displayed Guru Gobind Singh ji’s “kalgi”, Baba Ajit Singh’s ‘arrow’, and other relics from the days of the Gurus. Bibi Amar Kaur had her room filled with a display of photographs depicting Sikh history. The Exhibition room of Sardar Malkiat Singh Lopo displayed cultural items, photographs, and his famous dolls. Anniversary of the Khalsa Panth were also on sale, Other items were ready-made clothes, copper-tooling products, cloth, food and drinks. Special souvenirs commemorating the 300th. The stalls played a variety of music to attract customers. There was a colourful display of Gatka in the main field witnessed by the crowd. Tea and buns / biscuits / sweetmeats were served for tea. Sardar Sardool Singh and his group in charge of food arrangements were frantically cooking ‘deg’ after ‘deg’ of rice and dhall. By 5.00pm the crowd had already built up to 3500 to 4000, which was beyond our expectations. There began a steady trickle of the sangat into the GNI grounds. and the Kirtan Darbaar began under the guidance of Sikh Naujawan Sabha. 27th March 1999, SaturdayĮvery member who had been allotted responsibility was busy as a bee, finalizing last minute arrangements.Ĭome 2.00 pm. The office was also a hive of activity, with phone calls coming in non-stop, arrangements being finalized, and seeing to the responsibilities being carried out to detail. The float of the Perak Sikh Union, and Gurdwara Sahib Kampar were also being prepared at the GNI grounds. Sardar Ranjit Singh, Sardar Harneak Singh, and Bibi Kuldip Kaur were working round the clock to ensure that the main float comes out to be the best ever. Sewadaars like Sardar Sahib Singh, Sardar Mohkam Singh, Sardar Sardool Singh, Sardar Rajinder Singh, Sardar Sawaran Singh and members of the Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia Perak were busy decorating the grounds, sweeping, cleaning, arranging, etc. Guru Nanak Institution was a hive of activity from the 23rd. The helicopter above was to shower flower petals along the way. followed by the 42 Gurdwaras and 6 association floats. The procession was set up as follows :įlag Bearers (National, State, Khalsa Flags), Panj Piare on horseback, Dasmesh Band, Gatka Group from U.K., the main float from K.D.M. The standard formation was : THE BANNER, FLOAT, THE SANGAT/MEMBERS, of each Gurdwara/Association. The 42 Gurdwaras of Perak and 6 associations were requested to participate. Sardar Desunda Singh, Sardar Ander Singh ‘Lalli’Įx Officio members: Sardar Darshan Singh ‘Kellah’ Sardar Mohkam Singh.
The team comprised of the following: Organising ChairmanĪs we proceeded with the planning, more members were incorporated into the Committee. Having envisioned the gigantic lay-out of the programme, a team of the ablest and most devoted, and who would quietly work for the Khalsa Panth in selfless glory were hand-picked. The members at the Annual General meeting of the Diwan held on 22.11.98 had approved a tidy sum of RM60,000.00 for this purpose. Sure enough, I was asked to Chair the Organizing Committee meeting, and to pick my own team, with the mandate to even incorporate members from outside KDM circle. Hence at the Diwan meeting held on 17.10.98, the proposal was made to celebrate the occasion on a grand scale at Perak State level and give a general invitation to sangat of Malaysia. I knew that to suggest it at the Executive Committee meeting of the Diwan would mean “you propose, you do it.” I consulted the members who I knew would eventually get involved, and they were willing. The thought was in my mind for some time. Having the means to organize is one thing to be able to organize is another. As the name suggests, Khalsa Diwan Malaysia was aptly positioned to do so, at least at Perak level if not the National level. Someone or some Society or Association had to step forward and take the lead.
We happen to be passing by in time at this point. This particular celebration was of particular significance as it was the 300th. REPORT BY ORGANISING CHAIRMAN SARDAR SANTOKH SINGH RANDHAWA. With the co-operation of all Gurdwaras and Sikh Associations in Perak 300th Anniversary Of The Khalsa Panth Celebrations 1999