The leadership of the Nishkam Group had a vision, a dream, a passion to make health more equitable in a deprived inner-city area of Birmingham.  So, 10 years ago the Nishkam Healthcare Trust (NHT), based on Soho Road, Birmingham was launched. The NHT’s proposition is unique – it was not vying to compete with the NHS, but to compassionately complement it and enable services to be more accessible to so many disenfranchised residents who feel out of touch. In line with its values, to mark the momentous occasion of being ONE DECADE old, celebrations will be held on Wednesday 18^th January for all, which will include free health checks and the opportunity to speak to dentists, GPs and pharmacists and integrative counsellors about healthy living, and an array of refreshments.

Since its launch in 2013, Nishkam Healthcare Trust has made great strides by innovatively improving the health and wellbeing of its local population in Handsworth, which is in top 1.6% most deprived neighbourhoods in the country. The NHT, which forms part of the Nishkam Group of Organisations, was launched with the ethos of faith-inspired, values-led care embedded in clinical practice, and houses a dental service, pharmacy and mental and emotional wellbeing service for the local community, in order to deliver holistic person-centred care.

Collaboration is key to achieving better equality and making sure no one is left out. Nishkam Healthcare Trust have spent the last decade partnering with national and local healthcare organisations and charities to ensure joined-up thinking. An example of this is the partnership with Modality & Peoples Health Partnership on an innovative project to reduce cardiovascular risk as well to address other social determinants of health. A Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Service offering blood pressure checks and blood glucose testing takes place at Nishkam Pharmacy on a daily basis, and this includes weekly group consultations run by GPs volunteering to serve the local population.

Nishkam Healthcare Trust was launched to address the communication and cultural gap between clinical practitioners and patients, and the motto underlining the services has been ‘Caring with compassion, Helping with humility and Listening with love’. This principle has proved immensely successful with a busy community pharmacy, and a pay-what-you-can-afford dental service designed to appeal to the goodness in humanity and where clinical staff work on a volunteer basis, dedicating their time and expertise to provide high quality expert dental care for our patients. Between January 2022 and June 2022, Nishkam Mental and Emotional Wellbeing Service delivered 189 free sessions of counselling to nearly 40 service users, demonstrating the unique ways in which faith-based organisations can deliver on responsibilities in their local communities.

Dr Manvir Kaur Hayer, Renal Consultant and Chair of Nishkam Healthcare Trust, said, “This is a major landmark for the Nishkam Healthcare team and I am proud to say, they are doing an amazing job. The team goes above and beyond to help improve health outcomes and assist other partners to address deep-rooted health inequalities. The model created is ambitious, innovative and, right now, very much needed. We need greater access into communities, the whole ethos of the Integrated Care System is to do what is being modelled right here in Birmingham – we are trail-blazing as always. I wish all of the Nishkam Healthcare team every success for the coming decades.” On their 10^th anniversary celebration event, Nishkam Healthcare Trust are sending an open invitation to all –  no RSVPs are required, just turn up and see what is being done. We look forward to seeing you there.

A chilled food manufacturer based in Southall has donated a van to a local charity to help with its distribution of food to those in need.

Noon Products Ltd started supporting NishkamSWAT’s community support outreach programme at the time of the Grenfell fire. Noon provided the charity with microwavable ready meals for people while they were waiting to be re-homed.

The relationship between the company and NishkamSWAT has gone from strength to strength and in early 2020, a new initiative started to serve freshly cooked hot food by the Noon chefs.

In 2020, homelessness surpassed 10,000 in London with a 47% increase of 16-to-25-year old’s due to lockdown restrictions. The disappearance of commuters meant that no one was offering money at a time when most soup kitchens were closed and food banks were struggling to keep up with the demand. It was left to a few small groups of volunteers to provide thousands of meals a week through such a difficult year.

Noon wanted to make an increased commitment to the partnership and decided to donate the co-branded chilled van to NishkamSWAT to help even further with the distribution of food. The van was formally handed over at Noon Products Ltd, Windmill Lane on 24 November. Both parties are looking forward to developing their relationship and building an even stronger community support network.

