In the Spirit of Loving Seva: Outstanding Sevadar, Har Simran Kaur Khalsa

For the city of Los Angeles, the city of angels, gang violence is a sad and disturbing reality . But for the Guru Ram Das Ashram Community and our neighbors living in and around Preuss Road, across from Robertson Recreation Center and Park, this tragedy of modern urban life is the exception, not the norm. And so in the summer of 2006, two separate but related gang shootings left all in the neighborhood feeling shocked and traumatized.

Later that summer came the galvanizing edition of the Aquarian Times that issued an open invitation to commemorate and celebrate the United Nations International Day of Peace by sponsoring a peace-related event. Coupled with this came the reminder that the Siri Singh Sahib had exhorted us to be known for our seva by 2007 or we would face persecution by others.

This rousing call to action was answered decisively by SS Har Simran Kaur Khalsa, a devoted and stalwart sevadar and member of the Los Angeles Sadh Sangat since 1983. Thoughts such as, “We can’t be walking around looking like saints and not be sensitive to others’ suffering” and “What is the best way to share the blessings of these teachings with others?” percolated her consciousness that summer. There were countless yoga classes that already reached many, but the pertinent question in Har Simran Kaur’s mind was how to reach beyond the meditation community to the general population that was reeling from the double shooting and needed a way to come together in peace to get to know one another better to alleviate any fear or mistrust that had arisen. It came to her that the most effective medium for bringing people together comes right from our most fundamental tenet; sangat and pangat, singing with people and feeding them.

With her guiding principle, “The more we know each other, the less afraid we are of one another,” propelling her forward, Har Simran formulated her mission: to bring people in the community together for a few hours in the spirit of peaceful congeniality. She put her focus on Robertson Park, an integral part of the neighborhood that had seen a fair amount of drug-related activity but had been part of a clean-up effort by police in recent years. Reclaiming the park as a location where families and neighbors could gather and meet to have fun together eating and singing, thereby resolving any differences, was a worthy goal. A picnic in the park for peace. Peace Picnic. Food. Music. Neighbors. Not just for Sikhs, nor an inter-faith event for the rich diversity of religious groups, including Orthodox Jews, Christian Copts, Sikhs and Muslims, who populate the neighborhood, Peace Picnic was to be an event for all. And its main draw would be free local food – food prepared by local restaurants and bakeries, donated by stores and other businesses, prepared by the neighborhood, for the neighborhood.

The next question facing Har Simran Kaur was, ”Whose permission do I need?” The park director thought it was a great idea. The Administrative Council of Sikh Dharma gave their support. Trusting in the power of sangat and pangat, Har Simran visited local businesses to solicit donations. Peace Picnic was an idea that instantly resonated with many. Mindful of the diversity of the neighborhood, all categories of food were sought; Kosher, vegetarian, meat, pizza for everyone! Each donor received a poster stating his or her support of the upcoming event and lots of fliers with the now familiar and beautiful logo of Peace Picnic designed by local graphic artist, Brian Shelton. With support and enthusiasm growing and expanding, a program was planned that would include local musicians and choirs, games and activities for children by local artists and the park staff. The Guru Ram Das Ashram Community would pitch in with their hands and hearts to do any heavy lifting. Everything was covered.

The first annual Peace Picnic was held in the park at Robertson Recreation Center on Preuss Road across the street from Guru Ram Das Ashram and St. Mark’s Coptic Church on September 21, 2006, a day that the UN’s International Day of Peace was brought to the local level. Delighted children, mothers and fathers, neighbors of all walks of life flocked to tables covered with a cornucopia of prepared dishes and baked goods. Activities included a chance for artistic expression facilitated by freelance artist Ricardo Aguilar, whose travelling cart stocked with crayons and paper and designs to color was a hit with all ages. All were sung to by individuals and groups from the neighborhood, with a message of peace and unity. All left happy and satisfied, knowing their neighbors just a little bit better. Peace Picnic had fulfilled its mission.

Peace Picnic is now in its 6th year. Each consecutive year has brought forth new growth and evolution in the idea of a neighborhood picnic in the name of peace; an idea that was lovingly and consciously conceived of and nurtured into fruition by our outstanding sevadar, Har Simran Kaur Khalsa.

Peace Picnic Website: www.peacepicnic.org

~ Submitted by the Los Angeles Sangat (www.gururamdasashram.org)