Singapore PM Wears Turban, Greets Sikh Community With "Sat Sri Akaal"

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wore an immaculate white turban at the inauguration of a gurdwara and greeted the community members in perfect Punjabi, saying "Sat Sri Akaal". Speaking at the event, he praised the Sikh community for their contribution in mitigating the disruptions caused by the pandemic. He said the gurdwaras in Singapore rallied members to help those in need during this difficult period, regardless of race, religion, or background. The Silat Road gurdwara is a shining icon in the multi-religious landscape of Singapore, the prime minister said.

The gurdwara was renovated during the pandemic when Sikh leaders helped worshippers adjust to disruptions caused by the pandemic by innovating and using technology to adapt to the "new normal". The gurdwara started live-streaming services of congregations for devotees and the Coordinating Council of Sikh Institutions commissioned a task force called 'Project Akaal' to provide support for mental health within the Sikh community.

"These initiatives set a good example for the wider community, as we move towards a new normal of living with an endemic virus," PM Lee said during his speech. He shared a part of his speech and some photographs of his visit to the gurdwara on his Facebook page as well as on Twitter.

Delighted to attend the inauguration of Silat Road Sikh Temple today after a prolonged renovation during the pandemic. Congratulations to the Sikh community on this momentous occasion! – LHL https://t.co/jH6Bkowe21 pic.twitter.com/XLQHatFeeE

— leehsienloong (@leehsienloong) July 3, 2021

The full speech was made available on YouTube. “Congratulations once again to the Sikh community on this momentous occasion!” he added.

The Indian High Commission in Singapore tweeted a few images of PM Lee and congratulated the Sikh community on the inauguration of the gurdwara by him.

The High Commission of India in Singapore congratulates the #Sikh community in Singapore on the occasion of the inauguration of the Silat Road Gurudwara by PM @leehsienloong following the completion of the renovation project.@MEAIndia @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/86ETKxwpyx

— India in Singapore (@IndiainSingapor) July 6, 2021

The Singapore PM's gesture has attracted praise and attention from the Sikh community spread across the globe, who shared his speech and image on social media.

Parminder Singh, who has worked in top positions in several multinational companies, including Twitter and Google, appeared to thank the Singapore PM with a folded hands emoji.

Singapore Prime Minister, @leehsienloong inaugurated a newly renovated Gurudwara wearing an immaculate turban and greeting everyone with a perfect Sat Sri Akaal! ???? pic.twitter.com/fFk36V6Av0

— Parminder Singh (@parrysingh) July 4, 2021

Delhi BJP Secretary Impreet Singh Bakshi also shared an image of PM Lee and highlighted that he wore a Sikh dress with a turban.

Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong delivering lecture at the inauguration of Silat Road Sikh Gurdwara. He wears Sikh dress with turban to reach out to the Sikh community of Singapore, appreciating their charitable efforts in this difficult environment of COVID 19. pic.twitter.com/dMFr9t0gXb

— Impreet Singh Bakshi ਇਮਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ੀ (@impreetsbakshi) July 4, 2021

Before the renovation, the Silat Road Gurdwara served up to 1,500 people daily and now the langar can be organised for up to 2,000 people in a safer and comfortable environment.