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Sidak 2008 FAQs

The Sidak program is a two-week summer program held in San Antonio, Texas that is hosted by the Sikh Research Institute. It aims to develop strong Sikh leaders and provide an understanding of Sikh history, theology, and traditions. There are three tracks of study offered - Sikh 101 for beginners, Sikh 201 for continuing students, and Gurmukhi 101 which focuses on the Punjabi language. The program runs from July 13-26 and includes daily classes, activities, and discussions led by experts in Sikh studies. Housing and meals are provided on the campus where it is held.

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110 views

Sidak 2008 FAQs

The Sidak program is a two-week summer program held in San Antonio, Texas that is hosted by the Sikh Research Institute. It aims to develop strong Sikh leaders and provide an understanding of Sikh history, theology, and traditions. There are three tracks of study offered - Sikh 101 for beginners, Sikh 201 for continuing students, and Gurmukhi 101 which focuses on the Punjabi language. The program runs from July 13-26 and includes daily classes, activities, and discussions led by experts in Sikh studies. Housing and meals are provided on the campus where it is held.

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sikhswim
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© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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SIDAK 2008

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Sikh Research Institute host the Sidak program?
Part of the Sikh Research Institute’s mission is to facilitate training and development while inspiring Sikh values.
Through the annual summer Sidak program, we work towards that goal by creating ideologically strong leaders for our
community. The approach is through an understanding of the academic, historical, and religious traditions of Sikhī.

Where is it held?
Sidak is held in San Antonio, Texas, USA.

What will I learn at the Sidak Program?


The Sidak program is offered in three distinct tracks.

 SIKHĪ 101
First-time attendees will receive an introductory overview of Sikh history and theology through the study of the
following topics: Gurū Granth Sāhib, Gurū Khālsā Panth, Bhāī Gurdās, Bhāī Nand Lāl, Āsā Kī Vār, Dasam Granth,
and Contemporary History.

 SIKHĪ 201
 Continuing students will participate in a more intensive study session that requires 100 pages of reading per day,
daily reviews of material, group discussions, and an essay at the end of the two-week Sidak session. The course will
include all topics from the SIKHĪ 101, as well as: Sikh Rahit Marīādā, Sikh Traditions & Ideology, Interpreters of
Sikh Thought, Sikh Homeland & the Sikh Diaspora, Opportunities & Threats, Sikh Political Sovereignty, 1984, and
Academic Debates.

 GURMUKHĪ 101
Open to high school students, college students, and interested adults, this curriculum focuses on the tools an
individual requires to study the Gurū Granth Sāhib: Gurmukhī Pronunciation, Vocabulary, Grammatical Patterns,
Writing, Comprehension, Language Systems, Inscribed Elegance of Gurbānī, and Secondary Texts (Gurbilās,
Janamsakhīs, Prakāsh, etc.). Returning Sidak participants will attend this course.

When is it held?
For the summer of 2008, all three programs commence on 13 July (Sunday) and conclude 26 July (Saturday). To ensure
complete involvement, participants are expected to arrive at least one day before Sidak begins, 12 July (Saturday).
Similarly, participants should not plan to leave until the day after the program finishes, the evening of 26 July (Saturday).

Who can participate?


All those interested aged 16 and up are welcome to participate in any program. Generally, there is a mix of students (high
school, college, and young professionals) hailing from diverse backgrounds.

Who are the facilitators?


To ensure an event of the highest caliber, the Sikh Research Institute has secured several facilitators for the Sidak program
who are regarded as experts within their respective professional fields such as human rights in South Asia, classical Sikh
musicology, Sikh theology and history, Gurbānī linguistics, Leadership, and contemporary issues concerning Sikhs in the
Homeland and the Diaspora.

Can I attend the other sessions?


High schools students are encouraged to participate in the SIKHĪ 101 program but may opt to enroll in the Language
Program. College students and young adults may participate in any of the three programs.

