AMRITSAR : From a small community of barely 500 Sikhs, most of them migrants who came to Switzerland in search of a livelihood, to a growing diaspora of around 2,000, the Sikh community has built a lasting place for itself in Swiss society.At the heart of this journey stands Gurdwara Sahib Switzerland in Langenthal, which has evolved over two decades into a centre of faith, cultural identity and community life.Formally inaugurated on September 23, 2006, the Gurdwara marked its 20th anniversary with a Gurmat Samagam bringing together Sikh religious leaders, Swiss political representatives, Nihang Singh contingents, community members and Sikh youth from across Europe.The Gurdwara’s journey reflects the determination of a small migrant community to preserve its religious traditions while building roots in a new country. Through collective contributions, voluntary service and sustained commitment, the Sangat helped establish a permanent spiritual home for generations of Sikhs.Ranjit Singh Masuta, an entrepreneur who made his mark in the telecommunications sector, played a key role in the Gurdwara’s establishment and development. What began as an effort to create a permanent place of worship has grown into an institution that brings the community together and helps sustain Sikh heritage across generations.He informed that while addressing the gathering, Reto Müller, member of the government of the Canton of Bern and director of education and culture, described Gurdwara Sahib as significant to Langenthal, acknowledging its place in the city’s identity and social fabric. Langenthal mayor Dr Patrick Freudiger was also among the Swiss dignitaries attending the celebrations.In recognition of his longstanding Panthic service and contribution to the Gurdwara, Masuta was honoured with a Sri Sahib and Siropa (robe of honour) by Jathedar Akali Baba Balbir Singh Ji 96 Crori, head of Shiromani Panth Akali Budha Dal (Panjvan Takht). His earlier recognition with a Swiss government Gold Medal was also recalled.The anniversary also highlighted the role of Sikh Youth Switzerland, led by founder Karanveer Singh and president Jangsher Singh, he saidRepresenting a younger generation of Sikhs growing up in Europe, the organisation is working to carry forward the traditions of Dastar, Gurbani and Seva. A Dastar Camp and Dastar Langar, organised with Mandeep Singh Saini, reinforced the effort to pass Sikh identity and traditions on to younger generations, added he.Masuta said the celebrations also recognised the Sangat, donors and Sevadars whose contributions helped establish and sustain the institution. Gurbani Kirtan, Gurmat Vichar, Ardas and Langar Seva formed part of the programme.From its beginnings as a place of worship for a small migrant community, Gurdwara Sahib Switzerland has become a symbol of collective endeavour and cultural continuity. Its two-decade journey reflects how faith, voluntary service and community institutions can preserve heritage while fostering belonging in a new country.BoxA journey of hard work, business success and devotion to SikhismRanjit Singh Masuta began his entrepreneurial journey in Basel, Switzerland, during the telecommunications revolution of the 1990s, when international calls from Western Europe were expensive because of limited competition.Talking to TOI on Saturday, he informed that in 1998, he launched Global Line, an international prepaid calling card brand that gained recognition among immigrant communities, tourists and local customers. Following the liberalisation of European telecommunications markets, he expanded its infrastructure across Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy and the UK.Operating through Global Line GmbH in Switzerland, Masuta established companies in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the UK. Distribution agreements with third-party retailers helped extend the brand’s reach across Europe, making international communication more accessible.He said , his entrepreneurial journey later expanded into community development and institution-building. He played an important role in establishing Gurdwara Sahib Switzerland, providing the country’s Sikh community with a permanent spiritual and cultural centre.When Gurdwara Sahib construction began in 2002, Switzerland had around 500 Sikhs, most of them working professionals who had migrated for employment. The community has since grown to approximately 2,000. Formally inaugurated in 2006, the Gurdwara has become a centre for worship, community engagement and the preservation of Sikh heritage.Masuta continues to play a key role in preserving Sikh culture, heritage, traditions and religious values in Switzerland.He said his commitment to Gurdwara institutions and community initiatives was aimed at providing Sikhs with spaces to practise their faith, celebrate religious occasions and pass on their traditions to younger generations.He emphasised the importance of keeping Sikh identity vibrant among youth growing up in Europe while fostering greater understanding and goodwill between the Sikh community and wider Swiss society. He said his efforts in business and community life were guided by the belief that lasting institutions were essential for serving people and preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
