Extract from Club publication in 1934
Extracts from a publication distributed among the guests during the opening ceremony of the new clubhouse on Sunday the 8th July, 1934:
A Brief History of the Sikh Union Nairobi
Traditions which are not valued, which are not guarded, which are not expounded afresh to every generation as in its turn it steps on to the arena of the centuries, those traditions will grow weak and pass. Therefore there is a real need and a real justification for the work of such a society as the Sikh Union, which sets itself to guard, invigorate and transmit the traditions of Sikhs.
The Sikhs are known as a martial race all over the world. Their deeds of bravery, acts of self-denial, spirit of comradeship and generous treatment of friends and foes alike, are proverbial.
Wherever they go, they carry their traditions with them, and jealously guard them. Having such a rich legacy from their ancestors, it was quite natural for the Sikh pioneers of this Colony to decide upon an easy and practicable way by which to preserve the fine traits of their race. Religious Institutions had their first attention, but, in course of time, the necessity for a Sports Institution was keenly felt, and during the year 1920 the Khalsa Club was formed. It started with football as the only game, but with the influx of further players, hockey thrived, and continued to dominate other sections of sports subsequently introduced by the Club.
During the latter part of 1926, the Khalsa Club was renamed the "SIKH UNION", rules and regulations governing the constitution were drafted, and the Institution was put on a definite and permanent basis. The objects of the Union are to provide for the social, intellectual and physical improvement of its members. The Entrance fee was fixed at Shs. 10/- and the monthly subscription at Shs. 3/-. Resulting from this re-organisation, the success achieved during the year following and the hopes then entertained for the future were accurately forecast in the Secretary's Report which ran as follows:
"I would close this report with the most gratifying remark that by their zeal and foresight the members during the period under review have laid the nucleus of an Institution which if carried on and conducted systematically on the very simple lines on which such institutions are carried on during this age of civilization, would be a source and means of satisfaction and gratitude for the coming generations of the Sikhs in this metropolis of East Africa."
Sikhs are born hockey players and take special interest and pride in this game, so much so that they have begun to regard it as their national game. Ever since its introduction into the Club's activities in 1921, the side representing the Union has figured top most whenever a competition has been held.
The cricket section was opened in 1928. Most of the players were then quite unfamiliar with the game. The start, under these circumstances, was poor and discouraging, but with hard practice, patience, and determined efforts, the standard of the game improved and today the Union has one of the best teams in the Colony. During the last local test match three of its members represented the Asian side.
The Union undertook sporting tours of Nakuru, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Dar-es-Salaam, and Moshi, and entertained the public of those towns with hockey, cricket and volleyball matches and also musical performances. The cordial welcome and warm hospitality accorded by our hosts on such occasions was sufficient evidence of the esteem and regard in which our members are held by all communities.
Annual sports are a regular feature of the Union. The yearly event is eagerly awaited by young, grown-ups, and old alike, and keenly contested by members of our community. It is also gratifying to record that a large number of the trophies for which Asians competed at the recent Railway Institute sports were won by Sikhs.
A piece of ground next to Race Course Road was secured from Government in 1920 as playing fields. Considerable improvements were carried out at a heavy expenditure, chiefly met through donations. This ground fairly, though not adequately, supplied the needs of our community up to the end of last year, when it had to be finally abandoned.
After prolonged negotiations, the Government, in 1930, granted a plot off Fort Hall Road comprising 28,420 sq. ft. for the building of an Institute. The site, though very attractive and suitable from an Institute point of view, lacked playing-fields. Various sites were inspected for the purpose of a Sports ground, and at last the present one, a portion of City Park, was selected. The lease of the Fort Hall Road plot, which was for 99 years, was surrendered in favour of the latter which could accommodate both a Club House and a Sports ground. We are grateful to the Municipal Council of Nairobi for the grant of this piece of land.
The area under reference has been cleared of all rubbish, shrubs and undulations, properly leveled and rolled, a thick layer layer of red earth to the extent of 6 inches spread over the surface and planted with grass. The conditions prevailing before our occupation were almost undescribable. A drain, which ran through the entire breath of the ground had to be diverted to one extremity. A swamp, notorious as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and a great menace to the health of the district existed in the centre but has now vanished. Several great holes from which murrum had been extracted have been filled in. The whole area which served as a promiscuous place for the public convenience of Natives going to and from Pangani and consequently spreading a horrible stench in the whole vicinity now presents a most pleasing sight. This transformation has been effected by the expenditure of the large sum of approximately Shs. 14,000/-.
The foundation stone of the Club House was laid by the Honourable Sardar Hakam Singh on 11th February 1934, and His Worship the Mayor Councillor G. Gwinnett Bompass has kindly consented to perform the opening ceremony, on Sunday the 8th July, 1934. The building was designed by one of Nairobi's most prominent Architects, namely, Mr. C Rands-Overy, F.R.I.B.A., and was erected, under his supervision, by the well-known Contractor Mr. Lalji Kala. The Club House is 100 feet long, 61 feet broad and 25 feet high. It comprises two verandahs, one lounge, six rooms, a commodious store and balcony, and is equipped with up-to-date sanitary arrangements. A flight of eight stairs extending throughout the frontage affords additional accommodation for spectators. The cost of the building is Shs. 40,000/-,
Funds have been chiefly collected through donations, theatrical performances, cinema shows, quarterly sweep-stakes and by monthly subscriptions and contributions from members.
All the members are well-behaved, well-mannered and well-disciplined, and any Club would be proud of such members.
The all-round progress recorded above is not due to a mere chance or stroke of luck, as we are congratulated for, but is the direct result of well-conceived and well laid out plans and schemes, which have been executed with much energy and determination over the long period of 10 years.
The secret of our success lies in the fact that we possess a happy and energetic band of workers, who thoroughly believe in team work, are self-less and wholeheartedly devoted to the cause. The betterment and progress of the Union has become the mission of their lives, and they are fully supported by the General Body, which, in appreciation of their services, extended with an unanimous vote the life of the present management for a term of five years.