Source: SikhSangat.com

http://www.sikhsangat.org/publish/article_1095.shtml

On June 10, 2006 SikhSangat.com reported, "UNITED SIKHS attended the third Annual Clergy Summit meeting on 1 st June 2006 on how to empower and protect congregations and communities through disasters preparedness. The meeting, organized by the New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS), at the New York University's Kimmel center, focused on best practises for religious leaders and was attended by humanitarian relief organizations. The New York City panel comprised: Care of the Caregivers Interfaith Project, the Council of Churches of the City of New York, Church World Service, Leviticus Church of God in Christ, Jamaica Queens, Islamic Circle of North America-Relief and UNITED SIKHS. The panel addressed the summit on their unique experiences in the Hurricane Katrina relief response.. NYDIS is a faith based federation of service providers and charitable organizations who work in partnership to provide disaster planning and training services... Hardayal Singh, UNITED SIKHS’ Sikh Aid volunteer and one of the panelists, said, 'The Sikh faith is our strength and provides us the courage to seek out challenges and address them boldly, with the name of Vaaheguroo on our lips.' On being asked as to what is the source of inspiration, he said, 'Pain and grief has no culture or religion. We have seen the disastrous impact of 9/11, whose effects are still there. Victims of the Tsunami, Katrina, South Asian Earthquake and the Indonesian Earthquake, share the same pain and grief across. Disaster relief involves rebuilding the dreams of the affected people. A Sikh’s response has always been to adhere to his/her faith strongly, recognizing all humankind as one.'"