Singapore PM Wears Turban During Gurudwara Inauguration – Free PDF Download

What has happened?

• Singapore’s Prime minister Lee Hsien Loong inaugurated a renovated historic Gurudwara.
• This was also featured in this month’s “Mann ki Baat” programme of the Indian PM Narendra Modi, who appreciated the development.
• “The Prime Minister of Singapore and my friend, Lee Hsien Loong inaugurated the recently renovated Silat Road Gurudwara. He also wore the traditional Sikh turban,” Modi said.
• “The people-to-people strength between two countries gets a boost with such initiatives and efforts. These also show how important it is to live in a harmonious environment and understand each other’s culture.”

Gurudwara inauguration by Singapore PM

• Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wore an immaculate white turban at the inauguration of a gurdwara and greeted the community members in perfect Punjabi, saying “Sat Sri Akaal”.
• Speaking at the event, he praised the Sikh community for their contribution in mitigating the disruptions caused by the pandemic.
• He said the gurdwaras in Singapore rallied members to help those in need during this difficult period, regardless of race, religion, or background.
• The Silat Road gurdwara is a shining icon in the multi-religious landscape of Singapore, the prime minister said.

• The gurdwara was renovated during the pandemic when Sikh leaders helped worshippers adjust to disruptions caused by the pandemic by innovating and using technology to adapt to the “new normal”.
• The gurdwara started live-streaming services of congregations for devotees and
• The Coordinating Council of Sikh Institutions commissioned a task force called ‘Project Akaal’ to provide support for mental health within the Sikh community.
• “These initiatives set a good example for the wider community, as we move towards a new normal of living with an endemic virus,” PM Lee.
• Before the renovation, the Silat Road Gurdwara served up to 1,500 people daily and
• Now the langar can be organised for up to 2,000 people in a safer and comfortable environment.

About the gurudwara

• The Silat Road Gurudwara was built in 1924 and is the oldest gurudwara in the country.
• This Gurudwara is dedicated to Bhai Maharaj Singh, who fought against the British in India and is one of the historic sites of the country.

• Bhai Maharaj Singh was sent by the British to Singapore in the 1850s as a political prisoner.
• He was seen as a “saint soldier” and was the first Sikh of Singapore.
• He died in solitary confinement at the Outram Prison in 1856.
• “This Gurudwara was built about a hundred years ago and there is also a memorial dedicated to Bhai Maharaj Singh.
• Bhai Maharaj Singh ji fought for the independence of India and this moment becomes more inspiring when we are celebrating 75 years of independence,” Modi said.

1^st Sikh gurudwara

• Silat Road Gurudwara was the first Sikh Gurudwara of the country built in traditional styles, like the Gurudwaras found in India.
• It was also referred to as Police Gurudwara because it was built with help of Sikhs in the police service.
• The Gurudwara has been a spiritual haven for Sikhs in Singapore and during the Japanese occupation, it took in the widows and children of Sikhs who gave lives in defending the country.

India in Singapore

• Indian origin people make from 7 to 9 per centof the multicultural south Asian country which takes pride in its diversity.
• Being the third largest ethnic group, Indian Singaporeans have contributed a lot the nation-building.
• Two Indian origin people are top Singapore ministers — Shanmugam is the current home minister and Vivian Balakrishnan, the current foreign minister of the country.
• General Ravinder Singh was the chief of the Singapore Army from 2011–2014.

Q) Which is the dominant religion in Singapore?

1. Islam
2. Hinduism
3. Christianity
4. Buddhism

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