An interview with Sikh Gurudwara Perth
In 2021, Sikh Gurudwara Perth received the Active Citizenship Award from the City of Swan in the Community Citizen of the Year Awards. While the recognition came about in light of the group’s vital assistance to community during the COVID-19 pandemic, their support of those in need has not waivered. Auspire spoke to Sikh Gurudwara Perth President, Jarnail Singh, to find out more.
What inspires Sikh Gurudwara Perth to contribute to your community?
There are three core tenets of the Sikh religion: meditation upon and devotion to the Creator, truthful living, and service to humanity. Sikhs are meant to uphold the values of honesty, compassion, generosity, humility, integrity, service, and spirituality on a daily basis. ‘Sarbat da bhala’ is the final term in the Sikh prayer called the Ardas. The term outlines one of the most important of Sikh principles and is a point that is repeated in the Sikh Scriptures. The Sikh concept of ‘sarbat da bhala’ means “blessings for everyone” or literally “may everyone prosper”.
What positive effects have you seen as a result?
We as a group always try to follow the teachings of our Guru and during the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to make sure that in this crisis no one slept hungry, so we started the Free Meal Project. This project gives a positive energy within the group and, like other Sikh organisations around the world, we were able to serve the wider community in this crisis.
What did the Community Citizen of the Year Award mean to the group?
The award has given us more responsibility so that our services should continue and we keep working for the betterment of the Australian community. It boosted the confidence level of our volunteers to do more for the community.
How do you continue to support your community?
Our Free Meal Project is ongoing and, as per our religious teachings, is taught to help the needy whenever there is a crisis anywhere in the world – all of the gurudwaras worldwide do the same. Sikh Gurudwara Perth has served more than 175,000 free meals as of today. [In an interview with the City of Swan, Jarnail also revealed about a new initiative that provides groceries for international students who are struggling to afford them due to cost of living and rental issues.]
Find out more about Sikh Gurudwara Perth here.
If you know a group that deserves to be recognised, nominate them in the Community Citizen of the Year Awards. Nominations are open all year round at citizenshipawards.com.au/nominate
The Community Citizen of the Year Awards are proudly supported by the Department of Communities, 9 News Perth, 6PR Perth and WAtoday.