Cultural Centre of Canada Gurdwara Nanak Niwas in Richmond had a very successful Vaisakhi celebration on Sunday, April 14. The huge congregation appreciated meeting with and listening to special guests. The dignitaries included Canada’s Minister of National Defence Harjit Singh Sajjan, Member of Parliament for Steveston –Richmond East, Joe Peschisolido, BC’s Minister of Labour Harry Bains,Rischmond East-Queensborough MLA Jas Johal, Consul General of India Mrs. Abhilasha Joshi, Richmond City Councilor Bill McNulty and Richmond police chief Superintendent Will Ng. The celebration started with bhog of Akhand Paath Sahib, Kirtanby Giani Tarlochan Singh’s jatha and a briefexplanation about Vaisakhi by Giani Amrik Singh. On behalf of Chairman Asa Singh Johal and the Gurdwara ManagementCommittee, Secretary Balwant Singh Sanghera welcomed members of the congregation and special guests. He then talked about the significance of Vaisakhi and invited special guest Harjit Singh Sajjan to convey Vaisakhi greetings to the congregation. President Balbir Singh Jawanda commended retiring manager Avtar Singh Saddhar for his long service to the congregation and the Gurdwara. Chairman Asa Singh Johal along with Harjit Singh Sajjan, Balbir Singh Jawanda and Committee members made a special presentation to Mr. Saddhar. The celebration concluded with a prayer/ Ardas. Downstairs in the lobby and Langarhall, it was great to see people mingle with each other and take pictures with the VIPs. Minister Sajjan was kind enough to present specially designed coins to Mr. Asa Singh Johal and his wife Kashmir Kaur Johal for Mr. Johal’s contribution to the community and Canada.The volunteers did an excellent job in taking care of different aspects of the celebration including a very delicious langar. The Gurdwara Management Committee is very thankful to everyone, including the South Asian media, the congregation and our special guests who made this celebration such a great success.
****By Balwant Singh Sanghera
