On 4th April 2026, an event held at Hull History Centre brought together members of the local community to celebrate the life and legacy of Sewa Singh Gola, a key figure in the early development of Hull’s Sikh community. Approximately 60 people attended the gathering, which combined remembrance with cultural education and coincided with the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi.
The event offered a reflection on both the personal journey of Sewa Singh Gola and the wider story of Sikh migration and settlement in Hull. It also highlighted the enduring values of Sikhism, particularly those of equality, service, and resilience.
A community-focused celebration
Organisers ensured that the event was inclusive and accessible to all. A Langar, the Sikh tradition of a free communal meal, was provided to attendees, reinforcing the principle of equality regardless of background or status.
A children’s crèche area was also set up, offering Sikh-themed colouring activities and word searches. This provided younger visitors with an engaging way to learn about Sikh culture and values.
In addition, a display of some of Sewa Singh Gola’s personal Five Ks—the symbolic articles of Sikh faith—allowed visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Sikh identity and practice.
Guests were invited to contribute to a commemorative guest book, leaving personal messages and reflections on his life, creating a lasting tribute to his impact on the community.
A life of resilience and determination
Central to the event was a presentation delivered by members of Sewa Singh Gola’s family. His son, Guljar Singh Gola, led the presentation, supported by Sewa’s elder son Dalwender Singh Gola and grandson Sanjay Singh Digwa, who also spoke about Sikhism.
The presentation detailed his remarkable life journey. Born in 1938, he experienced the upheaval of the Partition of India as a child, surviving a dangerous migration with his family during a time of widespread violence.
In 1957, he travelled to Britain in search of opportunity, facing the challenges common to many immigrants of that era, including difficult working conditions and social barriers. Despite these obstacles, he demonstrated resilience and adaptability, working in labour-intensive roles and later reinventing himself when circumstances required.
Building Sikh life in Hull
The event also explored his role in establishing the Sikh community in Hull. When he moved to the city in the early 1970s, the Sikh population was very small, and cultural diversity was limited.
Despite this, he remained committed to his faith, continuing to wear his turban and uphold Sikh practices. His determination to maintain his identity at a time of limited awareness and understanding was widely noted.
He was among the small group of individuals who helped establish Hull’s first Sikh Gurdwara in the mid-1970s. Beginning with around 15 members, the community gradually expanded, eventually leading to the establishment of a permanent Gurdwara that continues to serve the city today.
Promoting understanding of Sikhism
Alongside the personal tribute, the event provided an opportunity to educate attendees about Sikhism. Presentations highlighted key beliefs, including the concept of one universal God and the importance of equality, honesty, and selfless service.
The significance of the Five Ks was explained, alongside the broader message that Sikhism encourages individuals to follow their own spiritual journey while respecting others.
The event’s alignment with Vaisakhi further reinforced these themes, marking a time of renewal and the formation of Sikh identity.
A legacy of service
One of the key announcements made during the event was the development of a charity in Sewa Singh Gola’s name. Reflecting the meaning of “Sewa”—selfless service—the initiative aims to support vulnerable individuals and communities on a voluntary and transparent basis.
The proposed charity will be open to people of all backgrounds, reflecting the inclusive values that defined his life and the Sikh faith more broadly.
Lasting impact
The event highlighted the significant challenges Sewa Singh Gola faced throughout his life, as well as the contributions he made to the development of Sikh life in Hull. Attendees were said to be particularly struck by the hardships he endured and the progress achieved by the community over time.
His legacy continues not only through his family but also through the institutions and community he helped establish. As Hull has grown into a more diverse and multicultural city, the contributions of early pioneers such as Sewa Singh Gola remain an important part of its history.
Conclusion
The Hull History Centre event served as both a commemoration and an educational experience, celebrating a life defined by resilience, faith, and service.
By bringing together personal history and cultural understanding, the event highlighted the lasting impact of one individual’s journey and the broader values that continue to shape the Sikh community in Hull today.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Pete Eaves, Solomon Clarke, and the entire team at Hull History Centre for helping make the event possible, as well as to Lee Wilkinson for kindly donating an item for the children’s activities.