Lake District Tragedy: Sikh Community Grieves for Youngsters

kaur-1 · #1 (**permalink**) 29-Sep-2006, 20:56 PM

Lake District Tragedy: Sikh Community Grieves for Youngsters
By SSNews, 5kfoundation
Sep 26, 2006, 05:01

Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-news/14281-lake-district-tragedy-sikh-community-grieves.html

The tragic events at the Lake District over
the past weekend have affected the wider West Midlands Sikh community even though the youngsters were all from the city of Wolverhampton. The whole of the Sikh community is in state of grief as a result of this tragedy which has affected and touched so many.

The three youngsters were part of the soul of the community and regularly engaged in public and charity events. Not only did they spend their time in public service but they also inspired others to contribute their time in positive good and helping others.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14281

Harvinder Singh (15) took part in the recent Birmingham to Leicester Bike Ride in which thousands of pounds were raised for local charities. Other bikers that took part commended his hard work in leading the ride from the front, encouraging the other participants onwards.

Harvinder Singh (Pictured Right) at Charity Bike Ride

A spokesman from Guru Nanak Gurdwara Blakenhall said: ‘All three youngsters were passionate about serving society and were the sort of model youngsters we all want to see. They themselves were beacons and inspired so many other youngsters to come forward and be involved in the community. Our prayers go out for them and we are trying to support their families at this difficult time.’

Bal Singh from 5K Foundation said: ‘We pray to the Almighty that Waheguru may shower their families and friends with the strength to get through such a sad and testing time. It has been difficult also for their young companions who watched their friends lose their struggle against the cold waters of Lake Ullswater in the despair of this disaster. Still it is heart-warming to hear of the camaraderie and the love of the Spirit and Its Creation. These youngsters tried so hard, to save one of their fallen companions and in the turmoil sacrificed their own lives.’

Harvinder Singh leading the Bike Ride at the front

Just as these youngsters tried to live their lives as directed by Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, they even left this earth trying to carry out positive good. The following passage of Gurbani is therefore relevant at this time:

har jan har har naam samaanae dhukh janam maran bhav kha(n)ddaa hae ||

The humble servants of the Lord are absorbed in the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. The pain of birth and the fear of death are eradicated.

‘We have asked the police and public services to offer their support, especially counselling as so many other youngsters have been affected by this loss. These youngsters were not only part of an extended family but their extended family was the whole of the community. Their loss has sent ripples which have affected many young people in the area.’

Prayers and meditation have been organised by many Gurdwaras throughout the UK to provide support and to channel the sentiment of the community into positive action.

The message coming from the Sikh community is to learn from the excellent example of these Gursikhs of how to live and practise the Sikh religion and do selfless service in Society to ensure that what they stood for continues to live on in the hearts and minds of a new generation of youngsters.

Satvir Singh who had recently taken Amrit

A special programme to remember these three young GurSikhs will take place on Friday 29th September at Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, Sedgley St, Wolverhampton, WV4 3AJ from 6pm onwards.