Penang, Malaysia-Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj today performed the Prakash (enshrinement) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at the historic Wadda Gurdwara Sahib in Penang, Malaysia, following the completion of its conservation and restoration work, with the building’s original heritage appearance preserved in its exact form. The event was held as part of celebrations marking the 125th anniversary of the establishment of Wadda Gurdwara Sahib and on the occasion of the first Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, who is in Malaysia at the invitation of Penang Deputy Chief Minister-II S. Jagdeep Singh Deo and the management committee of Wadda Gurdwara Sahib, performed the sacred service during Amrit Vela (pious morning time) today on September 12. Led by the Panj Piaras (five beloved ones), he participated the procession of taking the holy saroop (scripture) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from the Sukhasan Asthan (resting place) and ceremonially brought it into the Darbar Sahib (sanctum sanctorum) of the Gurdwara. He performed Chaur Sahib sewa (voluntary service) and subsequently placed the holy saroop in the Palki Sahib (palanquin).
After offering Ardas (Sikh prayer) before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj sought permission from the Guru Sahib to commence the maryada (conduct) of the Darbar Sahib at Penang Gurdwara. He then performed the Prakash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and had the Hukamnama recited to the sangat.
Later, the Gurdwara management committee and the Penang state government jointly organised a special function in the Gurdwara courtyard to formally reopen the restored Wadda Gurdwara Sahib building.
The function was attended by Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, Malaysian Federal Minister Y.B. Steven Sim, Penang Deputy Chief Minister Y.B. S. Jagdeep Singh Deo, Malaysian Member of Parliament from Bukit Gelugor S. Ramkarpal Singh Deo, Punjab Legislative Assembly Speaker S. Kultar Singh, High Commissioner of India to Malaysia Somnath Ghosh, prominent members of the Wadda Gurdwara Sahib management committee including Bibi Gurmeet Kaur and president Dato’ S. Santok Singh, Gurdwara Conservation and Restoration Committee chairman S. Mahinder Singh Dulku, co-chairman S. Malkit Singh, Sodhi Vikram Singh of Delhi, and Penang-Punjab Corridor founder Dato’ Dr B.S. Bains, Media Adviser to Jathedar S. Jaskaran Singh among others.
Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said it was a matter of satisfaction that efforts had been made to preserve the Sikh heritage of Wadda Gurdwara Sahib in Penang in its original form. He said that there is a need to preserve Sikh heritage wherever it exists, under the supervision of experts, in the same manner as it has been done in Penang.
He said that wherever Sikhs travelled across the world, they sought the support and guidance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and remained connected with the Guru. Sikhs had also made a significant contribution to Malaysia’s independence, and the names of Sikh martyrs who sacrificed their lives for this country’s freedom are inscribed on Malaysia’s National Monument in Kuala Lumpur.
He said Sikhs had established themselves wherever they settled through hard work, honesty and intelligence, bringing honour to the community. Wadda Gurdwara Sahib in Penang holds the status of Sikh heritage in Malaysia and was established about 125 years ago, in 1901. Its history reflects how long ago Sikhs came to Malaysia, began working hard, established a Gurdwara and brought the Sikh community together.
The Jathedar urged the Gurdwara management to take initiatives to teach Gurmukhi Punjabi to the younger generation and children so that they could connect more easily with Gurbani and Sikh history. He also encouraged the Sikh sangat of Malaysia to remain connected with their ancestral land Punjab and ensure that their children visit Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, and Sri Nankana Sahib.
Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj further urged the Sikh community in Malaysia to remain vigilant and said it was their responsibility to ensure that the contribution of Sikhs in the country is always recorded and that they continue to render their services in high spirits. He also called for support to Sikhs and Punjabis who come to Malaysia for employment.