Randeep S Lall, CEO of NishkamSWAT said, ‘We are so grateful to the amazing team at Noon, they have been supporting us for many years and always step up when the homeless community is in need as well as children and families in poverty, no questions asked. During the first COVID-19 lockdown, Noon served tens of thousands of meals to NHS Staff Members and Free School Meals to children as well as the homeless and elderly. Sumit and his team go above and beyond their call of duty. We feel so fortunate to have such a prestigious company on board as a Charity Partner.’

With lockdown easing, forward-thinking charities have been positioning themselves to be more resilient, service focused, strategically connected and relevant in the post-Covid world. As we witness cuts in public spending, reductions in the grants and other funding that became available for businesses and the third sector to reach out to the most disadvantaged communities, the landscape is changing. There is now a greater need to build on existing partnerships, given that interfacing with government agencies and other supporting organisations is crucial to innovating further solutions for communities affected by the pandemic.

Birmingham based Nishkam Civic Association (NCA), also known as the Nishkam Centre, is now strategically positioning itself for the challenges ahead. It has announced the appointment of Amrick Singh Ubhi to a newly created senior executive position of Director of Nishkam Civic Engagement and Partnerships to guide the strategic development of the charity and its sister group of organisations over the challenging years ahead. An essential element of this new role will be to ensure that the spotlight placed on the humanitarian work of faith and business communities during the pandemic is supported, recognised and strengthened. The Nishkam Board is also pleased to announce the promotion of Ajit Singh to the position of Nishkam Civic Association Director. 

Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh, Chairman of the Nishkam Civic Association, said: “We have appointed Amrick Singh to this post in recognition of his dedication and hard work over the past fourteen years. We also thank him for overseeing the Charity’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and for his support to many mutual aid projects and initiatives across the City and beyond. He has played a pivotal leadership role in linking faith communities together with multi-agency strategic teams during these challenging times. We know that, with Ajit Singh heading the NCA, the team will position the services to meet the new challenges that the sector and its communities will be encountering over the next three post-Covid years.”

Amrick has led the NCA team since 2007 and – in the spirit of nishkamta or selflessness – has made outstanding contributions in the fields of community service, the development of interfaith relations and engagement, supporting the work of charities and cohesion-building. He has taken on many voluntary Board roles to support other organisations and to assist them where he can in building meaningful and productive partnerships. For many, Amrick’s drive to connect communities – and to strengthen and support many positive initiatives being generated locally, nationally and internationally – has been inspirational.

On his new appointment, Amrick Singh said, “I am delighted to be given an opportunity to consolidate the last fourteen years’ work with key local, regional and national civic, community and business organisations. We now need to guide the group of organisations to further develop strategic partnerships, to plan their growth in line with the highly dynamic new landscape whilst we bring to fruition the long-term strategic deliverables. I look forward with optimism to spending more time with faith, business, third sector and political leaders as we plan for an uncertain future, aiming to serve the most disadvantaged and to create a fairer, more just society.”

As Ajit Singh takes on the Nishkam Civic Association Director’s role, the team will also see a number of new posts being created to support the delivery of NCA’s exciting Strategic Plan for 2021 – 2024. Ajit has served as Operations Manager and, more recently, the Contracts Manager at the NCA for the past ten years.  He has made a significant contribution to the design, delivery and management of many services which benefit local and regional communities. “I’m thrilled to be promoted to the role of Director, leading the next phase of our development. The pandemic has enabled us to reflect and realign our priorities over the coming months and years – we see exciting and challenging times ahead.”

ENDS

For further information, a high-res photo, or to arrange an interview, please contact Prof Upkar Pardesi OBE, Vice-Chairman at Upkar.pardesi@ncauk.org or mobile: 07974150320.

Notes to Editors

1. The Nishkam Civic Association (NCA), fondly known as the Nishkam Centre, is a unique organisation charged with the task of developing a dynamic Sikh faith-inspired civic agenda. It is one of the key Centres for Excellence founded by Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, a Sikh faith-based organisation dedicated to nishkam sewa (active, selfless volunteering) to serve the common good.  It is part of the Nishkam Group that is made up of the spiritual centre (the Gurudwara), the economic cooperative – MSS (Marg Sat Santokh, meaning ‘path of truth and contentment’), the Nishkam School Trust and the Nishkam Healthcare Trust.

