By Jai Birdi
BURNABY – Thirty-one years ago, members of the Raividassia community came together to form an organization and named it, “Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (Vancouver). Although Ravidassia Sabhas had the origin in Punjab starting in the 1920’s, the Ravidassia Sabha in Vancouver was the first of its kind in the North America.
It may not come as a surprise to see the “sabha” first forming in Vancouver; after all, the west coast of Canada has been a home to Ravidassia community now for over 100 years! Today, Ravidassia Sabhas exist in Canadian cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Burlington, and Montreal.
The current management of the Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (Vancouver) under the leadership of Bill Basra decided to not miss out on the opportunity of celebrating the 31st anniversary of the Sabha and recognizing the rich history and legacy of their forefathers who formed the organization to promote brotherhood among the Ravidassia community as well as the mainstream communities.
Therefore the management committee hosted celebrations on July 28 at the Guru Ravidass Community Center on Gilley Avenue in Burnaby by paying tributes to officials who served on the Sabhas board of directors, trustees, councils, or as parmukh sevadars but were now “resting in peace in harmony with the spiritual energy of Satguru Ravidass Ji Maharaj”, explained Bill Basra, president of Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (Vancouver). Special greetings for this occasion were brought by City of Burnaby Councillor Sav Dhaliwal, MLA Raj Chouhan, and Parliamentry Secretary Richard Lee (Asia Pacific Strategy to the Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for The Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism.
Lamber Rao, who was the first general secretary of the Sabha and has served the Sabha in various capacities since 1981, was also present during the celebrations.
Rao also conveyed his greetings on the 31st anniversary of the Sabha and explained how the founders were inspired to come together and establish Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (Vancouver). Without going into details, Rao said he was concerned that the Ravidassia community was now more fragmented than when it was created in 1981. Rao further explained that the spirit of the ‘brotherhood” that the forefathers of the Sabha had 31 years ago has now weakened and the organization needs to re-examine its vision and set the direction to meet the needs of the current membership.
When asked why installing photos of the officials who are now deceased were important, Basra explained that the Ravidassia community has rich history and legacy- both in India and in Canada- but unfortunately, most of the history is not recorded. Therefore, the history of the Ravidassia community is at risk of being diluted, or, completely being washed away.
Basra also hopes that by recording and preserving history of the Ravidassia community, the future generations will take pride and have increased self-respect and respect for their elders. Such self-respect and respect for the elders is absolutely essential for recreating cohesion and strength not only among the Ravidassia community, but also for strengthening links with the wider, diverse, cross-cultural communities of the lower mainland.
Congratulations to all members and well wishers of the Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (Vancouver) on its 31st anniversary celebrations.
