Sikhs Called Bengalis in Malaysia; Gurdwara Reopens in Northern Ireland

In Malaysia, Sikhs are often called Bengalis which riles them up. In 2008, Malaysian Sikhs had even walked out of a program upon being called Bengali. Recently, former Managing Director of Google and Twitter Parminder Singh shared a probable reason for this mistake in identity: ‘British India had three seaports – Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay. British Malaya was served by ships from Calcutta and Madras. Most North Indians used the Calcutta port, the majority of whom were Sikhs recruited for army, police, and security jobs. To the Malay people, everyone who didn't come from Madras, essentially everyone from North India, was a Bengali.’ Singh is not a historian but his reason seems plausible. Sikh presence in the country goes back 150 years to 1828. That is a lot of time to correct the term in use. In 2021, the Gurdwara at Derry, Northern Ireland had burnt down in a massive fire. On 11 Apr this year, the Gurdwara reopened after reconstruction. The multi-storey beige building, on the eastern bank of the River Foyle, bears a long history. An old sign indicates the Gurdwara was constructed in 1915, and a newer one introduces it as the Sikh Cultural Center established in 1995. As the community waited for the Gurdwara to be rebuilt, Derry’s Sikhs gathered in each others’ living rooms and kitchens to continue their Sunday prayers, langar (free kitchen) and even funeral services during COVID-19. The Gurdwara is also a place of worship for other minority religions, like Hindus, who don’t have a nearby temple.