(Gerbang Pintu Utama University Pendidikan Sultan Idris & Gurdwara Sahib Tanjong Malim)
By Devpal Singh A/L Karampal Singh & Dr. Ahmad Sauffiyan Bin Abu Hasan
TANJONG MALIM- For many students, pursuing higher education means leaving behind the comfort of home, family, and familiar surroundings. This experience is no different for Sikh students who come to Tanjong Malim to further their studies at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). Although the number of Sikh students in the town is relatively small, the support provided by the local Sikh community has helped make their university journey a more meaningful and comfortable one.
Tanjong Malim is widely known as an educational town due to the presence of UPSI, which attracts students from across Malaysia. Among them are a handful of Sikh students who leave their hometowns to pursue their academic aspirations. Being away from family can be challenging, especially when adjusting to a new environment while managing university life.
According to Sukpret Kaur, a first-year, second-semester Content Creation student at UPSI, the local Sikh community has played an important role in helping students feel welcomed. "When I first came to Tanjong Malim, everything felt new to me. Having members of the Sikh community check in on us and invite us to the gurdwara made me feel more comfortable and less alone," she shared.
One of the most significant forms of support comes through transportation assistance. Many students do not own vehicles, making it difficult to travel to the gurdwara or attend community gatherings. Community members often volunteer to pick up students from their campuses or residences and bring them to the gurdwara for weekly prayers, religious celebrations, and langgar. After the programmes conclude, they ensure the students return safely to their accommodation.
Besides transportation, students also benefit from the kindness shown through homemade meals. For those living away from home, receiving home-cooked food from members of the community provides both comfort and a reminder of family.
Veshvinder Singh, a second-year, second-semester Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) student, said these gestures have helped strengthen the bond between students and the local sangat. "Sometimes the community members bring food or invite us over during special occasions. It may seem like a small thing, but it means a lot when you're studying far away from your family," he said.
The local gurdwara serves as more than just a place of worship. It acts as a gathering point where students can connect with members of the sangat, build friendships, and seek support when needed. During celebrations such as Vaisakhi and Gurpurab, students are encouraged to participate in community activities, allowing them to remain connected to their faith and culture while studying away from home.
These efforts reflect the Sikh principle of seva, or selfless service, which remains at the heart of Sikh communities around the world. Through acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion, the Sikh community in Tanjong Malim continues to support students who are navigating an important stage of their lives.
Although the Sikh population in Tanjong Malim may be small, its impact on the lives of Sikh students is significant. Through transportation assistance, shared meals, community gatherings, and continuous encouragement, the local sangat has created a home away from home for students pursuing their dreams. For students like Sukpret Kaur and Veshvinder Singh, the support they receive extends beyond practical assistance. It provides a sense of belonging and reminds them that even while they are far from home, they remain connected to a caring community that is always ready to lend a helping hand.