THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN FROM A MAGAZINE PRINTED IN DECEMBER 1964 IN NAIROBI AND EDITED BY GURCHARAN SINGH GAHIR WHO ALSO WROTE THIS INFORMATIVE ARTICLE (Kanwal)
Kenya becomes a Republic exactly after one year of achieving independence (12th Dec.1963), under the leadership of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. Kenya has decided to continue its association with the Commonwealth as a full, valuable and effective member. Within a short period of one year Kenya has progressed in every sphere. Relations between several races and communities have become happier and more cordial. The whole world is surprised at the way the Government of Kenya under the leadership of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta (below) have solved some immediate and very testing problems.
When Kenya became independent many people of Western thought considered that the Government of the country would not be able to efficiently overcome many problems left by the Colonial people as legacies of their rule. One of such problems was that an ineffective Opposition which was created by the Colonial Government to cripple the independent Government of Kenya in discharge of its duties. How far that worked is known to everyone. The Government of Kenya has not only been able to withstand the tactics of the Opposition but the Opposition has itself voluntarily decided to dissolve itself in the national interest of the country. This is something very unique in the history of the entire continent of Africa. This is a proof of political awareness and maturity of our leaders. The country is on the move. Realising that its economy is only on the take-off-stage, it is indeed very creditable that the Government of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta has undertaken agrarian reforms. Inequities of the past have died out and in the present independent Kenya equal opportunities exist for all regardless of the colour and one's skin or the religious faith he has.
The Sikhs of Kenya are particularly happy on this historic occasion because the Republic Day falls within the same week as the 298th Birthday of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and last Sikh Guru (Guru means the preceptor).
We briefly mention here that Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji underwent supreme sacrifices; supreme not only in the history of India but unique in the history of the whole world. He persuaded his father to lay his life in the cause of righteousness and freedom. He sacrificed his all four sons for the same cause. According to Sikh religion whenever there is a special occasion it is marked by a continuous recitation of the Holy book Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The ceremony is called "Akhand Path". To mark this very special occasion of the Republic Day, the Sikh Community have arranged for Akhand Path, in all the Sikh temples which would be followed by a prayer on Sunday the 13th December, 1964, for the prosperity of the Nation and success in every sphere of the national Government of Kenya.
Punjab, the land of five rivers, which lies in the north of the Indian sub-continent, is the source from which the Sikhs have originated. Punjab is replete with long ancient history and significant legend. It is proud to have produced some of the stoutest and bravest people in India. In this land of Punjab was born less than five centuries ago a saint called Guru Nanak. At that time the country was under the oppressive and cruel rule of the Moghuls. Corruption, inefficiency and nepotism had gone into the vitals of the country. Religious bigotries were rife. Superficial prejudices and religious hatred had created water-tight compartments between the Hindus and Muslims. They had both forgotten the true essence of religion. It was darkness all over and in the name of religion; tyrannies and oppression were meted out to the simple and poor masses. From this emerged which is known as Sikhism. Guru Nanak undertook the task of spiritual clean-up and endeavored by travelling throughout India, Ceylon and the Middle East to show the true path and explained the significance of religion in its true sense. He brought out in a very simple and convincing manner that all religions had very much in common in that they were all based on truth and preached good human conduct and association of man with God and truth.
The tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, however, came to the conclusion that preaching in a pacific manner was not enough in the context of the circumstances then prevailing. He therefore decided to convert his followers into "Singhs" who were baptised into a new faith in which they could take an abiding pride and which they would not be able to disown so lightly. These were then the circumstances in which the Sikhism was born.
Sikhs are essentially a peasant community. In the old British regime in India, a feudal system of land ownership (Jagirdari) was created deliberately in the home land of Sikhism whereby ordinary peasant families succumbed to the greed of the overlords and lost their lands, their only means of livelihood. Ultimately some of them migrated to various parts of the world to earn their livelihood. They went to Canada, South America, Malaysia, Fiji Islands, Australia and New Zealand and, of course, various countries of S.E. Asia. Some of them came to East Africa as well. As a result the Sikhs are now all over the world, naturally, in extremely different and diversified circumstances. Wherever they are the Sikhs have proved themselves to be excellent and progressive citizens. They have identified themselves in the various lands of their choice and have proved beyond any shadow of doubt their worthwhile ness and sincerity.
