Singapore PM inaugurating historic Gurudwara lauded by Indian PM Modi
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Bhai Maharaj Singh was sent by the British to Singapore in the 1850s as a political prisoner. He was seen as a 'saint soldier' and was the first Sikh of Singapore. He died in solitary confinement at the Outram Prison in 1856
Singapore's Prime minister Lee Hsien Loong inaugurated a renovated historic Gurudwara. This was also featured in this month's "Mann ki Baat" programme of the Indian PM Narendra Modi, who appreciated the development.
The Silat Road Gurudwara was built in 1924 and is the oldest gurudwara in the country. This Gurudwara is dedicated to Bhai Maharaj Singh, who fought against the British in India and is one of the historic sites of the country.
"The Prime Minister of Singapore and my friend, Lee Hsien Loong inaugurated the recently renovated Silat Road Gurudwara. He also wore the traditional Sikh turban," Modi said. "The people-to-people strength between two countries gets a boost with such initiatives and efforts. These also show how important it is to live in a harmonious environment and understand each other's culture."
Bhai Maharaj Singh was sent by the British to Singapore in the 1850s as a political prisoner. He was seen as a "saint soldier" and was the first Sikh of Singapore. He died in solitary confinement at the Outram Prison in 1856.
"This Gurudwara was built about a hundred years ago and there is also a memorial dedicated to Bhai Maharaj Singh. Bhai Maharaj Singh ji fought for the independence of India and this moment becomes more inspiring when we are celebrating 75 years of independence," Modi said.
Silat Road Gurudwara was the first Sikh Gurudwara of the country built in traditional styles, like the Gurudwaras found in India. It was also referred to as Police Gurudwara because it was built with help of Sikhs in the police service. The Gurudwara has been a spiritual haven for Sikhs in Singapore and during the Japanese occupation, it took in the widows and children of Sikhs who gave lives in defending the country.
Indian origin people make from 7 to 9 per cent of the multicultural south Asian country which takes pride in its diversity. Being the third largest ethnic group, Indian Singaporeans have contributed a lot the nation-building.
Two Indian origin people are top Singapore ministers — K. Shanmugam is the current home minister and Vivian Balakrishnan, the current foreign minister of the country. General Ravinder Singh was the chief of the Singapore Army from 2011–2014.
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