Head of Bedford charity meets the President of India

Charan Sekhon is head of the Bedford based international charity that is working in Bedford and India on Education, Health and Environment, he was among 40 delegates from 12 countries invited to India's capital New Delhi earlier this month.

Dedicated to the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev that is being celebrated worldwide, the cultural wing of India's Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Council of Cultural Relations invited the delegates to an international seminar on the ‘Life and Teachings of Guru Nanak’, the founder of Sikh faith, and meet with the President of India.

SEVA Trust UK organised a 3-day community event last month in Bedford on Guru Nanak that included an exhibition, multi-faith talks and Sikh turban and hate crime awareness session, over 500 people attended the event.

On return from India trip Charan said "It was a really enjoyable experience and it was lovely to meet the President.

"It was a great experience to be part of the global group. I learnt so much from the seminar and meeting with the Indian President and visiting the President Palace was really special.

"The program also included a visit to three of the five holiest Gurdwaras (Sikh Temples) regarded as temporal seats, known as 'Takhts' in states of Punjab, Maharashtra and Bihar.

"All 40 of us from around the globe have become one big family as all reps are doing exceptional voluntary and community work in own countries.

"It was interesting to hear about the work in other countries and we have set up a WhatsApp group to continue sharing ideas.

"We are going to learn a lot from each other and I have already invited the group to visit our beautiful and diverse town Bedford for our next meet."