1
What qualifications or criteria are you looking for and how can I apply?
The Institute is looking for Sidak participants who have zeal to learn more about Sikhī and are serious in developing their
understanding of the faith. All interested participants should contact the Institute and request an application form.
Applicants are notified of their acceptance status within fifteen days of application submission. A complete application
includes all necessary forms, waivers, and application fees.

How much does it cost to participate?


The total registration fee for Sidak is $500 (USD) per person. This covers program costs for great speakers, learning
materials, books, lodging, and meals. Half of the registration fee ($250) must be submitted as a non-refundable
application fee to confirm registration. Participants must assume responsibility for transportation to San Antonio; note that
transportation costs are not included in the registration fee. Applicants requiring financial assistance should fill out the
need-based registration fee waiver within the registration form.

When is the due date?


The due date for completed applications is June 1, 2008.

How many students are in the program?


Registration is limited to 10 students per program, for a total of 30 students.

What types of accommodations are available during the program?


This year’s Sidak will be held in a gorgeous, wooded retreat center, at the Concept-Therapy Institute, in northwest San
Antonio, complete with on-campus dormitories, a central eating facility, classrooms, and on-site adult chaperones.
Students are housed according to gender and age. The campus features a swimming pool, barbeque facilities, a large
playing field for team sports, a fitness center, and hiking trails. Everything that is needed for an immersive learning
experience in Sikhi is on campus – plus, students have a wonderful time eating food prepared by the San Antonio sangat,
enjoying the sheer beauty of the Texas Hill Country, and bonding with each other through an amazing faith experience.
This is the sixth year of the Sidak program, and, because of feedback from previous years, it just gets better and better.

Concept-Therapy Institute
25550 Boerne Stage Road
San Antonio, TX 78255 USA

How is transportation arranged?


All participants must make their own way to San Antonio. Transportation will be provided from the airport to the facility
and to all venues during the Sidak program.

If I live outside the United States, what procedures do I need to go through to attend and participate?
If you are a resident or citizen of a country other than the United States, you must apply for the proper documents and
paper work required by your host country to travel to the US, as well as those required by the US government. Please
refer to the following websites for more information:
http://www.foreignborn.com/visas_imm/entering_us/1entering_us.htm
http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html

Please note that the Sikh Research Institute is not responsible for filing any travel documents on behalf of a participant.

What will the daily schedule be?


All participants are required to attend the daily morning divān at 6:30am, featuring Āsā Kī Vār and Kīrtan. Below is the
proposed schedule for the 2008 Sidak program:

6:30am Divān
7:30am Breakfast
8:45am Session I
10:15am Break
10:30am Session II
2
12:00am Lunch
1:00pm Session III
2:30pm Break
2:45pm Session IV
4:15pm Break
4:30pm Q & A Session
5:30pm Rahirās
6:00pm Dinner
6:45pm Sports & Activities
8:30pm Personal Time

Saturdays will feature scheduled group activities; Sundays will feature divāns at various venues with different themes.

Every participant is required to:


- Attend all activities and perform each task on schedule
- Sing and do Kathā of at least one sabad (musical composition, meaning, interpretation, etc.)

What should I pack?


During the month of July, San Antonio experiences a hot and humid summer. Temperatures range from approximately 70-
95°F or 20-35°C, so attendees should pack accordingly. The venue will provide bedding but each participant should bring
running shoes and workout clothes for sports and outdoor activities. Attendees should bring appropriate clothes for the
duration of the program, including head coverings. Backpacks and notebooks are recommended for coursework.

What do we do for fun?


Although the entire Sidak program will be fun, special activities will be organized outside of the classes and workshop
sessions. In addition to movies, sports, and indoor games, program participants may take field trips to the historic
Missions, Riverwalk, and El Mercado in San Antonio.

How do I register?
If you would like to apply, please send an email to [email protected] to request an application form.

Who should I contact if I still have questions?


If your questions were not answered through this document, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].

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