Traditional drumming and Indian singing welcomed upstate community members and students – including several Syracuse freshmen – as they tied bandanas around their heads and donned turbans. Once in the crowded room, they joined a crowd of Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic leaders from across the world.

On Saturday, a crowd of nearly 150 gathered to dedicate the reopening of the Gobind Sadan USA Sikh temple, uniting the Oswego, N.Y. community once torn by intolerance and hatred.

Among the guests was Giani Iqbal Singh, one of the most important and influential Sikh leaders, who flew in from India to dedicate the new temple.

‘It’s an honor for the whole community to have Giani bless the new Gurdwara,’ said Akshdeep Singh, a freshman computer science major and practicing Sikh. ‘We can be better aware of what happened and rebuild stronger than ever in the Syracuse community.’

The temple was destroyed six years ago after several Mexico, N.Y., high school students smashed the windows and burned it down, stating they believed a sign outside read ‘Go Bin Laden,’ and the Sikhs were al-Qaida terrorists.

Professor Richard Breyer, who produced a documentary called ‘North of 49’ about the aftermath of the temple’s destruction, was thanked during the ceremony for his contributions to the Sikh community and for educating people in a time of great hostility.

‘There were some people who questioned whether I was the one to tell their story,’ said Breyer. ‘But the fire and the film have certainly helped bring the community together.’

The theme of the celebration was ‘Rising out of the Ashes’ and was led with music, prayer, food and tributes to the Sikh temple’s now deceased founder, Baba Virsa Singh ji.

‘This is a place for everyone to love and enjoy,’ said Ralph Singh, translator for the ceremony. ‘This gathering of spiritual leaders of all kinds shows that we can overcome our differences.’

Sikh students at Syracuse recalled the post-Sept. 11 times as being confusing and scary, much like Breyer’s documentary.

‘I remember hearing of violent hate crime attacks occurring to Sikhs simply because we were following our faith and wearing our turbans,’ said Sunny Sawhney, a freshman film major. ‘But I think it’s great to have the temple reopen and advance diversity here at Syracuse.’

rdjone03@syr.edu

Published on March 24, 2008 at 12:00 pm