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Celebrations highlight Sikh achievements

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Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year, was celebrated on April 22 in the New South Wales Parliament for the fifth year this year. It was attended by members of Sydney’s Sikh community, Parliamentarians and representatives of other government bodies and the Indian community.

The Parliament of NSW always welcomes citizens and other visitors, and with its Georgian facade, it is the oldest public building in the city of Sydney. The Jubilee Room was the venue for the Vaisakhi celebrations, which began with reciting of a Shabad (Sikh hymn) by the North Shore Sikh Youth Choir. It was followed by the Australian and Indian National Anthems. Amongst the dignitaries from both nations were the Leader of the House John Aquillina, State MPs, MLCs, Amit Dasgupta (Consul General of India, Sydney) and members of other organisations like UIA, GOPIO and Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan.

Giani Ravinder Singh Ji, Hazoori Raagi from Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar, India along with fellow raagis Bhaisahib Sukhwinder Singh Ji and Bhaisahib Jagtar Singh Ji, blessed those present at the function. These distinguished personalities from the Sikh community travelled from far to be presented with the Pride of Punjabis certificate for their exemplary services to the community. Mrs Surjit Kaur from Canberra was honoured for being the first woman priest of Woolgoolga Gurudwara Sahib, indicative of the broad mindedness of the Sikh religion, even decades ago.

Sheer self discipline and faith in God has made success possible for the 78 years’ young veteran Sardar Harbhajan Singh Aulakh, who won 78 medals in international and national events. It was at the World Masters Games in 2009, that he was conferred with the title of Best Athlete of the World. Sardar Harbhajan Singh Aulakh travelled from Melbourne to be a part of the celebrations.

Travel Hut Parramatta, HSBC bank,

A-One Home Improvements and Maharaja Haveli Restaurant sponsored the event. Jasmeen Malhotra, winner of Young Volunteer of 2009 was also honoured.

Sardar Gian Singh Bilga (a successful and charitable cane grower from Cairns with 25,000 acres of land) was represented by his son. Said 13-year-old Rani Kaur, “It would’ve been wonderful if these real life heroes had been given even a minute to share their thoughts with us.”

With great enthusiasm John Aquillina exhibited a poster of the Golden Temple, a reminder of his memorable trip to Amritsar, which also decorates his office. He praised the Sikh community for being highly family-oriented, providing much emphasis on academic achievement and cultural grounding in their children, and instilling intrinsic values in the future generation of Australia.

Hornsby Shire Councillor Dilip Chopra motivated all to become a part of the decision-making process in this land that we now call home by joining a political party. Mr Nathan Rees, former Premier of NSW stated that the Sikh community stood out for its extraordinary social, cultural and work contribution to the multiculturalism in Australia. Amit Dasgupta, Consul General of India, Sydney, shared a laugh as he fondly remembered his Gursikh friend who spoke better Bengali than him. He also highlighted the contribution of Sikhs, both in India and overseas, while Aruna Chandrala of the UIA spoke of the courageous and charitable nature of the Sikh community.

The HSC high achievers were presented a certificate of appreciation, of whom Jaap Karan Singh - UAI of 99.50 was the highest scorer among those felicitated. Mr Kamaljit Singh Walia said, “These high achievers have done us proud and are an inspiration for other children.”

15-year-old Sikh lad Daya Singh was commended for being included in the under-16s Australian schoolboys’ cricket side.

Talented teen Manmeet Bhogal entranced all with her dancing skills to Bollywood songs.

The celebrations concluded with a bhangra performance by six traditionally dressed gutsy young boys - they were truly Rooh Punjab Di - the soul of Punjab.

It was on Vaisakhi in 1699 that the tenth Sikh Guru - Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the order of Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in India, by baptizing Panj Piara (the beloved ones). Vaisakhi is also celebrated in Northern India upon harvesting the wheat crop, with farmers and women dressing up in bright colourful attire, and dancing to the beats of the dhol (drum). Sikhs celebrate this day with special prayers at Gurudwara Sahib, followed by cultural and sports events.

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