UK Parliament hosts Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary and 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom

 UK Parliament hosts Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary and 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom

New Delhi, November 16 (Manpreet Singh Khalsa):- The All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Sikhs (APPG), in collaboration with the Sikh Federation (UK) and the Sikh Network, hosted a deeply moving and well-attended Gurpurab function at the UK Parliament earlier this week. The event marked the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh tradition, and the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. The gathering brought together politicians, community leaders and Sikh organisations from across the country to honour the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which continue to inspire millions around the world, and to honour Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who sacrificed his life to protect freedom of belief and human rights for all. A highlight of the occasion was the spiritual Kirtan performed by Bhai Karanjit Singh and the children of Khalsa Panth Academy UK, which created an emotional atmosphere in Parliament. The audience also heard from Sikh and non-Sikh politicians, who spoke on the enduring relevance of Sikh principles and the importance of the relationship between Parliament and the Sikh community. Jas Athwal MP, Chairperson of the All Party Parliamentary Group for British Sikhs, graced the event. Sikh MPs present on the occasion included Preet Kaur Gill MP, Harpreet Uppal MP and Varinder Jass MP and non-Sikh MPs included Surina Breckenridge MP and Dr. Lauren Sullivan MP along with other MPs such as Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi and Sally Jameson. The keynote address on the occasion was delivered by Dr. Delivered by Harjinder Singh Lali, who shared his significant work in achieving formal recognition of Sikh Kirtan within the UCAS framework and national education boards, a milestone achievement for Sikh cultural and educational inclusion.

International and political engagement A special highlight of the evening was the presence of Dr. Alice Jill Edwards, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, who joined Jagtar Singh Johal’s brother Gurpreet Singh Johal to discuss human rights concerns, including arbitrary detention and international repression. The Sikh Federation (UK) was represented by Dabinderjit Singh OBE and the Sikh Network by Jas Singh. A clear message emerged from the event that the UK The Labour government should engage directly with grassroots Sikh organisations on the full range of issues affecting the community, including Foreign Affairs and Human Rights – a judge-led public inquiry into the events of 1984, the immediate release of Jagtar Singh Johal, and strong action against international repression targeting Sikh activists, Home Affairs and Community Safety – addressing anti-Sikh hatred, introducing a legal code of practice for articles of the Sikh faith, and ensuring safety and security for Sikhs across the UK, Equalities and Recognition – ensuring that Sikhs and Jews are properly recognised and monitored as ethnic groups by public bodies so that inequality and under-representation can be effectively tackled. The Sikh Community Awards were also presented by Bhai Amrik Singh Gill at the Gurpurab, honouring outstanding individuals and organisations for their work in a range of areas. APPG for British Sikhs, Sikh Federation (UK), and Sikh Network reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring that the Sikh voice is heard, respected and represented at the highest levels of government. Mankamal Singh, speaking on behalf of the event organisers, said that the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji continue to guide and inspire us today. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message of equality, justice and selfless service, and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice to protect religious freedom, remind us of our enduring duty to stand against oppression, act with fairness and compassion and work for the good of all humanity. Their example, rooted in service, guided by truth, and committed to social justice for all, continues to shape the work of the Sikh community.