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Contents
2 Introduction 3 jwx-pCwx
Introduction
The Central Sikh Gurdwara Board (herein after referred to as the ‘Board’) is pleased to present
the report on the Board’s activities for the last two years. The Board is indeed grateful to its fellow
Board members, staff and volunteers who have given their best in the discharge of their duties and
assistance in running the programmes at the various units of the Board, namely, Central Sikh Temple
(“CST”), Silat Road Sikh Temple (“SRST”) and Sikh Centre (“SC”).
The Central Sikh Gurdwara Board sees as its mission the facilitation of both the learning and practice
of the Gurus’ teachings amongst Sikhs in Singapore. It is our sincere belief that the understanding and
practice of the Guru’s teachings will lead to the betterment of each individual and to the strengthening
of the wider Sikh community. It is in this spirit that the Board has sought to organise and promote
meaningful activities that are in keeping with the three main tenets of Sikhism: Naam Japna, Vand
Ke Chakna and Kirat Karni.
The Board was constituted under an Act of Parliament in 1981 – ‘The Central Sikh Gurdwara Board
Act’ (Chapter 357). The Board manages two Gurdwaras (CST and SRST) and the Sikh Centre.
At the last Biennial General Meeting held on 08 Sept 2007, 25 Council members were elected and
at the first Board’s Council meeting the designation and responsibilities of those members were
decided as appears on the inside cover page of this report.
During the term the council members S. Santokh Singh Usma and Rattan Singh passed away. The
Board acknowledges their contributions.
Staffing
The Central Sikh Temple is managed and operated by 1 Manager, 1 Granthi (Priest), 1 Kirtani Jatha
(3 persons) and 1 Sewadaar.
The Silat Road Sikh Temple is managed and operated by 2 Managers, 2 Kirtani Jathas (6 persons)
and 2 Sewadaars.
The Sikh Centre staffing comprises a core team of 8 people. This team includes 1 Manager, 3
Programme Executives, 1 Librarian; 1 Finance and Administrative Executive, 1 Gurmat Sangeet
Teacher and 1 Sikh Studies Teacher.
The turn over among the Kirtani Jathas at both Gurdwaras has been low. The Board is always on the
lookout for quality staff especially Kirtani Jathas.
The total number of Board employees as at the end of 2007 and 2008 is as shown in the table below:
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
3
jwx-pCwx
sYNtRl is`K gurduAwrw borf (joN iPr ‘borf’ hI iliKAw igAw hY) bhuq hI pRsMsqw sihq ipCly 2 swl dIAW
kwrvweIAW ibAwn krdw hY[ borf Awpxy mYNbrW, stwP Aqy hor inSkwm syvwdwrW dw Sukrguzwr hY ijnWH
ny v`fw gurduAwrw swihb, is`lt rof gurduAwrw swihb Aqy is`K sYNtr ivKy AwpxIAW ifautIAW inBw ky pUrw
sihXog id`qw hY[
sYNtRl is`K gurduAwrw borf dw audyS isMgwpur invwsI is`KW nUM gurU jI dI is`iKAw suxn, pVHn, ivcwrn Aqy
aus qy Aml krn dw ie`k vsIlw bxwauxw hY [ ieh borf dw p`kw ivSvws hY ik gurU swihbwnW dI is`iKAw
au`qy Aml krn nwl isMgwpur dI smu`cI sMgq dw jIvn p`Dr hor aucw auTygw[
is`KI dy iqMn QMm : nwm jpxw, vMf Ckxw Aqy ikrq krnI hn [ borf ny ienW dy AwDwr qy pRogrwm bxwey
Aqy SurUAwq kIqy [ hyT ilKy siPAW qy borf ienw kMmW dw vrxn krdw hY [
borf dw FWcw
sMn 1981 dy pwrlIAwmYNt dy ie`k kwnUMnI AYkt dy ADIn - sYNtRl is`K gurduAwrw borf AYkt (kwNf 357)
duAwrw bxwieAw igAw sI [ borf dohW gurduAwrw swihbW, v`fw gurduAwrw swihb, is`lt rof is`K tYNpl Aqy
ie`k is`K sYNtr dy kMmW nUM dyKdw hY[
ipClI do swlw Awm ie`kqRqw iv`c jo 8 sqMbr 2007 nUM hoeI sI, 25 borf mYNbr swihbwn cuxy gey sn Aqy
borf dI pihlI mIitMg iv`c ienHW mYNbr swihbwnW dy Ahudy Aqy izmyvwrIAW spurd kIqIAW geIAW jo ik ies
irport dy AMdr pMny qy id`qIAW geIAW hn [
ies trm c kONsl mYNbr s sMqoK isMG ausmW qy s rqn isMG Akwlclwnw kr gey [ borf auhnw dI syvw dw
bhuq DMnvwdI hY [
mulwzm
v`fy gurduAwry swihb dw pRbMD 1 mYnjr, 1 gRMQI, ie`k kIrqnI j`Qw (iqMn isMG) Aqy 1 syvwdwr duAwrw kIqw
jWdw hY [
is`lt rof gurduAwrw swihb dw pRbMD 2 mYnyjr, 2 kIrqnI j`Qy (6 isMG) Aqy 2 syvwdwrW dI m`dd nwl kIqw
jWdw hY [
is`K sYNtr dw kMm-kwj 8 mulwzmW dI m`dd nwl clwieAw jWdw hY[ ienWH iv`c 1 mYnyjr, 3 pRogRwm
AYgzIikauitv, 1 lwiebRyrIAn, 1 PwienYNs AYgzIikauitv, 1 gurmq sMgIq AiDAwpk Aqy 1 is`K st`fI
AiDAwpk[
dohW gurduAwrw swihbW dy rwgI j`Qy kMm-kwj bhuq cMgI qrHW clw rhy hY [ borf hmySW cMgy jiQAW dI Bwl
iv`c sucyq rihMdw hY [
borf dy kul mulwzmW dI igxqI 2007 Aqy 2008 dy AMq qk hyTW idqI geI hY :
Gurdwara Programmes
Central Sikh Temple
Table below gives an overview of the programmes held at the Central Sikh Temple:
The number of Sangat sponsored programmes at the Silat Road Sikh Temple was as follows:
Major Celebrations
The regular major celebrations held each year at the two Gurdwaras included the following:
The response from the Sangat to these activities has been very encouraging.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
5
aupoRkq kIqy gey pRogrwmW iv`c sMgqW vloN imilAw sihXog bhuq hI slwhux Xog hY [
The Central Sikh Gurdwara Board took the lead to organise the historic year long
celebrations at the Singapore Sikh community level. All the Gurdwaras and other Sikh
institutions actively participated in the celebrations.
Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Finance, launched the celebrations at the Central
Sikh Temple on Vesakhi Day 2008. An exhibition showcasing the Sikh culture and musical
instruments was held. The Minister of the Arts, Mr. Lee Boon Yang who is also MP for the area
was in attendance.
On 14th April 2008, the Singapore Sikh Sangat commenced the Sadh Sangat Sehaj Paath
in all Gurdwaras. They continued recitation twice weekly. The Granthi Sahib read the lines
from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and and these were repeated by the Sangat in unison.
The Paath da Bhog was held on 20th October 2008 at Gurdwara Silat Road where over
150 participants recited Salok Mahala 9 and did the Ardaas.
