. Until then, maybe compromise on the name, the name will make no difference except make it sound like it’s an exclusive Religious club.
Change the name, nobody will know the difference. Excuses excuses.
It’s amazing how they just can’t be happy and join the existing units like everyone else. You don’t see the First Nations making their own Cadet units, you don’t see all the Black Canadians making their own cadet units, you don’t see all the Spanish Canadians making their own cadet units etc.
Oh boo hoo, you don’t fit in to a cadet unit that you stayed in for all of a month? Nobody fits in even in the first 2-3 months. And if they really want to play the “don’t fit in” card. I didn’t feel like I fit in to the City of Surrey because of the large Southeast Asian/Indian/Fijian population there so how about I make my own little part of the city for me and people like me to so we can fit in, using your tax money? The Indian/Sikh populace would be the first people to throw up their Race Cards and have the idea shot down.
Same idea goes here. This is 2012, not the 1970s… Nobody hates you for who you are or where you came from. It’s all of these people going “Well I’m a Sikh, I’m a Hindu, I’m Indian… I am entitled to have everyone give me what I want or you’re racist”.
Isn’t Sikh a religion? I don’t think we have a Christian army or Muslim army. Just leave it how it is, so everyone can join together instead of separating everyone into groups.
Were we not called ” Imports” from this community over a soccer team? It’s not always about these special interest groups. Don’t like it leave……
Fuck all religous organizations they all preach one thing and do another the only thing they r good at is dividing people look at all of the shitty things people say to each other because they think there bullshit story is better then the next guys bullshit fable
If your goal is to create a unit that encourages participation from all cultures, then there’s a simple fix – name the new regiment 3300 British Columbian Royal Army Cadet (Celebrating Diversity). Wouldn’t this have been a better name in the first place?
Gina, way to go…this group never knows their limit. What’s next, Arabs renaming themselves, “Islamic Military Cadets” or others – stop the nonsense! If you cannot accept the idea we are all Canadians by birth or by our overzealous immigration then don’t join instead of trying to shove your religion down our throats! Good for the military in standing up to these controversial and subjective polarized ideas by those pushing their luck to our detriment. Wait until some turbaned cop gets strangled by his turban while on duty or brains splattered by a turbaned motorcyclist because they did not wear CSA approved helmets because of their religion and then the lawsuits will fly, same idea. Ethnic cultures/religions should try to fit in to Canadian ways not by creating sectarian groups based on their practices, identity or ideologies, when will it end? I do not see the phrase “Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Buddah, Ismali, Islamic, etc. – stop abusing our freedoms. What’s next, a police officer trying to identify himself as a “sikh rcmp police” instead of “rcmp police”? Does this not qualify as a form of bullying? This idea promotes “neanderthalic backwardness” not of acceptancing Canadian values and tolerances. If I went to India would they accept I wear a Catholic cross over my police uniform or another if they wanted to wear the hijabb in the military – NO or renaming a group serving the military! We cuddle ethnic and religious groups too much and some see that as leverage to challenge and change things their way instead of showing respect to an proud insitution or country. This is not about racism it is about certain race/religious groups not trying to fit in with our societal norms to twist things to get their way – be lucky you are in Canada because elsewheres you would not even have a voice or rights! We should not permit Shariah law either, just Canadian laws as it will open up a can of worms for all to change and confuse society.
Gurminder, it seems like you are dissing your own kind, your name sure does not sound Canadian enough and you are dissing your own group.It almost seems like you are a suck up to the Canadian society and a disgrace to your own kind.
What?! John. Shut up. Stop trying to troll people. He is Canadian if he was born or migrated here and became one. Does your name sound Canadian enough? It could be American or European. Please! STFU. He is actually wanting to merge Canadians together instead of trying to separate them into groups.
