The Business, Innovation and Skills Secretary, Dr Vince Cable MP, has paid tribute to British Sikhs during Vaisakhi – at an event where the “Turbanology: Sikh Unwrapped’ exhibition went on display for the first time in London.
Speaking about how Sikhs contribute to prosperity in Britain, Dr Cable highlighted the importance of the links the community provide with India – and defended the need to continue giving aid to the subcontinent to address issues such as poverty.
The audience heard from a panel of leading Sikh business leaders who discussed how they had developed their enterprises – and how they hope to support the development of future Sikh talent.
Business Tycoon, Peter Singh Virdee, announced a new fund to be launched later this year, solely for Sikhs who have a cutting edge idea are in need of finance. This group of prominent Sikhs in British business lead by Mr Virdee, would advise, nurture and guide any worldwide Sikh initiative, to ensure the creation of more wealth and prosperity in the hands of the Sikh community.
Mr Virdee described how he felt there was a gap in the market to support creative ideas with a soft loan, without the obligation to take profit or shares.
The evening was the first in a special week long series of events marking the 313th anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa Brotherhood – a pivotal moment in 1699 which defined the Sikh community. ‘Turbanology at Vaisakhi’ incorporates the key components of the ‘Sikhs Unwrapped’ exhibition with a new film commission by hosts Ernst & Young Sikh Group which captures prominent Sikhs speaking out about what their Turban identity means to them.
Jay Singh-Sohal, event host and exhibition director remarked, “It’s been a fantastic event – the Sikh community have made a tremendous impact upon British life and the economy so bringing this to light through our exhibition and speaker events at such an important time for Sikhs is a great way to celebrate the best we have to offer in Britain.”
The exhibition will run until Friday 13th April with a further special panel being held on Thursday 12th April looking at how Sikhs are perceived in media and abroad. The evening event will feature a special screening of the new BBC documentary “The Story of the Turban.”
