A message from HRH The Prince of Wales to Sikhs in the UK and across the Commonwealth, on the festival of Vaisakhi

Sat Sri Akaal 

As Sikhs across the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth, celebrate Vaisakhi, I did just want to convey my heartfelt best wishes to you all, and to tell you just how much my wife and I are thinking of you at this special time of year.

I know that Vaisakhi is an occasion when, in happier times, families and friends come together, to celebrate the birth of the Khalsa and to renew their bonds of community. This year, of course, due to the current public health crisis, such gatherings will not be possible. I can only imagine what a great sadness that must be for so many of you.

In the United Kingdom, as elsewhere, Sikhs are playing a vital role on the frontline of this crisis, whether in our hospitals or in other key roles; or through the remarkable work that is being done through Gurdwaras to support local communities and the most vulnerable. In this, it seems to me, Sikhs so marvellously embody the values on which Guru Nanak founded your religion, over five centuries ago: hard work, respect and selfless service to those less fortunate than yourselves. At the same time, I know that many of you are suffering yourselves from the cruel effects of this pernicious virus, or have lost those you love.

In these challenging times, the Sikh community is making an extraordinary and invaluable contribution to the life of this country, and to so many others, just as it has always done. My wife and I wanted you to know how grateful we are, and how much your extraordinary efforts are admired by us all. 

We both send you our heartfelt best wishes for a happy, safe, and peaceful Vaisakhi.

Vaisakhi Diyan Lakh Lakh Vadhaiyan