The relationship between the Sikh faith and service in the Armed Forces was boosted at a seminar at the Nishkam Centre in Birmingham, UK.
Hosting the seminar, the Sikh Chaplain to the Armed Forces, Mandeep Kaur, gathered a number of guests including military chaplains of other faiths and Major General Martin Rutledge, General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Army’s 5th Division, who paid tribute to the service given by Sikhs over the last 200 years up to the present day and welcomed their contribution to the diversity of the Armed Forces. He said: “Our Armed Forces share the core values that the Sikh community holds so dear: honour, loyalty, and integrity.
“Those values and skills will be vital if we are to deliver the battle-winning people and equipment we need to keep this country safe.”
Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh, Chairman Nishkam Sewak Jatha, reflected on the teachings of Sikh faith and described how merciful living act as foundation of Sikhi.
The event, held in the Nishkam Centre, was an opportunity for Sikhs from the Service community to talk about their experiences and to listen to the chaplains from the other faiths, in keeping with the Sikh value of respect and understanding for other religions.
Commenting on the seminar, Mandeep Kaur said: “I feel that the day was successful as it gave many Service personnel who came, an opportunity to speak freely and honestly about any issues they are facing. It gave them platform to share their experiences with all others.
The two objectives of the day: raising awareness of Sikh faith within the Armed Forces and bridging the gap between the Armed Forces and civilian community- were achieved very productively. After attending the seminar, it is now much easier for a everyone within the forces to understand why a Sikh wears turban, Kirpan, beard etc and what are their values.
We, as Sikhs, have got such a rich heritage given to us by our Guru and I feel very proud to say that we shared our rich values with all the communities and faiths and we were able to educate many about what Sikhi brings to this entire humanity. Thanks to Waheguru.
I am hugely satisfied with the day.
