03/06/2026
Like many across the UK, I was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Henry Nowak. My thoughts remain with his family, friends, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking event.
As a British Sikh, a community member, and someone who proudly calls this country home, we completely condemn this horrific act. There can be no justification for violence, and the individual responsible must be held fully accountable for their actions.
At the same time, it is important to remember that the actions of one person should never define an entire faith, community, or culture.
Sikhism teaches equality, compassion, humility, service, and respect for all people. Across the UK and around the world, Sikhs are often recognised not for division, but for Seva, selfless service. Whether providing free meals through Langar, supporting food banks, helping during floods and natural disasters, assisting refugees, supporting the homeless, or serving communities during times of crisis, Sikhs quietly stand alongside people of every background, faith, and ethnicity.
The Sikh presence in Britain is not new. Sikhs have been part of British society for well over a century, with Sikh soldiers serving alongside British forces before and during the First World War. Since then, generations of British Sikhs have contributed to every aspect of society, healthcare, business, education, emergency services, the armed forces, and public life.
The most recent UK Census showed British Sikhs continue to be a well-integrated, hardworking, and positively contributing community. We are your neighbours, colleagues, friends, teachers, doctors, business owners, and volunteers. Britain is our home too.
Now is a time for justice, reflection, and healing, not division. We must not allow fear, misinformation, or political point-scoring to create further hatred between communities.
The values of Sikhism remain unchanged:
"Recognise the entire human race as one."
My hope is that we honour Henry's memory by building stronger communities, standing against all forms of hate, and remembering that our shared humanity will always be greater than the things that divide us.
🇬🇧❤️🙏
