Sikhs Take Out an Impressive Parade to Celebrate

RICHARDSON, TX (TIP): November 16 appeared to be a bad weather day. But the threatening clouds relented. It was the Grace of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, to celebrate whose 544th birth anniversary his followers were gathered at Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Richardson, to take out an impressive parade that the seemingly hostile weather turned out to be quite friendly. A sea of humanity could be seen at the parade the Sikh community of the Dallas Fort Worth area took out in Richardson. The parade was taken out to celebrate the 544th birth anniversary of a great saint,philosopher and a social reformer who had followers from all major religions of his times. Prior to the parade being taken out, prayers were offered in the Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Richardson.

After the formal prayers and the kirtan darbar, the Gurdwara management and some guests addressed the congregation. These guests represented various institutions and organizations. Mike Ghouse of Inter Faith Community and an eminent scholar on Sikhism, Dr. Harbans Lal spoke on the life and philosophy of Shri Guru Nanank Dev Ji. Dr. Lal also spoke about Guru Nanak’s relevance to the modern world. Ghouse callled Guru Nanak Dev Ji a man of all climes and ages. Dr. Lal said Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message is universal and it needs to be followed to bring peace and happiness to the world.

On this occasion, a few officials were recognized for their services to community. They included Sergeant Kirby Luke of McKinney Police Department, Sergeant Brian Alcorn of Richardson Police Department, Laura Maczka, Mayor of Richardson, Beth Van Duyne, Mayor of City of Irving, Reatha Forte of Justice Department, and Gregory W Rushin, Police Chief of City of Plano. In their address to the congregation, they greeted the Sikhs on the auspicious and happy occasion of the birth anniversary of their First Master. Describing the Sikh community as hard working and honest, they lauded the role of the community in the growth of America.

The Secretary of the Gurdwara Bhai Surinder Singh Gill who conducted the stage, reminded, from time to time, that Guru Nanak was an apostle of love, liberty and peace, the values that the American nation holds so dear. The United Sikhs representative Bhai Gurvinderjit Singh praised the American administration for providing adequate security for Sikhs in the wake of the attack on Sikhs in a Gurdwara at Oak Creeks. He described the courageous Police Officer Brian Murphy as a great soldier who placed his life in the line of duty and took bullets on himself to save so many lives of innocent Sikhs trapped in the Gurdwara.

A plaque to honor Lt. Brian Murphy and a check to express community’s gratitude, were handed over to the local law enforcement officers. Bhai Surinder Singh Gill appreciated the local administration for their cooperation in organizing the Parade. He also thanked the cultural organizations- Hansda Punjab and Punjabi Cultural Association of North Texas (PCANT) for their participation and cooperation. Prayers in the Gurdwara Sahib over, the Parade moved on, led by Panj Piaras (Five Beloveds). The Living Master of the Sikhs, Shri Guru Granth Sahib (The Sikh Holy Scripture) was carried in a flower bedecked float that followed the Panj Piaras.