In Kenya therefore the Sikhs feel confident that they can take the initiative. They will prove themselves worthy of their tradition by integrating with the indigenous people of Kenya.
One only has to have a look around the beautiful city of Nairobi to prove that the Sikhs' contribution in the development of the country of their choice has been sterling. In fact there is not a single building in any of the cities of Kenya over which sweat of the Sikhs has not been shed. The Sikh artisans, carpenters and contractors have very greatly made the cities of Kenya what they look like today over a period of over half a century. They have adhered to the true traditions of their religion and have been working side by side, shoulder to shoulder with the Africans. Their contribution in training the indigenous people in all spheres of their trade has been indeed marvelous. When the interior of the country was opened it was the Sikh who did the entire tool work. He was the carpenter, blacksmith, mason and even a coolie.
The old Uganda Railway line was built by Indian labour (above) which included the sturdy Sikhs. Later on they found employment in several Government Departments and many private organisations and found reasonable scope for their capabilities. The country in turn found in them the vital means for generating development. These were the men who erected the buildings and made the roads, who constructed the factories and houses. These were the men who manned and repaired and maintained the machinery, the plant and all types of technical equipment. It was their ingenuity which enabled the construction work to proceed smoothly.
The Asian fundee has imparted his skill to the African unskilled worker. He has quietly and patiently taught and trained the African in his own trade. At present there is a fairly large African artisan class in Kenya which has emerged from the Asian artisan class in which the Sikhs have always predominated. It has been an outstanding example of human comradeship and co-operation.
The Sikh is not only the artisan in the Modern Kenya but he holds important positions in every sphere and all professions. The Sikhs are known the world over as sportsmen. They have still in their veins the rustic blood of their forefathers. They are instinctively inclined towards healthy and active pursuits. Sports therefore are a part of their way of life. In Kenya and all over East Africa they are known for their versatility in hockey. They have their social clubs throughout Kenya which are open to all communities regardless of colour and creed.
Here the Sikh community is particularly proud to mention that the Chef-de-Mission of Kenya in the 1964 Olympic was a Sikh, Mr. Harbans Singh Sehmi, one of the best known sportsmen in the world. It was an acknowledgement of the contribution of the Sikhs in the sports of Kenya.
The Sikh contribution in the political struggle of the country for leading to Independence has been no less remarkable than in other spheres herein mentioned below. The Sikhs are freedom minded people and they like to live honourably and with their traditional pride. Their sympathies always go out for the oppressed. The Sikhs have taken active part in the political life of the country right from the day they settled into this country.
They have not only been devoured by the man-eater lions of Tsavo, but the colonial masters of the early 20th century who shot many an Indian on flimsy grounds such as insubordination. Then came the phase where the Indian Community politically organised itself. The First Congress session of the East African Indian National Congress was held at Mombasa in 1914. In that session a resolution demanding equal rights for all and a common roll was adopted unanimously. The Europeans and more particularly the European Settler community was perturbed over such demands. Then the First World War broke out. The German army shelled the railway line thus cutting off the supply line of the allied forces on the front - on the Kenya-Tanganyika border. The European settlers took this as an opportunity and pinpointed the blame on a number of Indians. They wanted to crush the Indian political movement once and for all.
*As a result Messrs. Rama Nand, Keshavlal, M. L. Savle, Bishan Singh and Lall Chand were charged of assisting the enemy. A Military Court Martial was set up at Voi. The Chairman of the Court was Col. P. H. Dyke and he was assisted by two army officers on the bench. The Advocate General was Maj. Lazel. The five accused were brought before the court on December 3, 1915. It was a sort of summary trial. It did not take more than two hours to conduct the proceedings. The accused were not allowed to brief any advocate to put up defense. Early next morning at 4 a.m. all the five accused were called to the court room and were told that the court found four of them guilty of charge and sentenced them to death. Mr. Rama Nand was acquitted. They were given twenty four hours to make any statements, if any, to the court. None of the accused persons made any statements. On 5th December, 1915 they were brought to Mombasa in the train. From the railway station they were taken by British soldiers to Fort Jesus where they were locked up in separate cells.
