St. John’s Newfoundland Sikh Society held a two days conference on Sri Guru
Granth Sahib to celebrate the QuadriCentennial of its compilation. On October 9-10, 2004, Sikh
families from all over Newfoundland were joined by their friends from England, Ontario, Quebec,
Texas, New York, and Nova Scotia. Hindus, Jains, Muslims, Buddhists and other religious communities
thronged to the first Gurdwara on their islands and participated with great enthusiasm. Their
leaders paid homage to Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Andy Welch, Mayor of the City, brought greeting from the city officials. He welcomed the religious
activities of the Sikh community and offered any help that may be needed to promote Sikh projects
in the area. Law Enforcement Law officials and several academics from the local educational institutions
welcomed the Sikh Society in their state.
Prof. Manjeet Singh of McGill University made two presentations. He spoke on the interfaith scope of
Sikhism and Introduction to Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Dr. Amarjit Singh Gill narrated important events from
recent Sikh history. S. Balwant Singh of England spoke on the current problems of Sikh practices among the
youth.
Dr. Bhai Harbans Lal made two presentations on the guiding principles of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib
which may impact the civil society of the twenty-first century.
S. Manmohan Singh Bindra and Party from Montreal performed Kirtan. Mr. Bindra also narrated the main
themes of many hymns from Sri Guru Granth Sahib that he and his companions sang. Dr. Pali Kamra and Mrs.
Renu Gill presented a children program. S. Raminder Singh Wadhawa and S. Pritam Singh Cheema welcomed
and thanked the speakers and other participants.
Members and gusts enjoyed the Langer on both days.
The Newfoundland Sikh Society represents around 25 Sikh families settled in the Province of
Newfoundland and Labrador. It was founded nearly 30 years ago to promote religious and cultural
activities among the Sikh population. It has also been active in various neighborhood activities.
To build the Gurdwara on this island was a challenged to the small community but their friends in
North America and coreligionists at the island helped. Its popularity among its neighbors may be
judged by close to 400 strong community participation the celebration of the Gurdwara opening.
