Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Deesh & one-year old son Sean Sekhon prepare for centennial celebrations on the steps of the historic Gur Sikh Temple in Abbotsford
100th birthday of Sikh temple to be celebrated
As proclaimed earlier in the year by the City of Abbotsford and Mayor George Peary as the Centenary Year of the National Historic Site Gur Sikh Temple, built in 1911.
Celebrations have been taking place throughout the year and final preparations are currently underway for big weekend, next month.
On Friday, Aug. 26 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. there will be a start to a three-day weekend prayer service at the Heritage Gurdwara.
Saturday, Aug. 27 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., a host of cultural events will take place: Punjabi language competitions, sports competitions, and other events.
On the final day Sunday, Aug. 28 there will be a Nagar Kirtan Procession from the Heritage Gurdwara to Rotary Stadium and returning back to the site, where the unveiling of the Centennial Monument and the Sikh Heritage Museum will take place.
Med Manzanal, diversity coordinator from the City of Abbotsford said: " The whole Abbotsford community should be proud and feel celebratory about the 100th centenary of the Sikh Gurdwara. This is a tribute not just about our Sikh pioneers but a tribute to some great men and women who have opened doors of opportunities for the Sikh pioneers to settle, integrate, and flourish."
Deesh Sekhon, who is planning on attending the celebrations with her twoyear-old son Sean shared her comments.
"To have one of the oldest and longest standing buildings in North America is something all British Columbians can be proud of," Sekhon said.
"The rich history of the Gurdwara reflects how communities have worked together; accepting each other's diversity and celebrating it.
"The celebrations are for every member of our community to be a part of. I plan to come out to help celebrate this huge achievement.
"I think communities are only successful as its individuals; I encourage all members of our community to come out to one of the celebrations and learn about our heritage."
Ken Herar is a freelance columnist with the Times. Contact him at Kenherar@ gmail.com.
© Copyright (c) Abbotsford Times
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
KEN HERAR EYES CROSS-COUNTRY DIVERSITY CYCLING TOUR IN 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HERAR EYES CROSS-COUNTRY DIVERSITY CYCLING TOUR IN 2013
After successfully completing a 200-kilometre trek from Mission to Victoria in late May, Cycling for Diversity leader and Link columnist Ken Herar is already talking about a cross-country mission in 2013.
Herar and his team of cyclists were recently honoured by B.C. Health Minister Mike de Jong in Abbotsford with a provincial proclamation recognizing May 21, 2011 as Cycling for Diversity day throughout the province.
"The ride is all about building partnerships and relationships in our culturally diverse communities," said Herar. "Why not celebrate across Canada . . . so much more work has to be done to build an inclusive country."
In 2012 the Cycling for Diversity team is committed to repeating the ride, but adding more communities along the way.
This year, the ride was heralded with special celebrations by many groups in Mission, Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, New Westminster, Burnaby, Vancouver, Richmond and Victoria.
"The moment we stop doing this we enable barriers to form between cultural communities," said Herar, adding that next year's ride will build on the 2011 momentum and will include more riders. We did all of this to celebrate cultural diversity and to discuss the issues."
For a comprehensive photo journal on the 2011 ride, click on Cycling for Diversity on Facebook.
The bike that Herar rode was provided by Wenting's Cycle and Mountain Shop in Mission. It is being raffled through $5 ticket sales at kenherar@gmail.com.
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