By Balwant Sanghera
NEW WESTMINSTER – Queensborough Middle School (QMS)in New Westminster has been a good model for Punjabi. For many years, the Punjabi classes there have been flourishing at a fast pace. This has been possible only with the support and co-operation of the school board, district administration, school administration, staff, students and parents of QMS. However, the teachers make a big difference in this regard. On behalf of Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) I would like to commend the teachers, especially Mr. Deep Sangra, who has made the success of the Punjabi program at QMS one of his top priorities. For many years, Mr. Sangra has made the celebration of Vaisakhi as one of his top priorities.
This year, QMS celebrated Vaisakhi and Creation of the Khalsa on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, with a great deal of enthusiasm. Since early morning, the entire school was buzzing with excitement. Students were welcoming and greeting guests at the main school entrance. Few minutes before the start time, teachers ushered in their students to the gym. Vice Principal Sukh Rai gave a brief outline of the Vaisakhi festival and creation of the Khalsa Panth in 1699 in Anandpur Sahibby the tenth and last Guru of Sikh faith, Guru Gobind Singh ji. and the huge strides the Punjabi community has made in Canada for more than 125 years.He then called upon the two student MCs, to conduct the program.The Punjabi class students did an excellent job in displaying their skills and expertise in the Punjabi folk dance Bhangra and brief speeches in Punjabi and English about Vaisakhi and creation of the Khalsa. On behalf of Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) it was an honour for me to congratulate the students, staff and parents for putting on this celebration. Later, staff, parents and invited guests enjoyed socialization and light refreshments provided by Gurdwara Sukh Sagar and parents.QMS Principal Joun Lakakkis concluded the assembly by thanking his staff, students and parents for making the Vaisakhi celebration very enjoyable.
Incidentally, Vaisakhi, named after Vaisakh, second month of the Punjabi calendar, signifies beginning of the harvesting season in Northern India. Also, on this day in 1699 Guru Gobind Singh ji created the KhalsaPanth. Now Vaisakhi has become an international celebration as the South Asian community in general and Sikhs in particular are well settled in many countries around the globe. In Canada, to its credit, the month of April has been declared as the Sikh Heritage Month. Similarly, in the U.S. Vaisakhi Day is now known as the Sikh Heritage Day. In this context, it was great to see the students at QMS put on an impressive celebration of Vaisakhi.
Happy Vaisakhi!
Balwant Sanghera is the President, Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA).
