By BRIDGET COOK
THE past, present and future of the Lynbrook’s Sikh temple was in the spotlight recently when the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship visited.
Matthew Guy visited the Nanaksar Thath Isher Darbar (NTID) temple and charitable organisation last month, along with Casey Mayor Geoff Ablett and deputy mayor Amanda Stapledon.
Secretary Raj Singh took the guests on a tour of the new temple building, which is currently under construction and discussed the future plans for the establishment of a community centre, nursing home, childcare facility, primary and secondary school.
Kamalpreet Singh, from NTID, said it was a good opportunity to brief the minister on its visions for the future.
“It was intended that the meeting be rather informal and was seen as an opportunity for the minister to meet relevant stakeholders and hear from them as he gets more acquainted with his portfolio,” he said.
“The minister also wanted to listen to any issues the community would wish to raise with him.
“Casey mayor and deputy joined the minister on this visit and reinforced their endorsement of the future plans for NTID, which would provide community access to the numerous essential services.
“The minister expressed his full support for the future development plans, as he met with the community members and wider congregation.”
Mr Singh also briefed the minister about the worldwide activities of the NTID Trust, which was formed in 1972 by His Holiness Sant Baba Amar Singh Ji.
“Babaji’s mission of ‘eradicating poverty through education’ is supported by a vast majority of people of different beliefs and faiths,” Kamalpreet said.
“Inspired by the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Babaji’s life long mission is not just to help the poor through charity but also to secure their future by educating them so they can become self-sufficient and give back to society.”
