IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF SIKH MIGRATION

GURDWARAS An outstanding feature of the Sikh communities anywhere in India or elsewhere in the world is the setting up of gurdwaras as soon as their numbers become significant. In overseas settlements, to begin with worship starts in a home when someone brings the SGGS. The next step in many cases is to set up gurdwara in rented premises. In due course of time Sikhs start constructing gurdwaras on premises owned by them and in most cases, these would be in traditional style of architecture. However, the architecture of many gurdwaras especially in Europe is not distinctively Sikh: these are modified buildings that originally served another function. The only external indication that these buildings are gurdwaras are the 'Nishan Sahib' as the signboard. EARLIEST GURDWARAS Burma-1897, East Africa, Kenya-1898, Malaysia-1899, Hong Kong-1901, Canada- 1908, China, Shanghai-1908, UK-1911, USA-1912, Thailand-1913. Gurdwaras in more recent migration destinations started somewhat late but as soon as their numbers became significant. Australia - 1968. NZ - 1977. Continental Europe - Amsterdam -1973 (3HO), Frankfurt - 1979. Latin America - 1980s. Sikh gurdwaras started operating in various countries of Continental Europe beginning 1970s but majority of them got started in 1980s and more so in 1990s onwards as the Sikh population grew. It is important to note the proliferation of large number of gurdwaras all across Europe: to have 137 gurdwaras in 16 countries with a Sikh population of less than a quarter million is very impressive. Statistically it means a gurdwara for every 1,500-2,000 Sikhs (including families). It is difficult to get precise number of Gurdwaras outside India. Setting up and running a gurdwara requires a lot of resources of time, finance, and manpower. All gurdwaras cannot afford full time 'granthis' and hence local community volunteers are needed. It shows a spirit unique only to Sikhs. Their generosity, devotion, community effort and spirit of raising the 'Nishan Sahib' anywhere and everywhere needs admiration. 'Guru ka langar' is available all across the globe. There are many innovations in running of Gurdwaras necessitated by small numbers and limited finances. Burma, because of lack of resources to have a full time 'granthis', families including grown up children are performing gurdwara duties. Another innovative model worth mentioning is of a gurdwara in suburbs of Stockholm located in beautiful natural surroundings. Since the 'sangat' is limited and spread out, the gurdwara remains locked especially during the weekdays. All members of 'sangat' have keys available to them so that they have access to the gurdwara 24 x 7. One family takes over the responsibility turn by turn each day to perform essential functions such as 'Birsan Tokhna' at night and 'SGGS parkash' in the morning. What a beautiful model to emulate! Gurdwara is the first contact point for a new arrival to get to know about other immigrants. It is a meeting point and provides opportunity for social networking and get-togethers. It also provides shelter to genuine visitors. There have been instances where illegals have caused problems for the gurdwaras which resulted in police raids. Most gurdwaras are now very particular in establishing bona fides for night stay. However, 'langar' is available on unrestricted basis and is most welcome by the unemployed in times of distress. Some travel websites since long have encouraged visitors (even non-Sikhs) to go to gurdwara for shelter when they run out of options.