• Amrick Singh is a proud Brummie who gave up his corporate consultancy career 15 years ago to participate in charity work. He has devoted his career to lead in the voluntary sector and to serve the needs of voluntary and community organisations.  Amrick Singh is a well-known and respected person for civic engagement, Sikh/interfaith engagement and representation on community forums/panels.  He brings vast commercial and project management experience to make a difference to the voluntary work he undertakes. He is values-driven, a supportive yet ‘critical friend’ and a proactive partner to many. His extensive experience in supporting people in organisations to ‘uplift themselves and others’ is commendable as is his passion to see everyone excel.

• Ajit Singh, born and raised in Handsworth, Birmingham, has a long-standing affinity to the locality. He has developed a strong understanding and tacit knowledge of local communities and the challenges faced by many. His background in business and in the advice sector, along with his extensive time at NCA, have provided Ajit with the ideal platform to develop and deliver innovative and creative projects designed to be client-centred and culturally appropriate, with an emphasis on self-reliance and empowerment.  Ajit has developed an excellent understanding of grant funding, forging a track record of securing and delivering projects, producing high quality measurable outcomes and impact and bringing sustainable benefits to communities.

As the country mourns the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh and pray for the Royal Family, Birmingham Cathedral during the Choral Evensong, The Second Sunday of Easter, remembered the Duke and Royal Family. In line with lockdown regulations the ceremony was attended by a very limited invited guest list. The guests were all seated at a safe distance from each other, and face masks were obligatory. Unlike a normal service, the singing was restricted to the Choir only in compliance with restrictions on Places of Worship.    

Many leaders from across Birmingham came together to remember the Duke and participate in the service at Birmingham Cathedral.

The Very Reverend Matt Thompson, the Dean of Birmingham, welcomed the guests. He personally mentioned Right Reverend David Urquhart, The Bishop of Birmingham; Archbishop Bernard Longley; Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County of West Midlands, John Crabtree OBE; The Lord Mayor, Mohammed Azim; High Sheriff for the West Midlands, Louise Bennett; Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh OBE KSG; Leader of the Council, Cllr Ian Ward.

Following the prayers and hymns being sung, a reading from the Old Testament (Isaiah 26.1-9, 19) was read by Canon Sharon Palmer MBE. This was later followed by a reading from the New Testament (Luke 24.1-12) by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County of West Midlands, John Crabtree OBE.   

We know The Duke of Edinburgh, the longest-serving royal consort in British history, was at the Queen’s side for more than her six decades of reign. Prince Philip and the Queen had four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Prince Philip was born on the Greek island of Corfu on 10 June 1921 and his father was Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark, a younger son of King George I of the Hellenes. His mother, Princess Alice, was a daughter of Prince Louis of Battenberg and a great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria.

Shortly after his passing, the following announcement was made: 

It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty the Queen announces the death of her beloved husband,   His Royal Highness the Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh.   His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.   Further announcements will be made in due course.   The Royal family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.   Friday, 9th April 2021

            

After the service all the guests made their way out of the Cathedral and exchanged brief reflections before they left.

The new High Sheriff of the West Midlands, Louise Bennett was introduced to some of the dignitaries. Bhai Sahib paid their condolences to all the dignitaries and exchanged warm reflections and greetings. The mood was sombre but there was an air of excitement at the same time as the dignitaries reflected on how nice it was to actually be in the company of each other rather than on a computer screen.

After the auspicious service the Nishkam Centre Director, Amrick Singh said he was honoured to be invited to accompany Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh to the service, “It was very moving but surreal due to the Covid-19 restrictions in force. The service was just perfect and so befitting for Birmingham’s faith, civic, business and academic leaders to remember the Duke and the Royal Family; it was also strange that so few people had come together in such a grandiose venue. I remember events at the Cathedral where it was full to the rafters so to speak and during the singing the volume and energy was extraordinary.”

Over the last year we have seen Places of Worship completely closed to congregations or only providing very limited services. Many resorted to virtual services and support, whilst others adapted their services to work with communities during the pandemic. We saw them step up and offer their premises, staff and volunteers to combat Covid-19. We eagerly look forward to Places of Worship once more being able to offer the full range of services in the communities they so lovingly serve.

The Gurudwara served by the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, on Soho Road, Birmingham where Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh is Spiritual Leader, commenced a special prayer (Sehej Paath) reciting the whole of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji on the announcement of the Duke passing away. The culmination of the special prayers will be on the day of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Funeral.

