MELBOURNE, 10 JUNE, 2023: The World Environment Day was today observed at the Gurudwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar, Officer (Sikh Temple, Officer), with great enthusiasm and gaiety. The large number of devotees and invited guests for the function and related activities, filled up the place as never before. Guests from different communities, included Ministers, Councillors, MPs, political and social activists, faith leaders and influencers were in full strength to support and observe the commitment to the environment and its urgent protection.
Federal Minister for Immigration, Citizenship & Multicultural Affairs, Hon. Andrew Giles MP and Emma Vulin MP, State Member for Pakenham, Cassandra Fernanda, Federal Minister for Holt, Lee Tarlamis, Member Victorian Legislative Council, Belinda Wilson MP, Narre Warren North, Gary Maas MP, Narre Warren South, Viv Nguyen, Chairperson, VMC, Dr. Md. Mohideen, Commissioner, VMC, Jack Kowarzik, Dy. Mayor, Cardina Shire Council and Samantha Fernandez, Dept. of Home Affairs, were present among others. Organiser Harpreet Singh Kandra called the VIPs one by one and they addressing those gathered expressing support and appreciating the Officer Sikh Temple for taking up the environment cause. Mr. Kandra addressing the gathering detailed the many environmental programs of the temple already done and planned. Earlier, religious hymes by a group initiated the day’s program. About 50 community, faith, educational, sports, business and other organisations supported the event.
The highlight of the day was the tree plantation at a wide spot in the 25 acres natural property of the Sikh temple. Dozens including the VIP guests walked through green and soft grass land to reach and plant the trees.
The method to plant the trees was explained and then one by one the enthusiastic environment protectors including Federal Minister Hon. Andrew Giles MP and others planted the trees. It was a good photo opportunity, which was not missed. iphones and cameras clicked as the soil accepted the starter trees.
This was humans giving life to mother earth – the need of the hour. The message of protecting the environment by planting trees, I am sure, went through well. It was also a message how a faith temple could be embedded firmly for the protection of the environment, globally threatened.
The tree plantation activity was followed by Langar (Community feasting) at the temple. The temple volunteers served the food consisting of mixed vegetables, Chick Peas curry, yogart, roti, rice and Halwa (Samolina dessert).
The togetherness of tree plantation and sitting together to eat created the ambience of unity of humanity to take care of mother Earth.
The event was also supported by media groups including SBS Punjabi, Pakenham Gazette, The Indian Sun and South Asia Times (SAT) along with individuals including Siddarth Maitrak, Monaj Kumar, Nirmal Namdhari, Sunny Duggal among others. The hard work of Mr. Kundra and his team at the temple to organise and make the event a success needs to be commended.
