Frankfurt, Germany: Following the conclusion of the weekly Gurmat Diwan at Gurdwara Sikh Centre Frankfurt, portraits of Bhai Gajinder Singh, a founding member of Dal Khalsa and an exiled Sikh activist, and Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was assassinated in Canada, were installed amid resounding Sikh religious slogans. On the occasion, representatives of the Gurdwara management committee and members of the congregation paid tribute to the contributions and legacy of both personalities.
During the event, speakers stated that the platform of Gurdwara Sikh Centre Frankfurt has consistently been used to raise its voice on Panthic issues, Sikh rights and the struggle for freedom. They noted that portraits of Sikhs who were martyred during the Sikh struggle had already been installed at the Gurdwara Sahib.
The speakers emphasised that preserving the memories of martyrs and warriors who dedicated their lives to the struggle, and making the younger generation aware of their lives, principles and sacrifices, is a collective responsibility of the Sikh community. They said that Sikh history carries a tradition of standing against oppression, upholding the truth and defending human rights. Gurdwara Sikh Centre Frankfurt will continue its efforts to pass this legacy on to future generations.
Bhai Gajinder Singh dedicated a significant part of his life to the Sikh freedom struggle and spent several decades in exile. Sri Akal Takht Sahib honoured him with the title of “Exiled Warrior.” His life remains an important part of the history of the Sikh struggle.
Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar, president of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib in Surrey, Canada, and a pro-Khalistan leader, was shot dead in Surrey in June 2023. Allegations raised by the Canadian government regarding the purported involvement of Indian agents in the case sparked an international controversy. Sikh organisations honour him as a martyr of the Sikh community.
It is noteworthy that portraits of both personalities have also been installed at the Central Sikh Museum at Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar. The management committee of Gurdwara Sikh Centre Frankfurt stated that the installation of the portraits was intended to pay tribute to their memories and their contributions to the Sikh community.
Those present at the event included Gurdwara management committee president Bhai Anup Singh Ghotra, vice-president Bhai Gurcharan Singh Guraya, general secretary Bhai Hira Singh Mattewal, chairman Bhai Gurdial Singh Lali, former president Bhai Balkar Singh, Bhai Narinder Singh Ghotra, Bhai Bahadur Singh Samra and Bhai Jaswant Singh, along with other prominent personalities and members of the congregation.
