The British Sikh Association (BSA), co-hosted with Mrs Nicola Richards MP, Member of Parliament for West Bromwich, the Vaisakhi Reception in Parliament.
The Reception held in the Commons Terrace was attended by the Chief Guest, the High Commissioner of India H.E Vikram Doraiswami, The Deputy High Commission, Mr Sujit Ghosh and Minister Coordination Mr Deepak Choudhary, The Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP, Mr Virendra Sharma MP, Members of Parliament and Peers, the BSA Committee, the Armed Forces and leading members of the British Sikh community who had come from across the country to grace the Reception with their presence. The MC’ for the Reception was Nayaz Qazi.
The Welcome Address was given by co-host Nicola Richards, MP for West Bromwich; Nicola spoke of the significant contribution of the Sikh community to Britain and globally and the importance of Vaisakhi, both religiously and culturally.
Dr Sukhbir S. Kapoor OBE, General Secretary of the British Sikh Association and Chancellor of the World Sikh University spoke about the importance of Vaisakhi and how through the revered wisdom, leadership and guidance of Guru Gobind Singh, in 1699 the Khalsa was initiated. Dr Kapoor spoke of the global recognition of the Sikh community through the Khalsa tradition and how it is renowned for standing against the oppression of the vulnerable and for its duty of service to humanity. Dr Kapoor also spoke of how Vaisakhi is also a key part of the culture and fabric of India and is widely celebrated across India and the globe.
Dr Kapoor also introduced the readers to recite holy verses.
The Chief Guest, The High Commissioner of India, HE Vikram Doraiswami, spoke of how proud he was to attend the Vaisakhi Reception in Parliament. The High Commissioner spoke of the contribution to humanity by the Holy Gurus and how, through the revered wisdom and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith and how through the revered wisdom of Guru Gobind Singh, the Khalsa was initiated. The High Commissioner spoke of the immense contribution of the Khalsa and the Sikh community in making the world a better place and The High the debt of gratitude owed to the Sikh community in India and across the world.
Mr CB Patel founder and Editor in Chief of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, said how delighted and honoured he was to speak at the Vaisakhi Celebration Reception and he paid tribute to the Sikh Gurus and to the Sikh community and thanked the hosts Lord rami Ranger and Nicola Richards MP.
Mr Virendra Sharma MP, thanked the British Sikh Association, Lord Rami Ranger, Nicola Richards MP for hosting the Vaisakhi Reception and the importance of the Reception in Parliament. Mr Sharma spoke of the contribution by the Sikh community in Britain and across thew world and how it should be recognised and celebrated.
The Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP, spoke of her gratitude for being asked to speak at the esteemed Reception and thanked the Sikh community for enriching Britain and for their unstinting contribution to Britain and globally.
Colonel Jefferson spoke of the valour and bravery of the Sikh community to the Armed forces of Britain historically and today and the most important role the Sikh community plays in protecting King and country.
The vote of thanks was given by co-host, Lord Rami Ranger, Chairman of the British Sikh Association. Lord Ranger said how delighted he was to co-host the Vaisakhi Reception at Parliament with Nicola Richards MP. Lord Ranger thanked all the guest speakers and the esteemed guests who had attended the Reception. Lord Ranger gave a special thanks to the British Sikh Association Committee and asked the committee to join him on the lectern as he gave his vote of thanks.
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