On behalf of the Swiss Sangat, Master Karan Singh ji, welcomed Sirdar Surender Singh ji Kandhari and his dear wife. Karan Singh ji, highlighted the contribution made by Bhai Surender Singh ji, and said “the journey undertaken by Bhai Sahib ji to accomplish in making an unbelievable vision a reality was full of thorns.
(From Left to Right: Mr. Ranjit Singh Masuta, Mr. Harminder Singh Khalsa, Mr. Surender Singh Kandhari and Master Karan Singh)
His untiring efforts, self determination, blessing of Almighty and the generosity of the the Rulers of Dubai gave him bundles of energy in building one of the marvelous and modern Gurdawara in a Dubai, UAE an Islamic Country. The presence of this Gurdawara on the World Map means that the message of Guru Nanak Dev ji, is spread in the right context and we all Sikhs and all others world wide, who believe that “All Human Race is One”, are proud of this great achievement.
Swiss Sangat is thankful from the core of their heart to the Rulers of Dubai for donating land and granting permission to the Sikhs to build this marvelous and unique Gurdawara Sahib. It is one of the greatest gifts to the entire Sikh world.
The entire Sangat very keenly listened to Bhai Surendar Singh ji, who said it was not an easy task to get permission to build a place of worship for followers of Sikh Religion in an Islamic Country. The present ruling family was convinced of Guru Nanak Dev ji’s message to the world and Mr. Kandhari ji’s plan to have a place of worship – Gurdawara in Dubai, UAE.
Before approving the Project, the rulers of the country clearly said that “the Gurdawara should be No. 1 in the World”. Bhai Sahib ji answered “it cannot be Number 1, but it will be Number 2 in the World as Number 1 is Harmandir Sahib”.
Today he says, “The Rulers are proud to have one of the most modern Gurdawara in the world. He added, that the Rulers have assured full support to the Gurdawara Management and we can reach the authorities whenever, we need their assistance.
There are 35 Sewadars working round the clock for the maintenance of the Gurdawara Sahib. It is having all amenities and hygienic conditions and also fulfilling all ISO standards”.
He added, nearly 1,000 devotees daily visit and enjoy “Guru Ka Langar” and on weekly congregations, the number of devotees cross over 10,000 and on Holy Gurpurabs the figures of devotees attending the function reaches nearly 60,000 who share “Guru Ka Langar”. On listening to the figures, the Swiss Sangat got very emotional.
Daily Holy Services are conducted by the Head Granthi, there are 3 Kirtani Jathas on the payroll of the Gurdawara Management performing full time Gurbani Services. Whereas, there is a 2 years waiting list for Kirtani Jathas from abroad to perform Kirtan in Guru’s Darbar.
On behalf of the Swiss Sangat, Bhai Surender Singh ji was blessed with the Siropa. While humbly accepting the Siropa, he said “am honoured to be in Guru’s Darbar- an impressive, traditional Gurdawara. And I am overjoyed to hear Kirtan performed by Swiss Sikh children, I see Guru’s Sikhi has spread it roots in Switzerland too”.
While sitting with the Sangat and enjoying Guru Ka Langar, Mr. Kandhari was questioned by a Guru Sikh about Ardas, issues in Dubai and elsewhere. He clearly said “who are we and what right do we have to change the Holy Banis of our Gurus and Sikh Rehat Maryada”. One thing is clear, “I fully support all, who spread the true message of our Gurus. But important criteria are that all Sikh Organizations and Institutes must be very transparent, the management is honest and dedicated in performing the Gurus Sewa.
On their way back, Mr. and Mrs. Kandhari were blessed to have Darshan of 2, original hand written Holy-Scriptures, dating back to the era of our 10th Guru Gobind Singh ji. Although, they were delayed to attend their other engagements, one could see that their joy had no bounds and they parted with an emotional Guru Fateh.
