By Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA |
Retired government doctor Dr Nirmal Singh Shamsher Singh and his team has been entrusted to continue managing Gurdwara Sahib Rawang for the next two years.
Dr Nirmal and his slate was returned unopposed at the gurdwara’s annual general meeting (AGM) yesterday (9 June 2019), the ninth for the registered body Gurdwara Sahib Rawang Selangor, formerly known as Persatuan Penganut Gurdwara Sahib Rawang Selangor.
This comes at a time when the Selangor-based is on the verge of undertaking a major renovation plan which could cost some RM3 million.
As per the amendment to its constitution in the last AGM, members elect only the president who has to submit and display his committee make-up.
“I wish and pray that there will be a closing of ranks and unity in our Sanggat going forward as we are close to obtaining approvals of our gurdwara development plans,” Dr Nirmal told Asia Samachar in a text message. Dr Nirmal was attached to the Ministry of Health.
The plan includes building a new two-storey multipurpose building comprising Granthi and Pathi residences, langgar hall, kitchen/ stores and toilets on ground floor. Also in the pipeline is a second Darbar Sahib on the first floor with multiple rooms on one side for teaching Punjabi and offices on other side for parbandhak committee, Naujawans and Istrisatsang.
This then follows a renovation and expansion of the existing Darbar Sahib.
“It is our dream and hope that when completed we will be able to play a more integrated role in our community and attract the young towards Sikhi thorough education and sports. We also want to play a bigger welfare role for needy Sikhs in our vicinity,” he said.
An earlier proposal suggested demolishing all the existing structures and building a brand new complex, estimated to cost some RM5 million.
“Many are against the demolition of our beautiful darbar. It’s a landmark building next to the train track and rail station,” one gurdwara member told Asia Samachar. “We don’t want to lose an iconic building.”
G.S. RAWANG GMC 2019/2021
PRESIDENT: Dr Nirmal Singh
VICE PRESIDENT: Amarjit Jassal
ADVISOR: Dr Jasmeet Sahota
SECRETARY: Mrs. Mahinder Singh
ASST SECRETARY: Darshan Singh
TREASURER: Jimmy Sidhu (Maljindar Singh Sidhu Brar)
ASST TREASURER: Harmeet Kaur
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
1) Reetwinder Kaur
2) Harmendar Khosa
3) Pramjit Kaur
4) Ranjit Sidhu
5) Jatinder Jassal
6) Ishvinder Singh
7) Harpal Kaur
8) Darvir Bagha
RELATED STORY:
22 Selangor gurdwaras get another round of state funding (Asia Samachar, 16 Feb 2019)
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. Facebook | WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 | Email: editor@asiasamachar.com | Twitter | Instagram | Obituary announcements, click here |
Congratulations to Dr. Nirmal and his team especially Phenji Ranjit Kaur as secretary, good line up. In view of the many Gurdwara’s renovated or newly built, many are struggling with cash flow to repay debts and support is not much from state or govt. My suggestion is that you defer any plans till the economy picks up, collect 70% of the amount budgeted and do a survey on the 365 days, how many programs you carry out, attendance and need. Down the road is another near Serendah, sangat is now split , with this info, you will be able to weather any hicupps along the way.
Thinking out of the box, Raab rakha, congrats once again.
Usage of chairs are acceptable in the Darbar Sahib if the persons are handicapped or OKU. Otherwise it may be perceived as insulting.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS OF GURDWARA SAHIB SHOULD BE AWARE OF THIS.
I am not from Rawang but due to its sentimental value it may be appropriate to retain the old building if it is possible to retain it and not a hindrance to redevelopment plans.
Gur Fateh