*Bishan Singh was born in Jullundur (Basti Gozaan) in about 1875 A.D. in a Ramgarhia family. His parents' names have not yet been traced.
Sardar Bishan Singh was taken out next morning at 7.30 a.m. from his cell by British soldiers for hanging him in the open. Eventually he was hanged at a site where now Old Market, Mombasa, stands. The death sentences of Keshav-lal and Savle were commuted to 20 years and that of Mr. Lall Chand to 10 years.
Mr. Lall Chand was released in May, 1919. He saw the leading Indian leaders notably the Late Mr. M. A. Desai. Representations were made to the Governor, Sir Charles Bowring, for the release of Messrs. Keshavlal and Savle. Through their intervention they too were released.
In 1942 there was political upheaval in India. "Quit India" movement was in full swing. Subject nations all over the world had their sympathies with the Indians. In Kenya as well both Africans and Asians and of course right thinking Europeans had their sympathies with the Indians in their struggle. To make the matters worse, the Kipande system for the Indians and Defense Regulations were introduced at the same time. Mr. Isher Dass was the Deputy Director of Manpower (Indian).
He had his office in Desai Memorial Hall (above), Nairobi. He had very wide powers and he soon became very rude to the general public who had to go to him for one thing or another in his official capacity. He was particularly harsh with the artisans and low paid clerks. He was considered as a stooge of the colonial government and a traitor. He lost respect in his community. People were fed up with the insults and indignities that he used to perpetrate day in and day out.
Two young Sikhs,* Saran Singh and Balwant Raj, shot Mr. Isher Dass in his office in Desai Memorial Hall on the 6th November, 1942. They were arrested with another young Sikh, Harbaksh Singh, who was acquitted in appeal. They were charged and ultimately Saran Singh and Balwant Rai were sentenced to death. They were hanged on the 12th February, 1944 in H.M. Prisons, Nairobi. The two young Sikhs were acclaimed as martyrs throughout the country. A funeral procession was taken out through the centre of Nairobi. Thousands of Indians of all communities, Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs, joined the procession. They were cremated at cremation ground. A film was taken which is in India now. Akhand Paths were performed for seeking eternal peace of the departed souls and prayers were held.
1. *Balwant Rai was born at village Dadiyal. District Hoshiar-pur in about 1917 A.D. to widowed mother, Mrs. Dhanna Ram of a Ramgarhia family. He was the only son.
2. Harbakhsh Singh was born in village Bhulle Wal. District Hoshiarpur in 1928. His father, Mr. Dharam Singh Ryat, was the president, Ramgarhia Artizans' Union, Nairobi.
3. Saran Singh was also born in village Bhulle Wal, District Hoshiarpur in 1918. His father's name was S. Chattar Singh. He was a near relative of Mr. Dharam Singh Ryat, who brought him to East Africa.
Mr. Makhan Singh was born on the 27th December, 1913 in the village Gharjakh, District Gujranwala (now in Pakistan). He first came to Nairobi in April, 1927, and passed his London Matric in 1931. He joined his father's printing business and also took keen interest in the Labour Trade Union movement. In 1937 he founded the Labour Trade Union, Nairobi, and became its first secretary.
He spent most of his time organising the Labour Trade Unions. He took keen interest in politics. He condemned the Immigration Control Bill at the Mombasa Congress Session in 1948. On April 23, 1950, he delivered an impassioned speech at the Kaloleni Hall, Nairobi, calling upon people of Kenya to unite and demand in a single voice that Kenya was theirs and that no foreign power had any right to rule over it. He also made a public statement that he was a Communist.
Makhan Singh with Jomo Kenyatta
The Government was looking for an opportunity and Makhan Singh was arrested on May 15, 1950 charged with various offences. The trial was held at Nyeri and Mr. Chanan Singh (now Mr. Justice Chanan Singh) defended him. He was acquitted. But the Governor, Sir Philip Mitchell, ordered his detention for an indefinite period. He was released on the 20th October, 1961 after about ten years' detention. He is regarded as the father of the trade union movement in Kenya.
