Sikh entrepreneurs share stories on resilience at ABCC Vaisakhi celebration

A versatile panel of Sikh entrepreneurs took centre stage to talk on resilience and community driven business models at the Vaisakhi celebrations of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC).

The event was sponsored and held at New Hall Hotel and Spa and was compered by Barinder Sumon, ABCC executive committee member.

The significance of the festival involves how the tenth Guru of the Sikhs introduced the “Order of the Pure Ones”, as well as honouring the work of farmers and paying tribute to God for food and praying for future prosperity.

Co-president Neelam Afzal welcomed guests and gave an overview of the importance of the festival. Vaisakhi marks both the harvest season in Punjab and a pivotal moment in Sikh history.

In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa, a brotherhood of initiated Sikhs, by asking for volunteers willing to sacrifice everything for their faith.

The first five—known as the Panj Pyare—were given Amrit and new names, symbolising equality, courage and devotion.

From that day, initiated Sikhs were uphold values of justice, faith, and unity.

Neelam said: “In life, we will be tested, we have to step into the unknown, that have to trust in our intuition and take a step forward, we have to face challenges and have faith and courage in our convictions.

“And when we do this, we come out even stronger on the other side.

“The vision for the ABCC today remains this as challenges still face businesses of all sizes and sectors.

“The ABCC is here for all businesses. We aim to champion your successes, be firm in the face of adversity, and supportive through tough times. Whatever the business need, the ABCC aims to support our members for them to continue to develop, connect and grow.”

A panel discussion was hosted by ABCC executive committee member Sana Saddique. Panellists include Surlender Pendress, Harvir Sahota and Pinder Singh Dhaliwal.

It focused on resilience and community driven business models.

Surlender is the founder of Love Writing Co, a company on a mission to support parents and inspire children by making learning to write easier, faster and more enjoyable, helping to close the early learning gap.

The idea was born when Surlender, a single mum, struggled to find good-quality writing resources to help her own children learn to write with ease and confidence.

Harvir is the chief executive of catering and events company Mahirs Experience.

Harvir has successfully scaled up his family’s business, which began as a small Indian delicatessen. It is now a multi award-winning firm which caters to around 100 venues nationwide and has been utilised by a string of A-list clients.

Pinder is the owner of Falcon Insurance, an insurance company specialising in landlord and business insurance.

Having witnessed the challenges that landlords face, Pinder recognised the need for tailored insurance options specifically designed for the social housing sector.

Under his leadership, Falcon Insurance has emerged as a trusted provider of insurance services, offering comprehensive cover that protects businesses and Landlords and their valuable assets.

Pictured from left to right: Pinder Singh Dhaliwal, Sana Saddique, Harvir Sahota, Barinder Sumon, ABCC director Anjum Khan, Neelam Afzal, Surlender Pendress, and Olivia Peach, general manager of New Hall Hotel & Spa