Thursday, 14 November 2019

 Mr ONDARCHIE (Northern Metropolitan) (09:54): Last Friday, 8 November, I had the honour of welcoming Victoria’s Sikh community to Parliament House for the 550th birth anniversary celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Commemoration of the birth of Guru Nanak is a moment of deep significance for those of the Sikh faith and for all inspired by his teachings of honesty, equality and goodwill. Sikhism is one of the fastest growing religions in Australia, with over 125 000 adherents. For many, the tenets of faith provide guidance and strength. Sikhism is also about our community. In addition to serving their own community, Victoria’s Sikh community have played a role in contributing to the wider Victorian community. Values of compassion, selflessness, harmony, tolerance and respect resonate with all of us.

Here in Victoria our Sikh community and its leaders reflect these values in many ways, including support of multiculturalism. I admire their commitment to creating a cohesive, harmonious and vibrant Victorian community and thank them for their contribution to one of our greatest assets. They have been great promoters of interfaith and intercultural understanding and harmony. Sikhs also passionately nurture cultural conditions and have been generous in sharing that rich cultural Sikh heritage and faith with the broader Victorian community. I thank the Sikh Council of Australia for servicing and strengthening our community. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh.