In this special programme by Sangat TV, we show the 2012 Vaisakhi celebrations by Ernst & Young (EY). During the celebrations the EY Sikh group hosted a special week-long programme of events to mark celebrations of the 313th anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa Brotherhood — a pivotal moment in 1699 which defined the Sikh community. Entitled “Turbanology at Vaisakhi” the week featured the Arts Council exhibition “Turbanology: Sikhs Unwrapped” which promotes the meaning of the Sikh Turban (an important symbol of the faith) through art and film.
Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills spoke about how Sikhs contribute to prosperity in Britain, highlighted the importance of the links the community provide with India — and defended the need to continue giving aid to the subcontinent to address issues such as poverty.
During the evening, the audience heard from a panel of leading Sikh business leaders who discussed how they had developed their enterprises — and how they hope to support the development of future Sikh talent.
Business Tycoon, Peter Singh Virdee, announced a new fund to be launched later this year, solely for Sikhs who have a cutting edge idea are in need of finance. This group of prominent Sikhs in British business lead by Mr Virdee, would advise, nurture and guide any worldwide Sikh initiative, to ensure the creation of more wealth and prosperity in the hands of the Sikh community.
Mr Virdee described how he felt there was a gap in the market to support creative ideas with a soft loan, without the obligation to take profit or shares.
Speaking about the event, Amarjit Singh, partner at Ernst and Young said: “April will bring an exciting week of activities, providing an opportunity to recognise the contribution of Sikhs to the UK economy and showcase our leading entrepreneurs. Fostering such a diverse workforce is core to our corporate culture and is increasingly becoming a business and social imperative in modern Britain — proving vital that we draw on the widest range of talent and viewpoints available.”
Produced by Nirmal Singh
Camera: Randeep Singh
Special Thanks: Gurpreet Sandhu
For further information contact:
Ernst and Young Sikh Group – Lovepreet Singh Samra – eysikhgroup@uk.ey.com
Turbanology & Dot Hyphen Productions — Jay Singh-Sohal – press@dothyphen.co.uk
Sangat TV — Nirmal Singh – Nirmal@SangatTelevision.org