Message from the Prime minister – BIRTH OF GURU NANAK

I’m delighted to send my best wishes to the Sikh community in Australia on the feast day of the birth of Guru Nanak.

Australia has been enriched by the presence of Sikh faithful since the 1850s. In 1911, Prem Singh, a devoted Sikh and resident of Lismore, described his beliefs as:

“… conveniently summed up in four words, unity, equality, faith, and love.”

These are the values that the followers of Guru Nanak have shared with Australians for generations.

When Guru Nanak invited the faithful to pray and eat by his side, he established one of the great traditions of the Sikh faith. For more than five centuries, Sikhs have gathered in gurdwaras to perform the same rituals of worship and sharing a meal, and have spread a message of compassionate community everywhere.

In fire, flood and pandemic, Sikh Australians have given life to this message through so many acts of charity and care. Sikh volunteers are present across the country, giving hope with kind words, a hot meal and concern for the welfare of all.

Australia is built on the beliefs and experiences of communities from around the world.

As a nation, our breadth is our strength, and the Sikh faithful who call Australia home are a deeply valued part of our national story.

May your celebrations for the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak bring joy to all.