Khalsa Dharmak Sahba organized Paath Competition on 5th October 2008 for children below 12.
Group A (Children below 9 years old) Group B (Children between 9 to 12 years old)
Winner: Manishtpreet Kaur Winner: Sachpreet Kaur
2nd: Guriqbal Singh and 2nd: Manorath Singh and
3rd: Brahmpreet Kaur 3rd: Manpreet Kaur
Central Sikh Gurdwara Board organised a Sikhi Quiz to promote Sikhi knowledge. The first
11 all correct entries picked at random walked away with S$300 in cash given away on
20th October at Silat Road Gurdwara.
To rekindle one’s faith in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as their eternal Guru, Central Sikh
Gurdwara Board organised “My Guru, My Commitment”. The support was overwhelming
with over 350 participants. A collective Ardas was done on Monday, 20th October evening at
Gurdwara Silat Road for 322,006 Mool Mantar. 11,996 Japji Sahib Paath, 3,063 Sukhmani
Sahib Paath 1,729 Chaupi Sahib Paath, 50 Sehaj Paath and 45 persons completed listening
to the whole Sehaj Paath of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
7
gur-g`dI idhwVw
borf ny ieh ieiqhwsk Dwrmk idhwVw ie`k pUrw swl mnwaux dI isMgwpur dI smu`cI is`K sMgq dI
qrPoN aucycw kdm cu`ikAw[ swry gurduAwrw swihbwnW Aqy is`K sMsQWvW ny pUry auqSwh nwl mnwaux iv`c
ih`sw ilAw[
sMn 2008 dI vswKI idhwVy qy sRI Qrmn Snmugrqnm PweInYns minstr dI hwzrI vyly v`fw
gurduAwrw swihb ivKy ieh pRogrwm SurU kIqw igAw [ is`K siBAwcwr Aqy is`KI dy sMgIq dy swzW dI
ie`k Kws numwieS idKweI geI [ Awrts imnIstr sRI lI bUn XMg, jo ik hlky dy AYm. pI. hn, vI
hwzr sn [
14 ApRYl 2008 nUM isMgwpur dI sMgq ny ‘swD sMgq sihj pwT’ swirAW gurduAwirAW iv`c SurU
kIqy[ aunHW ny hPqy iv`c 2 vwrI pwT jwrI r`Ky[ gRMQI isMG sRI gurU gRMQ swihb qoN lweInW pVHdy jo ik
sMgq duAwrw duhrweIAW jWdIAW sn[ pwT dw Bog 20 AkqUbr 2008 nUM gurduAwrw swihb is`lt
rof ivKy pwieAw igAw ij`Qy 150 qoN au~pr sMgq ny slok mhlw 9 piVHAw Aqy Ardws kIqI [
gurduAwrw swihb ^wlsw Dwrmk sBw ny 5 AkqUbr 2008 nUM 12 swl qoN G`t aumr vwly b`icAW dw
pwT mukwblw r`iKAw[
grup (a) b`cy 9 swl qoN Gt ivjyqw : mnISpRIq kOr, dUsry nMbr qy guriekbwl isMG Aqy qIsry nMbr
qy mnpRIq kOr sn [
grup (A) b`cy 9 swl qoN 12 swl ivjyqw : scprIq kOr, dUsry nMbr qy mnorQ isMG, Aqy qIsry nMbr
qy mnpRIq kOr sn [
sYNtRl is`K gurduAwrw borf ny is`KI bwry jwxkwrI dyx vwsqy is`KI kuiez dw AwXojn kIqw[ 20
AkqUbr 2008 nUM gurduAwrw swihb is`lt rof ivKy pihly 11 sB TIk au~qr vwly hr iek ivjyqw
nUM $300/- ienwm vjoN id`qy gey[
sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI au~pr pUrw ivSvws rKx ihq idRVqw krn vwsqy sYNtRl is`K gurduAwrw borf
ny ‘myrw gurU myrw pRx’ nW dw pRogrwm r`iKAw[ sMgq vloN 350 qoN v`D sMgqW ny ih`sw ilAw[ somvwr
Swm 20 AkqUbr 2008 nUM gurduAwrw islt swihb ivKy 322,066 mUl mMqr dy pwT, 11996
jpujI swihb dy pwT, 3,063 suKmnI swihb jI dy pwT, 1729 cOpeI swihb jI dy pwT, 50 sihj
pwT Aqy 45 mweI-BweI vloN pUrw sihj pwT suxn dI smUihk Ardws kIqI geI[
In conjunction with the celebrations, Sri Guru Nanak Sat Sang Sabha organized monthly blood
donations in all Gurdwaras from April 2008 to November 2008. The Sangat responded over-
whelmingly to this.
The Sikh Welfare Council coordinated Sewa at the various Homes. All the Gurdwaras, Singapore
Khalsa Association, Young Sikh Association and Sikh Welfare Council took part by serving food
to the needy at the various Homes, giving them dry rations and providing entertainment to the
residents. Katong Gurdwara raised $40,000 for the Sikh Welfare Council.
The highlight of the celebrations was the launch of a float, scaled rep-
lica of Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib by Prof S. Jayakumar, the
Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore. The Deputy PM also launched the
book ‘Sikhi - A Way of Life’ sponsored by the Sikh Missionary Society.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
9
sMq BweI AnUp isMG jI dy kIrqn nUM suxn leI sMgqW bhuq
huMm-huMmw ky phuMcIAW [ 150 qoN v`D b`icAW ny ie`k pwrtI
iv`c ih`sw ilAw ijs iv`c gurg`dI idvs dI mhwnqw nUM d`isAw
igAw[
ienHW jSnW nUM mnwauNdy hoey, sRI gurU nwnk siq sMg sBw ny mwhvwrI KUndwn dw AwXojn hr iek
gurduAwry c ApRYl 2008 qoN nvMbr 2008 qk kIqw, ijs iv`c ik sMgqW ny bVy joS nwl ih`sw
ilAw[
is`K vYlPyAr kwauNisl ny keI ^YrwqI GrW iv`c syvw krn dw pRbMD kIqw[ swry gurduAwrw swihb,
isMgwpur ^wlsw AYsosIeySn, XMg is`K AYsosIeySn Aqy is`K vYlPyAr kwauNisl ny keI ^YrwqI GrW
iv`c jwky lMgr Aqy, su`kw rwSn vMifAw Aqy rihx vwilAW leI mnorMjn kIqw[ kwqoNg gurduAwrw
swihb ny is`K vYlPyAr leI 40,000 fwlr iek`Tw kIqw[
The float was brought to all the Gurdwaras. At each Gurdwara, the Sangat turned out in
great numbers to pay their respects to Guru Ji in the replica of Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur
Sahib.
The grand finale of the celebrations was the ‘Naam Ras Kirtan Darbar’ held at Changi Expo
Hall in December 2008. The entire Singapore Sangat participated in Sewa of making and
serving Guru Ka Langgar, in Johre (shoes) Sewa, in Jharhu (cleaning) Sewa, etc. Daily the
Sangat turned out in great numbers to listen to the Kirtan/Katha by well known Jathas.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
11
Financial Review
The Board surpluses for 2008 and 2007 were $458k and $300k respectively compared to $149k
in 2006 and $161k in 2005. The higher surpluses in 2007and 2008 were the result of significantly
higher donations by the Sangat for more activities, lower capital expenditure in these two years and
prudent expense policies. In 2008 Central Sikh Temple recorded a surplus of $81,412.