Jarnail Singh was another young Sikh who used to assist Mr. Makhan Singh in his work of organising the trade union movement. He was deported to India in 1950. Mr. Jairnail Singh returned to Kenya early this year.
Now, we come to another crucial phase in Kenya when unrest among the Indian community was felt over issues confronting them and their grave consequences. Mr. Haroon Ahamed and Mr. D.K. Sharda of the Colonial Times and the Daily Chronicle, Nairobi guided them and created an influential opinion in the country. The government was perturbed and awaited for an opportunity to trap them. This gave rise to the Indian nationalism and youth movement. The general secretary, Indian Youth League, Nairobi Mr. Gurcharan Singh Gahir, convened the First Kenya-wide Youth Conference during the Christmas holidays in 1947 in Nairobi. Mr. Haroon Ahmed, who was released after completing a term of sentence for sedition, was elected unanimously Persident of the Conference. He declared that Kenya was our "Homeland" and our goal was full independence. His statement was endorsed by the delegates. Then Dr. Y.M. Dodoo and Dr. Naicker of South Africa paid short visits to Kenya and helped in forming stronger bridge between African and Indian common front. This further upset the authorities in this country.
There was difference of policies between the younger politicians and the old clique of the Kenya Indian Congress on major issues. It was worried ever the growing influence of the younger elements. Naturally division was created at the sessions of Mombasa, Kisumu and Nairobi. Some Indian journalists were charged for sedition and sentenced to imprisonment. Then came most difficult phase of the longest Emergency (1952-61). Members of the Kenya League were active. But it was refused registration by the Registrar of Societies at the close of 1952. The Intelligence Branch found an opportunity to put the younger Indian politicians behind the bar. It was openly discussed that Messrs. Jagdish Kapila, Haroon Ahamed, F R. S. De Souza, Jaswant Singh, Gurcharan Singh Gahir. V. P. Mandal, the Late D. K. Sharda and the Late K. D. Travadi would be arrested and detained under the Emergency Regulations.
The then Secretary of State for Colonies, Mr. Lyttelton, paid a hurried visit to Nairobi in 1954 to assess personally the impact of Mau Mau movement and the security situation of the country. He met Elected Members of European and Asian, and the African Nominated Members. He produced a Constitutional Formula just to gather all the communities for basis of joint sharing of the responsibilities of Independent Kenya. First time Asians were given two Ministries and the Africans bagged one. All the groups accepted the Lyttelton Plan with protests and reservations. Mr. Lyttelton advised the government not to detain any Indians at that crucial juncture of the Emergency otherwise the turn of Mau Mau tide would change. His personal intervention saved the situation.
Mr. Jaswant Singh was born at Chamkaur Sahib, District Ambala on the 24th April, 1924. He came to Kenya in 1933 and passed his London Matriculation from the Government Indian Secondary School, Nairobi in 1940. Then he went to India for further education and did his M.A. from the Lucknow University in 1946. He qualified as a Barrister from the Lincoln's Inn on January 19, 1949. He commenced his practice at Kampala, Uganda in 1949. In 1952, he moved to Nairobi. The prominent cases in which he appeared were -Kapenguria Trial, Appeal at Kitale and Lari Massacre Trial. He was also Legal Adviser to Kenya African Union. He was associated with the Kenya Indian Congress, Kenya League (it was the first multiracial political party formed in Kenya in 1952 but was refused registration later by the Registrar of Societies at the close of the year) and the Pioneer-a fortnightly Sikh newspaper started during the Emergency.
Mr. Jaswant Singh left for India in September, 1954 and was declared a prohibited immigrant in November. The British Government in a House of Commons statement declared "that after his departure it was discovered that he was associated with Mau Mau". He joined the Ministry of External Affairs of India and was posted as a Consular Attache, Indian Embassy, Djakarta, Indonesia (1955-57). He was Under Secretary, West Africa, 1957-58. The ban against him was withdrawn and he returned to Kenya in August, 1958 and he resumed his legal practice.
In the end, we would strongly advise the Indian Community generally and the Sikhs particularly that they should fully identify themselves with the aspirations of the masses of the country. In the spirit HARAMBEE they should treat Kenya as their only home. They should take out Kenya citizenship which is in fact a privilege rather than an obligation now rather than leaving it to the last minute. They should be ready to make any sacrifice for the good of this country. Whereas they would like the Africans to know more about their religion, they should also try to learn about the African customs and way of life because this is the only way in which the race relations can be improved.
