The Wolverhampton South East MP hosted the annual Vaisakhi celebrations in Parliament on 18th April in the Speakers’ State Rooms. MP Pat McFadden was delighted that children from ‘The British Sikh School’ - a local school in his constituency is performing kirtan to open the event.
Kirtan is a special performance of hymns from the holy book of the ‘Guru Granth Sahib’. The kirtan is an integral part of the Sikh culture and Vaisakhi celebrations.
Pat said, “I would like to send my best wishes to all celebrating Vaisakhi at this special time of year. I know this is a very special time for the Sikh community all around the world - celebrating the foundation of the Khalsa and the adoption of the Sikh articles of faith.
“I am delighted that 12 children from a school in my constituency is a part of this special celebration in the Parliament. I believe it is important that a religious moment that means so much to so many of my constituents and to the Sikh community around the country is celebrated in the heart of our democracy.
“I have been honoured to represent a multi faith constituency for the past 12 years and on this great occasion of Vaisakhi, I extend my warmest best wishes to everyone celebrating it.”
Councillor Rupinderjit Kaur of Spring Vale and Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal of Wednesfield South joined the school-children and Pat at the Parliament celebrations. Rupinder said, “it is a fantastic opportunity for local children to perform in the Parliament and a brilliant way to bring communities together. I’d like to thank MP Pat McFadden for providing such a great opportunity for local children’.
Mrs Rashpal Kaur Channa, the assistant principal at the British Sikh School said, “The British Sikh School is honoured to be part of the Vaisakhi celebrations at the Houses of Parliament. As part of the enrichment curriculum, students take part in a variety of activities such as fencing, archery, the debating club and a wide range of other activities. Our students who performed are part of the devotional singing club, where they learn poems about events and people that have shaped the Sikh religion. We would like to thank Pat for thinking of us and inviting us to this celebration,” she said - feeling rather proud and happy for her students.
