By: Gurjeet Singh*
London: Relatives of those killed in the Westminster terror attack for the first time came together in the same place, along with leading politicians and members of the Royal Family in a “service of hope” at Westminster Abbey. They were joined by five representatives of the Sikh Federation (UK) and the Sikh Network.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd gave the first reading at the service. The second reading was made by Prince William. PC Jaskaran Kaur Garcha, who was featured earlier this year in the #350sikhwomen campaign by the Sikh Network gave the following reading from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji:
Photo: Sikh Federation UK
“First, God created the Light, then, by his Creative Power, he made all mortal beings. From the One Light, the entire universe welled up. So who is good, and who is bad? O people, O Siblings of Destiny, do not wander deluded by doubt. The Creation is in the Creator, and the Creator is in the Creation, totally pervading and permeating all places.” (Bhagat Kabir)
Bhai Narinderjit Singh, the General Secretary of the Sikh Federation (UK) who was at the service said:
“Over a dozen Sikhs, including Sikh police officers have today taken part in the service in Westminster Abbey to show we are all united against violence and terrorism. Today was a service of hope, but our collective response to the callous terrorist attack has to be much more than hope.”
“The Sikh National Anthem and the motto of our organisation is “Never flinch from performing righteous deeds.” The main message from today should be we must have an unflinching and united resolve to defeat terrorism.”
* Gurjeet Singh
National Press Secretary
Sikh Federation (UK)