I’d like to offer my best wishes to all in the UK
and across the world who are celebrating Vaisakhi.
This festival is a time for family and friends to come
together and to celebrate the anniversary of when Guru Gobind Singh founded the
Khalsa.
This year has a particularly special meaning as it marks
the 160th anniversary of the first Sikh - Maharaja Duleep Singh - arriving in
this country in 1854.
The
Sikh community, and all faith groups, make an outstanding contribution to our
neighbourhoods, selflessly volunteering hours of their time to make a
difference – building stronger and more united communities in the
process.
The
contribution of faith groups is especially significant in the year in which we
mark the centenary of the First World War. Thousands from the Commonwealth
fought in the British Indian Army, the sacrifices made by the Sikh regiments a
Neuve Chapellle and the Dogra Sikhs who fought so bravely at Ypres, enable us
to benefit from the freedoms we enjoy today.
However and wherever you are celebrating this festival,
I hope that you enjoy this special time and I’d like to wish you all a
very happy Vaisakhi.