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In a remarkable interfaith gesture, Reno-based Hindu statesman Rajan Zed was honored with a siropa on March 19 in Amritsar (India) in the Golden Temple complex, which contains the holiest shrine and highest seat of Sikhism.
A siropa (robe of honor) was presented by Punjab Education and Language Minister Sewa Singh Sekhwan in the Information Office of the complex. Zed was also given a set of books about Sikhism, its scripture and Code of Conduct; Sikhs; Golden Temple and so on. Hardalbir Singh Shah, member of Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee, was also present on the occasion.
Zed was recently honored by the Nevada governor with a certificate for his work in interfaith dialogue, which stated, “For exemplary service in building a dialogue between the various faiths in Nevada and around the world; for building unity and creating awareness about the diversity of our state; and for sharing those messages on behalf of the state around the world.”
Zed has taken up interfaith, religion, Hindu, environment, Roma and other causes all over the world. He is one of the panelists for “On Faith,” a prestigious interactive conversation on religion produced by The Washington Post, and has been bestowed with the “World Interfaith Leader Award.” He is president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, senior fellow and religious advisor to New York headquartered Foundation for Interreligious Diplomacy, director of interfaith relations of the Nevada Clergy Association, spiritual advisor to the National Association of Interchurch & Interfaith Families and more.
Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world. Sikhs believe in one immortal Being; Ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh; the Guru Granth Sahib; the utterances and teachings of the ten Gurus and baptism bequeathed by the tenth Guru. Personal contact with Sikhs usually impresses the outsider with energetic hospitality. Hinduism, the oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.
