Gurbani shouts for Baisakhi in the UK Parliament building

This week, during a first-ever Baisakhi celebration, the Houses of Parliament complex in London was filled with the devotional sounds of Gurbani and messages of unity.

In an effort to highlight the UK-India relationship and the contributions made by the Sikh community to British life, a variety of professionals, community leaders, and philanthropists gathered at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Room on Monday evening. The event was organized by the British Indian think-tank 1928 Institute and diaspora membership organizations City Sikhs and the British Punjabi Welfare Association (BPWA).

The event was chaired by Jasvir Singh of City Sikhs and included remarks and Gurbani from the Anahad Kirtan Society.

“Celebrating Baisakhi, the occasion marking Guru Gobind Singh’s creation of the Khalsa in 1699, is really an honor. The founding of the Khalsa and its corresponding teachings, which emphasize equality by proactively eliminating hierarchies, egos, and fears, are celebrated on Baisakhi, according to Kiran Kaur Manku, co-chair of the 1928 Institute.

Additionally, today is the Prakash, which loosely translates to the birth or incarnation of Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth guru who valiantly defended everyone’s rights. Known as the “Shield of India,” he gave his life to defend other people’s rights. The Sikh identity and way of life are based on the wise principles and teachings of the Guru and Khalsa. We respect, honor, and celebrate these ideals today,” the speaker said.

Baroness Sandy Verma and South Asia Minister Lord Tariq Ahmad supported the event, which is anticipated to become an annual feature in the parliamentary calendar. Among the cross-party parliamentarians in attendance were British Sikh Labour member of Parliament Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi and Labour’s shadow minister for Asia and the Pacific, Catherine West.

The establishment of a community with equality at its center, treating women and men equally, and a willingness to stand up for everyone in society, regardless of background or beliefs, is Guru Gobind Singh’s gift to Sikhism and mankind. Sikhs all across the globe are still influenced by the Khalsa’s ideals, according to Param Singh, Co-Chair of City Sikhs.