South Australian premier visits Golden Temple

South Australian premier Mike Rann helps his wife Sasha Carruozzo roll a chapatti, a traditional flatbread, during their visit to the community kitchen of the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

South Australian premier Mike Rann , along with his wife, Sasha Carrouzza, and a 10- member delegation from Adelaide recently visited Amristsar and also paid obeisance at Golden Temple.

Assuring safety to Indians in Australia, Rann said the federal government had taken the recent incidents of racial violence seriously and racial discrimination of any kind would not be allowed.

“South Australia is a safe and sound place for students. I ask the Indian parents not to have any apprehension regarding the safety of their children, who have headed for Adelaide to pursue higher studies,” Rann said on his maiden visit to the city.

While taking note of the Sikh historical achievements and the sanctity of religious symbols, the Premier said that no racial discrimination of any kind would be allowed in the State of South Australia.

“Sikhs have a long-lasting bonding with Australia since the 19th centuy. The contribution of the community in the economy and development of Australia can never be ignored. This qualifies them to be virtually a part and parcel of our country and it becomes the liability of the governing authorities to ensure their well being and protect the sanctity of their religion,” he said.

The Premier also emphasised on the cordial relations between India and Australia and cited sharing of culture and trade between the two countries.

Later, Sasha Carrouzza showed a special interest in the community kitchen where langar was being prepared. She also tried her hand at making chapatis.

The Akal Takht chief, Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, and Secretary, SGPC, Dalmegh Singh Khatra, presented the visitors with a replica of the Golden Temple along with a siropa and books related to the Sikh religion.

The foreign delegation included president of the Gurdwara Nanak Darbar Society, Adelaide, Mahabir Singh Garewal, Australian High Commissioner Peter N Varghese and Second Secretary Sarah Kirlew.

Rann was on a business tour to India with senior business figures, university representatives and Government officials.