300 Years Of First Sikh Rule Celebrated At Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara

Narayanjot Kaur · #1 (**permalink**) 26-May-2010, 06:21 AM

300 Years Of First Sikh Rule Celebrated At Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara

SURREY - Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, in Surrey, Canada celebrated the tercentenary of the first sovereign Khalsa Raj (Sikh Rule). A large congregation of Sikhs attended the special program and paid tribute to Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, the farsighted and fearless Sikh warrior who established the sovereign Sikh rule in 1710 overpowering tyranny and giving rise to prosperity and peace. Upon marking this key historical anniversary, while Sikh leaders delivered messages of peace and friendship to the world they strongly condemned the human rights violations and abuses on the minority community in several countries around the world.

Bikramjit Singh Sandhar, President Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, addressed the congregation stating "All religions can coexist in peace and harmony.

The first Sikh Rule established by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur is a prime example of a peaceful society giving equal rights and opportunity to all men and women allowing them the right to aspiration. Sikh youth in Surrey are committed towards upholding these inherent Sikh values which in turn make our country of Canada more beautiful and prosperous.

Sikhs are an integral part of Canadian society and have contributed positively towards building a multicultural and ethnically diverse country and we will ensure we continue to do so."

"For peace to prevail there is a dire need to address situations like vast malnutrition from constant food shortages, lack of adequate sanitation and shelter, widespread instances of torture, collective punishment, state-controlled media, and forced labor in many countries of this world. These barriers to peace should be eradicated so society may flourish. The right to pursue happiness should not only be envisioned but rather evident," said Jatinder Singh, Secretary GNSG Kuldip Singh, president United Sikhs, USA spoke on global humanitarian relief efforts and the immeasurable contribution of Sikhs. In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti which claimed more than 200,000 lives Sikhs provided thousands of hot-meals, food rations, temporary shelters and medical assistance. He added “there are countless crises around the world each year that shatter the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Generous support from the world community goes a long way in keeping our commitment to serve the survivors. The Sikh community of Surrey, BC and other parts of Canada has shown its commitment for sewa and has manifested the teachings of our Gurus in action by providing substantive financial assistance and volunteer work. This allows the beauty of our koum to be showcased to the world.”