Dubai gurudwara celebrates fifth anniversary

Dubai - The opening of a digital Sikh history museum at the gurudwara was also announced.

Members of the Sikh community in Dubai gathered in large numbers on Tuesday to observe the completion of five years of the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple.

The programme started off with welcoming Mirza Al Sayegh, director at the Office of Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum and patron of Indian Business and Professional Council in UAE as the chief guest. After taking the tour of the gurudwara Al Sayegh expressed pleasure in being a part of the event.

"I am delighted to be here today on the occasion of fifth anniversary of this beautiful place. It shows the tolerance we have for each other. UAE is home for almost 209 nationalities and we always encourage people to live in peace, harmony and coordination here. I can see women here as well and we should also support them as they are the integral part of the society," he said.

He spoke further on how UAE and India share a very close relationship. "India is very dear to us and we hope to make this bond stronger in coming days. Both the countries are heading towards a powerful bond in terms of business and trade."

He was presented a siropa (highest honour in the Sikh community) by Baba Sewa Singh ji, an environmentalist and an educationist from India, and was gifted a painting by Surekha Sadana, an Indian painter from Dubai.

"It's a complete honour for us to have (Al Sayegh) with us today to celebrate the special day. I can only see good days ahead and I invite everyone to imbibe the spirit of volunteerism and move together in life. Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai has signed its commitment towards the UAE food bank programme and giving is not just monetary donations but seva (selfless service) for the society as well. Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai recently pledged Dh1 million to the UAE government," informed Surender Singh Kandhari, chairman, Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudawara.

The opening of a digital Sikh history museum at the gurudwara was also announced. The inauguration of the digital gallery is scheduled to take place in the evening in the presence of the Sikh community members. The grand function was concluded with langar (free meal served at the gurudwara).