MATTERS OF INTEREST

VAISAKHI 2012

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS (15:25): On Saturday 21 April my wife, Glenys, and I attended the Vaisakhi celebration on behalf of the Premier. Other distinguished guests included the Hon. Jing Lee and her husband, Eddie. The Vaisakhi 2012 celebrations were conducted by the Sikh Society of South Australia at the Norwood Town Hall. There were approximately 200 guests in attendance.

Vaisakhi is a Sikh cultural festivity which has its origins in the celebration of the spring harvest in northern India, in particular in the Punjab where the Sikh religion originates. In the Punjab, Vaisakhi is celebrated in all villages irrespective of race and religion and, in fact, is connected with the Lunar New Year which is celebrated in much of east Asia at this time of the year. Vaisakhi is also significant for Sikhs in that it commemorates the establishment of the Khalsa (or Sikh baptism) on 30 March 1699. The religious aspects of Vaisakhi are celebrated on 13 April and here in Adelaide that was done at the Gurdwara Sahib Adelaide at Glen Osmond.

There are over 30 million Sikhs worldwide, with the majority living in the Punjab in India. Sikhism is a relatively new religion, having been established in 1469. The traditions and philosophies of Sikhism were established by 10 specific gurus between 1469 and 1708. Essentially Sikhs believe in one omnipresent god, they reject racism and see everyone as equals. A Sikh must also have the courage to defend the rights of all who are wrongfully oppressed or persecuted—irrespective of religion, colour, cast or creed—which is a very admirable ideal indeed.

Sikhs' views on women were way ahead of their time. The role of women in Sikhism is outlined in Sikh scriptures which state that Sikh women are to be regarded as equal to Sikh men. In Sikhism, women are considered to have the same souls as men and an equal right to grow spiritually. As such, Sikhism was the first major world religion to state that women were equal in every respect.

The first annual Vaisakhi dinner in Adelaide took place some 31 years ago at the instigation of Dr Swaran Khera, the first president of the Sikh Society of South Australia. Dr Khera remains involved in the Sikh Society today as chairman of the society's governing council. The aim of the Vaisakhi dinner is to project Sikhs to all other Australians to let them know that Sikhs are involved in all areas of life in South Australia. They work hard and love fun, music, food, dancing and especially good wine; this was evident at the dinner. The Sikh Society of South Australia has about 500 members in Adelaide. There is also a sister organisation in the Riverland, the Riverland Sikh Society, which has approximately 300 members and a gurdwara at Glossop.

During the evening we were truly entertained by the Adelaide Bhangra Crew who did a number of Bollywood performances. They were an absolute delight and really set the mood for the evening. Their performance was vibrant and colourful. The Adelaide Bhangra Crew is made up of local Sikh youth and, as I said, the performances really did add a great dimension to the evening. There was also the food and, as my wife would say, it was food to die for. It was absolutely delicious, and I am sure many left the dinner a kilo or two heavier.

The Sikh Society is another example of how multiculturalism adds to our South Australian community. It has added to our society with its hard work and by bringing its cultural traditions, its food, its music and its dance to this country.

Finally, I wish to thank the Sikh Society of Australia for its wonderful hospitality, and, in particular, the president of the society, Mr Balwant Singh, for so ably looking after us during the evening. The Vaisakhi 2012 was a very enjoyable evening indeed.