We would also urge upon the Government to give opportunities to the young Sikhs of this country to enlist themselves in the Armed Forces of Kenya to prove their versatility as born warriors.
((We present a brief article by Mr. D.S. Bhangu, Hon Secretary of the Gurdwara during the 60's. This article has been taken from a magazine printed in 1966, hence there could be lots of changes to the gurdwara presently. (kanwal))
Sikh Temple Nakuru
It was in 1905 that a temporary building of the Temple was built near the Railway Quarters with the efforts of the Sikh railway employees, who had arrived in Nakuru that very year. The lease for the present site was executed in 1913, and due to immense enthusiasm among the members of the Sikh Community, the Temple building and Rest Houses were completed the same year, but unfortunately this corrugated iron sheet building was gutted by fire in 1933.
3. Not wasting any more time the enthusiast Sikh Sangat built the present magnificent building with Rest Houses, Office, Library, Stores and a flat for the Priest in 1934. Later on some other necessary additions were made including a kitchen for cooking and a shed for washing and cleaning the utensils. In this connection, the Sikh Community can never forget the contributions of the following:—
Late BHAGAT MOOLRAJ, who remained the President for a number of years, LA.TE S. INDER SINGH, S. HARDEV SINGH, S. WASSAN SINGH, LATE S. KARTAR SINGH JATHEDAR, S. ISHER SINGH, ELBURGON, S. HAKAM SINGH LONDIANI, LATE S. NARWAIR SINGH, S. BHAGAT SINGH MANGOWALIA, S. HARI SINGH & CO.
4. Bearing in mind the needs of the religious knowledge of young Sikh children a Primary School with Punjabi medium was started in 1938. The classes were held in the temple building, and the priest was given the duty to impart religious knowledge through Gurmukhi script. In 1940 the School had its fall, but it was due to the efforts of Mr. Tika Singh the then Manager that it became popular with the parents, the number of pupils increased and sometime later two lady teachers were employed. In 1959 the present building of the school was built with a cost of Shs.220,000/-. Keeping in view the change of time, the name of the school has been changed to Harambee Khalsa school from Sikh Girls School. At present the number of pupils is well above 200 and the school is open to children of all races, with English as medium of instruction. The devoted Headmaster and members of his staff spare no pains to see it progressing.
5. In 1951, a huge Community Kitchen Hall named as Nanak Hall was built, and at present it is serving very useful purpose for dining at big religious congregations as well as for other social functions for other communities. 6. In 1952, Sikh Union Club House was built, which now is running as an independent body.7. Ladies Istri Satsang Sabha is playing an important part and is of immense help to the Parbhandak Committee. It is holding two religious services every week.
8. Sikhs of Nakuru and district meet at this institution on all important days and they celebrate all Gurpurbs with Zeal, Zest and Enthusiasm. They also take active part in all the national causes of the country. Its membership is open to everybody.
At the end of last year a handsome amount was presented to the Chairman of the Famine Relief Fund.
D. S. BHANGU,
Hon. Secretary
A delegation of the Sikh community headed by the President of the Sikh Temple,Nakuru, Mr. J.S. Bassan, is seen presenting a cheque for the famine relief fund to the Hon- Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. Daniel Arap Moi. Others in the photograph are: (L. to R.): Mr. N. S. Calay a former President Mr. S. S. Sahans, Treasurer, Mr. J. S. Bassan, President, Hon Mr. Daniel Arap Moi and Mr. M. S. Mangat, Secretary.
The adaptability and hard-working nature of the Sikhs have taken them to all the corners of the universe, inspite of a negligent number they are in. When we talk and think of the East African Sikhs we think of them as Engineers, Architects, Politicans, Doctors, Lawyers, Headmasters, Technicians, and also in the varied branches of the Civil Service, not of course forgetting the progressive businesses they are running.
That much for the professionals and the business-men. We then gauge the distinct mark they have made in all forms of sport and games-in actual participation on the field and on the administration side of it. They have a praiseworthy flair for this great physical and social activity.