2000000
1500000
$
1000000
500000
0
2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
The lower proportion of expenditure for Community kitchen expense in 2008 as compared to 2007
is due to the discontinuing of the Fixed Cost provision scheme in early 2008 at Silat Road Sikh
Temple. The families sponsoring the programmes bought their own provisions. This resulted in lower
expenses.
The higher percentage of expenditure for activities in 2008 is due to the special celebrations in
connection with the 300th Gurgaddi Day in October 2008.
The Board has been recording a surplus of income our expenditure every year since 2003 and the
net surplus for the last 5 years have exceeded $1 million.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
13
2000000
1500000
$
1000000
500000
0
2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
kimaUintI ikcn Krcw: 2008 iv`c 2007 dI insbq G`t hY ikauNik ‘iPksf kwst pRovIzn skIm’ bMd
kr id`qI geI sI[ ijnHW prvwrW dw joV-mylw huMdw auh Awpy hI Awpxw rwSn ilAWauNdy hn [ ies krky
hux Krcw G`t huMdw hY [
2008 dy AkqUbr mhIny iv`c 300 swlw gurg`dI idhwVy nUM mnwauNdy hoey v`D pRogrWmW krky 2008 iv`c
izAwdw Krcy hoey [
borf 2003 qoN lY ky hr swl b`cq kr irhw hY Aqy ipCly 5 swlW iv`c ds l`K qoN vI izAwdw b`cq
hoeI[
Promotion of Sikhi
Simar Simar Simar Sukh Pavao (SGGS Pg 262)
On virtually every page of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Guru urges Sikhs to meditate, meditate,
and meditate in contemplation of the divine. To this end, the Gurdwara Board seeks to facilitate
both traditional religious programmes,
and to pilot novel ways to attract the
younger members of the Sangat.
Not all the Sikhs in Singapore have the competency in Punjabi language to comprehend Gurbani
and understand Guruji’s teachings. To fulfill this need, the Board hired a Sikh theologian Mr.
Jaswant Singh M.A. Religious Studies, from the Punjabi University, Patiala.
Mr. Jaswant Singh Ji started teaching Gurbani in English in August 2007 with the course ‘Know
Your Guru Ji’ - 12 hours course over 8 weeks. 36 persons attended the 1st run in August/
September 2007 followed by 3 more runs. A total of 134 persons have greatly benefited from
the 4 runs of this course.
Two other courses that followed in 2007 were ‘Knowing the Ninth Nanak’ and ‘Baba Farid and
his Compositions” 83 persons attended the 3 runs of the first course and 126 attended the 3
runs of the 2nd course.
“Sikhism 101” – a comprehensive course covering Gurbani and Sikh history was introduced
in 2008. It is a modular course run over 8 terms of 8 weeks each. The first batch started
in February 2008 with 65 students. The 2nd batch commenced with 25 students in June
2008.
In 2008 five new courses were introduced to explain various Banis in English. The course
on “Barah Mahn and Bhawan Akhri” had 33 participants. 63 students attended the 2 runs of
the course on “Asa Ki Var”, 64
students attended 2 runs of the
“Japji” course, 61 attended the
2 runs of the course on “Anand
Sahib”. 83 students are attending
the course on “Sukhmani Sahib”.
These courses are conducted
both at the Central Sikh Temple
and The Sikh Centre.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
15
is`KI dw prcwr
ismr ismr ismr suK pwE (sRI g.g.sw. AMg 262)
‘is`KIzm 101’ jo ik gurbwxI Aqy is`K ieiqhws dw srbMgI kors hY 2008 iv`c SurU kIqw igAw[
ieh ie`k AwDuink kors hY jo ik 8 hPqy dw Aqy 8 mu~dy dw kors hY [ ies dI pihlI klws PrvrI
2008 iv`c 65 ividAwrQIAW nwl SurU kIqI geI [ dUjI klws 25 ividAwrQIAW nwl jUn 2008 iv`c
SurU hoeI[ 2008 iv`c 5 nvyN kors gurbwxI nUM AMgryzI iv`c smJwaux leI SurU kIqy gey[ bwrW mwh Aqy
bwvn AKrI kors iv`c 33 mweI-BweI ny
ih`sw ilAw[ 63 ividAwrQIAW ny 2 vwrI
‘Awsw kI vwr’, 64 ny 2 vwrIAW iv`c
‘jpujI swihb’ dw kors, 61 ny ‘AnMd
swihb’ 2 vwrI [ 83 ividAwrQI ‘suK-
mnI swihb’ dy kors iv`c hwzrI Br rhy
hn[ ieh kors v`fw gurduAwrw swihb
Aqy is`K sYNtr donoN hI sQwnW qy krvwey
jw rhy hn[
Gurmat Sangeet
The Gurmat Sangeet students have been performing during Gurpurabhs and other celebrations.
Their performances of ‘Naam Simran’ at the Esplanade attracted a large audience and earned
them accolades.
In conjunction with 300 Gurgaddi Day celebrations in 2008, a Gurmat Sangeet competition was
held over 2 weekends. A total of 79 participants from Sikh Centre and Gurdwara Katong trained
hard for this competition. A team of 3 judges headed by the Principal of Javedi Kalan – Ludhiana
presided over this competition.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
17
ieunHW pwT klwsW iv`c gurU gRMQ swihb jI dI bwxI dI sMiQAw, pMj bwxIAW, Awsw kI vwr Aqy suKmnI swihb
q`k dI pVHweI krvweI geI hY[ sR. jsvMq isMG, sR. gurbKS isMG Aqy srdwrnI Avqwr kOr gurbwxI pwT
isKwauNdy hn Aqy bhuq kw&I CotI aumr dy, v`fI aumr dy Aqy bIbIAW hux hwzrIAW BrdIAW hn[ swry imlw
ky k`ul 84 ividAwrQI ienHW pwT klwsW qoN Pwiedw auTw rhy hn[
gurmq sMgIq
gurmq sMgIq dy ividAwrQI gurpurbW Aqy hor Dwrmk purvW qy ih`sw pwauNdy hn [ aunHW dI AYsplynyf qy nwm
ismrn dI AdwiegI qy bhuq-igxqI iv`c drSkW ny AwnMd mwixAw Aqy cMgw nwm KitAw [
300 swlw gurg`dI idvs dy sMbMD iv`c sMn 2008 iv`c gurmq sMgIq mukwblw 2 SnIvwrW nUM hoieAw [ kul
79 ividAwrQI, ijnWH ny ik is`K sYNtr Aqy gurduAwrw swihb kwqoNg qoN isiKAw hwsl kIqI sI, ies mukwbly
iv`c Swml hoey [ 3 j`j ijnHW iv`c jv`dI klW luiDAwxw
dy ipRMsIpl vI sn, aunHW ny Awpxy PYsly id`qy Aqy b`icAW
dy hOsly vDwey [
The ever-popular Bahadur Bachay 2008 camp, organised and run by Sikh Sewaks was supported
by CSGB in the Central Sikh Temple premises. The camp had a series of well crafted learning
modules for 160 youths who attended the camp. The camp also provided a good training
ground for young leaders.
A team of volunteers have been working consistently to use the popular platform of a children’s
party to teach children Sikh values during each Gurpurabh celebrations. Apart from the usual
party games and magic shows, this
year’s Vasakhi children’s party included
a Bana competition in which children
were judged on the attractiveness of
their dastaars and traditional banas.
