SRI GURU HARKRISHAN SAHIB JI GURPURB CELEBRATED IN LEICESTER, UK
HIS MAJESTY KING CHARLES REPRESENTATIVE ATTENDEE AS GUEST OF HONOUR AT HEALTH EVENT
(Samaj Weekly)- More than 1000 people attended the celebrations to mark the birthday { Gurpurb } of eighth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru HarKrishan Sahib Ji at Gurdwara Sri Guru HarKrishan Sahib in Oadby, Leicestershire, UK which included 3 days of continuous reading of Sikh Scripture Sri Guru Granth Sahib and a Health Event where the Guest of Honour was His Majesty King Charles’ representative for Leicestershire.
GURU HARKRISHAN SAHIB JI {1656-1664 }
Guru HarKrishan Sahib was the son of 7th Sikh Guru, Gur u Har Rai Sahib and Mata Krishan Kaur. He became the 8th Sikh Guru at only 5 years of age. Throughout his short life Guru Ji encouraged Sikhs to practice virtue, especially the virtue of patience, charity and love. When a smallpox epidemic emerged Guru HarKrishan Sahib Ji cared for the sick without concern for his own health.
A Sarovar at Bangla Sahib, Delhi, India was blessed by the Guru’s grace and provided a cure for thousands of people. Bangla Sahib Gurdwara is one of the main Gurdwaras in India and provides free vegetarian food for thousands of people daily as well as medical assistance and accommodation for a nominal fee. After curing thousands Guru HarKrishan Sahib contracted smallpox himself. When his mother asked him why he could cure others but not himself, Guru Ji replied” He who has taken this mortal frame must go through sickness and disease. Both happiness and suffering are part of life. What is ordained must happen. One must walk in the light of His command.”
On the Gurpurb date 11 July 2023, Sikhs paid respect at the Gurdwara Sahib from 6 am till 8 pm and special religious programme was held. The continuous reading of the Sikh Scripture containing 1430 pages began on 13th July at 7 pm and completed on 15th July at 6 pm. Prayers for the good health of everyone and religious hymns were sung afterwards by the priests. During the celebrations £201 were raised for the well-known charity Khalsa Aid which helps all over the world whenever earthquakes, floods etc,
Guest of Honour at the Health Event on Sunday 16 July, Deputy Lieutenant Riaz Ravat BEM DL speaking from the stage said “I am delighted to join you here today on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire for this health awareness event. We all know the importance of physical fitness and health, and the toll illness can take on the body. Health is not only physical but includes our mental wellbeing. It is important that we take steps to look after our bodies and minds. With greater understanding of the factors which can affect our health, we can encourage better habits and feel better in ourselves. I hope today’s event has given you more information on how to look after the mental and physical wellbeing of yourself and others, and to make healthy choices. We can all help the NHS by taking steps to look after ourselves.”
The Deputy Lieutenant thanked the organisers of the Health Event who have brought so many together to increase the awareness of health and how to look after the body. These initiatives and organisations aim to empower the community, raise awareness and provide support, enabling individuals to lead healthier and happier lives.
Dr. Kevin Feltham, Chairman of Leicestershire County Council who chose to have Turban tied on his head commented “ I thank the organisers for inviting me and was very impressed with the Health Event and stalls available to encourage people to look after their own well-being and health. I am very grateful for the gift of “THE SIKHS” book. I am learning so much about Sikhism.
The organisations giving health awareness through their stalls were:
Pure Wellness helps individuals overcome stress and negativity, facilitating a transformation towards positivity and happiness.
Apnapan Cancer Support plays a crucial role in enhancing overall wellbeing by reducing isolation in a relaxed environment and provides support.
Indeved Ayurvedic and Holistic Therapy Centre helps with Ayurvedic Consultation, lifestyle changes roles, Yoga, and Physical activities sessions.
Oadby and Wigston Borough Council PCN and Senior Social Prescribing Link Worker stall by Sue Renton.
Dr. Sujjan Singh said “I set up the stall measuring blood pressure and urine check-up for sugar content. Total of 17 males and 13 females were checked for BP of which 6 were found to be suffering from high blood pressure {20%}. They were advised to contact their GP immediately to get their BP controlled. What was also identified was that all those who were suffering from high BP and were taking medication for it were all well controlled and did not suffer from high BP. Urine test was tested on 5 people and each one was normal.
The Deputy Lieutenant was presented with an original photograph of The Golden Temple from Punjabi Listeners Club and the Chairman of Leicestershire County Council was presented with a called “THE SIKHS” written by Khushwant Singh. Dr. Sujjan Singh was presented with a trophy from Punjabi Listeners Club for Service to Sikh Community by the Deputy Lieutenant.
Tarlochan Singh Virk, Co-Ordinator of Punjabi Listeners Club who organised the Health Event thanked Mr. Mike Kapur OBE Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Dr. Kevin Feltham Chairman Leicestershire County Council, Gurdwara Guru HarKrishan Sahib, all the organisations who organised stalls and everyone attending for making the Health Event successful and memorable.