 MR. BIKRAM S. BHAMRA, Producer, V.O.K. |
Talking of the social aspect one is forced to focus a view on the field of art - art in general and fine arts in particular. We have had outstanding artist in Hardial Singh Sagoo, the brother of the then Hon. Kirpal Singh Sagoo, O.B.E. who have both left us now, leaving us to fill up this big gap; but many building artists like S. S. Phull are up and coming. We cannot here miss the distinctive contributions of paintings and drawings by Hari Singh Bansal whose paintings are ever-present. We must also acknowledge the wonderful job of work, several of our Architects are doing in the field of art. A mention must also be made of several out-standing Sikh photographers which are difficult to mention by name.
Let us now survey the "Mike" Sikhs whose knowledge of music has reached the hearts of all goodlisteners. We immediately think of masters like, Late Dr. Assa Singh, Late Ragi Labh Singh, Ragi Tara Singh, Ragi Jagjit Singh, Rajinder Singh Jabbal, Mohan Singh Musa Puri, Ragi Udham Singh and several others in the field of classical music and singing. We must also pay a glowing tribute to the popularity of Didar Singh Pardesi, Raghbir Singh Rahi, Channi Mohinder Singh, Mrs. Vasdev, Baldev Singh Chohan, Swarn Singh, and several others who have made their mark on the light side of music and singing.
Another very popular lot of Mike 'Sikhs have been the masters of voice like Bikram Singh Bhamra, Pritam Singh Chaggar, Late Inderjit Singh Dhillon, Harbhajan Singh Preet and Teja Singh. Their contribution on the radio and television in the form of plays, talks, stories, news-reading commentries etc. has been tremendous and well acclaimed. The same have also done an appreciable bit on the stage as actors, producers, and masters of ceremonies. For that a special mention of the veteran character-actor Harbhajan Singh Preet must be made who was the first Non-European to win the Best Actor's Award at the Kenya Drama Festival in 1954. He, with Dilbagh Singh Chana had also shocked the orgainsers of the Elocution Contest for the Kenya Music Festival by winning awards and commendation. Teja Singh has participated in countless stage plays and produced twice for the Kenya Drama festival gaining a good overall position. He also produced for the Schools Drama Festival and gained a third place in face of tough competition. He is these days a regular contributor on the V.O.K. and almost a 'professional' Master-of-Ceremonies. K. S. Bawa's performances on the stage were always applauded.
Lastly, the Bhangra Dances of Kisumu are a lively lot who must be thanked for keeping up the
A SCENE FROM 'DHONG'
(L. to R.) Harish Dave, Harbhajan Singh Preet, Shashi Bhalla, Teja Singh
traditions of the Punjab by performing this dance of dances here there and everywhere.
A keen awareness is coming to pass and taking hold of the Sikh Community in participating and encouraging all forms of the fine arts and folk traditions.
(EDITOR. Late Teja Singh Bhabra -article taken with thanks from a magazine printed in 1966)
| The history of the South Asians in East Africa is not very old. It is only about 100 years since the first Indians landed on the shores of Kenya, namely Mombasa. The journeys in those days were accomplished in dhows which were the main source of transport and starting from Bombay the journeys could take as much as months to complete as the dhows depended on the state of the winds. It was after a lot of hardships that some of our ancestors reached Kenya to serve in the Uganda Railways which was being built from Mombasa to Kampala.
The Punjabis (Hindus, Muslims & Sikhs) were the main source of skilled and semi skilled labourers who worked on the railways. They suffered numerous hardships including the lions of Tsavo. Do You or Your parents or Grandparents had any escapades, adventures, memorable incidents, interesting stories, their rise to fame or riches, old photographs or mementoes, souvenirs, brochures of Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika - magazines printed by gurdwaras or federations, clubs, schools, students etc. Any documents or photos about East Africa – anything! I am in the process of writing a book on the ‘Punjabi Heritage in East Africa’ and I need information as much as possible. Just get in touch with me and send me the information (which will be returned after use). Your name will be acknowledged in the book. Your assistance would help in inserting your ancestors’ names in the history of East Africa. Kindly contact, Harjinder Singh Kanwal, Phone: 024 7631 9483 |