AISECS in association with Consulate general of India, Sydney and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sri Amritsar,India (SGPC) celebrated 550th Prakash Purab (Birth anniversary) of Sikhs first Guru ‘Guru Nanak Dev Ji’ in Australia’s oldest Parliament house.

The event was organized by the founder of Australian-Indian Sports Educational and Cultural Society ‘Mr.Gurnam Singh’ who have been working hard in the background with one mission; to bridge the gap between Australia and India through sports, education and culture. EMCEE for the event was Reet Pal Singh, who is also the ambassador for AISECS. It was because our volunteers namely Guru Dha, Abhiraj Das, Reuben Gupta and Komalpreet Kaur support that the event was a success.

Celebrations started with a zeal by reciting Shabad/Kirtan from Voice of Gurbani emphasizing the significance of main chant of Sikhs ‘MOOLMANTRA’ which is the description of god according to the Sikh Ideology. When a person begins to learn Gurbani, this is the first verse that most would learn.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught simple things that could be followed by all. The Master wanted his devotees to always speak the truth and stay away from false hood. He always wanted his devotees to do charity. The best example of this would be the langar which is a free food service that we all will find in all Gurdwaras. This food is offered to all the people who come to visit the Gurdwara. He also says one must be selfless and throw himself to the mercy of the lord for guidance.

The event constituted the talks of the dignitaries and the guest speaker Bhagwant Singh Sialka Ji, member of SGPC followed by honoring them with mementos. The evening was also addressed by the Parliament representatives and wrapped up with a presentation showcasing the Documentary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and afterwards langar/light refreshment was served.

Sikhism is the 5th largest religion in the world and out of 1,26,000 Sikhs residing throughout the Australia, around 26000 Sikhs reside in New South Wales who are working and contributing in various fields. The celebrations were carried across continents not only by Sikhs but also by those who resonates Guru Nanak philosophy of 1 god and humanity above all. This event sent a great message not only to the Indian community but also to the Australian community depicting Australian values of diversity and multi-culturism.

Team AISECS is grateful and thankful to Jodi McKay– NSW Labor Leader and Member for Strathfield, Geoff Lee– NSW Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Acting Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors & Veterans, and the member for Parramatta, , Mr Manish Gupta– Counsel General of India, Dugald Saunders– Member of the Legislative Assembly, Member for Dubbo, Member of The Nationals, Daniel Mookhey– Member of the Legislative Council, Shadow Minister for Finance and Small Business, and Shadow Minister for the Gig Economy, Hugh McDermott, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Member for Prospect, Member of the Australian Labor Party, Liesl Tesch– Labor Member for Gosford, Bhagwant

Singh Sialka our guest speaker from India representing Bhai Gobind Singh Longowal;