By Sameep Singh
CINCINNATI, OH: Members of the Sikh community from Guru Nanak Society of Greater Cincinnati and Dayton recently participated in the event “Interfaith Conversation and Cuisine, ” held at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Cincinnati, Ohio. The gathering aimed to foster dialogue and understanding among different faith communities, bringing together individuals from various religious backgrounds including the Jewish Community Council, the Hindu Temple of Greater Cincinnati, the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati and the Bahai faith-Cincinnati.
In a press communique, community activist Sameep Singh Gumtala, shared that the Sikh community members, contributed to the event by sharing insights into their faith and traditions. The members highlighted the core principles of Sikhism, such as equality, service, and the importance of community, offering attendees a glimpse into their rich heritage.
Gumtala noted that attendees from different faiths were intentionally seated together at tables to promote learning, unity and breaking down barriers over a meal. He thanked the organizers saying, “it is very encouraging to see attendees of all ages participating in this event, ” and emphasized the significance of such gatherings in building bridges between communities.
Sikh youth from high school and college including Kiret Singh, Japneet Singh, Maanit Singh, and Meher Kaur actively engaged with members of other faiths. Meher Kaur, a 10th grade high school student, shared that at her table, she was able to engage with people from other faiths and discuss important Sikhs beliefs, including Sewa (selfless service) and the significance of Langar (community kitchen). The conversation also included the history of Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple).
Aasees Kaur expressed her gratitude to the organizers for bringing everyone together and emphasized the value of uplifting shared human experiences.
Other Sikh community members including Dr. Charanjit Singh Gumtala, Avtar Singh Springfield, Harwinder Singh and Raspreet Kaur, also attended the event. They visited the church, where Rev Melanie Slane shared insights about the church’s history, the process of selecting weekly sermons, and the tradition of singing together accompanied by organ.
In addition to the enlightening discussions, attendees enjoyed a variety of dishes, including Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian cuisine, representing the diverse cultures present. The event showcased the unifying power of food, with community members from different faiths bringing traditional dishes to share. As the evening concluded, attendees expressed hope that the event would inspire further interfaith initiatives and deeper connections among Cincinnati’s diverse religious communities.