One of the greatest attributes of the Sikh community is the enthusiasm and religious fervour displayed by its members to mark events and festivals of significance. They are also known for their spirit of enterprise and goodwill and the ability to bring together other ethnic groups.
These were evident at the Sixth Anniversary celebrations of the Takanini Gurdwara (Shri Kalgidhar) from March 7 to 13, 2011.
More than 20,000 people visited the Gurdwara, stated to be one of the largest in the world, participating in the religious programmes, speeches and sports events.
It was an impressive demonstration of piety, unity, friendship and goodwill.
The office-bearers of the Gurdwara had invited Pinder Pal Singh, Jit Singh and Gurpreet Singh from India to conduct Kirtans and Akand Ki Kirtan Jatha, enabling the younger members of the community to understand and follow the teachings of Sikhism.
Indian Newslink has been associated with the Gurdwara and its officials from the time the idea to construct the huge building with several amenities and facilities were planned more than seven years ago. Since then, this newspaper has published reports on festivals, special occasions and visiting dignitaries, as it does of other Gurdwaras and places of worship around the country, whenever information is made available.
The $8 million, 8.6-acre complex, was inaugurated by then Prime Minister Helen Clark on March 13, 2005, making the dream of many come true.
Since then, Prime Minister John Key, Police Minister Judith Collins, Ethnic Affairs Minister Pansy Wong, other ministers, Opposition Leader Phil Goff, former Ethnic Affairs Minister and MP Chris Carter, Labour MP Dr Rajen Prasad, other Members of Parliament and others have visited the complex.
A tale of hard work
As mentioned in Indian Newslink special report published to commemorate the occasion, it was a tale of hard work, sacrifice, dedication, devotion and commitment of the Sikh community at large and in particular, the officials in charge of the New Zealand Sikh Society Inc.
It all began with those at the helm of the society, which owns the Gurdwara in South Auckland’s Otahuhu, feeling the need for another, more spacious place of worship and Sikh congregation.
The increasing number of its users had rendered the Otahuhu facility small and was found inadequate to cater to the growing needs of people.
With $4 million in assets, a good cash balance and an excellent record of accounts, the Otahuhu Gurdwara was a pillar of strength for any project. Based on such a strong foundation, the idea to build another facility evolved.
Spokesman Daljit Singh said, “As we brainstormed about a venue, the plot of land in Takanini emerged as a strong possibility. The former Maori Club occupied land was sold to a member of the community and he was happy to sell the plot for the price he had paid.”
The land issue was settled (it cost no more than $810,000 but the current market value is stated to be $4 million) but painting the larger picture remained.
A mammoth effort
Tasks relating to construction loomed large-finding the right contractor, suppliers, moving materials and so on remained to be sorted out.
“We still cannot believe what we accomplished. So many members of the community willingly gave their time and money not only to be a part of the project but also to ensure that our dream was realised properly. The Gurdwara is a tribute to their efforts and I cannot thank them enough,” Daljit Singh said.
While construction plans were drawn, those in charge of the project had to visualise the future needs so that the facility remained useful and adequate for a length of time. The main Gurdwara complex accommodates two large halls at two levels. The ground floor accommodates a large kitchen, covering more than 220 Sq m.
“It is perhaps the largest kitchen in the world,” Lali Singh said.
As well as accounting for state-of-the-art machinery and equipment, the kitchen comprises freezers, ovens and a wide array of utensils and vessels imported from India.
“The main gates, the Khalsa and the domes that adorn the top of the Temple were all brought from India, using the best material available. We did not want to compromise on quality and no effort or money was spared,” Lali Singh said.
The 90 feet flagpole on the foreground of the Gurdwara complex, carrying the flag of the Sikh religion, is a landmark.
The second floor comprises the prayer hall with the sacred Guru Granth Sahib and rooms for people to relax. The third level has a museum with a collection of rare photographs and other materials.
Library, meeting rooms and other facilities are located in another building.
Mobilising financial resources from time to time is always a challenge but with a community that opens its heart and purse wide, there has never been a problem.
We learnt of an occasion when the ongoing payments required $70,000. The amount was raised in less than two hours from a few members who offered more, if needed.
“We have never felt lonely since the project began. Our fellow members and others in the community have been with us offering any type of support required,” Daljit Singh said.
The Samaritans
A number of organisations offered financial and material support to make the Sixth Anniversary celebrations a combined community effort.
Some of them are (1) Global Finance Services – paid for soft drinks for more than 10,000 people during the festivities (2) Baldev Mann of Vege Oasis, which supplied vegetables and fruits (3) Harpal Singh of Pal Video provided extensive photo coverage (4) Mann Video provided DVD coverage and (5) Paramjeet Singh managed the shoe rack.
Among the VIPs who visited the Gurdwara during the Sixth Anniversary celebrations were Dr Rajen Prasad (Labour MP), Dr Jackie Blue, Paul Hutchinson (National MPs) and Ram Rai (National Party Northern Region Deputy Chair and Mt Roskill Electorate Chair).*
