In another sensational event, the Yorkshire Sikh Forum (YSF) put on a glittering event, celebrating the King’s coronation at the Great Victoria Hotel in Bradford.
Known for their prestigious gatherings decked with key dignitaries and the who’s who of Yorkshire, the dinner event was attended by Lord Lieutenant Ed Anderson CBE, the High Sheriff of West Yorkshire Dr Zulfi Karim DL, the Dean of Bradford the Very Revd Andy Bowerman, the Bishop of Bradford Toby Howarth, HH Laurence Shaffer, Chief Constable John Robins QPM DL, and Dr Manoj Joshi DL, amongst others.
The special celebration on Wednesday 10th May of the coronation of King Charles III kicked off with an upbeat live dhol performances by Sikh drummers, who set the mood for the evening.
Throughout the dinner, guest speakers, including interfaith leaders, spoke highly of the YSF’s epic efforts in uniting those of all faiths and backgrounds through their events as well as via the outreach work in the communities.
Members of the YSF, including Chairman Mr Nirmal Singh MBE and General Secretary Mr Hardev Singh Sidhu have over the last 34-years shared and spread the Sikh mantra of ‘Seva’ (service above self).
Hosting the evening, Simmy Sekhon, CEO of the Sekhon Group and solicitor, paid tribute to the country’s reigning monarch: “We all know how remarkable the late Queen was in her service to our country; but I think it is also fitting to say that King Charles has equally served our country for 50 years; collecting valuable experience, which makes him the best qualified person in this land to be our King.
“King Charles, the former Prince of Wales has made an enormous contribution to British life which we all benefit from. He is renowned for his philanthropy, his contribution towards architecture and the environment.
“His efforts have been consistent over five decades. I am sure we will all agree that he is a remarkable man having lived, worked and excelled for such a long period of time, continuously, and without complaint, serving his country and Queen.”
On the evening, special recognition awards were presented, including one to Aleira Kiran, an A-level student who’s actions akin to a superhero, saw her rescue a baby when mayhem broke loose after a car on fire crashed into the bus she was travelling on.
Congratulating the YSF, and the Sekhon Group for being a constant for community development, Dr Manoj Joshi DL notably said during his speech: “Had it not been for somebody like Nirmal Singh – whose business was not even up and running back in the day, but he had the heart and mind at that time to put the community first.
“He’s supported the foundations of many Gurdwaras and Hindu temples. He’s also been involved with the Cathedral, Synagogue and Muslim communities. His work is highly commendable.”
During the Covid period the Sikh community raised £40,000 and donated it to the Bradford Royal infirmary for new machines, and more recently have raised £11,000 for the children’s hospice Forget Me Not.
Event sponsors included: The Sekhon Group of Companies, Oikos, PEC Comprehensive, YABA, ADG Accountants, Asian Express, Jade Architecture, Chadwick Lawrence, Al-Murad, My Lahore, EuroConnect, Sonic, The Grove Inn, Lala’s and Lassic.
