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Tampa gurdwara is not just about worship, but
Sikh way of life
WSN Network
TAMPA - Mohan Singh removes his shoes
before entering the Bay area's only Sikh temple, Tampa Gurdwara.
Outside the gurdwara, Singh's appearance is often misunderstood. His
long gray beard, carefully wrapped turban and traditional Indian
garments raise questions among many Americans.
To Sikhs, Singh's appearance represents a commitment to the
teachings of their holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. The book
preaches peace, equality for all and purity. Singh, the pastor at
Tampa Gurdwara, 15302 Morris Bridge Road, bows before the doctrine.
"People assume we are Muslim," said Singh, 64. "We're totally
different."
"The Khalsa are the pure," said Tampa Gurdwara member Devinder Sethi,
52. "They were willing to stand up against injustice."
The Tampa Gurdwara, officially known as United Sikh Religious and
Educational Foundation, formed in 1987. Originally, members met at
one another's homes. In 1997, they moved into the facility on Morris
Bridge Road at the eastern edge of New Tampa. Between 60 and 70
people attend services there at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday.
Singh, who moved to the United States from Punjab in 2003, was
invited by friends to lead the facility. A former professor of
religion, he lives on the property with his wife, Kuljeet Kaur, 63,
and son, Raman Preet, 34. They are involved with every aspect of the
gurdwara.
The Tampa Gurdwara hosts blood drives, works with Metropolitan
Ministries and once a year offers free flu shots to the public.
Several members are medical doctors and willing to donate their
services.
"Part of Guru's teachings are about serving the community," said
member and Tampa area dentist Darshan Singh, 60. "It's not just
about serving yourself. You have to take time to work with others."
6 June, 2007
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