The Cathedral service can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/4dsZbOD0-Ow

A Statement from the Leaders of Birmingham’s Faith Communities on the occasion of the death of His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip

As the principal leaders of Birmingham’s major faith communities we wish to express our deep sadness at the news of the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, this morning.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Her Majesty the Queen and all the Royal Family, and with the family of the Commonwealth and the wider world, which the Duke sought to serve with such distinction.

We join with communities in this city and across the nation in mourning and in recognition of a long life of service.

Our various faith communities will wish, in due course, to pay their respects to a man who, throughout his life championed faith co-operation, but for today we mourn with the sadness of the nation.

The Members of the Birmingham Faith Leaders’ Group:

Rabbi Yossi Jacobs, Chief Ministers, Birmingham Hebrew Congregation

Mr Amrick Singh Ubhi, Nishkam Community Centre

Mr John Beard, Birmingham Buddhist Community

Rt Rev David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham

Most Rev Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham

Bhai Sahib Dr Mohinder Singh, Chairman, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha

Cllr Muhammad Afzal, Birmingham Central Mosque

Imam Mohammad Asad, Birmingham Central Mosque

Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi, Birmingham Progressive Synagogue

Rev Ian Howarth, Birmingham Methodist Church

Mr Dinesh Chauhan, Birmingham Hindu Community

Ven Dr Uttaranyana, Birmingham Buddhist Community

On Friday 1^st November 2019 Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh OBE KSG, accompanied by an internationl cohort of 650 members of the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha decended on Lahore, Pakistan and made history. Never before had a group from so many countries, forming a single group, visited Pakistan with the sole purpose being to pay homage and obeisance to the blessed land where Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469 – 1539) had frequented centuries earlier.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji travelled far and wide, teaching people the message of one God, who dwells in every one of His creations and constitutes the eternal Truth.

“It was an honour and a humbling privilege to visit the holy, sacred shrines that we were able to in Pakistan and later in India. I would like to congratulate the whole of humanity on the 550^th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj. We applaud the actions of the Indian and Pakistan Governments in the fantastic work done to establish the Kartarpur Corridor. I was honoured to be there for the formal opening on the 9^th November 2019.”

“We should remember that all sacred shrines are precious. The sanctity of places of worship and the sacred revered

text of each faith are the responsibility of all faiths. We should respect and preserve the rich heritage of all faith traditions in the World. We have a duty of care for looking after each other – we cannot love God if we cannot love his creation.”

“The Sikh’s tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji clearly and emphatically stated that ‘saach keho sun laeho sabhay, jin prem keeo tin hee prabh paaeyo’ – ‘I speak the truth, listen everyone: Only the one who is absorbed in True Love shall attain the Lord’. Human beings must preserve the sanctity and sacredness of ALL religious texts. When we look around the world we see the desecreation of sacred shrines and this must stop. This cannot be in the name of faith or religion – these are barbaric acts of violence.” Recalled Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh.

Local sangat welcomed the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) pilgrims from around the world; U.K, Kenya, Botswana, India, U.S.A, Canada and beyond who had made the journey to Pakistan to partake in the celebrations.

Amrick Singh, Nishkam Centre Director, said how privileged he felt to have been on this sacred pilgrimage. “I remember the ecstatically warm, friendly, family welcome all the 650 guests got – it was like a home-coming as one of our Pakistan brothers put it. We could not have imagined the warmth that was portrayed toward the Sikh community right across the country. The passion that the local people had for greater faith solidarity was moving. You would continuously hear ‘may Allah bless you all and provide peace to us all’.”

“We must thank the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), Interior Minister and of course Prime Minister Imran Khan, for facilitating the possibility of such a large group to visit Pakistan. When you think of the logistics of a convoy of 16 coaches and two mini-buses being escorted from Gurudwara to Gurudwara and then returning to the hotel every evening, the magnitude of the task becomes apparent. A special vote of thanks must also go to the Pakistan Consul General, Ismail Ahmar, his team in Birmingham and Mr Ibrar at Gerry’s for the unrelenting support given to secure Pakistan Visas for the whole group. On the Indian side, Dr Aman Puri, Indian Consul General, Birmingham and his team were a great support, they facilitated the smooth issuance of the relevant documents to enable the congregation to move freely.”

