In 1959, many respected individuals arrived in England seeking a better life, only to find it quite challenging. Their first hurdle was finding a place to live. Unfortunately, many people turned them away based on their appearance.
Eventually, they managed to secure accommodation. With a place to stay, they decided to build a Gurdwara for future generations, as there was only one Gurdwara in the entire country at that time. They searched for land and finally acquired a lot on Oswald Road in Southall. When they purchased the property in 1969, it was an old laundry facility, so substantial effort was required to transform the former laundry building into a Gurdwara.
There was no one available to pay the workers, so all construction was done voluntarily. Construction of Ramgarhia Sabha began in 1970, with workers dedicating their Sundays and evenings to the project.
In 1974, the Ramgarhia Sewak Jatha was established, along with the Ramgarhia Education and Music Academy. Between 1989 and 1990, an Old Rectory site was purchased for £1 million, which included three acres of land. The Old Rectory was intended for use in sports and educational development.
Ramgarhia Sabha received media coverage, highlighting the significant progress made. Articles such as “Sikhs on Target: £1 Million Sports Complex” and “Self-Help Sikhs Build New Temple” showcased the achievements.
The building was completed in 1971 in just one year, thanks to the voluntary efforts of workers in their spare time. However, after opening, the Gurdwara proved too small. As a result, several houses were purchased: one was used to expand the Gurdwara, while another was lent to a family in need.
A house at the back of the Gurdwara is now utilised as a library. Additionally, Ramgarhia Sabha acquired a hall in 1971, and activities commenced there in 1974. The hall offered a variety of options, including karate, table tennis, hockey, badminton, and meetings for everyone.