He said the gurdwaras in Singapore rallied members to help those in need during this difficult period, regardless of race, religion, or background. The Silat Road gurdwara is a shining icon in the multi-religious landscape of Singapore, the prime minister said.
The gurdwara was renovated during the pandemic when Sikh leaders helped worshippers adjust to disruptions caused by the pandemic by innovating and using technology to adapt to the "new normal".
Speaking at the event, Hsein Loong, who was dressed in a white kurta, thanked the Sikh community for its efforts to mitigate disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hsein Loong said that the local Sikh provided support to people through various assistance programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic regardless of race, religion or background.
A video of Hsien Loong wearing a turban was shared on Twitter by Parminder Singh, Chief Commercial & Digital Officer, Mediacorp Private Limited.
"Singapore Prime Minister, @leehsienloong inaugurated a newly renovated Gurudwara wearing an immaculate turban and greeting everyone with a perfect Sat Sri Akaal!" caption along with the clip.
Singapore Prime Minister, @leehsienloong inaugurated a newly renovated Gurudwara wearing an immaculate turban and greeting everyone with a perfect Sat Sri Akaal! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/fFk36V6Av0
— Parminder Singh (@parrysingh) July 4, 2021
The gurdwara started live-streaming services of congregations for devotees and the Coordinating Council of Sikh Institutions commissioned a task force called 'Project Akaal' to provide support for mental health within the Sikh community.
"These initiatives set a good example for the wider community, as we move towards a new normal of living with an endemic virus," PM Lee said during his speech. He shared a part of his speech and some photographs of his visit to the gurdwara on his Facebook page as well as on Twitter.
The video has gone viral on the microblogging platform, garnering more than 47,000 views. Loong's heartwarming gesture won him praise on social media, with many netizens lauding his leadership qualities.
One user said, "Kudos to Singapore PM for his gesture. Winning heart." Another wrote, "He is in another league altogether. Rarely will you find great compassion and great capability in a world leader."
A third user added, "This is true leadership - building blocks for true multicultural societies." Yet another noted, "Embracing diversity into any Culture doesn't dilute it. It makes the Culture and the community richer. Respect @leehsienloong."
Commenting on images posted by the prime minister's official handle, a user wrote, "You look like Dr Manmohan Singh in a turban. Dr Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014."
Replying to Parminder Singh's tweet, a user wrote, "WOW! What a symbolic gesture by the PM! Great Nation being led by a great Leader. It must inspire the global leaders and the common mortals alike. My salute to the PM."
The full speech was made available on YouTube. "Congratulations once again to the Sikh community on this momentous occasion!" he added.
