MILPITAS,CA: It was a journey to Punjab, its vibrant cultural heritage and ethos. True to its name, with its ambiance the Punjab Night, organized by the Sikh Foundation of Milpitas March 10 in support of a gurdwara sahib in the city, took the people down memory lane to the lush green fields of the fertile Indian state and mirrored the happy go lucky lifestyle of its people.
The fundraiser netted $135,000, including $100,000 in pledges towards construction of the gurdwara. As many as 900 in undated the Milpitas Community Center, packing the hall beyond capacity.
It was the first fundraiser for this cause, Gurdev Singh Sandhu, president of the Sikh Foundation of Milpitas, told WSN the foundation envisages the construction of the gurdwara this year as the community has been feeling the need for a Gurdwara for a long time now
“One needs a place where one can get of mind, especially in the fast life here,” Sandhu said. “We need to pass on our traditions, customs, culture and the tenets of Sikhism to our children, and we feel a gurdwara sahib fat Milpitas is a must for that,” he added.
“The program commenced with an introductory speech by Hakam Singh Hundal and welcome by Daljit Singh Goraya, both members of the Sikh Foundation,
Surinder Singh Dhanoa, president of the Punjab Cultural Society, was the master of ceremonies, He had also directed a few dances for the occasion, He left a deep impression on the audience with his chaste Punjabi diction and thought provoking remarks laced with wit and humor.
Enthralling Punjabi songs were presented by Satpal Singh Deol and the Sangeet group comprising Amarject Singh Dulai, Anoop Singh Cheema, Kulwant Singh Dhanjal, Karan Pal Singh Bajwa and Gauri. It was a eat to watch the youngsters decked out in bright costumes dancing beautifully to the music, Punjab Cultural Society girls presented a sammi dance while hangra items were performed by the Sangect group, Punjab Cultural Society and U,C, Berkeley students. A solo dance was well executed by young Harinder Kaur Dardi while Gurpreet Singh Sangera and per formed a tough dance characteristic of rural Punjab.
Prof. Hassan Jahangir Hamdani, a noted writer, had the audience riveted in his talk on Sikhism as a universal religion. Pun, I writer Azad Jullundsi rendered “Aval Allah Noor” and Sardar Swaran Singh “Chief” vehemenily recited his poem, “Sikhi itihas.
Mayor Pete McHugh of Milpitas thanked the Sikh Foundation for inviting him and dwelt on the significance of kara and kirpan for Sikhs, He also sought support for his candidacy in the forthcoming county supervisor elections, Jessie Singh of BJS Electronics, Inc., who presented a plaque to the mayor, in his speech enumerated the qualities of the Sikh community and envisioned the realization of its dream of building a gurdwara at Milpitas. He had donated the dinner for the evening.
Meanwhile, in the absence of a gurdwara, the Sikh Foundation organizes shabad kirtan at the Milpitas Senior Center or at someone’s home every month.
Trophies were presented to all the participants by Dr. Ajit Pal Sabdhu, a Bay Areaphysician who provides free medical services for the needy in the community. Sikh Foundation chairman Kirpal Singh Dhillon hel Sandhu in giving away the prizes while Love leen Kaur Sandhu and Smiley Kaur Sandhu announced the names of the prize winners, Plaques were given to Jessie Singh, Dr, Ajit Pal Sandhu, Surinder Singh Dhanoa, Satpal Singh Deol, Rupinder Singh Bhullar, Prof.
Jahangir Hamdani, Azad Jullundri and Sardar Swaran Singh in recognition of their services for Sikh Foundation events.
For donations to the project, cal Gurdev Singh Sandhu at (408) 9560149 or mail to P.O. Box No. 360416, Milpitas, CA 95035.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 27, 1996