Leicester’s newest gurdwara, or Sikh temple, has recently opened.
Novus past president Channi Riyait is a trustee of the Ramgarhia Board Leicester who kindly showed his Rotary pals around the multi-million pound replacement for its former home in Meynell Road.
Even as they gathered at the foot of the enormously-tall Nishan Sahib they recognised they were in the territory of what estate agents call the Wow factor. Inside the atrium Channi pointed out the 10 tall vertical LED light strips, representing the 10 human gurus of Sikhism. The 11th, mounted on the ceiling, is aligned with where the final Sikh Guru, the book known as the Guru Granth Sahib, is read in the Diwan Hall during services and functions.
The main Diwan Hall, seating 600 people, is on the first floor which gives wonderful views across the city of Leicester bettered only by the views from the second floor where another Diwan Hall can accommodate 300 people. Channi explained how the sangat (community) had acquired the Hamilton site from Leicester City Council.
Members are being invited to donate regularly and some have donated specific items, including the flagpole, the automatic doors and equipment for the langar hall which can feed 500 people at a time.
It was there that Channi invited his friends to enjoy a meal over which they learned how much volunteer time he had been spending at the gurdwara, working hard to correct and snags and to ensure that past and future events proceed smoothly.
The Rotarian guests were again reminded that central to Sikhism and to Rotary is the concept of selfless service or sewa.
The visit to the gurdwara was part of Novus Rotary’s schedule of weekly meetings. Each Thursday evening the club meets for a meal, or to hear an inspirational speaker, or to plan service projects or to visit places of interest.
If you would like to know more about the opportunities for fellowship and service, please click on the Contact Us link on this page or call president Jim Matthews on 0795 197 2914.
Last edited: 16:40 on Monday, 14/08/2023
