Sikh Centre’s opening celebrated

Photo by Michael Woodward, Reporter

FLAGPOLE RAISING - A priest sings while Sikhs cleanse a flagpole before it’s uprighted at the Sikh Centre in Anderson on April 13, the birthday of the Sikh religion.

Photo by Michael Woodward, Reporter

DINING TOGETHER - Community members enjoy a vegetarian curry lunch provided by the Centre.

“It is with an open heart, full of gratitude, that I thank you for being here today. On behalf of the Sikh Community, we thank you,” said Kawal Jit Singh to those who gathered at the Sikh Centre on April 13.

The centre’s opening was attended by over 150 well-wishers, officials and members of the Sikh community. The attendance and outpouring of community support was a result, said many speakers, to the vandalism of the centre in March.

“It brought us these good things,” said Amar Jit Bedi of the vandalism that brought community support. “Without it, no one would be here. The whole community is here.”

“Something evil turned into something good,” said Anderson City Council member Norma Comnick.

The temple’s opening ceremonies began at 9 a.m., when the Sikh holy book was initiated and recitation of the book began. The recitation of the entire book would continue non-stop for two days, with priests reading in shifts.

Members of the Sikh community arrived from India, Florida and British Colombia to celebrate the new temple that is credited as the brainchild of Dr. Birk.

Amid singing led by five priests with swords, members of the Sikh community cleansed a flag pole with milk and covered it with a bright orange banner. When the pole was raised, it indicated that the grounds are now home to a Sikh temple.

Anderson Mayor Keith Webster was presented with a plaque and a credit above the Garden of Faith. Webster had responded to the vandalism at the Centre by helping to organize a public meeting three days later that expressed support for the Sikh Community.

Community members brought plants to be included in the garden. Preet Singh and several city and county officials helped initiate the garden.

Many other county and city officials were on hand at the celebration, including Melissa Hunt, Kent Hartman, Les Baugh, Tom Bosenko, Dale Webb, Roy Del Carlo and Jerry Benito.