Similarly, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday
celebrations last year saw over 150
children embark on a re-creation of His
travels through which volunteer actors
dramatised his better-known teachings
and placed the kids through a number
of fun spiritual quests. Guru Har Krishan
Sahib Ji’s birthday was also celebrated
last year with a captivating presentation
introducing the child-Guru.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
19
hr mn ipAwrw ‘bhwdur b`cy 2008 kYmp’, jo ik is`K syvkW vloN v`fw gurduAwrw swihb ivKy borf dI m`dd
nwl lgwieAw igAw [ kYp ny suc`jy FMg nwl 160 b`icAW vwsqy pRogrwm iqAwr kIqy [ kYNp ny ‘XMg lIfrW’ nUM
iqAwr krn leI vI ie`k nINh r~Kx dw kMm kIqw hY [
borf dy kuJku syvwdwrW dy ieh ivcwr hn ik b`icAW dIAW pwrtIAW rwhIN Coty b`icAW nUM gurpurbW dy nwl
nwl is`KI-kdr qoN vI jwxU krwieAw jwey [ hmySW Awm KyfW Aqy jwdUgrI cmqkwr idKwx qoN ielwvw ies
vyrW vswKI dI pwrtI iv`c ie`k bwxw mukwblw vI r`iKAw igAw ijs iv`c b`icAW nUM aunHW dIAW is`KI dsqwrW
Aqy sMprdweI bwxy pihnx dy AwDwr qy priKAw igAw[ iesy qrHW sRI gurU nwnk dyv jI dy pRkwS idhwVy qy
150 b`icAW ny aunHW gurU jI dIAW XwqrWvW nUM AxoKy FMg nwl drswieAw Aqy AnMd-Bry Awqmk KojW dw rMg
mwixAw[ gurU hirikRSn swihb jI dw pRkwS idhwVw vI iesy qrHW hI mnwieAw igAw Aqy bwl-gurU dy jIvn
bwry b`icAW nUM igAwn idqw igAw[
A number of workshops for children were held during June 2008 holidays. This included a
three-day introduction to the Mool Mantra & 5 Pauris for teenagers between 12 and 15 years
old, and an introduction to the entire Jap Ji Sahib
for youth between 16 and 19 years old.
Gurbani’s mysterious power to stir the soul is well-known to devotees. In the hands of a talented
musician, this power is greatly magnified. In the last two years, the Gurdwara Board has invited
many talented Kirtaniyas to lead the Sangat. Amongst the more popular names that have
graced our Gurdwaras are:
Bhai Guriqbal Singh Ji Mata Kaulan, Bhai Chamanjit Singh, Bhai Harbans Singh Jagadhri Wale,
Sarabjit Singh Rangilaa, Bhai Onkar Singh Ji Una Sahibwale, Bhai Jasbir Singh Paonta Sahib,
Sant Anoop Singh, Bhai Harjinder Singh Sri Nagerwale
Weekly Simran Sessions were begun back in 2007 with a clear focus on furthering the indi-
vidual meditative experience. Each week, the Sangat is led in a 60 minute long Simran session.
Altogether 5 weekly sessions (4 at Gurdwara Silat Road and 1 at The Central Sikh Temple) are
held. Attendees are touched by the Simran, and are left with a lasting feeling of bliss.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
21
is`K sYNtr ny Awpxy is`K ivrsy dI Koj krn dw jqn kIqw[ 5 sUJvwnW ny iml ky Coty ividAwrQIAW nOjvwn
b`icAW dy ie`k j`Qy dI AgvweI kIqI Aqy is`K ivrsy dI Koj krvw ky aunHW koloN sMgq dy swhmxy Awpxy iKAwl
pyS krvwey [
v`fy purvW dy dOrwn jwxy-pCwxy rwgI j`iQAW vloN kIrqn / kQw smwgm
is`K sMgqW nUM ieh cMgI qrWH igAwq hY ik gurbwxI iv`c Awqmw nUM hlUxw dyx dI qwkq hY[ koeI sUJvwn
gv`eIAw ies qwkq nUM jg-jwhr kr skdw hY[ ipCly 2 swlW iv`c borf ny keI mShUr kIrqnI j`Qy
sMgqW dI AgvweI vwsqy mMgvwey hn[ ijnWH mShUr j`iQAW ny gurduAwirAW iv`c hwzrIAW BrIAW hn
aunHW ivcoN kuJ dy nW ies pRkwr hn:
BweI guriekbwl isMG jI mwqw kOlW, BweI cmnjIq isMG jI lwl, BweI hrbMs isMG jI jgwDrI vwly,
BweI srbjIq isMG jI rMgIlw, BweI ENkwr isMG jI aUnw swihb vwly, BweI jsbIr isMG jI pwauNtw swihb
vwly sMq AnUp isMG jI, BweI hrijMdr isMG jI sRI ngr vwly
hPqwvwrI ismrn dIvwn 2007 iv`c SurU kIqy gey sn ieh iDAwn iv`c r`K ky ik hr mweI-BweI
ismrn iv`c iDAwn lgw sky[ hr hPqy sMgq nwl imlky 60 imntW dy lMby dIvwn iv`c [ ku`l imlw ky
5 hPqwvwrI dIvwn (4 gurduAwrw (swihb is`lt rof Aqy 1 v`fw gurduAwrw swihb) huMdy hn[ hwzrIAW
Brn vwly ismrn dI pivqR Coh dI pRwpqI krn nwl AnMd mwxdy hn[
Other efforts to increase the appreciation of the Sikh form is the incorporation of Bana
Competitions during Children’s Parties held in conjunction with special occasions, and the
staging of a children’s play called “Gifts of Love” in which a young Sikh boy confronts issues
related to the current relevance of his Sikh form.
Prohibitions (Kurahatans)
Every year the Board highlights one Kureht and
urges the Sangat to uphold this Kureht. Over
the last 3 years, 3 of the 4 prohibitions namely
‘persuade Sikhs not to cut hair’, ‘encourage not
to consume liquor’ and ‘refrain from adultery’ have
been promoted.
