By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |
KAJANG: Gurdwara Sahib Kajang (GSK) has officially opened its new 3.5-storey building and renovated Darbar Sahib, marking another milestone for the Sikh institution whose roots stretch back more than a century.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, who officiated the opening on Saturday (Sept 26), also announced a total pledge of RM150,000 from himself and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for the gurdwara.
The ceremony, themed “A Century of Faith”, brought together government representatives, community leaders and members of the sangat (congregation) to celebrate GSK’s long history of faith, seva (selfless service) and community development.
“For 104 years, Gurdwara Sahib Kajang has been a beacon of faith, hope and sanctuary,” Gobind said.
“With the newly launched building and beautifully renovated Darbar Sahib, we are doing more than unveiling fresh paint and restored architecture. We are opening the doors to a brand-new chapter in the life and journey of the community.”
GSK committee president Ranjit Singh said the expansion was the culmination of decades of planning and the sacrifices of generations of Sikhs in Kajang.
“This is not merely the opening of a new building. It is the continuation of a journey that began more than a century ago through the vision, faith and sacrifices of our forefathers,” he said.
The gurdwara traces its beginnings to Sikh pioneers led by brothers Sardar Bhan Singh JP and Sardar Dhan Singh, whose efforts led to the land being gazetted as a Sikh Temple Reserve on Nov 4, 1921. The first wooden gurdwara was completed the following year, while a permanent brick Darbar Sahib was built in 1970.
Construction of the new 3.5-storey building began in 2016. Its facilities include an expanded langar hall and kitchen, community library, gurdwara office, second Darbar and a permanent home for the Panjabi Education Centre Kajang.
Ranjit said GSK would continue emphasising good governance, transparent accounts and responsible management while strengthening Punjabi education, religious activities and community programmes.
Also present were Selangor State Legislative Assembly Speaker Lau Weng San, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan, state assemblymen Ong Chun Wei and Cheong Kian Young, Kajang councillors and Malaysian Gurdwaras Council president Jagir Singh.
Gobind expressed hope that the expanded gurdwara would remain “a house of devotion, a centre of learning, a haven for the community” for generations to come.
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