THE City of Langley and the Langley Library celebrated their first annual Sikh Heritage Month event with approximately one hundred people, including City of Langley Mayor Nathan Pachal and Councillor Rosemary Wallace, who enjoyed turban-tying demonstrations, cultural displays, a presentation on the Sikh heritage, religion, and history in Canada, music performances, and refreshments.
The event began with a land acknowledgement, followed by a very informative presentation on Sikhs and Sikhism by Jashanpreet Singh Randhawa. People enjoyed an entertaining and very energetic Sikh traditional music performance by Lakhwinder Singh and Jagraj Singh dhadi group. They also introduced some popular Sikh music instruments. For attendees, the live turban tying demonstrations were also a big attraction. There was a display highlighting Sikh history in Canada. The city staff asked people to give their ideas for adding traditional foods to their newly opened café inside the building. The attendees enjoyed samosas and coffee.
During the event, two families were recognized for their contributions to the Langley community. Manjit Gill and her husband Darcy Gill were recognized for their long commitment and making a giant impact especially for medical services in Langley. They have donated more than $1 million towards the expansion of Langley Memorial Hospital in addition to building a new MRI clinic and other services. Manjit Gill is a philanthropist, a dreamer, an adventurer, a community activist, a voracious reader and a poet who moved to Langley over 50 years ago. The Gill couple has contributed millions of dollars for the betterment of the community. Darcy Gill’s family moved to Langley in 1924 and since then, the family has been living in Langley. The Gill family is very well known and well respected in the community.
The other family that was recognized has been in Canada for a long time. Harcharan Singh Kundan migrated to Canada from England in February 1968, and briefly lived in Montreal and then in Vancouver before ultimately settling in Langley, the place he has proudly called home and is living in with his family for the past 56 years. He has contributed decades of skill and hard work to this community. Harcharan raised his family in Langley, and says that watching his children build their own lives and other families in Langley has been a source of immense pride and fulfillment for him. Reflecting on his journey, Harcharan speaks with gratitude about the life he has built in Canada.
Overall, it was a great opportunity for locals to learn about Sikh heritage and culture and their generous contributions to the community. At the end of the program, Library Manager Dr. Sarwan Singh Randhawa thanked the attendees, special guests, the speakers and performers, volunteers, the city and library staff, and the media.
(Report and photos submitted)
