Malawi: Over 400 members of the Sikh community and friends of India gathered at a Gurudwara in Limbe, Blantyre, on April 19, to celebrate Baisakhi festival and attend the unveiling ceremony of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s statue.
Amararam Gujar, High Commissioner of India to Malawi, along with His Worship Councillor Isaac Jomo Osman, Mayor of Blantyre City Council, unveiled the bust of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at the premises of the Sikh shrine.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780–1839), also known as Sher-e-Punjab (Lion of Punjab), was a valiant Indian Sikh warrior and a visionary leader who fostered a golden era of prosperity, tolerance, and unity. He was also the founder of the Sikh Empire in Punjab.
The bust, provided by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Government of India, stands as a tribute to the legacy of the “Sher-e-Punjab”, inspiring future generations with his courage, leadership, and vision, an Indian High Commission statement read.
The statement further said that the bust "serves as a symbol of pride and cultural identity for the Indian Sikh community in Malawi, strengthening their connection to their rich cultural heritage back in India.
The Sikh community in Malawi has made a significant contribution to the African nation's progress, development, and growth through their professional skills, the High Commission said.
