A Sikh temple in Derry badly damaged in a fire almost three years ago is set to welcome worshippers back soon after an extensive refurbishment.
The temple and community centre – known as a ‘gurdwara’ – situated in the Waterside area of the city has been home to Derry’s Sikh community for the past 30 years.
It is the only temple in the North West and only one of two in the North of Ireland.
Last year construction work started to restore the temple, formerly Clooney Primary School, and final preparations are being made to welcome back the Sikh faithful by this April.
Amerjit Singh, who’s known as Simon, is president of the charity that operates the temple.
Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today, he said bringing it back to life following the fire has been a labour of love.
“Sikhs believe in the concept of ‘sewa’, which means unconditional giving,” he told Radio Foyle.
“There are four doors at our temple, and it was designed that way for a purpose.
“The idea is that when you go through the four doors, you meet in the same place.
“That’s Sikhism – we believe in one humanity.”
Mr Nagra was in the temple when the November 2021 fire started accidentally.
“We were sitting having a meal and we saw smoke. Everyone had to be rushed out,” he said.
“The temple was left really badly damaged.”
Because of the building’s age, it was built in 1919, the damage of the fire uncovered other internal structure issues.
“There was a lot of work we didn’t anticipate,” Mr Nagra said.
“We had to replace all the floors. But we wanted to restore it fully to make sure it’s a historical building for future generations.”
Mr Nagra said the Sikh community in Derry was growing and he wanted the temple to be a place for everyone.
“This place has the potential to be an iconic building where everybody gathers. We want to open our doors to everyone,” he said.
“That’s why we have put in a new kitchen and large dining area.
“In terms of poverty we want to address it in the city and help anyone who needs it.
“I am an Irish man, and I am a Sikh.
“I may not be in a majority, but I do think we can all bring peace together,” he added.
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