‘Passing on our values’: Sikh heritage takes centre stage at exhibition in Sydney

Liverpool City Council and Turbans 4 Australia have organised a Sikh history, culture and heritage exhibition, which recently opened its doors to the public.

Promoting multiculturalism, the exhibition is a celebration of Sikh heritage, arts, culture and values. Credit: Supplied by Amar Singh

The exhibition, on display at the Liverpool Regional Museum in western Sydney, showcases the contributions of Sikh soldiers to both world wars, the community's charitable work in modern times and other aspects of Punjabi heritage.

Amar Singh, who is the founder and president of Turbans 4 Australia, told SBS Punjabi that the exhibition will run for six months up until April 2024.

His charity aims to assist people impacted by financial hardship, food insecurity, homelessness, unemployment and natural disasters.

Mr Singh shared that the exhibition includes information about the first Sikhs that came to Australia in 1844 and the first time the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy Sikh scripture, was brought to Australia.

“There are 50 to 60 displays across three rooms,” Mr Singh said.

The exhibition opened with children's singing performances, cultural dances and a bagpipe band.

Children's singing performances, cultural dances and a bagpipe band heralded the opening of the Sikh exhibition, Liverpool, Sydney. Credit: Supplied by Amar Singh

This is our initiative to showcase Sikh history and Punjabi heritage.

Amar Singh

How did it all start?

Mr Singh also shared how this exhibition came to be.

“This was the first time someone from Liverpool City Council was awarded the Australian of the Year Local Hero Award, so the council approached us for the exhibition,” Mr Singh shared.

Mr Singh was awarded the Australian of the Year Local Young Hero award in 2023 for his extensive work helping communities through the fires, drought and COVID-19.

“We wanted to exhibit the Indian and Punjabi heritage, Sikh history and how Sikh soldiers and Anzacs contributed to the Battle of Gallipoli and World War II," Mr Singh said.

The Turbans 4 Australia team, in collaboration with the Liverpool City Council, spent six months putting together the exhibitions.

The showcase features weapons, an original army overcoat worn in World War I, medals from former soldiers and more original monuments.

The overcoat and other memorabilia of the Sikhs who served in the World Wars. Credit: Supplied by Amar Singh

“The exhibition is yours, the Sikhs, Punjabis and Indians of Australia. Projects only become successful when the community backs us. We work to engage youngsters in volunteer work and pass on these values to our next generation," Mr Singh said.

Today there are more than 210,000 Sikhs in Australia, representing 0.8 percent of the country's population, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.