Following a recent visit to India with members of Hounslow Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, local MP Mary Macleod attended an annual event at the weekend to celebrate the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh Faith.
At the event at the Hounslow Gurdwara, Mary spoke about the great work the Gurdwara was doing, both in encouraging volunteering locally, as well as supporting the Eye Camp and Guru Nanak Mission Hospital in India. She took the opportunity to call upon the congregation to get even more involved in public life, both in national and local politics.
Commenting, Mary said:
‘I have met many in the Sikh Community since I became the local Member of Parliament and I have always been struck by their warmth, friendship and commitment to helping those in need. When the Prime Minister visited India recently, he talked about the importance of developing a stronger and deeper relationship with India. With Britain now home to the largest population of Sikhs outside India, they play a key part in our society today and, whether national or local, it is crucial for them to get engaged in and lead on community issues. I would urge all Sikhs, young and old, to get further involved in politics and in public life, as Parliament and local government needs to be representative of the country as a whole. They can help in making this country a better place.’