On Saturday, 20th September, we were honoured to welcome MP Luke Murphy and Council Leader Paul Harvey to our monthly Kirtan programme, a vibrant event at Carnival Hall. This gathering was a wonderful example of interfaith harmony and a powerful opportunity for open dialogue.

During a roundtable discussion, we shared the incredible journey of the Basingstoke Sikh Society—growing from 30 members before COVID to over 180 today—and our ambitious vision for the future. We outlined our recent progress, including submitting our constitution for application to the Charity Commission, and our plans to craft a 10-year strategy to establish a central hub for Sikhs across Basingstoke & Dean area.

The conversation also addressed key local issues, from the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation to the importance of fostering unity in response to rising anti-immigrant rhetoric. Both leaders listened intently and shared their support for our community’s contributions.

Praising the society’s growth and collaborative spirit, Luke Murphy MP said, “You already exemplify what it means to be a strong community in bringing people together… a vital component for the future of our town.”

Echoing this sentiment, Cllr Paul Harvey added, “We are one community in Basingstoke and we are stronger because of that. We benefit from what we share… and it’s important that we celebrate together.”

The visit was more than a meeting; it was a true sharing of culture. Our guests participated in the Kirtan programme, enjoyed langar with the Sangat, and engaged in heartfelt conversations. The event, which highlighted our joint seva work with the Hindu society to provide hot meals for the homeless, was a testament to the power of community collaboration.

The spirit of the day was perfectly captured in an article by the Basingstoke Gazette, which you can read here. We are deeply grateful to our local leaders for their time and encouragement, and we look forward to continuing this productive partnership.