It is a pleasure to join you for your Annual Dinner, celebrating 25 years of the Forum. Firstly I would like to thank Ranjit Singh for his hospitality and to those involved in arranging this event in this lovely setting.

Sikhs and their contributions to Britain

Sikhs have strong historical ties to Britain. The first Sikh settler came here in 1849 and since then the Sikh community has grown to an estimated 750 thousand people. The Sikh community IS now one of the most successful communities in this country.

I note that the first Sikh Awards were held last month recognising the contribution that Sikhs have made to British business, art and sport, amongst other things. Later tonight, I will be continuing in that spirit of celebration and recognition by presenting an award to the Sikh of the Year.

We are in a challenging economic climate. Many people are concerned about the future due to the tough, but necessary measures required in order to secure the economic recovery. This feeling of uncertainty can adversely affect many lives and may polarise communities. We must continue to promote messages of unity and jointly oppose language or behaviour intended to undermine community cohesion. By remaining positive about the future and supportive of our neighbours, we can look forward to overcoming the difficulties that lay before us. Some of the groundwork was laid by the previous government and is carried on by the Coalition.

Mool Mantar is a basic prayer, composed by Guru Nanak Dev. It is the key prayer of Sikhs which sums up the basic concepts of the Sikh religion.

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the Silver Jubilee Annual Dinner of  The Sikh Forum International. The forum is a charitable organisation founded to promote the culturak heritage of Sikhs and to spread Sikhism message of peace, oneness of Gid and universal brotherhood. Read letters from Amarjit Singh Chandhoik, Lord Tebbitt and Ranjit Singh.

Speaking the Truth is the real Fast, Remaining contented is the true Pilgrimagem Meditation is the true worship, Humility is the real Roasary.