The Sikh tradition informs us that the foundation of any faith is daya, which can be translated as compassion.  Our very existence on the planet is supported by daya, the bedrock of faith. Daya is not simply an obligation but an inherent quality of being. It is a powerful force that unfolds when we see the universal light of God in all creation. As humans, we walk upon the same earth, breathe the same air; share the same basic hopes and joys, whilst enduring the same suffering and pain. This acknowledgement demands a responsibility to share. Theses messages were epitomised by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and during this blessed anniversary period we should all take a long look within ourselves and calibrate our behaviour and conduct accordingly.

Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh reiterated, “We are all part of the Lord’s infinite plan, creation and design, it is important that we understand each other. We all have multiple identities as individuals. We are mothers, sisters, fathers, brothers, sons and daughters, we belong to certain professions and our passports are reminders that we have certain national identities.  Our absolute identity however, is that of a human being.  We must remember that we are here on earth as mere travellers, this is not our permanent domicile. Remembering this, will encourage us to change the way in which we engage with the world and think about life in general.  Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the Sikh’s Eternal Guru) reminds us that the temple of Mecca is within your soul, if you try to realise it.”

“Finally there is an increasing recognition that faith constitutes a vital part of our vibrant communities and that there is no singular secularism in our global world. The family of faiths, who are the backbone of civil society, must seriously reflect on their own traditions and collaborate with others to jointly harness spirituality and empower the mortal individual to achieve success in attaining a greater understanding of ‘the other’.

It would appear that despite Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message to all humanity, we are facing a crisis of selfishness and spiritual poverty in the collective human psyche. Our secular efforts to achieve anything will remain impoverished until we harness the spiritual power that remains latent within us. Together, the spiritual and the secular are the beacons that will ensure that we can serve the Creator and creation, making this a better world for all.

After visiting many of the sacred shrines across Pakistan, the group then crossed the border into India, and carried on sacred anniversary celebrations in Sultanpur Lodhi, where Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent many years with his family. The group were able to take part in Langar Sewa and serve food to the many Sikhs and visitors that were travelling to blessed location from across India and the world. It was in Sultanpur Lodhi where Guru Nanak Dev Ji first conveyed the message of ‘Ik Onkar’ (One God) to the rest of the world.

END

For more information:

1. Visit to Nankana Sahib, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthplace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQjveqFfgB8
2. University Of Birmingham Mega Event for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th Birth Anniversary: https://nishkammediacentre.com/2019/08/11/the-university-of-birmingham-to-celebrates-a-mega-event-in-sikh-history/

For more articles like the above please visit www.nishkammediacentre.com

The second Annual Peace Forum on Forgiveness and Reconciliation, convened by the Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation and hosted at the Nishkam Centre, took place on Sunday 4th February 2018. It began with the viewing of the ‘Journey of Forgiveness & Reconciliation’ Exhibition over lunch within the Nishkam Heritage Centre. The exhibition, lovingly developed by young volunteers, innovatively and graphically depicted the various stages of forgiveness. The thought provoking exhibition offered space for reflection and an opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones over lunch.

The main event, held within the Conference Hall, commenced with a powerful prayer to Almighty God, sung by the students of Nishkam Primary School, accompanied by musicians playing

ancient Indian stringed instruments. The prayer, written by Guru Arjan Dev Ji – the fifth Guru of the Sikhs- described feelings of wonder, contentment and acceptance once in the company of enlightened teachers and disciples.

It was a reflective and poignant beginning to a day which was filled with lively and emotive discussions on the nature of forgiveness. Amrick Singh Ubhi, Director of the Nishkam Centre, opened the forum by reminding participants that the forum was taking place not only during World Interfaith Harmony Week, but also Holocaust Memorial Week, further emphasising the huge significance and urgency of understanding and practicing forgiveness and reconciliation.

A video titled ‘Assisi, City of Forgiveness’ was shown to the audience, featuring a speech given by Pope Francis as part of the 800^th anniversary of the Pardon of Assisi.

‘How much does it cost us to forgive others?’ the Pope questioned the audience: ‘Have you all thought at times of God’s patience? God never tires of offering us his pardon each time we ask for it.’

Dr Josef Boehle, Director of the Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation, spoke about the Charter itself, which will be formally launched towards the end of the year, and talked about how they have thought deeply about bringing the Charter ‘to life’ and into practice.