Workshops
The other workshop explained the significance of the Anand Karaj, with
emphasis on Lavan. His presentation was done both, in Punjabi and in
English.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
23
is`K rUp
gurduAwrw borf ny is`KI dy rUp iv`c hor vwDw krn dw ivcwr kIqw hY Aqy
iesdI sMBwl iv`c Awaux vwlIAW kuJ muSklW nUM Awswn krn dw kwrj vI
kIqw hY[
kuJ hor vsIilAW qoN ielwvw 2008 iv`c 8 dsqwr sjwx dy pRogrwm jo ik
v`fw gurduAwrw swihb Aqy is`lt rof gurduAwrw swihb ivKy hoey ijs iv`c
jvwn muMfy Aqy kuVIAW nUM v`K-v`K qrIky dsy gey [ cMgI qrHW sjweI hoeI
dsqwr nwl AwpxI hI iezq huMdI hY, Awqm ivSvws Aqy grv mihsUs
huMdw hY[
hor Xqn jo ies qoN ielwvw is`KI dw rUp svwrn iv`c vI sPl hoeIAW, ieh
hn : ‘bwxw mukwblw’ jo Kws Aqy v`fy purvW dy dOrwn b`icAW dI pwrtIAW
iv`c huMdw hY Aqy ‘igPtz AwP l`v’ ijnHW iv`c idKwieAw igAw hY smy
dy dOrwn is`KI dw rUp Dwrn krky swfy muMifAW nMU iks qrW dIAW muSklw
AwaudIAW hn[
pwbMdIAW (kurwihqW)
hr swl borf ie`k kurYihq nUM sMboDn krdw hY Aqy sMgq nUM bynqI krdw hY
ik gurU goibMd isMG jI dw ieh hukm hY ik ienHW qoN bc ky rihxw hY [ ipCly
3 swlW iv`c 3 kurYhqW Bwv - ‘kysW dI byAdbI’, ‘nSw’ Aqy ‘pr-gmn’ vl
ivcwrW nUM iPr aujwgr kIqw hY [
vrkSOp
BweI rwm isMG jI jo ik ie`k mMny hoey kQwvwck hn - ie`k ‘Ardws’ Aqy dUsrw
‘AnMd kwrj Aqy lWvW’ dy ivSy qy do dIvwn sjwey [ aunHW ny Ardws dI hr pMkqI
au`qy cwnx pwky au`sdI mhwnqw d`sI [ dUsrw dIvwn ‘AnMd kwrj dI rsm Aqy lWvW
dI mhwnqw bwry sjwieAw igAw [ aunHW dy ieh dIvwn donoN gurmuKI Aqy AMgRzI BwSw
iv`c kIqy gey [
borf v`fw gurduAwrw swihb Aqy gurduAwrw swihb is`lt rof ivKy ivvwh-joVy nUM ivAwh krwaux qoN pihlW
borf slwh mSvrw dyNdw hY[ ies mIitMg c nvyN joVy nUM aunHW dy AnMd kwrj Aqy lWvW bwry sRI gurU gRMQ
swihb dI is`iKAw muqwibk jwxkwrI krwauNdw Aqy aunHW dIAW AwpxIAW izmyvwrIAW dsx vwsqy rKI jWdI
hY [ borf iv`c do ifptI rijstRwr AwP mYirj ; fw. jsbIr isMG Aqy sR. rxjIq isMG vwhlw hn[
A Shoppe has been set up at Silat Road Sikh Temple for the Sangat
to pick up Gutkas, Gurbani CDs and other Sikhi Items such as
Kanghas (small combs) and Karrhas (iron bangles).
Amrit Sanchaar
All the Board’s programmes to promote Sikhi are finally to lead the Sangat to become and
remain Amrit Dhaari Sikhs.” The Board organises preparatory talks for those who want to
become Amritdhari Sikhs. The Amrit Sanchaar ceremonies are held annually.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
25
is`lt rof gurduAwrw swihb ivKy ie`k h`tI bxweI geI hY ijQoN sMgq
gutky, gurbwxI sIfIAW Aqy hor is`KI dI smgRI msln kMGy Aqy kVy hwisl
kr skdI hY[
AMimRq sMcwr
borf dy swry pRogrwmW dw ^ws mksd is`K sMgq nUM is`KI nwl joV ky r`Kxw hY [ Aqy jo AMimRqDwrI is`K
hn aunHW nUM gurU jI dy crnW nwl juVy rihx dw vsIlw bxwauxw hY [ hor jo AMimRq pwn krnw cwhuMdy hn
borf aunHW vwsqy pihly gl-bwq rwhIN AMimRq dI pUrI smJ pwx dw ieMqzwm krdw hY [AMimRq sMcwr swl
iv`c ie`k vwrI hMudw hY[
Continuous Learning
Education and Outreach
The strength of the Sikh community lies in its enduring value of education, hard work, and
honest living. The Board seeks to serve the wider community not just by providing an avenue
for religious services, but to ensure its continued strength by serving the educational needs
of all segments of society.
Children Development
A strong community is built on the strength of its children. To further the educational attainment
of our children, the Sikh Centre works together with top-notch teachers to coach students
through critical periods in their academic journey. The following is a list of classes that have
been organised:
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
27
lgwqwr is~KlweI
AYjUkySn (pVHweI)
is`K kYNp dI qwkq pMQ dy igAwnvwn hox, sKq myhnq Aqy iemwndwrI iv`c hY[ borf cwhuMdw hY ik kOm nUM
nw isr& Dwrmk iv`idAw, blik swfy b`cy qy hr aumr dy mweI-BweI dIAW ividAk loVW nUM vI pUrw kIqw
jwvy[ ies g`l v`l ghu nwl dyKidAW hoieAW borf vloN imQy gey jo pRogrwmW dw vyrvw ies qrHW hY:
iclfrn fIvYlpmMt
b`icAW dy isr qy hI mzbUq kOm bxdI hY[ iv`idAw iv`c hor suDwr krn leI, is`K sYNtr qjrbykwr
AiDAwpkW nwl iml ky b`icAW nUM pVwieAw jwvy Aqy A`gy vDwieAw jwvy[ hyT ilKIAW klwsW clweIAW geIAW
hn:
Conversational Mandarin
With over 70% of the Singapore population being Chinese, and China having emerged as a
superpower on the world stage, a good knowledge of the language presents a clear advantage
to those with entrepreneurial inclinations. Be it for business or pleasure, a group of 26 has been
faithfully attending conversational Mandarin classes at the Sikh Centre that are taught by fluent
Mandarin speaker, Manjit Singh.
This networking event allowed the Graduating Sikhs to meet and mingle with professionals from the
Sikh community.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
29
kMpaUtr iv`idAw
is`K sYNtr ny kMp aU t r dy mu F ly pR o g rwm Su r U kIqy hoey hn ijs rwhIN v`fI aumr dy mweI-BweI vI
‘kMp aUtr dI jwxkwrI’ mweIkRoswPt ‘vrf’ ‘pwvr pvwieNt’ ‘ieMtrnYt Aqy eImyl’ dw iesqym wl krnw
vI is`K skx [
kM p aUtr jwxkwrI nw hox kwrn jo dohW pIVIHA W iv`c Prk pY igAw hY aus iv`c kMp aUtr jwxkwrI hox
kwrn dohW pIVHIAW iv`c Prk Gt jwNdw hY [
ijnHW is`K b`icAW ny gRYjueySn dI pVwHeI 2007 Aqy 2008 iv`c pUrI kIqI aunHW vwsqy isK sNYtr Aqy XNg
is`K AYsoiseySn ny Ajlws Aqy cwh pwxI dw ieMqzwm kIqw [ ieh Ajlws 4 AkqUbr 2008 nUM nYSnl
liebRyrI ivKy hoieAw [
is`K gRYjueytW leI ieh ies iksm dw pihlw vwikAw sI[ qkrIbn 100 is`K Aqy gYr-is`K s`jx ies iv`c
hwjr sn[ gYst-AwP-Awnr, sR. ieMdrjIq isMG, AWg mo ikE jI Awr sI dy mYNbr AwP pwrlIAwmYNt ny ies
dI SoBw vDweI
ies Ajlws sdky gRYjueyitMg is`KW nUM Awpxy qoN v`fy is`K smwj dy qjrbykwrW nwl imlx-julx dw mOkw
imilAw[
Healthy Living
Guru Gobind Singh was the epitome of the saint soldier. While he composed and recited many
beautiful spiritual poems, his value of physical fitness was exceeded only by his prowess on the
battlefield. It is in the spirit of the saint-soldier that the Sikh Centre offers a number of sporting
pursuits.