John its not about dissing our own kind… wait actually it is…. the reason being is they come to Canada trying to get away from the shit they dealt with back home however they bring all that stuff here with them. Nothing is changing for the good. I am tried of driving around and seeing sikh this or F hindus that
I am a Hindu that speaks Punjabi I respect all faiths and culture and religions however I don’t need a specific group grabbing me by the throat and shoving their bs ways down it. the way I see it and have been seeing it… sikhs bully their ways, many dont teach their children to be humble. you see punk ass kids all the time mostly sikhs that talk about the past like they know everything and start up hate crimes because you are not their kind.
so a round of applause to the Canadian government for telling this group to shove it. However I dont think this will end here… I am sure they will band together as they always do and keep asking for it just like they did for motorcycle helmet laws to be dismissed for them… a TURBAN ISNT GONNA SAVE YOU FROM AN ACCIDENT… **Rant finished…
JOHN BENNET
WHY WOULD YOU WRITE THAT – HE IS SUCKING UP TO CANADA – A PLACE HE OBVIOUSLY SUPPORTS – DISSING HIS OWN KIND – WHAT DOES THAT ENTAIL – WOW – I AM EMABARRESSED TO BE WHITE
I APOLOGIZE TO YOU FOR YOUR IGNORANCE AND DISRESPECT FOR OUR COUNTRIES VALUES
I think the point many here are missing is that in Canada we have separated religion from our government and Armed Forces. It is inappropriate to call the cadets Sikh just as it would be inappropriate to call them the Surrey Christian Cadets or any religion`s name. That`s a part of why we don`t say the Lord prayer every morning in Government public school anymore its exclusionary.
Great point, Cam.
I’m sorry but if that is the decision, then that is the decision.
You set yourselves up for having the proverbial “carpet pulled out from under you”, you know that right?
And what is with the dad and the 11-year old asking every day? Dad, show your son how to read a calendar and he won’t bug you every day with the questions. Trying to tug on heartstrings doesn’t work so much these days.
Thanks.
What I don’t understand is how an 11 year old boy quits a corps 2 years ago because there isn’t enough multiculturalism when the cadet program is for 12 – 18 year olds?
Even at 11 he is not eligible for the program!
If his family had looked at all they would have found a cadet corp in Whalley that has cadets from all backgrounds, religions and cultures!!
That would be more than happy to enroll him, once he turns 12
The 11yr old in question probably was enrolled in the Navy League Cadet program, which is for 9-12 yr olds. And cadets isn’t about learning multi-culturalism, it’s about learning leadership and skills specific to the element.
Yup probably was navy League…..which is NOT part of the cadet program run by the CF.
I wasn’t stating that the program is for learning multiculturalism, the kid quit because there weren’t enough kids like him!! If he only gave it 2 sessions how was he to know if he would connect with the other kids?
The program is for learning citizenship, respect and discipline. It is learning how to work as a team for the greater good. Whether that team is Caucasian, Asian, Native, Black, South Asian or anything in between!!
In a country full of Chinatowns, Punjab markets, Little Italy, Korean corners etc..why is this an issue.?
Sounds to me like you have already answered your own question.
People are always trying to push their own agenda on things that are meaningless. Cadets should have NO religious connotaions attatched to it for that only helps to divide racial lines even further…
Maybe they need to make a new immigration law , if you want to live in Canada leave your religious outlook at home. Unlike other countries I don’t believe any wars have been started over religion in MY country
NO….that would be Miq Maq
The only issue I have with this is that it promotes religious views and the main issue is secondary. There have been too many changes to the Canadian heritage and principals, we need to concentrate on Canadian values first and foremost!
Where has Canada gone?!! What is next?!!
My brother was enrolled in cadets growing up he had a turban, never had a problem. I respect my religion and culture but now days people are taking things way far. We do not need to have a “sikh” specific cadet group. You want to be a Canadian yet you want special treatment because of your religion culture? No one stops you from practicing your religion or believing in your cultural values, but you decided to immigrate to Canada for a reason. You are a Canadian by nationality, so stop creating groups based on religion,instead actually try to fit into society. I am still baffled because my brother had no problem with air cadets, he wore a TURBAN and he performed every activity without any problem. Every member of air cadets was welcoming and supportive, maybe because we tried to communicate and actually fit in. Communication is the key to solving many problems! Not opening up a religion specific group. I do not understand why people immigrate to a country where they are unable to accept societal norms, even when their religion and culture is welcomed with open arms.
Well put Gina!
Very, very well put Gina. Thank you.
Agreed.
THANSK GINA – PLEASE RUN FOR POLITICS
Now let me see this straight; the new cadet group wants to be a part of the Canadian military cadet program and teach Sikh principals. Who are these new cadets representing? Sikhism? Canada? Which is their priority, the faith or the country?
Why do we have to have a “Sikh” Cadet Corp when the spirit of military service is about serving Canada, not just a particular group? The idea of creating a “Sikh”, “Catholic”, or whatever Corp is to create exclusivity which goes against the values that all “groups” have worked to create in this country. Even if it would be open to everyone, putting the name “Sikh” on the Cadet Corp conveys a different message. Let’s move forward, not backwards.
