Amritsar: The 125-year-old Wadda Gurdwara Sahib in Penang, Malaysia, has reopened after an extensive conservation and restoration project, with officiating Akal Takht jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj performing the installation ceremony of the Guru Granth Sahib ath the shrine on Saturday.The ceremony coincided with the 125th anniversary of the gurdwara Sahib.Later, the gurdwara’s management committee, in collaboration with the Penang state govt, organised a function in the gurdwara’s courtyard to mark the reopening of the restored building.Giani Gargajj is visiting Malaysia on the invitation of Penang deputy chief minister Jagdeep Singh Deo and the management committee of Wadda Gurdwara Sahib.Addressing the gathering, he said Sikhs had earned respect wherever they settled through hard work, honesty and enterprise, bringing honour to the community.Established in 1901, Wadda Gurdwara Sahib is recognised as a Sikh heritage site in Malaysia. Its history reflects the early migration of Sikhs to the country and their efforts to establish religious and community institutions. The restoration project has preserved the historic shrine’s original architectural character and heritage features.The jathedar urged the gurdwara management to promote Gurmukhi Punjabi among children and the younger generation to help them connect with the Gurbani and Sikh history. He also encouraged Malaysian Sikhs to maintain ties with Punjab and ensure that younger generations visited Darbar Sahib in Amritsar and Nankana Sahib in Pakistan.Giani Gargajj called upon the Sikh community in Malaysia to remain vigilant in preserving and documenting Sikh contributions to the country. He also urged support for Sikhs and Punjabis who migrate to Malaysia for employment.
