There were messages from Bishop of London – Right Reverend Dr Richard Chartres, Bishop of Birmingham – The Right Reverend John Urquart, Tony Blair, and Rabbi Dr Naftali Brawer – representing the Chief Rabbi and The Board of Deputies of British Jews. Those representing other communities included Lord Sheikh for the Muslims, Nitin Palan for the Hindus, Seelawimala Nayaka Thera representing the Buddhist community as The Chief Sangha Nayake of Great Britain, Marilyn Mason for the Humanists, Dr Noshir Avari for the Zoroastrian community, and many others. It was well attended and included about 120 people of non-Sikh background comprising of academics, politicians, educationalists, religious leaders from different faith communities and captains of industry. Dr Indarjit Singh and Mota Singh QC gave speeches outlining the importance of the day. All the speeches conveyed the unique nature of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and its universal message related to ethical framework for a community of diverse beliefs. Messages were also received from large number of other people, including Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor, and Most Rev Dr Idris Jones. Bhai Mohinder Singh of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha was scheduled to make a speech related to the Spirituality and Guru Granth Sahib, but unfortunately he had been taken ill after returning from India after the celebrations at Hazur Sahib.
The purpose of this event was to inform strategists and policy makers within Britain about the ethical and universalizing nature of the Sikh Scriptures whilst celebrating a historical landmark, and to create an environment that empowers the young with Sikh ideals. Sikh youth were well represented, making up about 40% of the Sikh contingent of about 70 people.
The celebrations were covered briefly on television, in some of the national daily newspapers, and some of those that were at the event have relayed their experiences on minority radio channels. In addition, there is a documentary in the making related to this and
previous programs related to such celebrations. Finally, some of this material will end up on various interactive resources related to faith education.
Those that want more details, pictures, or a transcript of the speeches may contact Tirath Singh at [email protected]