Punjab Outlook

Dayton, Ohio : The Sikh Society of Dayton Gurdwara Sahib observed the
350th Shaheedi Purab of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, along with the martyrdom of Bhai Mati
Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji, with deep reverence and a strong focus on youth
involvement. The program began with the Akhand Path Sahib and the Bhog ceremony, and this
year’s main aim was to encourage children and youth to connect personally with the Guru’s
sacrifice through Gurbani.
A Unique Educational Initiative
In the weeks leading up to the event, volunteers at the Gurdwara Sahib organized weekend classes
to teach the children the correct pronunciation and recitation of Salok Mahala 9, the final verses
added by Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Their hard work was clearly
visible during the Bhog ceremony, when a group of ten children recited the Saloks together. Their
confident and clear recitation created a meaningful and emotional moment for the parents and the
entire Sangat.
From Recitation to Musical Performance
During the subsequent Kirtan Diwan, the youth participation continued. The same group of children
did the Kirtan of Salok Mahala 9, with three children playing the Tabla while the others sang with
the Harmonium, seamlessly merging musical skill with devotion.
Before the Akhand Path, events also featured presentations by a wider group of about 30 young
participants. These children delivered speeches on the Guru's life and sacrifice, recited the Mool
Mantar, and shared other verses of Gurbani, with many demonstrating their dedication by having
memorized the sacred Saloks.
The successful program was met with overwhelming appreciation from the Sangat and the
Gurdwara Sahib Committee, who lauded the effort of volunteers and parents for investing their time
in the spiritual growth of the youth. The Committee offered heartfelt thanks to the dedicated team of
volunteers whose efforts in teaching the children made this entire initiative possible. Special prizes
were distributed to all participating children as encouragement.