Health Screening
A health-screening programme has been put in place. The screenings have been held at various
Gurdwaras.
Yoga and meditation classes and workshops continue to be conducted at the Sikh Centre for those
seeking a deeper experience that combines both the physical and spiritual.
Tae-kwon-do classes
Tae-Kwon-Do classes for children have been organised. They are taught by the ever-committed
Varinder Singh. Tae-Kwon-Do classes have kept a host of children lean and fit, and taught them
valuable lessons about the vital balance between physical power and mental discipline. Over 44
children completed their 9 black belt in the last year after completing their training at the Sikh
Centre.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
31
syhq dI jWc
ie`k syhq-jWc dw pRogrwm vI bxwieAw igAw hY[ ieh jWc keI gurduAwirAW iv`c kIqI jWdI hY[
ijnHW nUM SrIirk Aqy Awqmk donoN hI pKoN au`pr au`Tx dw lgwv hY, aunWH vwsqy is`K sYNtr ivKyy ieh Xog Aqy
swDnw dIAW klwsW huMdIAW rihMdIAW hn[
qy-kvwn-fo klwsW
b`icAW vwsqy ieh klwsW SurU kIqIAW geIAW hn[ sR. virMdr isMG, jo ik qy-kvwn-fU nUM pUrI qrHW smripq
hn, b`icAW nUM cusq Aqy sv`sQ r`Kx iv`c shweI hoey hn Aqy aunHW nUM isKwieAw hY ik SrIirk SkqI Aqy
idmwgI AnuSwsn iv`c iks qrWH sMquln bxw ky r`Kxw hY[ 44 b`icAW ny is`K sYNtr iv`c AwpxI isKlweI pUrI
krky 9 “blYk bYlt” pRwpq kIqIAW hn[
Bhangra Classes
The Shere-Punjab Bhangra group has been offering a series of Bhangra Aerobics classes that provide
fitness training and dancing skills to dance at weddings and other celebrations. Bhangra classes are
currently on offer every weekend for children from the age of 4 as well as for adults.
Nature Walk
“Air is the Guru, Water is the Father, and Earth is the Great Mother of all.”
Environmentalism may be the moral buzzword of the early 21st century, but it is no new concept in
the Sikh faith. Many verses in Gurbani stress the importance of flora and fauna, as well as our role
in preserving the creation of Waheguru. To promote these teachings, the Sikh Centre organised
a number of nature-oriented excursions. Most recently, a trip was organised to the Sungei Buloh
Wetland Reserves. The participants were able to get an insight into the ecosystem at close range.
A committed group of seniors are seen every day in the Langgar Hall, chopping vegetables, and
preparing rotian for the Sangat’s meals. In recognition of their service, the Board has organised a
number of engaging activities including a Night River Cruise, and a trip to the Singapore Flyer. The
seniors enjoyed these activities.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
33
BMgVw klwsW
Syry-ey-pMjwb BMgVw g`rup jo BMgVw AYroibkz isKlweI dIAW klwsW lgw irhw hY auh cusqI Aqy Awpxy au`qy
XkIn dw nzwrw ivAwhW SwdIAW Aqy hor purvW qy pyS krdw hY[ A`j BMgVw AYroibkz dIAW 4 swl dy b`icAW
qoN lY ky v`ifAW q`k dIAW klwsW hr SnIvwr lgweIAW jWdIAW hn[
nycr vwk
ie`kIvIN SqwbdI iv`c swieMs ny Swied bRhmWf dIAW KojW kIqIAW hox pr is`K Drm iv`c ieh koeI nvIN g`l
nhIN[ gurbwxI iv`c keI jgwH qy PlOrw Aqy POnw dw izkr hY Aqy vwihgurU dI bxweI hoeI ies DrqI nUM AsIN
ienswn lok iks qrHW svwr skdy hW[ ienHW isiKAWvW nUM smJwx vwsqy is`K sYNtr ny keI auprwly kIqy hn [
huxy hI 36 dI sMgq dw ie`k Pyrw ‘suMgy buloh vYt lYNf irzrv’ ivKy kIqw ijs iv`c sMgq nUM “nycr” dyKx dw
ie`k Avsr imilAw [
kuJ gurU dy ipAwry bzurgW nUM AsIN roz dyKdy hW ik auh sMgqW dy lMgr vwsqy sbjIAW kt rhy hn Aqy rotIAW
pkw rhy hn[ aunHW dI inSkwm syvw nUM m`uK r`KidAW hoieAW borf ny aunHW vwsqy ‘nweIt rIvr krUz’ Aqy
‘isMgwpur Plwier’ iljwx dw ieMqzwm kIqw[ bzurgW ny ies iv`c bVw AnMd mwixAw[
Sports Activities
The Board has always received an enthusiastic response for the annual 5-A-Side Soccer Tournament
that is organised as part of the Bhai Maharaj Singh Barsi celebrations.
While the young and energetic enjoy soccer, older members of the Sangat make their way to Johor
for an annual Golf Tournament which sees old friends and new coming together in the spirit of
friendly sportsmanship.
The winners of the Bhai Maharaj Singh Soccer & Golf Championships since 2005 were:
* The Game was abandoned due to the sudden death of Golfer Mr. Hardial Singh.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
35
KyfW dy kwrjkRm
BweI swihb BweI mhwrwj isMG jI dI brsI mnwauNdy ih`q hr swl 5Mj-ey sweIf tUrnwmYNt krwey jWdy hn [
ies tUrnwmYNt iv`c sMgq hu`m humwky ihsw lYNdI hY [
jdoN Coty qy cusq Putbwl nwl Kyf ky luq& auTWdy hn, sMgq ivcoN v`fy-vfyry jOhr vl nUM dosqwnw swlwnw gol&
Kyfx leI jwNdy hn ij`Qy ik auh purwxy Aqy nvyN dosqW nwl imldy hn[
swl 2005 qoN BweI mhwrwj isMG swkr Aqy gol& cYmpIAniSp dy ivjyqw ieh hn:
* Kyl vyly golPr s hridAwl isMG dw Acwnk Akwl clwxw ho igAw Aqy gym bMd kIqI geI [
One who works for what he eats, and gives some of what he
has, O Nanak, he knows the Path. (SGGS Pg 1245)
What is Sikhi without service? To set the tone for this important
Sikh value, the Central Gurdwara Board has made it its mission
to provide opportunities for meaningful service to the Sangat.
This service has taken many forms, fot the benefits. The follow-
ing is a summary of key efforts of Sikhs & Non Sikhs.
The Dr. Amar Kaur Memorial Clinic has been providing a free consultation service in English and
Punjabi to meet the medical needs of our elders. Medical advice by volunteer doctors and nurses is
provided to those suffering from a wide range of ailments, and also to those simply looking for better
ways to take care for loved ones facing health challenges.
