Special Sikh prayers to honour Henry Nowak and promote unity after tragedy
A special Sikh prayer service will be held in Leeds this weekend to remember teenager Henry Nowak and offer a space for reflection, healing and unity following the tragedy that has deeply affected communities across the UK.
The prayer gathering, organised by the Yorkshire Asian Business Association (YABA) in partnership with the Yorkshire Sikh Forum, will take place on Sunday 14 June from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Leeds Gurdwara, 192 Chapeltown Road, Leeds, LS7 4RJ.
Members of all faiths and backgrounds are being invited to attend the Path, a Sikh prayer service, to remember Henry, support his family and stand together against hatred and division.
The event follows the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa for the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton last December. The case has sparked national debate surrounding policing, accountability and community relations, while also leading to concerns among many British Sikhs who fear being unfairly judged for the actions of one individual.
Leeds has shown its appreciation for community support, since the tragedy, where civic leaders, faith representatives and Sikh organisations issued a joint statement expressing condolences to Henry Nowak’s family and reaffirming their commitment to community cohesion.
The statement, signed by Leeds City Council leaders, the Bishop of Kirkstall and representatives from Sikh organisations across the city, said: “On behalf of the Sikh community of Leeds, we wish to express our deep sorrow and condolences following the tragic murder in Southampton. Our thoughts and prayers are with Henry Nowak’s family and friends, and all those affected by this heart-breaking incident.”
The signatories said that at times of tragedy it was important for communities to stand together in “unity, compassion and mutual respect”, adding that they “strongly condemn all forms of violence” and remain committed to promoting peace, understanding and harmony.
They also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Leeds City Council and the city’s Sikh community, thanking the wider British public for its continued support and friendship.
“The Sikh faith teaches us the values of service, equality, and respect for all humanity,” the statement said. “We remain dedicated to working alongside local authorities, community organisations, and our fellow citizens to build a safer, stronger, and more united society.”
The statement was signed by Councillor James Lewis, Councillor Mary Harland and Councillor Emma Flint of Leeds City Council, alongside Bishop Arun Arora, Bishop of Kirkstall and Chair of Leeds Faith Forum, and representatives from Sikh organisations across Leeds including The Sikh Temple, Ramgarhia Board Leeds Committee, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Temple Armley, Guru Kalgidhar Sahib and Gurdwara Hargobind Sahib.
Meanwhile organisers of the special prayer this weekend, say the purpose of the gathering is not only to honour Henry’s memory, but also to create a safe and welcoming space where communities can come together in peace.
Mr Nirmal Singh MBE, founder of the Nirmal Sekhon Group, philanthropist and founder of the Yorkshire Sikh Forum, has offered his prayers and condolences to Henry’s family, describing the tragedy as a loss felt across the wider community.
In a statement, Mr Singh said: “Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with Henry’s family, friends and all those affected by this devastating loss. No words can ease the pain of losing a loved one in such tragic circumstances. This loss has been deeply felt by us all and, as a mark of respect, we have come together in unity to offer special prayers for Henry and his family, asking that they are given strength, comfort and peace during this incredibly difficult time.”
Mr Singh added that Sikh teachings call on followers to care for and protect others, regardless of background. He said: “Looking out for one another is a fundamental spiritual duty. Centred on the equality of all humanity, Sikhism teaches that caring for neighbours and strangers alike is among the highest forms of worship. As the Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, taught: ‘Recognise all humankind as one.’”
Sharon Jandu, founder of YABA, told Asian Standard: “What has happened is a real tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to Henry Nowak’s family.
“We want to therefore offer our prayers and hope to bring all the community together at this very sad time.”
Since the sentencing, Sikh leaders and organisations across the country have consistently condemned Henry’s murder while urging the public not to hold an entire faith community responsible for the actions of one man. Community representatives have repeatedly called for justice for Henry while promoting understanding, compassion and unity.
The Leeds gathering aims to reinforce that message, bringing together people from different backgrounds to pray for Henry, support his family and reject the hate and hostility that can emerge in the aftermath of such tragedies.
Organisers hope the event will serve as a reminder that, even in moments of grief and division, communities can come together in solidarity and respect.
The prayer service is open to all members of the public. For more information contact Sharon Jandu at Sharon@yaba.uk.com
