PALATINE, ILL: Sikhs from far and wide gathered at the Sikh Religious Society of Chicago here on April 29 to pay homage to S. Makhtool Singh, 67 and Sardarni Surjit Kaur, the parents of Lakhwant Singh Komal, President of the Sikh Religious Society of Chicago who had passed away on April 21.
An estimated 800 people sat as the conclusion of the Sehaj Path held to pray for the departed souls who died in a road mishap at Grove City, Pennsylvania. They were amongst the 78 members of the Chicago / sangat who were on their Sai to New York to attend the Third Sikh Parade there. Thirteen people were wounded, as the wheel of the van they were traveling in came off. One of them, S. Krupa Singh is still in intensive care in the Grove City Community Hospital.
There was soul stirring Kirtan by Bhai Mahinder Singh “(SDO) of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha, and by Giani Mahinder Singh, Granthi of the Gurdwara. The Dastar ceremony of Lakhwant Singh was performed by the members of the board of trustees of Sikh Religious Society of Chicago.
The speakers paid homage to the departed couple and many who had personally known them recalled them for manifesting the spirit of Chardi Kala, and always extending a helping hand.
Jagjit Singh Mangat, president of the Sikh Cultural Society paid homage on behalf of the Sikh Sangat of the Richmond Hill Gurdwara. Kamikkar Singh, former president of Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Glen Rock, and N.J represented the sangat of the area.
Bhai Tejinder Singh member of the Panthic Committee of Hamilton Ontario Canada spoke on behalf of Panthic Committee and the sangat of Hamiliton. Harbhajan Singh Gill, vice president of the World Sikh Organization (East Coast), and Jatinder Singh Sabharwal vice president of the Sikh Cultural Society, NY Sadhu Singh from Hamiliton, Ontario, Harjap Singh Sangha and Harjit Singh also addressed the sangat and paid homage to the departed souls.
All the speakers thanked the Chicago sangat for their participation in Panthic activities and assured them that they would continue their co-ordination with them.
Surinder Pal Singh Kalra, Director Administration WSO who was the stage secretary, read messages from Didar Singh Bains the founder president of WSO and from the sangat of New Orleans through Amolakh Singh Vice President WSO (South West). He also shared the condolence calls which he and the bereaved family had received.
Those who attended the function but did not address the sangat included Amarjit Singh Grewal, President of the Board of Trustees of Sikh Cultural Society and Rabinder Singh Bhamra of New York.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 4, 1990
