In a heartfelt gesture of unity and compassion, members of the Sikh and Hindu communities in Manchester gathered at the Gurdwara Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib to offer Ardaas (prayer) for the eternal peace of the Indian and Nepalese victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The solemn event served not only as a moment of remembrance but also as a reaffirmation of shared values—peace, unity, and collective service.
The gathering was led by Vishakha Yaduvanshi, the newly appointed Consul General of India in Manchester, following the inauguration of the new Consulate General office in the city. Her presence carried emotional and symbolic weight, highlighting her commitment to building strong, compassionate ties with the diaspora and promoting solidarity in the face of tragedy.
She joined the congregation in Sukhmani Sahib Keertan, offered a personal Ardaas before the Guru Granth Sahib, and later partook in Guru ka Langar, choosing to sit on the floor in the traditional manner alongside community members—a gesture of humility that was deeply appreciated by the congregation. Harbhajan Singh ji, the Gurdwara’s Granthi, praised her simplicity and sincerity.
Yaduvanshi was warmly received by several prominent members of the local Indian community, including Shri Jaswinder Singh Kohli, Pradhan of the Gurdwara and founder of the 'Educate Punjab Project'; Dr. Rajinder Pal Singh, transplant surgeon at Manchester University Hospitals; Prof. Nawal Prinja, nuclear physicist and UK Government advisor; and Dr. Kapilmeet Kaur, consultant at Stepping Hill Hospital.
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The diaspora strongly condemned the violence in Pahalgam and used the occasion to express a collective yearning for peace, not just in mourning but as an act of healing and resistance to hatred. The Consul General's message echoed these sentiments, calling for unity beyond divisions, rooted in the wisdom of Sikh Gurus and the shared human values of compassion, humility, and service.
Discussions during the gathering also explored avenues for community development and interfaith collaboration. Prof. Prinja and Kohli spoke about inclusive policies around Hindu and Sikh cremation rites and support for broader diaspora initiatives. Yaduvanshi commended Kohli’s charitable efforts, particularly the 'Educate Punjab' initiative, pledging her support for its mission to uplift underprivileged children in Punjab.
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As a token of appreciation, Dr. Rajinder Pal Singh presented the Consul General with a signed copy of his book, 'Journey Across Boundaries', which reflects on the deep-rooted ties between Sikh and Hindu communities and the enduring spirit of unity across cultural and regional divides.