In the tradition of the Guru’s Langgar, the Gurdwara Board has been actively organising the
collection and distribution of dry rations to a number of charitable institution since 1992. Dry rations
are collected from the Sangat during major Gurpurabs, and visits are made to serve Langgar to
residents of different homes. Among the beneficiaries in the last two years are:
Volunteers have been visiting Meiling Street and Henderson annually in conjunction with Gurpurab
celebrations, Bhai Maharaj Singh Ji Barsi and Bandhi Chor Gurpurab. The volunteers organise games
and entertainment for the senior citizens. Lunch is also brought and served by the volunteers. Each
resident is given a packet of dry ration.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
37
syvw qoN ibnw is`KI kI hY? is`KI dy ies Anmol gux dI kImq d`sx vwsqy, borf ny Awpxy ieh inSwnw bxwieAw hY
ik sMgqW nUM syvw Aqy vMf Ckx dw mOkw imly qy hornW vwsqy syvw kr skx [ ieh syvw keI iksm dI hY - gurAU W dy
d`sy syvw-mwrg qy clidAW ieh syvw dw pRbd M is`KW Aqy gYr-is`KW leI kIqw igAw[kuJ ku ies pRkwr dIAW koiSSW
Q`ly dsIAW geIAW hn:
fw. Amr kOr mYmorIXl klIink swfy bujurgW nUM pMjwbI Aqy AMgRyzI iv`c muPq slwh mSvrw dyNdw Aw rhw
hY [ ijhVy swfy bjurg keI pRkwr nwl SrIrk qOr qy duKI hn, fwktr Aqy nrsW aunWH nUM dyK-Bwl dI
slwh idNdy hn, ies nwl auh AwpxI syhq nUM TIk r`Kx vwsqy auprwlw krdy hn [
ipCly 5 swlW qoN kuJ syvwdwrW ny ieh auprwlw kIqw hY ik jo bjurg Awp gurduAwrw swihb nhIN Aw skdy, aunWH nUM
gurduAwrw swihb ilAwax Aqy vwps C`fx leI gfIAW dI syvw krdy hn[ hr bjurg mweI-BweI nwl ie`k syvwdwr
aunwH dI dyK Bwl leI hud
M w hY [
suk
` w rwSn iek`Tw krnw Aqy ‘^YrwqI Gr jwxw’
BweI mhwrwj isMG jI dI brsI nUM mnwauNdy hoey swl iv`c ie`k vwrI ie`k syvwdwrW dw j`Qw mI ilMg stRIt hom
dy bujurgW nUM imlx jWdw hY[ syvwdwr bujurgW vwsqy KyfW Aqy aunWH dy mn prcwvy dw ieMqzwm krdy hn[ lMgr
vI ilAwieAw jWdw hY Aqy vMifAw jWdw hY[ hr ie`k nUM rwSn dw ie`k pYkt id`qw jWdw hY[ iesy qrHW hI bMdI
CoV idvs (dIvwlI) nUM mnwauNdy hoey syvwdwr hYNfrsn rof qy mwrl hom vI gey sI[ v`fw gurduAwrw swihb vI
iesy qrHW dIAW joVnIAW iv`c Swml hY [
Blood Donation
Blood Donation drives were held both at Central and Silat Road
Sikh Temples during the Gurpurab celebrations.
Legal Counseling
The Sikh Centre makes legal counseling available to all members of the Sangat who need it.
Volunteer lawyers have kindly offered their services on an appointment-basis. Assistance has been
provided on all manner of cases.
General Counseling
Sometimes our troubles get the better of us, and we see little way of relief from our difficulties.
For times like this, the Sikh Centre has teamed up with the Tanjong Pagar Counselling Centre to
provide professional counselling services to members of the Sangat. The service is carried out with
strict confidentiality, and is open to anyone who needs it.
The Board has set aside a bursary fund of $10,000 per year with
the Singapore Indian Education Trust (SIET) to provide bursaries to
students from lower income Sikh families. The bursary is for students
from primary to tertiary level. 7 families benefited from the scheme in
2007 ($3300) and 13 in 2008 ($1900).
The Board acquires new books and materials for the library at the Sikh Centre for both children and
adults. The attendance at the library has recorded a
significant improvement with an average of 250 books
being borrowed each month.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
39
^Un dwn
gurpurbW dy mnwaux smyN ^Un dwn dy kYmp v`fw gurduAwrw
swihb Aqy is`lt rof gurduAwrw swihb lgwey gey sn[
kwnUMnI slwh-mSvrw
ijnWH sMgqw nUM lIgl kwauNisl dI loV hovy is`K sYNtr aunWH vwsqy kwnUMnI slwh-mSvry dw ieMqzwm vI krdw
hY[ vkIl syvwdwrW ny AwpxI ieh syvw smW p`kw krdy hn[ hr qrWH dy muSklW iv`c m`dd kIqI geI hY[
Awm slwh-mSvrw
kdy-kdy swfIAW prySwnIAW vD jWdIAW hn, Aqy AsIN ienWH prySwnIAW qoN rwhq dw rsqw l`Bdy hW[ AYsy hI
smyN leI, is`K sYNtr ny qMjMg pwgr kwauNsilMg sYNtr nwl g`T-joV krky sMgqW nUM cMgy drjy dI syvw prdwn
krn dw auprwlw kIqw hY[ syvw nUM pUrnrUp iv`c gupq r`iKAw jWdw hY Aqy ieh syvw sMgq dy hr sd`s leI
hY ijsnUM iesdI loV hovy[
Gymnasium
Elders Lounge
Auditorium
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
41
ijmnyizAm
AwfItorIAm
borf kol sMgq nUM pRogrwm d`sx bwry keI swDn hn[
ienWH pRogrwmW dy prcwr leI ipRMt, vIfIE idKwxy,
hPqwvwrI eI-myl smwcwr p`qr, AYs. AYm. AYs Aqy
vYbsweIt hn [
The Board has been supporting the Singapore Sikh Welfare Council both financially and physically
by giving full support to all the programmes of the Welfare Council. The Board contributes $1000
to SIWEC monthly and collects donations from families having programmes in the 2 Gurdwaras.
The Board also collects donations on Vesakhi and Guru Nanak Dev Ji birthday celebrations to
sponsor dry rations for all the Sikh needy families under SIWEC.
The board made donations of $25,000 to victims of Tsunami and Earthquake catastrophes.
From the year 2008, the government has taken over the funding of the teaching of the Indian minority
languages. The government pays $330 per student annually to the various organizations teaching
Indian minority languages. In addition, SSEF charges a fee of $25 monthly to each student attending
the programme.
In the year 2008, the government was late in disbursing the fund to SSEF The Board made a
contribution of $10,000 to SSEF to cover cost of the needy students.
