Vancouver Mayor eager to learn Punjabi and Sikhism

Photo and story by Gian Singh Kotli
Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan won many hearts when he delivered a brief speech in a flawless Punjabi accent on September 4 at Gurdwara Khalsa Darbar Society, Vancouver. He was speaking on the occasion of the first Parkash Diwas (illumination day) celebration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in 1604 by Guru Arjan Dev Ji at Amritsar.
Explaining his interest in learning Punjabi and Sikhism, Sullivan said: “I hope to explain to all our Punjabi citizens that we greatly respect them. I love what I am learning about the Sikh religion…”
Gurdwara Khalsa Darbar Society President Sarjit Singh Gill honored Sullivan for rendering valuable services to the city of Vancouver and the community on behalf of the whole congregation by presenting him with a Plaque of Honor. Much to the delight of all, the president also honored Sullivan by adding “Singh” (lion) to his name. He said: “I fail to understand whether I should call him Sam Sullivan only or Sam Singh Sullivan.”
From The Indo-Canadian Voice, September 9, 2006. For the full text of the story, go to:
http://www.voiceonline.com/voice/060909/headline3.php