EVENT SUMMARY

The Smithsonian Institution and The Sikh Heritage Foundation proudly invite you to the

2002 Gala Celebration of Sikh Heritage

at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History,
Baird Auditorium and Rotunda, Saturday June 15, 2002

A Celebration showcasing Sikh heritage and achievements

Free Morning Lectures 10am-12noon

Featuring:

Gurmeet Rai

Conservation architect based in New Delhi. Having worked in the field of conservation in Punjab for over five years now, she has extensively documented historic buildings in the state. As the Managing trustee of the Punjab Heritage Preservation Trust, she is pursuing the idea of developing a comprehensive database of historic buildings in Punjab. She also plans to work towards disseminating information on Sikh historic buildings and the need to preserve them.

Amandeep Singh Madra

Author, Warrior Saints conducting book signing after lectures

Bhagwant Singh Kaillon

Sikh Poet and Historian

Dr. Jeevan Singh Deol

Coordinator, Sikh Heritage Program

Jeevan Singh Deol is a Fellow in Indian history at St. John’s College, University of Cambridge. He is a specialist in Sikh history and Punjabi literature and a recognized world expert in the field of Punjabi and Sikh manuscripts.

Gala Dinner and Celebration 6:30pm-11pm

MUSIC:

Mrs. Kavelle Kaur Bajaj

Kavelle Bajaj is a traditional Indian folk singer, well known in the D.C. area.

Avneet Singh

14 year-old Dhol Drummer performing selected Bhangra rhythms.

DANCE: The University of Maryland Girls Giddha Team

SPECIAL GUEST REMARKS :

Tarlochan Singh

Vice Chairman of the National Commission of Minorities, India

Mr. Mandeep Singh Dhillon

Attorney, Latham & Watkins to speak on "Sikhism in America Tomorrow"

Drs. Amita Kaur Bhatt and Charan Singh Nandra

Members, The Sikh Heritage Foundation

FILM: Special Screening of historic Sikh film footage, discussion by Dr. Paul Michael Taylor

Dr. Taylor is the Director of the Asian Cultural History Program (and) Curator of Asian, European, and Middle Eastern Ethnology, Smithsonian Institution

VISUAL ART: Artist Manu Saluga will display modern portraits

CUISINE: Five course Indian dinner prepared by one of the top chefs in the country

JOIN US:

Morning lectures are FREE to the public

Tickets for the evening Gala are $250 per adult; $150 per youth (29-years old and under)

Make checks payable to: Smithsonian Institution Sikh Heritage Fund

For more information on the Gala Celebration please contact

Vijay S. Chattha at 202-786-2153 / mistervijay@hotmail.com or visit: www.sikhheritage.org