UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spotlighted the quintessential British Indian values of compassion, courage and sewa as he hosted a special reception to mark the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi, at 10 Downing Street in London.
The festival, which falls on April 13, is celebrated around the world over the course of the month at the start of spring to commemorate the establishment of the Khalsa by Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.
Starmer said: “It’s really fantastic to be able to come together and to celebrate the contribution of British Sikhs to our nation, and what a contribution that is and has been and will be into the future.
“From across our society, our armed forces, those who contribute to our schools, to our NHS, to charities, and of course, to businesses. If you think about it, throughout our history, from fighting for Britain in the World Wars and today the work supporting people struggling with the cost of living, or welcoming refugees from Ukraine, the generosity of gurdwaras across Britain.
“I’m always very humbled when I see that work, that care, that beacon of light in our communities. A visible sign of the values of Sikhism, of compassion and courage, but also of service or sewa, and that’s particularly important to me.
“This government will always stand with you, proud of our strong multicultural society and against bigotry.”
The annual Mayor of London’s Vaisakhi celebrations at Trafalgar Square will follow this weekend, complete with live performances, kirtan devotional music, talks, cultural exhibitions, martial arts, children’s activities, and vegetarian food showcasing the rich traditions of Punjabi culture. An exhibition and live podcast recording about Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the birth of the Khalsa, turban-tying workshops, sports activities with the Sikh Games, and an art exhibition by Sikh artists are also planned this year.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: "The festival is a wonderful example of how we celebrate the many communities that make our city a beacon of inclusivity, creating a more united and inclusive capital as we build a better London for everyone.”
*Info: Mayor of London’s Vaisakhi
