“Imagine,” I say standing before the Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara, “a small community with a big dream.”
The Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara started humbly in the 1960s. It began in a church hall on Cephas Street, Stepney Green. The early Sikh community in East London gathered here. They held programs and shared langar every Sunday.
As more Sikhs arrived from Africa and India, the community grew. Many settled in East Ham, Manor Park, Forest Gate, and Upton Park. The Gurdwara Sahib then hired halls in the Forest Gate area. Durning Hall and a church hall on Romford Road became temporary homes.
The community then purchased a large residential property on Margery Park Road. Programs were held regularly, but the growing community needed more space. So, they bought a single-story church hall at 10-14 Neville Road. This is the present site of the Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara.
Over time, the Gurdwara Sahib acquired residential properties on Plashet Road. These properties behind the Gurdwara were initially used as a car park.
As the community expanded, a larger building became necessary. A plan was made for a double-story building. It would include a large Darbar Sahib and a langar hall. The present building was completed in 2005. The large Darbar Sahib can accommodate around 500 people. A smaller Darbar Sahib can hold about 150 people. There is also a large langar hall, washing area, and fully equipped kitchen.
The Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara acquired more properties. Two residential properties on either side were purchased. A large commercial building at 270 Neville Road was also acquired. This became the Community Centre, with a large Darbar Sahib on the top floor. The first floor has another hall. The ground floor features a kitchen and dining hall.
Today, the modern Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara is a vibrant hub. It hosts weddings, kurmai ceremonies, and other religious programs. The Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara offers various services. These include Akhand Path Sahib, Sehaj Path, and Sukhmani Sahib Path. Kirtan and Langar are also provided. Child naming, Amrit, and Anand Karaj ceremonies are held here. The Gurdwara also provides matrimonial services and prayers for various occasions.
The Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara’s Darbar Sahib can seat approximately 400 people. Langar is provided free of charge. The Gurdwara also supports soup kitchens for the elderly and homeless. They are considerate of food allergies and maintain a strict no egg, meat, smoking, or narcotics policy. The Gurdwara values diversity and encourages learning about the Sikh faith.
The Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara has worked with many organizations. These include the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and the BBC. They also support health initiatives, offering Covid-19 vaccinations and health advice.
The Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara has received several awards. These include the Health Equity 50 Steps Award and the Newham Community Champion award. They also offer educational visits and participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Committee members are bilingual, DBS cleared, and First Aid trained. The Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara stands as a testament to community spirit. From humble beginnings, it has grown into a significant landmark. It continues to serve and uplift the community.