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New children's book explores Vaisakhi traditions
The book includes an educational Sikh lesson plan with well explained traditions and Punjabi vocabulary.
Simran Jeet Singh/ A Vaisakhi to Remember / penguinrandomhouse.com
Sikh American activist and author Simran Jeet Singh has released a children’s book ahead of Vaisakhi, which will be celebrated on April 13 this year.
The book titled ‘A Vaisakhi to Remember’ explores the significance of the festival and Sikh traditions. Published by Penguin Random House and illustrated by Japneet Kaur, it follows a young Sikh girl adjusting to life in a new country while holding onto her cultural heritage.
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The story portrays the girl’s transition from her village in India to an unfamiliar city abroad, where she initially struggles with change. As Vaisakhi approaches, she reconnects with her roots through traditional celebrations, including wearing special attire, visiting the gurdwara, and enjoying festive foods. The book highlights the resilience of immigrant families and the role of cultural traditions in fostering a sense of belonging.
Interestingly, the book also includes an educational lesson plan, developed in partnership with the Sikh Coalition, aimed at helping students understand Sikh traditions and Punjabi vocabulary.
“Stories with strong messages about community and connection are vital,” said Upneet Kaur, senior education manager of the Sikh Coalition. “It is also heartening for children to see themselves reflected in the stories they hear. The visibility from books like A Vaisakhi to Remember benefits not just Sikh students, but their classmates as well.”
Singh, born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, serves as the executive director of the Religion & Society Program at the Aspen Institute. He is a graduate from Harvard University and earned his doctorate from Columbia University. His previous works include the award-winning children's book Fauja Singh Keeps Going, which tells the true story of the oldest person to run a marathon.
In 2022, Singh authored The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life, a national bestseller that received the 2023 Nautilus Book Award and was named one of the best books of 2022 by Publishers Weekly.
Singh and illustrator Japneet Kaur will discuss the book and the role of representation in children's literature during an Instagram Live on the Sikh Coalition’s page on April 9.
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