UNITED SIKHS hosts Guru Nanak Sahib’s 555th Parkash Purab and Remembrance of 1984 Sikh Genocide at Parliament House of Victoria
Melbourne, Australia
In a significant event at the Victorian Parliament, UNITED SIKHS hosted the 555th anniversary of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji celebrations and also commemorated 40th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh Genocide.
Attended by community leaders, dignitaries, and human rights advocates from across Australia, this historic event underscored the Sikh community’s 180 years-old contributions to Australia.
Representatives from Australia’s political sphere, including members of the Australian Labor Party and the Greens, spoke in solidarity with Sikhs, condemning the atrocities of the 1984 Sikh genocide and highlighting tactics used by authoritarian regimes to silence human rights advocates worldwide.
Members of Parliament Mr. Tim Read and Mr. Steve McGhie, along with other dignitaries and community leaders participated in the commemoration. MP McGhie admired Sikh community’s dedication to the principles of sewa (selfless service), emphasizing that the service extends far beyond their own community. He praised their efforts during recent Australian natural disasters, including floods, bushfires, and the COVID-19 pandemic, where Sikh volunteers provided food and essential services to those affected. “It’s an honor to recognize legacy of Guru Nanak and the remarkable ways in which the Sikh community has upheld his teachings of service and compassion,” Mr. McGhie stated.
Mr. Read also conveyed his respect and solidarity with the Sikh community, voicing remorse for the trauma the community has endured. Acknowledging Victoria’s significant Sikh population, he recognized the community’s unwavering contributions, particularly during the 2023 bushfires, when Sikhs provided meals and assistance to those in need. Mr. Read further expressed concern over recent threats faced by Sikhs globally, particularly in Canada, and pledged his commitment to support their freedom of speech and safety within Australia. “The Sikh community has shown incredible resilience, and their contributions to our society do not go unnoticed. We encourage federal members to proactively support for your right to safety and freedom,” he remarked.
The event also featured a historical exhibition that illuminated Guru Nanak Sahib Ji’s journeys, teachings, and the sites he visited to spread his message of peace and oneness. The exhibition included powerful visual documentation of the 1984 Sikh Genocide, providing a space for reflection on the profound impact of these events on the global Sikh community.
UNITED SIKHS Australia Director Gurvinder Singh stated, “It is an honour for us to host the commemoration of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji’s 555th Parkash Purab at the Parliament House as we also solemnly observe the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh Genocide. The genocide is constant reminder that for the world that we while we seek peace and harmony of all communities, we must also remain vigilant and be prepared to stop injustice or oppression of any community.”
The event’s success reflects the strength of Australia’s Sikh community and the enduring dedication of UNITED SIKHS to advancing human rights, social justice, and religious freedom for all. With the support of Sikh organizations, sponsoring businesses, and allies in Australian government, UNITED SIKHS continues its work to end oppression and uplift marginalized voices around the world, he added.
