I would like to wish you all a very Happy Vaisakhi as your local Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent Central.
For hundreds of years, Vaisakhi has been an opportunity for Sikhs to celebrate the bonds of culture, history and identity. It is a time for joy and celebration, of giving thanks with family and friends.
The New Year is a time for reflection on the year past, and it is a time for optimism as we look to the year ahead.
During this important time for the Sikh community at home and overseas, family and friends will come together to give thanks and celebrate the anniversary of the Khalsa. Hundreds of thousands of people will be marking Vaisakhi at parades and events across the country, as well as visiting Gurdwaras which will burst into life with colourful decorations.
Earlier this year, I was privileged to visit the Guru Nanak Gurdwara & Sikh Cultural Centre in Liverpool Road with the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent Cllr. Dr Chandra Kanneganti, where I was able to learn more about the Sikh faith. It was a moving experience, and I can understand why Sikhs are so proud of this beautiful and holy place. I was very touched by the warm welcome I received, and I was honoured to join Cllr. Kanneganti in helping the Guru Nanak Gurdwara & Sikh Cultural Centre to deliver some meals to a domestic abuse refuge in Stoke-on-Trent.
Today we celebrate and participate in festivities and strengthen our core values of truth, compassion and service to others embodied by Sikhs across the country. These are values that make our society better, stronger and more tolerant.
With these thoughts in mind, and in a warm spirit of friendship. I offer my best wishes to the Sikh community for a wonderful Vaisakhi celebration.
Happy Vaisakhi.
With best wishes,
Jo Gideon MP
Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent Central
