University of Calgary to expand its offerings in Sikh studies

A new initiative that will greatly expand theSikh studies program at the University of Calgaryis now underway.

Currently, there are two courses focused on Sikhstudies at the post-secondary school, Introduction to Sikhism and one focused onSikh diaspora.

According to Harjeet Singh Grewal, a U of C sessional instructor who teaches these courses, there is a demand for deeper study, especially from students in his classes.

"There's quite a substantial population of Sikhsin Canada nowand we're looking here in the University of Calgaryto meet the needs of the local communities, the communities across the country," he said Monday on the Calgary Eyeopener.

He says they are in the early stages of developing the programbut that they first plan to increasethe number of courses offered so that students could choose to minor in it.

According the the university, the long-term aim is to create a chair of Sikh studies, which would be unique in Canada.

Grewalhopes these expanded course offeringswill fill the "gap in the Sikh tradition notbeing represented" at the university.

"We're trying to increase that representation,we're going to have courses developed out of the introduction that reach into Sikh philosophy, Sikhpractices and Sikh culture."

Hesays the program willdevelop with community engagement and guidance.

"So, engaging the community, working with the community toward local, provincial and national goals," he said.

The university aims tooffer the program by September 2022.

Though the faculty of artsset aside money for the program, it is also raisingan additional $250,000through Ucrowdfund in order to launch the program.

With files from the Calgary Eyeopener.