CHILDREN PRESENTED WITH MEDALLION
(Samaj Weekly)- Khalsa Saajna Divas also known as Vaisakhi was celebrated for the first time ever at Oadby Library, The Parade, Oadby, Leicestershire on Saturday 15 April 2023 from 12.00-2.00 pm with Guest speakers Samia Haq…Leader Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, President of Sri Guru HarKrishan Gurdwara Sahib Harjinder Singh Rai, first ever woman Lord Mayor of Leicester in 2008 Manjula Sood with multi faith attendees that included baby in pram to a young aged 84 year old.
The celebrations began with everyone standing and singing the Sikh National Anthem, after which Shabad Kirtan (Hymn Singing) was performed by the Panthic Kirtan Jatha which the attendees also sang. Representatives from different faiths gave congratulations on the Khalsa Sajna Divas Vaisakhi. Parliamentary Candidate Zuffar Haq who originate from Pakistan Punjab and his wife Samia Haq newly elected Leader of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council said we must all work together for the good of the whole community. And thanked the organisers for inviting them.
Victor Kauffman of Jews faith congratulated everyone on the festival of Vaisakhi. The first ever woman Lord Mayor of Leicester in 2008 Manjula Sood MBE of Hindu faith praised Guru Gobind Singh Ji who created the Khalsa Panth at Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, India in 1699. Mr. Mike, Councillor of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council and of Christian faith. thanked the hard-working Sikh community of Oadby, Wigston and Leicestershire.
President of Gurdwara Sri Guru HarKrishan Sahib Harjinder Singh Rai said it is imperative to learn our Mother Tongue language then we can read Gurbani and libraries should work jointly with Gurdwaras to provide service to the local community. BBC Radio Leicester’s Punjabi Programme Presenter 1992-2012 Gurpreet Kaur commented that we must take advantage of our local libraries where there are not only books, newspapers, magazines but also CDs, DVDs for increasing our knowledge.
British Heart Foundation Ambassador Sulakhan Singh Dard BEM said it is of utmost important to do gentle exercises for 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week and eat a healthy balanced diet regularly. The Ex- Stage Secretary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara Jaspal Singh Kang managed the stage brilliantly and pointed out that when we were children, we only got a dress or shoes at Vaisakhi time, so we always looked forward to Vaisakhi.learn new language and loads of other things. I will be bringing my grandchildren to the library on regular basis an
One Sikh woman who did not want to give her name said “I have been living in Oadby for the last 43 years and today was the 1st time I put foot inside the library. This is an excellent place to learn new skills and lots of other things. I will be bringing my grandchildren here regularly as well as take advantage of the free tea/coffee and biscuits on Friday afternoons.”
Bhai Jasvir Singh Khalsa who was unable to attend the celebrations due to Amrit Sanchar elsewhere pointed out “ The Vaisakhi celebrations being held at Oadby library is a very significant event, especially because it’s the first ever event to be held in a place where information can be obtained, Its important not only for Sikhs to know about their most prestigious occasion but also to pass the message surrounding Vaisakhi to other faiths, its not all about getting together and having a bite to eat. There is more to it than that , its about promoting the Sikh Faith and festival. And more so top promote Punjabi Mother Tongue. That is why I am proud as aSikh to be supporting this event. The organiser hosting the event is very passionate about his mother language, and so he should be . Its important we protect our mother language and also equally important we promote our rich heritage, and Vaisakhi itself is one of the main Sikh festivals which is celebrated worldwide on 14 April 2023. It’s the day when Khalsa brotherhood was formed in 1699.
It is very sad that not enough is being done in our libraries to promote and make other faiths aware of Sikhism. This is why this event is being hosted to raise awareness of Sikhism, which is a circular religion. My warm felt thanks to Tarlochan Singh Virk who has for many years worked tirelessly to promote Punjabi Mother language and Sikh festivals. These kinds of events are made so communities can get together and learn about each other’s faiths, and it shows equality amongst us all which is the concept of Sikhism.”
All the Guests and speakers were presented with box of chocolates and children who entered Vaisakhi Colouring competition were given medallions. At the end everyone enjoyed delicious Punjabi food of Samosas, Pizzas and Jalebis with Juice.
Punjabi Listeners Club co-ordinator Tarlochan Singh Virk thanked all those attended especially Turban King Gurbaz Singh, All Staff of Gulf Petrol Station and Kuldeep Singh of Desi Pizza and Sweets for their continued support and good wishes. With God’s blessings we hope to organise The Partition of India and The Sikhs and Guru Nanak Dev Ji Lecture before this year is out and look forward to gettin
