Our Leader in Indian Newslink Digital Edition October 1, 2022
on September 18, 2022 (Photo Supplied)
Venkat Raman
Auckland, October 1, 2022
The formation of the New Zealand Central Sikh Association (NZCSA), bringing together the entire Sikh community in the country will be hailed as a historic moment for Sikhs.
For, the 75,000 strong community (expected to be seen at 100,000 in Census 2023) around the world is known for its ability to forge a unique bond with the people of the land and migrants in the case of the advanced countries of the world.
However, Sikhs in New Zealand have faced several challenges in recent years, some of them shaking their core beliefs and strengths. While their belief in Sikhism has always been strong, differences strewn by political and other affiliations had begun to tear apart the community.
Fortunately, the leaders of the community realised the need to combine their spirit of social welfare and sense of purpose and decided to come together under a common umbrella.
The NZCSA will bring together the entire Sikh community in the country on a common platform to address issues concerning their people and seek common solutions.
Service during the Covid pandemic
One of the ‘positive’ aspects of Covid-19 was the inspiring leadership of the Sikh community in organising free family packages containing essential supplies. More than 300,000 such packages were reported to have been distributed through Sri Kalgidhar Sahib Gurdwara in the South Auckland suburb of Takanini, in addition to facilitating the administration of Covid Vaccines to New Zealanders. Recipients of these facilities and services were not only Sikhs but also Maori, Pacifica, Muslims, and other ethnic people.
Since they arrived in New Zealand almost 133 years ago, the Sikh community has been an important partner in the country’s progress and prosperity and involvement in the socio-economic issues has made them a significant segment of the society.
Known for their hard work and commitment, the Sikhs also conscientiously promote their religious, traditional, moral and social values. They are also respected for their ability to pursue their beliefs and practices, overcoming the challenges posed by members of other ethnic groups.
In New Zealand, the presence of the Sikh community is increasingly felt in almost all sectors of the economy and society. Several Sikhs have made it to the New Zealand Police and proudly wear the traditional gears along with their blue uniform.
Revered Founder
As well as keeping pace with the times and integrating into the society in which they live, Sikhs retain their traditional and cultural values, along with the teachings of the Founder of their religion, Guru Nanak. His words of wisdom continue to inspire Sikhs and people of other religions and faiths throughout the world. He emphasised the significance of unity, peace and harmony as the foundation of social progress.
Guru Nanak spent more than two decades travelling to various parts of India, teaching people the importance of seeking oneness and orderliness in their lives and emphasising the importance of communal harmony.
He sought the simplest possible path of ‘Nam-Simaran,’ commemoration of His name, which beyond form and rites enabled man to enter into intimate communion with God. He discovered in commemoration of ‘Nam,’ the gist of all rites and the instrument of realising and communicating with the Formless One, without losing his way into the cobwebs of formal rituals.
We salute the Sikh community and wish them success and growth from strength to strength.
