Joseph J. Foy, Ph.D. President | Benedictine University

Harleen Kaur, Ph.D., Assistant Teaching Professor in Sociology at Arizona State University and Bonderman Fellow Community Organizer, will be delivering a lecture as part of Benedictine University's Sikh Awareness Month celebrations. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Benedictine's Goodwin Hall of Business, Room 321. The presentation, entitled “One Year Around the World: How Sikhi Taught Me to be a Global Citizen,” is open to the public and can also be accessed via Zoom.

Dr. Kaur's lecture is inspired by her transformative experience as a Bonderman Fellow, where she traveled to 15 countries without returning to the U.S. This experience reshaped her perspective on Sikhism and global citizenship. She will delve into the connections between global travel and the roots of Sikhi, highlighting how these can provide solutions for the challenging times we live in. Dr. Kaur will also explore the intersection of identity politics and a humanistic approach to promote social justice.

In a statement, Dr. Manmohan Kaur from Benedictine University shared, "Dr. Kaur’s lecture promises to offer valuable insights into the significance of being a Sikh in today’s globalized world and how this can contribute to fostering a more inclusive and just society."

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker designated April as Illinois Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month in 2019, acknowledging the importance of Sikhism as the fifth largest religion globally. With over 30 million Sikhs worldwide, including 500,000 in the U.S. and 25,000 in Illinois, the Sikh community continues to enrich the cultural tapestry of society.

For those interested in attending the lecture or seeking more information, they can reach out to Dr. Manmohan Kaur at [email protected].