Sri Amritsar- A high-level Malaysian delegation led by YB Jagdeep Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister-II of Penang, Malaysia, today met Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, at Sri Anandpur Sahib.
The delegation comprised Malaysian businessman and community leader Dato’ Prof. Dr BS Bains; historian Simar Singh; Akshay Singh Deo from the family of the Mirpur princely state; Aryan Menon; Dr Sukhjot Singh; and Sunny Khaira.
The Malaysian delegation discussed the importance of further strengthening cultural and spiritual ties among the global Sikh community, Sikh heritage and religious institutions, and Sikhs residing in Malaysia and the historic Sikh institutions of Punjab.
YB Jagdeep Singh Deo expressed deep respect for the institution of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and appreciated the efforts being made by Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj for the promotion and preservation of Sikhi and Sikh values globally. He particularly appreciated the role being played by Sikh religious leaders in connecting the younger generation and Sikhs living outside India with their faith, heritage and history.
Jagdeep Singh Deo informed the Jathedar that Sikhs first arrived in Malaysia in the state of Penang and expressed his desire to preserve as heritage the route through which Sikhs had travelled to the region.
Jagdeep Singh Deo is a senior political leader from Penang and is the fourth generation of his family to be active in Malaysian politics. He currently serves as Deputy Chief Minister-II of Penang and holds responsibilities related to human capital development, science and technology. He has been serving as an elected representative in Penang since 2008.
The delegation also emphasised the importance of preserving historic Sikh institutions and gurdwaras in Malaysia. In this regard, YB Jagdeep Singh Deo specifically visited to invite Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj to attend the inaugural ceremony in Malaysia after the completion of restoration and preservation works at the historic Wadda Gurdwara Sahib in Penang.
Located on Jalan in George Town, Malaysia, Wadda Gurdwara Sahib is among the oldest Sikh religious sites in Southeast Asia. Extensive restoration work is underway at the more than century-old historic gurdwara to preserve its original architectural character and religious significance. Jagdeep Singh Deo has been closely associated with the preservation project, including government support and regular monitoring of the project.
Jagdeep Singh Deo said the invitation extended to Singh Sahib was an important expression of the Malaysian Sikh community’s respect for Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Sikh institutions in Punjab. He expressed hope that the proposed inauguration ceremony in September would further strengthen the historic, religious and cultural ties between the Sikh community in Malaysia and Punjab.
During the meeting, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj appreciated the Malaysian delegation’s commitment to preserving Sikh heritage and historic gurdwaras in Malaysia. He also stressed the importance of preserving Sikh identity, traditions, Gurbani and Sikh values among the younger generation and the Sikh diaspora across the world.
He encouraged Jagdeep Singh Deo to remain closely connected with his roots in Punjab, saying that although he was living in Malaysia, he was also a resident of Sri Anandpur Sahib and should always maintain his connection with his ancestral homeland of Punjab.
Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening Sikh-Malaysian cultural, religious and heritage ties and to promoting the message of Sikhism, Sarbat da Bhala (welfare of all) and universal brotherhood across the world.