Rabbi Dr David Rosen read a letter from William F Vendley, Co-convenor and Co-chair of the Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation, and the Secretary General of Religions for Peace International, affirming his commitment to advancing the Charter.

The Peace Forum moved on to the first panel discussion, titled Perspectives on Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Justice and Sustainable Peace, with Rabbi Dr David Rosen speaking about trauma and wounds. .

He spoke of being touched when Pope John Paul II publicly asked for forgiveness for sins committed against the Jewish

community. He described how this gesture ‘opened minds and changed realities for so many people. It created a lot of peace and opened up possibilities of new relations.’ Bharti Tailor, Vice-President and Trustee of Religions for Peace UK and panel member, noted that without empathy and true willingness, forgiveness cannot be given. She likened this to ‘blowing on a tsunami coming towards you.’

The Bishop of Coventry, Dr Christopher Cocksworth told the audience of his feelings when first encountering forgiveness: ‘As a human I felt like a failed being. But when I felt forgiven, I stood taller, because I felt free.’

He also spoke of a poignant moment in Coventry during the Second World War, when the Provost of the Cathedral, shortly after the bombings, wrote a message in the still warm ash: ‘Father, forgive.’ The Bishop reminded the audience that these are precious words in the Christian faith.

The second panel was delighted to hear from Elsa Vogel, born in France, and at the age of 14 years witnessed the dawn of the Second World War. She stayed in Paris during Nazi occupation and when she was 18, survived being machine-gunned by the Germans. She spoke about her discovery of an ‘inner voice in her heart urging me to forgive.’ She then decided, through taking time in silence, to ‘let go of the hatred and choose reconciliation.’

Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh spoke personally about the nature of forgiveness and how this can make you ‘a prisoner’.  He noted the importance of realising there is ‘innocence in ignorance’ so we cannot blame people for the things they may now know. He also spoke of God’s unconditional love for us, and how this should mirror the love we have for each other: ‘love should not have any conditions.’

The Panel discussions were followed by breakout sessions designed around two thematic themes: 1.Network/movement

for forgiveness & reconciliation; 2. Charter development and charter launch.

All guests participated in the facilitated conversations and had an opportunity to share their thoughts and contribute to the future of the Charter. Closing the conference, Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh said he felt ‘humbled, inspired and motivated’, and stressed on the gratitude he felt that people were able to come together to discuss how forgiveness may bring peace on an individual and worldly level, during a time of ‘severe violence, extremism, pain and suffering.’

‘We have a great responsibility, God resides within us, and so the capacity to forgive is within us all’, he said, ending the conference.

All guests were invited to partake in Langar – a core practice for Sikhs, where blessed vegetarian food is served to all, irrespective of religion, caste or creed.

Notes to Editors:

For more information:

• Nishkam Media Centre – nishkammediacentre.com
  • Event Photos – https://www.flickr.com/gp/121938483@N04/Gi05AD
  • Charter Website: http://www.charterforforgiveness.org/
  • Contact: office@charterforforgiveness.org

The touring exhibition, which was first launched at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in July this year, will also visit four other locations, including the Nishkam Centre, Dudley Library and Sandwell Community History and Archives.

The project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, details the journeys and contributions made by the Sikh community in Birmingham and the Black Country. It includes more than 30 video interviews conducted with migrants spanning several generations, an educational toolkit for schools, a comprehensive website and legacy-resource that will be deposited in the Library of Birmingham and Sandwell Archives.

Jasbir Uppal, Lecturer and Head of Recruitment and Marketing at the University of Wolverhampton, as well as a Project Steering Group member, opened the launch, welcoming all the guests to the University and introducing the project. He spoke about the ‘rich Sikh heritage in Wolverhampton’, their ‘extraordinary’ journey and the importance of recording the ‘strife, struggles, and their successes.’

An Ardas (prayer) was conducted and led by Giani Shyam Singh, evoking the Lord’s blessings and continued guidance.

Munpreet Kaur, Project Coordinator, spoke about the project’s goals, and the urgency of capturing these stories: ‘Because of the time limit, it is important that we capture first-hand accounts from Sikhs’. Munpreet also called upon the guests to contribute and help towards the project’s success: ‘There is still so much to do, and we request more volunteers to be part of this effort – record your family story, help us find the patterns and the big picture. Help us hold on to the teachings of our elders, like Mr Sewa Singh Mandla [the project’s oldest participant (Mandla v Lee Case) who recently passed away] before they are lost to us forever. I think it’s our duty to connect with our roots and not to forget where we are today is a testament to their work, their sacrifice and their love for us’.

