Wolverhampton academic delivers Parliament's first Sikh lecture

Dr Opinderjit Takhar, director of the UK's first Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies at the University of Wolverhampton, said she was "humbled" to take part in the historic event.

It was the first time the Houses of Parliament opened its doors and invited a speaker in to discuss the religion.

The University of Wolverhampton lecturer said: "It feels great knowing I have been able to raise an awareness of Sikhism at that level. Although visibly we are out there, there is a lot of misunderstandings about Sikhs.

"It was a great opportunity to really talk about what Sikhism means to those of us who practice it. To talk about something I love doing, it was absolutely lovely."

The event, which took place in the Speaker's State Rooms, saw Dr Opinderjit explore the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the faith.

She discussed his motivational messages of gender equality and peace, as well as challenges faced by Sikhs today.

This year will see Sikhs across the globe will celebrate 550 years since the birth of the first Sikh Guru, with the UK expected to host the biggest celebrations after India.

Dr Takhar added: "Guru Nanak has always been one of my role models. It concerns me that our teachings give us these equal opportunities and yet that's not always implemented. As women, we need to raise our voices.

"The debate about equality in Sikhism has much in common with similar debates that are taking place in other faith communities.

"This was also a great opportunity to showcase in Parliament what we are doing in the Centre for Sikh and Panjabi studies here in Wolverhampton.”

The lecture also marked last month's National Sikh History and Awareness Month - the first of its kind in the UK.

It was hailed a success by Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden, who is vice chairman of the cross-party All Party Parliamentary Group for British Sikhs and was one of 60 guests at the inaugural lecture.

Mr McFadden said: “We thought it would be a good idea to have a lecture on one of the key beliefs of Sikhi as part of Sikh History and Awareness Month.

"I was delighted when Dr Takhar agreed to come and give the lecture and her talk was extremely interesting and informative.

"It provoked a good debate and the whole event was a great success. I am very pleased we were able to organise an event like this in Parliament and hopefully it is something we can do again in the future.

"Having the Centre for Sikh and Punjabi Studies is a great asset for the university and for our city."