The Guru Singh of North Texas at 11501 Old Elam Road, Balch Springs, Texas was inaugurated with an elaborate and largely attended function.
Among the guests were S. Didar Singh Bains of Yuba City, founder member and former President of the WSO (International), S. Narinder Singh Somal, Secretary of the World Sikh News, S. Gurbax Singh Gill, a prominent scholar who has contributed to the development of Sikh youth and in programs for Sikh youth in North America and representations from the Sangats of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Houston and others. The Gurdwara was dedicated to Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the 5th Guru of the Sikhs.
Gurdwara Singh Sabha was founded four years ago, at the end of 1984, with the intent of meeting the religious needs of the Sikh community in the Metroplex area, aligned to the specific directions given by the Akal Takht. To this end the Sikhs here have strived to follow our religious and social (humanitarian) obligations to both the community we are a part of and also to our breathen in India.
The Sikhs have participated in numerous charities and in providing food and donations for the homeless in Dallas. One such charity is the Dallas Life Foundation. In addition to donating food, it is cooked and served by the Sangat at the center. Further, there have been several blood donation drives.
At the state and national level, the Sangat has been active in lobbying, supporting lobbying efforts, through donations and letters to the various leaders of our nation, Congressman and Senators, with focus on the US to review the situation of Human Right infringements in the Punjab. We have had several peaceful demonstrations in Dallas with the same objectives in mind.
Didar Singh urged Sikhs to be vigilant and united, and to beware of false rumors. He condemned the previous Indian government for State terrorism and appealed to the new government to change their ways in settlement of the Sikh political prisoners, and in cases related to false encounters implications.
Singh talked on the meaning of Gurdwara, and in the principal that we should strive for in our objectives. His additions to the notes provided by Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha’s Mahan Kosh were very accurate and applicable to ‘our whole religious philosophy. His thoughts and directions were both appreciated and easily understood by the young and old alike. ‘A copy of the translated article is provided below.
Narinder Singh somal ex-plained the history of the World Sikh News to the sangat in a fairly detailed manner. At was not that this was the only English/Punjabi paper that existed today, further that even though it was tough to keep the presses rolling they were able to keep on going since 1984. He requested that every Sikh should subscribe to WSN as the social and religious duty.
The Sangat all supported the efforts and hoped that through increased subscription they would be able to secure the papers continued success. Everyone is encouraged to take out a subscription.
As part of the Inauguration and Dedication Ceremony, the hoisting of the Nishan Sahib was led by S. Didar Singh Bains, S. Gurbax Singh Gill, S. Pritpal Singh Chatha, Bhai Sucha Singh and Bhai Gurdarshan Singh.
The children’s program prepared by the efforts of Bhai Sucha Singh and parents and excellently executed by the young Sikhs, was both polished and enlightening. The Sangat was treated to recitals and kirtan. The stage was handled very efficiently by Kaka Gurvinder Singh, S. Didar Singh praised the efforts and presented the children trophies.
The following children participated: Prabjot Singh, Taranjit Kaur, Jaspreet Singh, Harsimran Singh, Balpreet Kaur, Kawaldeep Kaur, Balpreet Kaur, Balbir Kaur, Ranjit Singh, Pavandeep Singh, Jasbir Kaur, Nayneet Kaur, Harpreet Kaur and Gurvinder Singh.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 26, 1990