The Board has allowed the use of the sixth floor at the Central Sikh Temple for their office. and also
pays for their monthly utility expenses of about $1500/-.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
43
borf isMgwpur is`K vYlPyAr kwauNisl nUM iesdy hr pRogrwm iv`c shwieqw krky iesnUM donoN hI mwiekI Aqy
hor qrWH nwl m`dd dy irhw hY[ borf is`K vYlPyAr nUM dPqr leI QW Aqy hr mhIny 1000/- fwlr dy irhw hY
prvwr ijnHW dy pRogrwm 2 gurduAwirAW iv`c huMdy hn aunHW koloN mwieAw iek`TI krky dyNdw hY[ borf vswKI Aqy
sRI gurU nwnk dyv jI dy gurpurb qy sMgq koloNy zrUrq mMd is`K prvwrW vwsqy mwieAw Aqy su`kw rwSn iek`Tw
krky , jo prvwr vYlPyAr dy Q`ly AwauNdy hn anHW nUM dyNdw hY[ borf ny 25000/- fwlr dI mwiekI shwieqw
sunwmI Aqy Bucwl vrgy kihr dy pIVqW vwsqy vI kIqI hY[
AwSrm dI sQwpnw ihMdU AYnfaumYNt borf Aqy sYNtRl is`K gurduAwrw borf vloN geI mwiekI shwieqw nwl
kIqI geI hY[ AwSrm aunHW nSyVIAW dI m`dd krdw hY ik auh muV Awm smwj iv`c smw skx[ borf 250
fwlr dI mwhvwrI m`dd ienHW nUM dyNdw hY[
swl 2008 qoN gorimMt ny BwrqI Alp sMiKAk BwSwvW nUM pVHwaux leI shwieqw Awpxy h`Q iv`c lY leI hY[
gorimMt hr Alp sMiKAk BwSw pVHn vwly ividAwrQIAW vwsqy sMsQWvW nUM 330/- fwlr swlwnw pRqI ividAwrQI
dyNdI hY[ ies qoN ielwvw iv`idAk PwauNfySn hr ividAwrQI koloN 25/- fwlr PIsmwhvwrI lYNdI hY[
sMn 2008 iv`c gorimMt vloN mwiekI shwieqw dyx iv`c dyrI ho geI qW borf ny 10,000/- fwlr dI shwieqw
zrUrq mMd ividAwrQIAW vwsqy pyS kIqI[
borf ny v`fw gurduAwrw swihb dI CyvIN mMjl AYjukySn PwauNfySn nUM d&qr leI id`qI hoeI hY [
These sessions usually end on a high note with participants being hosted to an enjoyable
meal of Guru Ka Langgar. Over 31 such sessions have been conducted for a total of 1085
participants.
There were more than 6000 visitors each year from non-Sikh communities in Singapore who
visited both the Gurdwaras in organised groups. The visitors included students and adults. To
help them understand Sikhism and the Sikhs in Singapore, the visitors were given a briefing on
the basic Sikh tenets and beliefs, a short history of the Gurdwaras (CST and SRST) and a tour
of the Gurdwara.
The Board also gets invited by other non-Sikh Institutions to make presentations on Sikhism.
The Board has made presentations to university students and at other religious organisations.
This interaction promotes better understanding of Sikhi and inter-religious harmony.
In 2008, the Gurdwara Board hosted delegates of the World Peace Conference at the Central
Sikh Temple. About 100 people from different faiths enjoyed a talk on Sikhi in the darbaar hall
followed by langgar. The participants had a very enriching experience.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
45
hr swl 6000 qoN v`D dUsry DrmW dy lok grupW iv`c donoN gurduAwrw swihb iv`c Awey[ Awaux vwilAW iv`c
ividAwrQI Aqy v`fI aumr vwly vI sn[ aunHW nUM is`KI bwry Aqy isMgwpur dy is`KW bwry smJwieAw igAw Aqy
is`KI dy AsUl d`sy gey Aqy donoN gurduAwirAW bwry Aqy ieiqhws d`isAw igAw[
borf nUM hor vI gYr-is`K sMsQwnW qoN s`dy AwauNdy hn ik Awky is`KI bwry jwxkwrI idE[ borf ny XUnIvristI
dy ividAwrQIAW Aqy hor Dwrmk sMsQwnW qy jwky is`KI bwry d`isAw hY[ ies kwrvweI nwl hor DrmW iv`c
is`KI dI sUJ-bUJ pYdw huMdI hY jo AwpsI myl-jol vDdw hY[
swl 2008 iv`c v`fw gurduAwrw swihb ivKy vrlf pIs kwnPRMs iv`c ih`sw pwaux vwilAW dI mihmwn
invwzI kIqI geI[ qkrIbn 100 dy krIb v`Kry v`Kry DrmW dy mihmwnW ny is`KI dy bwry gl-bwq iv`c
AnMd mwixAw auprMq lMgr nwl syvw kIqI geI[ ies iv`c ih`sw lYx vwilAW ny is`KI bwry kwPI jwx kwrI
hwsl kIqI[
Future Project
The Renovation And Upgrading Of Central Sikh Temple
The Board discussed the proposal to renovate and upgrade the Central Sikh Temple with its members
and the Sangat. It also sought feedback on the proposals. Many good suggestions were received
from the members and the Sangat. The Board incorporated the suggestions into the proposal and
submitted it for planning approval to the URA.
The URA rejected the proposal in February 2008 on the grounds that it exceeded the approved and
allowable Gross Floor Area (GFA). The Board appealed to the URA several times and finally met their
officials in April 2009. URA didn’t accede to our appeal and the approval was not granted.
The Board is aware that the members and the Sangat have been looking forward to the renovated
and upgraded Central Sikh Temple and regrets the delay that was beyond their control.
The Board has now resubmitted the plan according to the approved GFA. At the same time the
consultants are drawing the detail tender specifications. The project will also include the renovation
and upgrading of the Bhai Maharaj Singh Ji Memorial Gurdwara at Silat Road. The details of the
revised plan have been made known to the members and the Sangat.
The tender would be awarded by end November 2009 and the whole project will be completed by
November 2010. The estimated cost of the project is $2.5m.
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd
47
borf ies gl qoN jwxU hY ik mYNbr Aqy sMgq bVI bysbrI nwl gurduAwrw swihb dI nvIN iemwrq nUM dyKx
leI bycYn hY pr aunHW nUM APsos hY ik ieh mslw aunHw dy h`QoN bwhr sI [
borf ny hux iPr mnzUr Sudw gRws PlOr eyrIAw dy muqwibk plwn drj kIqI hY[ iesy hI smyN slwhkwr
qzvIz dw Kwkw iqAwr krn iv`c lgy hn[ ies plwn iv`c BweI mhwrwj isMG mYmorIXl gurduAwrw is`lt
rof dI iemwrq dw plwn vI Swml hY qy dobwrw bxweI gey plwn dy bwry swry mYNbrW Aqy sMgq nUM d`isAw
igAw hY[
tYNfr nvMbr 2009 dy AMq q`k dy id`qw jwvygw qy iemwrqW dI auswrI nvMbr 2010 q`k pUrI hox dI aumId
hY[ auswrI dI AMdwzw lwgq 25 l`K fwlr dI AWkI geI hY[
MISSION
OBJECTIVES
To propagate Sikhism by
providing religious services.
To create awareness and inculcate the
practice of the Sikh way of life.
To organise and promote the
learning of Gurbani and Kirtan.
To lead the Sangat to become
and remain Amrit Dhari Sikhs.
To promote the awareness of Sikh Heritage.
To meet the needs of the Sikh Community
sYNtRl is`K gurduAwrw borf dw sMdyS/imSn ieh hY ik is`K Drm dw prcwr krnw Aqy isMgwpur dy
is`KW nUM mdd krnw ik auh is`KI dy AsUlW nUM Apxy roz mrRw dy jIvn iv`c Fwl skx[
mksd
Drm prcwr Aqy Dwrmk rIqI irvwz inBwaux vwsqy syvWvW prdwn krnw[
jwgRqI pYdw krnw Aqy is`KI jIvn jIx leI mdd[
gurbwxI Aqy kIrqn isKx leI ieMqzwm krnw[
sMgq dI AgvweI krnw ik auh AMimRqDwrI is`K bxn Aqy rihxI ivc rihx[
is`KI dy ivrsy dI soJI dyxI[
C e n tr a l Si k h G u r d war a B oa rd