PSB Seniors Club Association recently marked Sikh Heritage Month with a dynamic event that honored the rich cultural heritage and significant contributions of the Sikh community in Canada. The event was held on April 27, 2024 at Century Gardens Recreation Centre, Brampton.
The seminar featured Bhai Gulzar Singh, a counselor certified by the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF), with academic credentials from McMaster University in addiction counseling. He has volunteered as a Spiritual Associate at CAMH and has served as a Chaplain in Federal Correctional Institutes for over a decade, offering spiritual counseling.
The event also included a notable speech by Mr. Shafqat Ali, Member of Parliament for Brampton Centre, who emphasized the importance of such seminars and the celebration of Sikh Heritage Month, Khalsa Day, and Vaisakhi. Mr. Amarjot Sandhu, MPP for Brampton West, discussed the rising health challenges among the South Asian senior community and promised provincial government support to address these issues in the future.
Mr. Paul Vicente, Regional Councillor for Ward 1 & 5 in Brampton, was the keynote speaker. He detailed the extensive impact of Sikhs across various sectors in Canadian society, praising their entrepreneurial and charitable efforts, as well as their roles in public service and community building. He recalled his early experiences with the Sikh community, highlighting their deep-rooted values of service and justice which resonate with Canada’s multicultural ethos.
In his speech, Mr. Paul Vicente, Regional Councillor for Ward 1 & 5 in Brampton, delved into the intertwined histories of Sikhs and Canada, highlighting their crucial role since Confederation. He referenced a historical anecdote where Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister, famously called for “an army of Sikhs” in 1867 to bolster Canada’s defenses, illustrating the deep-seated trust and reliance placed in the Sikh community’s valor and loyalty. Vicente emphasized that “this legacy continues to enrich the multicultural fabric of Canada, celebrating the shared history and ongoing contributions of Sikhs to the nation’s development and diversity.
The gathering attracted a large audience from the local senior community and showcased traditional Sikh music, dance, and cultural artifacts. Authentic Punjabi cuisine was also served, adding to the celebration’s vibrant atmosphere.
The event underscored the historical and ongoing contributions of the Sikh community, providing an educational platform for attendees to learn more about Sikh heritage and its integration into the Canadian fabric. The PSB Seniors Club Association thanked the community for their enthusiastic participation in such a meaningful celebration.
Mr. GS Khakh, President of the Club, expressed gratitude to all members for their support. Gian Paul, the Director, along with Harcharan Singh, the secretary, and directors Ram Singh Daind and Sukhdev Singh Bedi, extended thanks to the distinguished guests and members for their valuable insights and participation.
