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S.
S a n t o k h S i n g h B a n s a l (
B h a i) |
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"
S. Santokh Singh Bansal is popular among the people of
Coventry as ?Bhai? (literary means an elder
brother, care taker, guide and well wisher). This
is all due to his hard work and sincerity towards
Sikhism. He is true Sikh
he has not cut his hair to get job for his
livelihood. He came out with an example for the
Sikhs of Great Britain. " |
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S. Santokh Singh Bansal is born to Smt Harkishan Kaur Seehra
on 1st Jan 1923
in Distt. Hoshiarpur. His father S. Karam Singh Bansal was a Forman
in Africa. S. Santokh Singh Bansal has not got any academic
qualification. But god has enlightened him with the education of
born engineer which ramgarhias has inherited. |
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S. Bansal came to
UK in 1955. There was
very few Sikhs in Coventry. When more Sikhs came here things began to develop.
Then few like minded Sikhs started to meet in houses and started
performing kirtan and other activities related to promotion of Sikhism.
Then they met at a school for few years. Then they approached the council
for permission to get place and they were offered a house on the Stoney
Stanton Road, Coventry. This was a temporary Vanue. They met here for few months only. Then
they applied for other places and got permission for a place at
1103 Foleshill Road,
Coventry. After clearing few hindrances they able to purchased the
building in 5500 Pounds. They got the possession of the same with the
cooperation of other ramgarhias. |
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It started as just a large house. They knocked a wall inside
and put girder in, they were given five years to carry on and then
they told to rebuild. Then Bansal said to his people that he will do
the job if no one minds it. And he doesn?t want any post, He will continue to serve and manage and look after the
reconstruction work of Gurudwara as Sewadar (Non paid worker). No one else had the time. All
agreed and he arrange to build the new temple.
So it was in
4th
April 1965 that a house was brought on the Foleshill Road and
converted to Gurudwara. But with the pressure from other
members he became the first president of the Gurudwara, who was later succeeded by S.
Mohinder Singh Matharu. The Gurudwara had only the
steel structure erected by builder, they did everything.
Themselves-the timberwork and brickworks and complete the first
stage in 1969. |
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Bansal was not works anywhere. His life was dedicated to the
temple. He picked up the people from work and took them to the
site. Food was arranged for them. Then people came to help
from as far away as Birmingham and London to help them because
this was the first temple I think it was possible the first in
the Midland. The new building was opened in 1969.the opening
ceremony was performed by the then high commissioner of
India Mr. I.
Singh. He appreciated he work done by Sikhs of Coventry,
particular the hard work of S. Santokh Singh Bansal. In 1978 extension was added. |
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With technical bent of mind Bhai establish him self as a talented carpenter
in UK. He is very
accommodating and helping to the community he always spend from his
own pocket for the upliftment of the Ramgarhiakom. It is all because of his deep
love for the community. I salute his dedication and sincerity. It is all his hard work and dedication that the Gurudwara
has a
beautiful building which attract the visitors and create curiosity
to see the inner view. |
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M E S S
A G E |
"
We have to work for Ramgarhiakom as a Sewadar not as leader.
" |
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Address :
99-Grang Road,
Coventry CV66DB |
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:: P r e v
i o u s N R I ' s o f
t h e M o n t h :: |
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