Whenever I have a choice, I buy from a Sikh. Why? Asides from the models and successes I have witnessed from the Italian, Jewish, Russian, Guajarati, Mormon and other communities, buying from a Sikh will help invest in the future of Sikhs. Historically, ethnic communities purchased within their own community due to proximity, understanding of cultural needs, and familiarity with the system. Another reason was to keep the fruits of one's labor "within the community". Eventually, investing and reinvesting in one's community leads to professionals who do not forget their roots. In the U.S., some of the most thriving communities maintain their origins by keeping the dollar circulating within the community. The dollar lasts about nineteen days in the Jewish community, about twenty-four days in the Italian community, and about twenty-eight days in the Asian community. * How long will it last in the Sikh Community? This is a task for any Sikh student seeking a community project of worthwhile impact. My estimation for the longevity of the dollar is less than five days, as Sikhs in the United States do not own businesses which provide adequate resources needed on a day-to-day basis. Other than a few "Indian" stores selling Punjabi attire and goods, very few businesses are main stream such as car dealerships, grocery chain stores, banks, insurance companies etc. These types of businesses generally keep money circulating within the community much longer and are currently not available as "Sikh owned".
If possible and practical, I support the community buying consciously from a Sikh-owned and operated business. To be clear, this doesn't mean I suggest ignoring non-Sikh alternatives. It means that if an equivalent alternative exists, I choose in favor of the community. Doing so holds a Sikh-owned business more accountable to the community and promotes business integrity. However, I do not advocate, nor personally engage in, transactions with any unethical business, Sikh-owned or otherwise. Generally speaking, there are clear communal advantages to this sort of system; dasvandh or "donations" are much more likely to be directed to Sikh institutions from a successful, Sikh-owned business than a non-Sikh-owned business. These donations are obviously more likely to help fund Khalsa Schools, programs for community drug rehabilitation, medical assistance, women's shelters, mentor-ship programs, scholarships, and other services our communities are severely lacking.
Essential to a community's survival and collective prosperity is its own cooperation and support from the collective membership. As consumers, the opportunities for us to support are ample in our community: grocery establishments, car repair and purchase, jewelers, medical, dental, loans & banking, real estate, wedding services, journalism, media, clothing/tailoring, travel, architects, transportation, etc. As business owners, we should strive for the establishment and retention of ethics, integrity, and community involvement within the Sikh community and our local neighborhoods. We should be involved politically with our municipalities and work collectively with higher governments. As consumers, we should demand honest service and promote awareness of good Sikh-owned businesses. As business owners, we have opportunities to be mentors, tutors, interns, activists, counselors, and more. We can, in fact, be liaisons between universities/colleges and Sikh institutions, and help aid them financially.
In my role as a financial controller, I understand that integrity in numbers is fundamental to a successful and sustained enterprise. I also understand that a financially independent entity is powerful and tenacious and, has become a vital asset to any community hoping to grow in the U.S. And any entity needs a portfolio of hands with various skills to lead it forward to everlasting success. Finally, it must be far-sighted and must see well into the future to remain a going concern. These very aspects are fundamental to the success and prosperity of a prominent community, such as the Sikhs. We have an opportunity, everyday, to not only build a positive business model and a self-sustainable society, but also to create a platform for our future leaders as well. That is why I pledge "Buy Sikh, Support Sikh".
One practical contribution we all can make for the time being is the purchase of GAS!! Compile a list of Sikh owned gas stations in your local area and post the addresses in the local gurudwaras. The more these Sikh owned small businesses sell the more they thrive. Go to a Sikh owned dry cleaner, pizza place and Subway sandwiches etc. It takes only a very small effort to compile such a list for your local area, but it is something which will go a long way for the economical development of our community. As our current political system in the US pushes jobs and the dollar over-seas this grass roots method will help keep the dollars here in the US. Helping our own community will help the entire nation. As a whole, seva comes in many forms, and this is just one. And the only sacrifice it requires is pumping gas at the right gas station and buying a lunch at the right sandwich shop.
Note: I worked for a commercial real estate firm many years ago. The President of this firm was Jewish. He was involved in a local synagogue and encouraged internship and professional opportunities to the younger members of the congregation. His message was that this would eventually encourage those members to aspire to become future CEOs, CFOs, lobbyists, business owners, professionals, all the while becoming advocates for the congregation and the community at large. This was a dream of a true visionary. Who says we cannot do the same? This can be accomplished with a strong, united and active grass roots movement.
Please promote "Buy-Sikh Support Sikh" to realize this vision.
*Financialcall.com Ending Leakage in Black America
China's Stealth Fighter-Bombers and the US Military's Political Sequestration Problems Pondered Getting Elected Is the Easy Part, Why Is It So Hard for the Obama Campaign to Win Reelection? Obama Says His Initiatives Would Help The Middle Class - Fact Check Please Do Lazy Americans Forgo Voting If The Weather Isn't Being Nice? Your Miracle Is On The Right Side
0 comments:
Post a Comment