On Thursday 12th July 2012, Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh, Chairman of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha and Nishkam Civic Association was honoured to be part of the many hundreds of people who welcomed HM The Queen to Birmingham.
As a member of the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group, Bhai Sahib attended the open-air reception to honour the Queen. The Faith Leaders Group occupied a VIP area in Victoria Square, Birmingham along with other community members. The other Faith Leaders present included Jonathan Gurling, Major Samuel Edgar, Rabbi Yossi Jacobs, Ravi Ladva, Andrew Smith and also Archbishop Bernard Longley and Bishop David Urquhart.
The Queen was visiting Birmingham as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour. She arrived by train at Snow Hill Station and proceeded to Victoria Square for a walkabout to meet the waiting crowds. Hundreds of well-wishers turned out at Victoria Square to greet and cheer the Queen. The crowds were entertained by an American Babershop Quartet with Chinese Dancers from Leeds.
Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, Her Majesty was welcomed by city dignitaries after which she met the waiting crowd. During her walk about she met various people including the many school children excited to be at the event.
Reflecting on the event, Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh said, “The atmosphere was great, everyone was happy and really positive, above all the Lord blessed us with beautiful sunshine too. The Queen is a remarkable lady, she does us all proud by the sheer determination she demonstrates to meet and greet people.”
He went on to commend the people that had turned out to show their appreciation for the Queen. He also said, “By coming today the Faith Leaders have shown how closely we work together as different faith traditions. Birmingham is a diverse and beautiful collection of many different traditions and just as the Queen leads the Church of England, it was only befitting that the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group be part of the welcome”.
Amrick Singh, Director of the Nishkam Centre, was also present and reflected on the proceedings of the morning by saying, “Today was very touching, to see the Queen talk to the young children and spend time talking to the people as she walked past was, for many, a life-times dream come true. We saw young and old wanting to speak to the Queen; she is a source of inspiration, a role model, a faith person with an aura about her that uplifts people – it was a pleasure to have been present with the other distinguished VIPs”.
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ENDS
Released by: Nishkam Centre
Telephone: 0121 515 4229
Email: info@ncauk.org
Notes for Editors
1. Birmingham Faith Leaders’ Group
Area served: Birmingham and surrounding area
Main aims: To discuss issues of common concern
Year founded: 2001
Faiths and beliefs currently involved: Buddhist; Christian; Hindu; Jewish; Muslim; Sikh
Activities: Discussion meetings on religious topics; discussion meetings on social issues; promoting good community relations; making statements on current issues; joint fundraising for charity; providing advice to public bodies; acting as a consultative forum on local issues for local government.
Membership Policy: Membership comprises leaders from the principal faiths of Birmingham. Meetings are held at the request of the faiths involved and attendance is by invitation.
Contact details:
Mr Jonathan Gurling Secretary
Tel: 0121 608 1328
More information on the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group can be found at http://www.wmfaithsforum.org.uk/home4/index.php/interfaith/18-interfaith/21-birmingham-faith-leaders-group
Nishkam Media Centre 
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