DESPITE Sikhs only comprising one per cent of British population, their contribution to the society is huge, said Tan Dhesi, MP for Slough, during Tuesday’s Parliamentary debate on the contribution to the Sikhs to the UK.
April was the National Sikh Awareness and History Month, and various programmes, including the second annual ‘Turban Awareness Day’ and talks on ‘Guru Nanak and Feminism’, were held to celebrate Sikh achievements and culture.
Dhesi said he was looking forward to “more projects recognising the current and historic achievements of Sikhs, including the ongoing National Sikh War Memorial plans and future projects to encourage even more international links, including direct London-Amritsar flights.”
With support, the British Sikh community will no doubt go from strength to strength and make an even greater contribution to British life, added the MP.
Prime minister Theresa May had earlier underlined the importance of Sikh values as the UK “forges a new role” outside the EU.
May said: “Whether it’s in the fields of business, the armed forces or the charitable sector, you consistently follow the pillars of your faith and in so doing set an example to us all.
“Your values – of equality and respect, of fairness and helping those less fortunate than yourselves – are values we need more than ever, as we forge a new, ambitious, role for Britain in the world.
“I am determined to build a country that works for everyone; a country where no matter who you are, you can achieve your goals – and the Sikh community is a vital part of that mission.”