Surjeet Singh Sandhu, a participant who recorded an oral history interview for the project, recalled his childhood in Punjab in the mid-1960s. Now a senior design engineer, he spoke of his amazement at being from ‘a poor family, unknown village’ with no shoes until the age of 12 years old, but yet after arriving in the UK managed to give back substantially to the community in his adult life.

Gurmail Kaur, another contributor to the project, spoke about her participation in the project, and about her story. She spoke of the need for the younger generations to learn from the narratives: ‘they need to look back and appreciate how hard it was for their parents.’ She recounted her memories of arriving in England aged nine, with her mother and siblings. ‘As a child, this is what I remember.’

Surinder Singh, a Project Steering Group member, then gave a vote of thanks. He thanked the Lord for the successes of the project and reminded the audience of the hundreds of hours of volunteer service which had been invested in the project – selfless service being a key aspect of Sikh Dharam (faith).

All guests were then led to the Harrison Learning Centre (where the exhibition is located). Gurmail Kaur’s daughter and Giani Shyam Singh cut the ribbon to formally open the exhibition.

Speaking after the launch, Councillor Harbans Singh Bagri stated that the ‘project is of absolute importance, the Sikh community has also had a strong belief in faith and in the ability to do a good day’s work, and they have always respected the British system, where there is a reward, and where they will be treated as equal human beings.’

Councillor Claire Darke, who is also voluntarily involved with the Wolverhampton Civic Historical Society, stated that the exhibition was a ‘fantastic celebration of the Sikh journey’ and that ‘collecting stories is always fascinating.’

Councillor John Reynolds, stated that ‘it was really uplifting to see the contribution made by Sikhs over the years. The Sikhs contributed massively back then and they are still contributing now.’

The exhibition will move to the Nishkam Centre in Handsworth, Birmingham, in December 2017.

For more information, please information email heritage@ncauk.org

More than 120 representatives of diverse communities from across Birmingham and beyond came together for a ‘Walk of Hope for Peace and Harmony’ in Handsworth the 26^th October 2017. The community came together as a sign of solidarity and recognition that whilst being different we have so much in common.

The event, planned, coordinated and meticulously carried out, respected and honoured all faith traditions and none to ensure a message of unity and peace was demonstrated. Word of the Peace Walk quickly spread through members of the local community, the faith community, social media and others interested in promoting peace. The event was attended by many laypersons, including several active City Council members as well police, faith leaders, school representatives etc. It was inspiring to see people arrive at the starting venue in traditional garments – robes, stoles, prayer shawls and head coverings – all respective of their faith traditions. From Sikh dastars (turbans), Christian vestments, the saffron robes of Buddhist monks to the head coverings of the Muslim kufi and the Jewish kippah—all faiths were represented and unified in their message of peace. Guests from India and mainland Europe, who had made special arrangements to join the walk and participate in the making of history, were amazed at the arrangements and participation.

The walk started with a communal reception for VIPs and dignitaries at the Shree Geeta Bhavan, in Heathfield Road. The

chief guest, Sri M, whose inspiration and discussions with Birmingham’s faith communities enabled the walk to happen was welcomed. Sri M was accompanied from London with his wife and Lady Mohini Kent Noon. Sri M (from India) was welcomed to the Shree Geeta Bhavan by the General Secretary Dr Arun Sinha and other members of the Temple Board. Other dignitaries and VIPs included Matloob Hussain (Lozells Central Mosque), Bridget von Baron (Netherlands), Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh OBE KSG (Chair of the Nishkam Civic Association), Arvinder Jain, Upashak  Bhatia, Cllr Quinnen, Cllr Hussain, Rabbi Lior Kaminetsky and many others.

