This year Shri Guru Ravidas Sangat Luton marked an important milestone while celebrating its 40th
Anniversary. General Secretary Mr Sanjeev Kumar, MBE said, “In 1983, the dream to establish a place for worship and a focal point for the community was finally established. Forty years on, we are delighted that Luton’s Ravidassia community has joined once again to mark this anniversary together while also celebrating this year’s Shri Guru Ravidass Ji’s 646th birth celebrations. The overwhelming support for this joint celebration has epitomised the values of our faith teachings and the principles of ‘Sangat’ – meaning community togetherness.”
Shri Guru Ravidass Ji was born in 1337 in northern India. He was a significant mystic saint philosopher of the 15th and 16th centuries. He challenged discriminative practices. Throughout his life, he inspired people at every level of society, by emphasizing on equality, social freedom, justice for all, and human fraternity. His visionary philosophy is immortalised in the Shri Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Holy Scripture); forty of his ‘Shabads’ (sayings) are included within the holy book.
At a special ceremony, after honouring all the past and present office bearers and committee members, Rachel Hopkins (MP for Luton South) said, “I’m delighted to congratulate Shri Guru Ravidass Sangat Luton on celebrating its 40th anniversary. Their contribution to our Luton community embodies the values of Shri Guru Ravidass, particularly sharing and supporting others, none more so than when providing hot meals for those in need, particularly during the Covid pandemic. Their working across communities and supporting interfaith work have all contributed to helping build strong community cohesion in our town. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to Luton and here’s to many more years to come.”
In a joint statement, Prof Zafar Khan & Revd Canon David Lawson, Chairs of Luton Council of Faiths & GRASSROOTS said, “Guru Ravidass Sangat is more than just a house of worship; it also serves as a vital hub for bringing individuals from various backgrounds together. They are to be commended for their outstanding assistance to the needy during the Covid-19, and also for their representation and involvement in several activities throughout the town and beyond. We offer our sincere congratulations to the Guru Ravidass Sangat Luton for accomplishing 40 successful years of its remarkable services.”
Joined by the two community stalwarts Jagan Nath (L) & Bhagat Ram (R), the Luton Rising Service Director Mark Turner, presented to Cllr Sameera Saleem Mayor of Luton, the first copy of the 40th Anniversary Souvenir Booklet of Guru Ravidass Sangat Luton.
At Shri Guru Ravidaas Sangat Luton’s 40th Anniversary Celebrations, invited guests and all the past and present office bearers and committee members were honoured for their support over the years.
At Shri Guru Ravidaas Sangat Luton’s 40th Anniversary Celebrations, invited guests and all the past and present office bearers and committee members were honoured for their support over the years.