Dr. Khem Singh Gill, Padam Bhushan (Vice-President of The Kalgidhar Society and former Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agriculture University) explained the principles of permanent peace in Sikh Philosophy according to Gurbani. He explained giving reasons why Sikhism will be best suited as a ‘world religion’ for the future generations.
Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar, New Westminster celebrated the 100 year anniversary of the pioneer Sikh society, Khalsa Diwan Society, from December 15 to December 25, 2006. The opening ceremony took place on December 15, onwards of which the congregation enjoyed a variety of scheduled events throughout the 10 day celebrations. On Saturday December 16, 2006, close to 70 participants and over 400 viewers took part in the Khalsa Dastaar / Dress (turban tying / dress) competition celebrating the Sikh identity in Canada. December 17 brought dozens of local, national and international dignitaries to the Gurdwara Sahib including politicians and Sikh officials from the RCMP. Speeches and presentations touched on the significant Sikh achievements of the past 100 years. On Friday December 22, Mr. Harinder Singh from Texas put on a workshop for Sikh youth called The Guru: Connecting with the Divine Light which was attended by over 100 Sikh youths. On December 23, over 400 people filled the New Westminster Community Center for seminars on Sikh history, philosophy, drugs, and social challenges. Retired Supreme Court Justice Harvinder Singh Phoolka addressed the congregation during these seminars as well as Dr. Khem Singh Gill, former Vice Chancellor at Punjab Agricultural University and many more local presenters.
An International Gatka Exhibition was held on Sunday December 24, 2006 which took place at the Khalsa School in Surrey. Closing ceremonies took place on Monday December 25, where Sikh pioneers were honored for their service and hard work in the establishment of the Sikh community in the Lower Mainland. In addition to this, the Sangat (congregation) of Khalsa Diwan Society, New Westminster had nominated over the course of the last six weeks, various descendants of Sikh Pioneers such as the Sikhs involved in establishing the Society and descendants from the Kamagata Maru.
Local Sikh community activists and the achievements of the Sikh youth in the field of sports and education were also recognized on this day. An award ceremony also commenced on this day for the participants of the Gatka Tournament, Dastar (Turban), Khalsa Dress and Essay competition.
A special souvenir titled ‘Khalsa Diwan Society: Celebrating 100 years of Sikh Achievements’ was released during the closing ceremonies by Baba Iqbal Singh from Baru Sahib, India and he also received recognition on behalf of Sant Baba Teja Singh, who registered the Khalsa Diwan Society and helped organize Vancouver Sikhs in the early 1900’s and thereafter went back to India and established The Kalgidhar Society which currently Baba Iqbal Singh oversees and operates over 22 schools, private hospitals and treatment centers in India. The souvenir which entails a compilation of articles on Sikhs in Canada will be shipped to libraries and communities across Canada.
A historical exhibition, which featured sacred Sikh Scriptures dating back over 200 years brought exclusively for this event from a private collection in Toronto as well as pictures of Sikh pioneers and temples dating back to 1897 were also on display.
The 10 day long celebrations not only celebrated 100 years of Sikh achievements but also marked the beginning of a new era as the youth community continues their work in the management of Khalsa Diwan Society, New Westminster. Thousands of members of the Sikh community enjoyed the celebrations which celebrated the past and showed a glimpse of a glorious Sikh future in Canada. During the closing ceremonies, the youth management committee thanked the hundreds of volunteers and organizations, who helped put together the week long celebrations and vowed to continue to honor our pioneers and highlight the glorious Sikh history in Canada.
