Efforts of Defense Sikh Network UK regarding Sikh identity within British Army commendable: Dhami

Amritsar, November 9 – A delegation of British Army officers today paid obeisance at Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib in Amritsar. On this occasion, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami honoured the members of the British Army delegation with the Guru’s blessing Siropao (robe of honour) and religious literature at the information center of Sri Darbar Sahib.

On this occasion, Major Daljinder Singh Virdee, a British Army officer associated with Defence Sikh Network, UK, also presented Gutka Sahib of Nitnem (daily Sikh prayers) prepared by Defence Sikh Network and the literature published regarding Sikh identity and turban in the British Army to SGPC President.

SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami while appreciating the efforts being done by the Defense Sikh Network, UK within the British Army said they are working to revive old Sikh tradition as laid by our elderly. He said a Nitnem Gutka Sahib has been prepared, which is a part of the uniform of Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs working in the British Army, which they have to safekeep with themself. He said that such unique Gurbani scriptures were given to the Sikh soldiers by the British Army even during the World War and the Defense Sikh Network is doing this work on the same lines.

Dhami said that the Defence Sikh Network has also worked in the British Army to publish literature on Sikh identity and turban, so that the next generation can get information about Sikh culture and heritage. He said that the Defense Sikh Network has also made a major contribution in determining the different colours of turban for the three branches of the British Army i.e. Army, Navy and Air Force, which is a big achievement.

SGPC President also appreciated the work being done by Dr. Gurinderpal Singh Josan, Chairman of Saragarhi Foundation.

It is worth mentioning that this delegation was supposed to participate in a function organized at Sri Amritsar regarding the anniversary of Battle of Saragarhi, but could not attend the same due to the sudden demise of the British Queen. The British Army delegation has now come to Amritsar to participate in the event being organized in memory of the martyrs of the Battle of Saragarhi.

The British Army delegation included Major General Celia Harvey, Major Varinder Singh Bassi, Major Daljinder Singh Virdi, Captain Brijinder Singh Nijjar, Warrant Officer Ashok Chauhan, Sergeant Manjit Singh Jhajj, Tajinder Singh, Pardeep Kaur, Lance Corporal Manpreet Kaur Maycock, and Harmeet Singh.