Sri M, a spiritual guide, social reformer and educationist – was born into a Muslim family on November 6, 1949 in Kerala. His transformational journey, from a young boy to a living yogi, is a fascinating story symbolized by single-minded discipline and dedication. In 1998, he started his teachings, eventually leading to formation of the

Satsang Foundation. Traveling extensively unto the present day, he has quietly gone about his life’s mission – teaching and guiding people as per his Master’s instructions: ‘Quality, not quantity. Spiritual evolution is individual and cannot be a mass phenomenon.’ Conversant with teachings of most major religions, Sri M says: ‘Go to the core. Theories are of no use.’ His message seeks to transcend the outer-shell of all religions, by exploring their mystical core to nurture the innate goodness in every human being. An example of the power of peace walks was seen in 2015-16 when Sri M led a Walk of Hope lasting some 15 months from Kanyakumari to Kashmir spanning 7,500 kms across 11 states of India for peace, harmony and tolerance.

The walkers, talking and learning from each other walked peacefully portraying an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, made their way to Lozells Central Mosque. Where a prayer was recited and Sri M and Bhai Sahib Ji were invited to share brief words of wisdom. In the Mosques, Bhai Sahib Ji said, ‘I am touched by the walk – where ever there is prayer and there are faithful people there is peace. We need peace in ourselves, in our families, in the community, locally, nationally and internationally. We are privileged and honoured to be here, there are good vibrations. Prayers that come from the heart touch everyone. Thanks to Sri M for making the walk

possible by bringing people together.’

The multi-faith group then stood outside the New Testament Church of God and Sri M recited the Lord’s Prayer with all present before moving on to the Church of Francis of Assisi and St Mary’s Convent. The beautiful building and architecture was matched by the eloquent and fitting reception from Sr Norin and her colleagues.

Arriving at the Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara, the group were met by Ven. Dr Witharandeniye Kassapa (OBE). The reception involved a prayer being recited in the doorway before everyone went inside to light candles of peace.

This was then followed by a short walk to Gurdwara Babe Ke where all the guests had another photo opportunity before going in to the Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall). Here obeisance were paid to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, an edict was received from Guru Ji, a supplication offered for peace,  before a vote of thanks and light refreshments were served in the Langar hall.

The next stop was St. Michael’s Church were guests were received in the courtyard before entering the chapel to recite a prayer. Sri M led the congregation through the Lord’s Prayer.

Bhai Sahib Ji then suggested the walkers should pay respects to the proud fathers of the Industrial Revolution and a quick visit to historic Soho House was made. All were in awe when they realised they were standing in the heart of the Industrial Revolution.

Some of the guests had a wish to view the Nishkam Primary School so Bhai Sahib Ji accompanied them on a brief detour, whilst the larger group made its way to the Gurdwara served by Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha.

At the Gurdwara the group went in to the Darbar Sahib (Prayer hall) to pay obeisance to Guru Granth Sahib Ji before making their way to the roof-top Gumbad Darbar where kirtan (hymns) was being recited. The shabad (hymn) was

Awal Allah noor upaya Kudrat ke sab bandey Ek noor te sab jag upjaya Kaun bhale ko mande

‘First of all, God created light; Mother Nature created all human beings equal; from that one Light the entire world came into being; so how do we differentiate that one is better that the other?’

After the Kirtan the Ardas (supplication) was said and Guru Ji’s blessings implored. The group then all went to partake in

Langar (a blessed vegetarian meal from the Guru’s Kitchen prepared and served by volunteers). The Gurdwara is blessed with serving all visitors to the Gurdwara with Langar and an average of 25,000 meals a week are served to worshippers visiting the Guru’s abode.

Following Langar, Nishkam Centre Director, Amrick Singh, welcomed everyone to the Nishkam Centre and congratulated all those present for creating and making history. He said people would remember the walk for years to come as a marker of the cohesion and love that was clearly on display as the walkers were welcomed with open arms, hearts and minds in to each other places of worship.

The walk was a clear message from all that we are part of this community, we are all united—regardless of faith, race, colour, gender—whatever it may be is all secondary. The first thing is we are all human beings and this whole planet is a blessed sacred space that has been entrusted to us.   Many said they participated in the peace walk because they wanted to show there are more people who are full of love, and those that hate are fewer and farther between. The walk, which was less than 3 miles long, ending at the Nishkam Centre concluded with messages from many of the chief guests including Sri M and Bhai Sahib Ji. These messages enunciated the need for unity, peace, forgiveness, compassion and humility. The need for faith solidarity and the need for a better appreciation and acceptance has never been greater.

Notes to Editors:

For more information:

• Information on Sri M and his organisation – srim.org.uk
• Nishkam Media Centre – nishkammediacentre.com