Hindustan Times (Chandigarh)

Sikhs in the forefront to provide help to people

- Prasun Sonwalkar

LONDON: From taxi driver Mann Singh to Sikh volunteers from Birmingham to local gurdwaras – members of the community were at hand to offer transport, food, water and shelter as people struggled to come to terms with the Monday terror attack in Manchester.

Members of the Sikh community with placards of ‘I Love MCR’ were among the most conspicuou­s in Tuesday evening’s vigil in Manchester, which was attended by thousands of people, mourning the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena blast.

Names and addresses of four gurdwaras near the area were re-tweeted, offering shelter and food to anyone in need. Mann Singh and other Sikh drivers switched off their taxi meters on Monday night, transporti­ng many people in panic to their homes or hospitals.

Many tweeted video clips and photos of Sikhs offering help. Such help was also extended by the local Muslim and other communitie­s, as vigils were held across the United Kingdom on Tuesday evening.

The four gurdwaras that remained open throughout the night of Monday-Tuesday were Sri Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara Educationa­l and Cultural Centre, Gurdwara Sri Guru Harkrisham Sahib, Dasmesh Sikh Temple and Central Gurdwara Manchester Gurudwara.

The Sikh Council UK said in a statement: “The Sikh community stands in solidarity with the people of Manchester at this difficult time and we are heartened to read the stories of Sikhs assisting the victims and their families during this atrocity”.

“We encourage all Sikh Gurdwara management­s to arrange prayers for the victims and their families and to attend community initiative­s to show solidarity at this time.”

A spokespers­on for Everything­s 13, a Sikh educationa­l charity, told Metro.co.uk: “The gurdwaras of Manchester offering shelter and more to those impacted by the atrocities at the Manchester Arena are simply fulfilling their remit”.

“Gurdwara means ‘Guru’s Door’ and all are open to all people, regardless of faith, race or gender. The Sikh community has historical­ly been one people in need could turn to…It is up to modern day Sikhs to ensure this continues and it is heartening to see the younger generation taking this responsibi­lity, as we saw when many took to social media to encourage people to use Manchester’s gurdwaras for shelter, as well as in the actions of Sikh taxi drivers who offered free rides across the city,” the spokespers­on said.

 ?? HT PHOTO ?? A taxi driver offering free ride to citizens in Manchester.
HT PHOTO A taxi driver offering free ride to citizens in Manchester.

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