Vancouver Mayor eager to learn Punjabi and Sikhism

September 10th, 2006 by admin

By GIAN SINGH KOTLI

Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan won many hearts when he delivered a brief speech in a flawless Punjabi accent on September 4 at Gurdwara Khalsa Darbar Society, Vancouver. He was speaking on the occasion of the first Parkash Diwas (illumination day) celebration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in 1604 by Guru Arjan Dev Ji at Amritsar.

Extending his heartiest greetings, Sullivan said in Punjabi: “Guru Granth Sahib contains holy hymns of the Hindu, Muslim and Sikh saints that give the message of love and peace to the whole mankind. I pray to God to bless all with happiness, peace, high spiritedness and love.”

Explaining his interest in learning Punjabi and Sikhism, Sullivan said: “I hope to explain to all our Punjabi citizens that we greatly respect them. I love what I am learning about the Sikh religion. I think they add so much to our city. Gian Singh Kotli is my respected teacher.”

He explained that the best way to improve the quality of life in Vancouver is to unite people and encourage them to work together for the good of the community.

Sullivan was dressed in a blue kameez-pajama and wore an orange colored turban for this religious event. Sam Sullivan also expressed his desire to obtain a copy of the English translation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Gurdwara Khalsa Darbar Society President Sarjit Singh Gill honored Sullivan for rendering valuable services to the city of Vancouver and the community on behalf of the whole congregation by presenting him with a Plaque of Honor. He also assured full cooperation to Sullivan on behalf of the Gurdwara Managing Committee.

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