RICHMOND - The COVID 19 Coronavirus Pandemic has made us realize that we live in very unpredictable times. In this very uncertain environment the whole world has been confronted with a virus that is difficult to control. All of us pray for a vaccine to get at least some temporary relief from this deadly virus. In times like these, places of worship have a very important role to play?  Social media and technology have advanced to such a stage that whenever and where ever an unusual event takes place in the world, within seconds, everyone knows about it. The on-going scare of this pandemic around the globe has made people recognise the need for peace- both internal and external. The places of worship are well equipped to meet the spiritual needs of people. In this regard, a few kilometers of a road in Richmond have been playing a very important role not only for the local residents but also from people all around Metro Vancouver and elsewhere.

Like many other religious institutions, India Cultural Centre of Canada’s Gurdwara Nanak Niwas is managed by an executive committee which is elected every three years by the members. The new Executive Committee was recently elected/acclaimed for a term of three years running from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023.  The new Executive comprises of: Chairman: Asa Singh Johal, President: Sohan Ubed Singh Sidhu, Vice President: Balbir Singh Jawanda, General Secretary: Balwant Singh Sanghera, Secretary: Kanwarjit Singh Sihota, Assistant Secretary: Anantpal Singh, Treasurer: Amrik Singh Jawanda, Vice Treasurer: Mohan Singh Sandhu, Assistant Treasurer: Sohan Singh Basi. The Directors are:  Gurcharan Singh Grewal, Kashmir Kaur Johal, Manjit Kaur Johal, Chain  Singh Batth, Kamaljit Singh Dosanjh and Satwant Kaur Jarmana.  Honorary Directors are: Surjit  Singh Gill , Rana Singh Dulay and  Satpal Singh Johal

Like many other places of worship, Gurdwara Nanak Niwas is home to a number of community programs. In addition to that, youth activities and tournaments are held at these premises from time to time. The Gurdwara has also hosted a number of Inter-Faith Bridging seminars in order to promote intercultural harmony. It has taken a leadership role in organizing participation by the Highway to Heaven Association members in the Steveston’s Canada Day Parade.  Students from various schools, colleges and universities in B.C., U.S. and other parts of the country visit the Gurdwara every year to learn about the Sikh religion as well as the Indo-Canadian community. However, during the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic all programs and activities at the Gurdwara have been cancelled till further notice. Devotees are requested to obey the directions issued by health officials . These include keeping the physical distance-2 meters apart, wearing a mask, diligent hand washing , sanitization and avoidance of large gatherings.

Like previous management committees, the New Executive is also dedicated to serving the congregation and the community to the best of its ability.

Balwant Sanghera is the Secretary, India Cultural Centre of Canada  Gurdwara Nanak Niwas, 8600 #5 Road, Richmond.