The Sikh Religious Society in Palatine, Illinois hosted an Interfaith Peace Conference along with an Open House at their Gurdwara Sahib facilities at 1280 Winnetka Street, Palatine Illinois in November. The topic for the conference was “Service: A Pathway to Peace”. Selfless Service ("Seva") is an integral part of Sikh tenets that the Sikhs learn to practice from their early childhood.

About 250 neighbors, friends and spiritual leaders of other faiths gathered at the Gurdwara for the event which was free and open to public. The conference featured eleven speakers from Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jain, Jewish, Pagan, Sikh and Zoroastrian faiths representing a kaleidoscope of religious and spiritual perspectives.

The open house, fellowship and refreshments began at the Langar Hall. Several exhibition tables with displays of rare books and historical photos including Bhagat Puran Singh were also set up in the main lobby for the visitors to browse around.

The Interfaith Conference started in the Congregation Hall with Sikh prayers lead by Bhai Gurjant Singh for the wellbeing of the whole humanity. The traditional “Hukam” (order for the day) from Siri Guru Granth Sahib was recited in Punjabi and translated in English by Ms. Jasvir Kaur. Gurbani shabad “Ek Pita Ekas Ke Ham Baarak” (we are children of the same Father) was recited by the S.R.S. Gurmat School Children. Prof. Mohanbir Singh Sawhney, McCormick professor of Kellogg School of Business Northwestern University took over as the master of ceremonies for the conference.