Current Events
Sikh-Briton Armed Forces Gather for Day of Prayer
by ANNA ROBERTS
Sikhs from across the country gathered in Earley, United Kingdom, for a special day of praying and socializing.
Sikh members of Britain's armed forces - including the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force - met in the Gurdwara on London Road for the event on Saturday, January 31, 2009.
Military men and women were encouraged to invite their nearest and dearest to the afternoon event, partly organised by Narinder Kaur Marwaha. She is married to a personnel officer in the military.
She said the event - one of two similar ones in the Sikh calendar - was a roaring success. "All the Sikhs in the armed forces try to get together once a year in Andover in Hampshire.
"After last year's event, it was decided to hold another one where people could bring their families so people can get to know one another and make new friends.
"People from 16 years old can join the armed forces, so it was nice for different people from across the country to get to know each other.
"We had an afternoon of prayers followed by langar (food and refreshments). It was really nice. Now we hope to make it an annual event.
"We want Sikhs in the armed forces to get their families involved. Being in the armed forces, when you are Sikh, means you can get quite isolated from the religious community.
"It is difficult to get to the gurdwara and feel part of things. We want to change this."
The event was attended by special guests Mandeep Kaur, who is Sikh Chaplain of the Army; Stephen Robbins, Chaplain General of the Army; and Rev. Scott J Brown, principal Chaplain of the Royal Navy.
Surjit Singh Jutla, President of the Earley Gurdwara, also attended.
[Courtesy: Reading Evening Post]
February 4, 2009