The Lautoka Gurdwara (FIJI) congregation is composed mostly of the Sikh populace from Sigatoka to part of BA and is rich with personal sacrifices of our ancestors in joyfully establishing the Gurdwara around 1933 and the inspired re-building efforts following the arson attack of 1987.
Despite the economic and social hardships, along with the minority factor, the Sangat's holds exemplary zeal in expressing the Chardi kala of the Sikh community and in keeping alive Baba Nanak's golden motto of NAAM JAPNA,KIRT KARNI te VANDH CHAKNA.
Since yearly Vaisakhi joy always begins with respectful adornment of the Nashan Saheb,this year remains as vibrant as ever with the Nashan Saheb and Chola sewa expressing an exceptional zeal.We are proud of our religious heritage where the Nishan Saheb signifies that the command of the Gurus is prevalent in the Gurdwara and signals to the community at large that food and protection is available to the needy.
The Lautoka General Transport MANDI Family,together with the current Lautoka Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee and devout sangat,followed by esteemed blessings of Sacramento,USA sangat including the Boparai Family (Ranjit and Gurnam),Shalen Singh,Amreek Shergill,Dhanna Bharoli,Amardeep Samrari,Gurdip Malpur,Dr.Baldev Mathada and all Sikh piyare added a glorious and ceremonial dimension to the sewa.
We also recall and pay respect to an awe-inspiring incident of 1940 where two beloved Granthi sewadars attained heavenly abode when electrocuted during the Nishan Saheb sewa.
Following last year’s inaugural Chola sewa,the maryada of sanctified homage to the humblest yet tallest Nishan Saheb in the South Pacific created an electrifying experience amongst the sewadars and we take this opportunity to re-affirm our spirited conviction for the chardi kala of our panth.
The Vaisakhi kirtan,katha and bhog was thoroughly assimilated and shared by some 300 sangat at Lautoka Gurdwara on 14 April.With the appointment of Granthi-Sardar Manjit Singh of Jammu, India from Aug last year, the Prabhandak sewadars jointly endeavour to advocate the ideals and teachings of our Gurus having had freedom and choice as inalienable gifts from Gurus.
We welcome comments and advice through Mr.Bayant Singh