LA It was a historical day for Sikhs in Los Angeles as a gathering of about 500 strong attended the fundraiser for the construction of the Gurdwara Sahib at Vermont Boulevard in Hollywood, Everyone was bubbling with enthusiasm as they mingled with each other during the socializing hour. There was an air of confidence about the whole function which spelled that finally the construction of the Gurdwara Sahib would be completed.
It was historical in this sense too, that the former mayor of Los Angeles, Tom Bradley graced the occasion with his presence. He had laid the foundation of the Gurdwara Sahib four years ago. He was instrumental in getting many obstacles removed at the city hall level. It was also an occasion to bid farewell and thank Tom Bradley for all the services he had rendered for the Sikh community.
The function started with melodious songs rendered by Chohan, followed by Guddi Hundal and the famous Punjabi singer Surinder Kaur. It was a great session of non-Stop entertainment. People were enthralled by their all-time favorites which they had heard some 20 years ago.
Jaswant S.Dhillon was the stage secretary, He presented the speakers and conducted the program efficiently.
Ajit Singh Randhawa who is the chairman of the construction committee explained how the problems of finance and construction were solved. He was especially appreciative of the response and cooperation of the *Sangat.’ He said that Dr.A.S.Marwaha was always there to help financially and otherwise whenever needed, He attributed the success of the function to the hard work and unfaltering efforts putm, during the last two months by the following members: Dr. Amarjit Singh Marwah,S.Ajit Singh Randhava, Dr.Ajit Singh Arora, Dr.Mukhtiar Singh Kundi, S.Harjinder Singh Malhi, S.Surinder Singh Kahlon, S.lgbal Singh Samra, S.Darshan Singh Chohan, S.Arjan Singh, S.Hamek Singh Thiara, S.Harpal Singh Gill, S.Sunit Singh Dale, Sardarni Balbir Kaur Sahota, 5.Pritam Singh Matharu, S.Balwant Singh Mehrok, SJaswant Singh Dhillon,S.SwaranjitSingh Sahni, SJangbahadur Singh Sethi, S.Mukhtiar Singh Kamboj, S.Sukhcharan Singh Cheema, S.Darshan Singh Basin, Dr,Piara Singh, S.Mohinder Singh Sandhu, S.Aviar Singh Jammu, S.Kulbir Singh Samra, S.Ninnal Singh Shembey,S.Amolak Singh, S.Resham Singh, S.Sarabjit Singh, S.Gurdey Singh Sandhu, S.Opjit Singh Ghuman. All these members worked day and night, travelled locally and too far off places to collect $400,000.00 in cash and a commitment of another $100,000.00, all towards the construction of the Gurdwara Sahib.
The function ended with 8 note of thanks by the president of the Gurdwara Committee, H.S.Malhi, He requested the ‘Sangat’ to contribute more liberally so that the occupancy certificate from city hall may be obtained and the diwan be started in the new building at the earliest.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 30, 1993