Well said.
THANK YOU HARMEL – I AM A WHITE ANGLO SAXON CANADIAN – FOURTH GENERATION – AND AM GETTING SICK AND TIRED OF THE FEW IN OTHER CULTURES AND RELIGONS TRYING TO POST A DIVIDE BETWEEN ALL US CANADIANS – BE IT BLACK , WHITE, GREEN ETC
THANKS
Very well said. Thank you for sharing.
I am wary of these ‘Friends of…’ groups. They turn out later to be exactly the opposite. No segregation please, this is Canada, all those other units have open membership. Sikh’s do have a historic military lineage, just very little to no history to do with Canada. Only recent times. To honour this, will they cover how to bomb Air India flights?
Rob D, you obviously don’t know your Canadian history. Sikhs have been here for over 100 years. What’s your “group’s” history about, abusing and killing firsts nations children? Just a question about what your traditional values are, Rob.
Hey Rob..Before you display your ignorance, why don’t you at least look up Sikhs in the Canadian military. Or are you afraid of what you might learn.
Highlander units are by no means restricted to enrollment by only Scottish youth, nor are Irish or Welsh units restricted in the same manner. The same applies to units taking their name from Aboriginal heritage (eg. 339 G89 Iroquois Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps) and certainly to the Saskatchewan unit that takes its name from the Punjab city of Rawalpindi (118 Rawalpindi Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps, Prince Albert SK, S6V8A4).
The XXX Cadet Corps (Surrey Sikh) is open to all Canadian youth to enlist. It is our mission that cadets in our unit learn the bedrock Sikh values of being a “Saint-Soldier” or of standing up for those who are defenceless in the face of tyranny.
Problem.
The Canadian Cadet Organizations and the Canadian Forces has regulations that state that all Religion and Politics shall and will be left out of any and all training common to all members.
You can’t have a ROYAL CANADIAN Army Cadet unit that teaches Religious values of being a “Saint-Soldier”
I totally agree. When a community wants a cadet corps or a squadron, they can’t just go and teach whatever they want. They have to use the already well-establish program. No where in the current Army Cadet program we teach the youth to be saint soldier. It is not what we teach.
It is already hard for a teenagers to commit to being a cadet, are we going to be a name barrier on top of that? All teenagers in the Surrey region should feel welcome to join this cadet corps and currently, if you keep the name Sikh, I am not sure they would understand the meaning / difference and they would probalby think it is only for the Sikh community. Not really inclusive.
Also, the Sea Cadet Corps in Prince Albert is name after the British Royal Navy vessel “HMS RAWALPINDI”.
Those organizations are named after former/current Canadian and Britsh ships. That those names are reflective of native groups or Indian towns is not the fault of the cadet org as a whole but a reflection of RCN history.
Purely coincidental.
They need to ban the Canadian Scottish Regiment post-haste old boy!
As a former Cadet I know some units were named & formed in metaphor with a message embracing the values of the cadet organization. The Phoenix is a well known example of that. While the word Sikh has origins in the term meaning disciple, student or instruction, those less familar would associate with a more inclusive definition as is the case here.
The Canadian Forces philosophy of leadership is often demonstrated through calm leadership despite whatever pressure, challenge, or obstable an organization faces when people work together for a common good. Perhaps I may suggest finding a name based upon that which meets the all inclusive objective of pacific region while still aligning the name to the leadership views of the general community and sponsoring body which it serves.
3300 British Columbian Royal Army Cadets (Surrey Equipoise: Through Calm we Persevere)
Hope my comments inspire or give you new idea’s.
Kindest Regards.
http://www.sikhnet.com/news/saints-prophets-leaders-and-enlightened-beings
Paragraph 13 “Briefly about the word “saint”: The Punjabi word for “saint” is “sant” derived from Sankrit. Sant means “Shaant”, that is “calm” or “tranquil.” Sant refers to one who remains in a state of calmness and equipoise.”
The term is multicultural not multi-segragated. I am thankful our canadian forces had the courage to stop this flagrant disrespect for our country and the programs already in place for youths interested in our armed forces.
its only fair the military says no due to the fact the military and cadets are supposed to be accommodating to all race/religions and cultures, non-sikhs may feel unwelcome