By Manpreet K Singh | SBS PUNJABI |
Spearheading Labor’s campaign for the November 24 elections, Premier Daniel Andrews was at the Blackburn Gurudwara (Sikh temple) over the weekend, where he announced funding of A$1 million for the refurbishment project being undertaken at the premises.
Victoria is home to the biggest Sikh community in Australia. According to the 2016 census, Sikhism is now the fifth largest religion in the nation. With 126,000 followers, 53,000 Sikhs reside in Victoria and both major political parties have been out to woo the community.
The Premier said, “I understand the importance of religious and cultural observances, and the significance of passing on the heritage to our children.”
To that effect, he made a significant announcement about next year’s landmark celebration of Guru Nanak’s birthday.
“We would allocate $200,000 so that in the city, in the heart of Melbourne, we could have the biggest Guru Nanak 550th birthday celebration, outside of India. And I think that is appropriate. It is a special and unique way that we can thank the Sikh community by honouring your founder on that special occasion,” said Mr Andrews.
FOR FULL REPORT (Melbourne should have a permanent landmark in the name of Guru Nanak’, says Victoria’s Premier), GO HERE.
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Census reveals meteoric rise of Sikhism in Australia – SBS (Asia Samachar, 27 June 2017)