On 29th November 2025, the Hull Sikh community gathered in remarkable numbers to commemorate the first death anniversary of Sewa Singh Gola, a pioneering figure whose life, values and resilience helped shape the multicultural identity Hull is proud of today. Around 200 people came together at the Hull Guru Nanak Gurdwara to honour his memory and celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.
The commemoration was marked by deep devotion and reflection. Esteemed priests travelled from India to join the occasion, including Bhai Kamaljit Singh Hazoori Ragi and Bhai Kulveer Singh Ji (Jalandhar Wale). Their heartfelt rendition of Shabad Kirtan, accompanied by other respected musicians and spiritual leaders, filled the Gurdwara with hymns of remembrance, gratitude and peace. Their presence elevated the gathering into a truly significant spiritual event.
A man who stood firm in his faith
Sewa Singh Gola arrived in Hull in the early 1970s, at a time when the city was far less diverse and much less aware of Sikhism and its traditions than it is today. Many Sikhs who migrated during that era felt pressured to cut their hair and beards to blend into society and avoid discrimination.
But Sewa Singh Gola chose strength over conformity.
He continued to wear his dastar (turban) with pride, kept his uncut hair, and embraced the teachings of Sikhism wholeheartedly. His commitment to his identity, even when it made him stand out, was unwavering. This quiet courage defined him.
The challenges of a trailblazer
Being one of the first visible Sikhs in Hull was not easy. At a time when awareness of Sikh identity was minimal, his traditional appearance often made him the target of misunderstanding or prejudice. Language barriers, cultural differences and visual distinctiveness added to the challenges he faced in finding work and establishing himself in a new environment.
Yet despite these hardships, Sewa Singh Gola persevered with dignity. His determination to remain true to his faith opened doors for others and broadened the city’s understanding of cultural diversity long before multiculturalism became a celebrated part of Hull’s identity.
A legacy that lives on
Today, Hull is recognised as a city of diversity and multicultural values, a transformation built slowly through the courage and resilience of people like Sewa Singh Gola. He was not only a devoted Sikh but also a pioneer whose presence helped pave the way for future generations to live more freely and proudly in their identities.
His life stands as a reminder that progress begins with individuals who hold firm to their beliefs, even when the world around them does not yet understand them.
A gathering of gratitude and remembrance
The first anniversary event at Hull Guru Nanak Gurdwara was a powerful testament to the respect and affection that the community continues to hold for him. Family members, community elders, children, and visitors from near and far gathered to honour the life of a man whose journey helped shape the cultural landscape of Hull.
The Shabad Kirtan performed by Bhai Kamaljit Singh Hazoori Ragi and Bhai Kulveer Singh Ji (Jalandhar Wale) added depth and beauty to the occasion, making it not only a memorial but a celebration of a life lived with courage, faith and purpose.
Remembering Sewa Singh Gola
As the community marks this first year since his passing, the legacy of Sewa Singh Gola continues to shine brightly. His story is now woven into the larger story of Hull, one of resilience, inclusion, and the slow but steady building of understanding across cultures.
His journey reminds us of the strength it takes to hold onto one’s identity in the face of challenge, and of the profound impact one individual can have on an entire community.
