|
First ever
gurdwara in Eastern Europe
WSN Network
WARSAW: For three years now, the local Sikh community in Poland was
forced to use a rented house in the Warsaw suburb of Rashyn for
regular practice of parkash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib but now a
gurdwara, possibly the first in Eastern Europe, is set to adorn this
Polish capital after a nod from the authorities.
The gurdwara has already been registered as a religious institution
and what is more, the Sikhs have also been granted the right to wear
a turban and keep a kirpan. Sikh community in Poland, a largely
Catholic dominated nation, seems to be very excited about the new
venture, thanks to the meher of the Akal Purakh.
Indian Ambassador to Poland Chandra Mohan Bhandari has welcomed the
move.
Local Sikhs now routinely draw a parallel with France, where the
Sikh community children have been barred from wearing a turban in the
government-run schools, and considers Polish authorities more
accomodating.
The Sikhs have now decided to gather more funds from not only Poland
but other European countries also for the gurdwara, something that
will give a sense of association to Sikhs from the neighbouring
countries and establish a spirit of brotherhood through the
institution of the gurdwara.
Incidentally, the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC),
often sends preachers and hymn singers to the East European nations
for religious activities. Poland also is host to a few Sindhi
families who also believe in Guru Nanak and his teachings.
16 January 2008
|
Read Also