To generate interest in Census participation and provide easily readable and downloadable information, print, audio and video materials and resources for all public-spirited organisations and individuals who would be ready to take this as a cause, a new website –www.joincensus.com has been launched. This pro-active initiative is by the Forum For Forgotten Sikhs –a forum of various organisations dedicated to create awareness about the marginalised sections of the Sikh community.
The site is multi-lingual, providing information in Punjabi, English, Hindi and Sikligari. The most significant feature of the website is that for the first time in the history of the world, the Sikligari language will be published on the Internet. The Sikligari language is spoken by the Sikligar Sikhs, which has been presented on the Internet in the Gurmukhi script. This will help spread awareness amongst the Sikligar Sikhs about Census and its importance. Additionally, it is expected that it will invoke curiosity and interest about the Sikligar Sikhs as well.
Census data plays an important role in the formulation of governmental policies for social and economic development. All material and articles will emphasize this. It will focus on preparing and training volunteers, particularly the economically weaker sections, the poor and those who are lethargic or unaware about the role and significance of Census data.
Historically speaking, in Punjab in 1961, manipulation of Census data -when many disowned their mother tongue changed the geography of the state. It severely impacted the political skyline and vitiated the relationship between communities. Consequently, Punjabi language came to be identified only with the Sikhs and since then the onus is on Sikhs, who are still struggling to protect it in all possible ways. It is our hope that, this time around, awareness amongst people and an alert media will ensure that no conspiratorial and motivated covert and overt steps are taken detrimental to the interests of the minorities and the marginalised sections of the community.
The development of the site is on on-going process with many more sections to be added as the Census taking and verification of data proceeds. Simple handbills containing guidelines, posters, audio and video files –all easily downloadable, will be added. A live media section will be another key feature as the Census is being hotly debated in and outside the Parliament.
We seek cooperation of all Sikh religious, social, political organisations, Gurdwaras, educational institutions, networking websites to popularise the website and its contents so that all of us stand to benefit and succeed in upholding the dignity and status of the Sikh people.
Time is of essence. Join us. Today. We need your effort and input for the next full year, particularly during the second phase of Population Enumeration.
Jagmohan SinghCoordinator, Forum For Forgotten Sikhs
www.joincensus.com
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