YEAR 2023 is going to be a busy year for the 121-year-old Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang as the temple is expected to hold fundraising events more frequently than ever to assist in its ongoing conservation and restoration project.
Temple president Santok Singh said the first one planned for the calendar year is a food fair, called the Indian Food Fiesta.
It is expected to take place in January.
“We will be showcasing an array of traditional Indian-based dishes, and the proposed venue is at Esplanade.
“Through this initiative, we hope to raise RM500,000.
“As for the date, we have not finalised it yet but will soon make an announcement,” Santok said during a brief press conference at the temple today.
Meanwhile, Conservation and Restoration of Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang chairman Datuk Seri Mahinder Singh Dulku said Esplanade is the most ideal venue to hold such an event as it is easily accessible to the public.
Also, Mahinder mentioned that so far, a total of RM1.8 million had been raised for the temple’s project. He also reminded the people to support the temple’s upcoming heritage dinner on Nov 5 this year.
State Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo, who was also present earlier, announced a contribution of RM50,000 to aid the temple’s ongoing project.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat