Sri Amritsar-Several young men and women from Punjab and Haryana who wish to return to India from the United Kingdom (UK) met Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj at Southall during a special interaction facilitated by the United Sikhs organization. The meeting was organized by Bibi Narpinder Kaur BEM at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Southall (Park Avenue) where the youths shared their experiences and hardships in the UK with the Jathedar.
The youths explained that immigration agents in India had defrauded them of lakhs of rupees and sent them to the UK through improper and illegal means. As a result, not only had their parents’ hard-earned money been wasted, but their futures had also been jeopardised. They said that due to the lack of valid documents and visas, the UK authorities are no longer allowing them to stay legally. Consequently, they are unable to secure employment, making survival in the country extremely difficult.
Bibi Narpinder Kaur informed Jathedar Gargajj that United Sikhs has established a dedicated weekly assistance counter at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Southall (Park Avenue) to help people with immigration and other important matters. She said the organisation regularly receives cases of individuals who voluntarily wish to return to India. In coordination with the UK and Indian governments, such individuals are assisted in returning to India at government expense.
Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj listened attentively to the concerns raised by the youths and appreciated the humanitarian services being rendered by Bibi Narpinder Kaur and United Sikhs, with the support of Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Southall (Park Avenue). He offered prayers for the continued success of these efforts.
Addressing the youths, Jathedar Gargajj advised them to exercise extreme caution before going abroad and to thoroughly verify whether immigration agents are misleading them or not. He noted that many young people spend lakhs of rupees only to endure severe hardships overseas. He encouraged them to remain courageous, stay connected with Gurbani, and maintain high spirits (Chardi Kala).
The Jathedar further directed the youths never to sell their land in Punjab or elsewhere in home country. Instead, he advised them to return home, work hard, and lead their lives in accordance with Gurmat (Guru’s wisdom) principles. He also called upon governments to create meaningful employment opportunities within the country so that young people are not compelled to seek uncertain futures abroad.
Following the meeting, the management of the gurdwara and representatives of United Sikhs honoured Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj.
Among those present were Gurmail Singh Malhi, President of the Management Committee of Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Southall; Vice President Harjit Singh Sarpanch; Sharanbir Singh Sangha; Personal Assistant Giani Baldev Singh; Media Adviser Jaskaran Singh; Baljit Singh Malhi; Parmjit Singh; Surinder Singh, and others.