THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Members of the Sikh community from one year old to 85 years old converged to celebrate the 70th Birthday of Tarlochan Singh Virk, Co-Ordinator of 1995 formed voluntary organisation Punjabi Listeners Club at Wigston Library, Bull Head Street, Wigston, Leicestershire on Saturday 17th January 2026.
Everyone enjoyed the refreshments and very special 70th birthday cake. The programme began as with all Punjabi Listeners Club events, Shabad Kirtan by Jaskirat Kaur to which everyone contributed.
Oadby Councillor of Liberal Democrats party Mr. Santokh Singh Athwal did an excellent job of selling three items via auction which were
1. Framed photo of Sikh Ardas.
2. Map of Punjab Clock
3. Punjabi Beginners book by Sacha and Kang.
Stalls were held by Khalsa Aid International and British Heart Foundation BHF which raised awareness of important health issues particularly effecting the South Asian communities. Sulakhan Singh Dard {British Empire Medal BEM} BHF Ambassador said it is imperative to exercise minimum of 20 minutes every day, reduce your sugar and salt intake and maintain a healthy weight. Mr, Dard pointed out that one of the best ways to stay healthy is regularly walking a mile.
Pal Singh, singer and poet was delighted to take part in the celebrations and won the auction bidding for the Map of Punjab clock. He has produced the song “GOAL” dedicated to the beautiful game of football as well as other religious and cultural songs. Pal Singh is a regular participant of Kavi Darbars in Leicestershire Gurdwaras.
Tarlochan Singh Virk thanked all who attended the celebrations and contributed to the fund-raising event especially his good neighbour Rob Paggett who was unable to attend due to prior engagement. He also stressed that we should all take advantage of all the facilities of Leicester and Leicestershire libraries for which we all pay towards via the council tax. Mr Virk also said that Mata Gujri Library at Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara has the most religious and cultural books and other material than all the local libraries. We should all have a small library in our homes so that we get into the habit of reading books which will immensely benefit our younger generation.
The £134 raised at the celebration was presented to the representatives of British Heart Foundation and Khalsa Aid International.
