Sikhs celebrate at PM’s pad

The event was held for the third year running and Sikhs from across the UK were invited to attend.

The reception came after Prime Minister David Cameron’s visit to Amritsar and two recent debates in Parliament about British Sikhs and the death penalty in India.

Leamington Sikh leader Jagtar Singh Gill, a founding member of Sikh Council UK, said: “I wish to put on record our appreciation for the excellent work being carried out by the Government and our local MP Chris White, on behalf of and with British Sikhs. I also take this opportunity to congratulate everybody on the occasion of Vaisakhi and to express the appreciation held by the British Sikh community for hosting and organising today’s event.”

The event was attended by around 200 guests with the highlight being a Kirtan recital by 20 youngsters from the Gurmat Sangeet Academy from Leamington.

This was followed by an Ardas, or Sikh prayer, performed by Giani Charanjeet Singh who is the Head Granthi at the Gurdwara in Tachbrook Park Drive.

Thanking Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White for the opportunity Giani Ji, said: “This was the first time the Sikh Ardas has been performed at the British Prime Minister’s residence. I am humbled and very proud that we were able to pray together in the spirit of , Sarbat the Bhalla.”

Parminder Singh Birdi, of the Leamington Chamber of Trade said: “The Prime Minister spoke sincerely and recognised the immense contribution that British Sikhs make to the United Kingdom and he paid Sikhism ultimate respect by endorsing the Sikh values of meditation, earning an honest living and sharing with the needy.”