A NEW GURDWARA AT AMERICA'S CROSSROADS: A PROMISE OF AN EXCITING ADDITION TO THE HOOSIER RELIGIOUS LANDSCAPE
Los Angeles/Sept 05, 2024
NRIpress.club/ KP Singh/ Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh Grewal
The Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis, the largest and oldest Sikh congregation in Indiana, with great excitement and traditional ceremonies laid the foundation stone of a new Gurdwara (a place of Sikh worship) building adjacent to the existing Gurdwara Sahib located at 10950 Southeastern Ave. in Indianapolis.
This expansion represents our commitment to meeting the needs of a growing Hoosier Sikh community; enhancing our sacred space facilities and services; and further enriching Indiana's spiritual centers with opportunities to share, learn, and to network and engage in interfaith cooperation for worthy causes.
The New Gurdwara will be not just a milestone for the Hoosier Sikh community, but is a significant addition to Indiana's sacred places and spiritual landscape. The planned building complex is estimated to cost $13.5 Million and would be a spectacular Gurdwara at the Crossroads of America.
This Project has been made possible by the tireless seva (service) and contributions of many Hoosier Sikhs and our friends in other faith communities. Among them: The Sikh Satsang President, Gurpreet Singh and his Executive Committee; Youth Groups; Harpreet Sandhu, Chairman of the Sikh Satsang Trustees; distinguished sevaks Maninder Singh Walia and Chirjeev Kaur Oberoi, and many generous sevadars (congregants).
A beautiful video of the new Gurdwara provides highlights the architecture and spirit of the new building.
We felt incredibly blessed by the presence of Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales; a respected Hoosier leader, Raju Chinthala, interfaith leader, Dr. Anita Joshi, dozens of Hoosier Sikh community leaders from across the State of Indiana.
We are grateful for the dozens of thoughtful messages from State and national faith leaders and friends who sent good wishes as the Hoosier Sikhs embark on this much-needed and visionary journey.
Everyone who attended this special occasion joined for a vegetarian lunch (Langar) and fellowship. Attached photos provide a glimpse of the spirit of the celebration. For additional information and updates, contact:
Sikh Educational and Cultural Society of Indianapolis, Inc.
Gurdwara Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis
10950 Southeastern Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46239
https://gurdwarasikhsatsang.org
A PRAYERFUL REFLECTION AND THANKSGIVING
Our long time prayers and cherished vision were being answered by Sutguru jee's Grace and Apaar (Infinite or Limitless) Mayher (Grace and Benevolence).It was reassuring to have several hundred enthusiastic congregants taking part in this historic moment in the journey of the Hoosier Sikh community under a beautiful blue Indiana sky. Early Sikh pioneers -
Dr. Sukhbir Singh, Mohinder Singh, Daljit Singh, Ranjit Sikand, Dr. Girdhar Lal Ahuja, Dr. Baljit Dhesi, Pritam Shaunki, Tarlochan Bansi,KP Singh, and others, were mentioned for their invaluable leadership and efforts during the past six decades.
We pray for the successful completion of this sacred place as the Hoosier Gurdwara at the Crossroads of America, a welcome place open to all in the Hoosier Heartland. Dedicated to serving the Hoosier Sikh Americans and robustly participating in worthy causes and initiatives that serve Indiana.
We will always welcome the support for the peaceful traditions of Sikh faith and their sacred articles of faith, and creating a sense of belonging. We thank all faith, business, educational, community and civic leaders, as we make
Indiana our proud home and enrich it with our pioneering energy, cultural heritage, investments, and with a spirit of Charhdikala ( joyous optimism).
The Groundbreaking Ceremonies were an amazing insight into Sikh religious
building traditions. It combined, affirmed, reflected, and radiated a positive energy. There was colorful pageantry, tradition and symbolism; there was music, singing of Shabads (sacred Hymns) and resounding acclimation that defined the excitement of the moment. There was order, discipline, commitment,
and time-honored faith-designated formalities. It was a moving historic moment,
a joyful and beautiful experience to remember.
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