SGPC all set to welcome Trudeau

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 18

Ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to the Golden Temple, SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal took stock of the arrangements and held a meeting with the officials.

The Canadian Premier will pay obeisance at the shrine on February 21 and will also visit the Partition Museum.

Trudeau and his family will be in Amritsar for around three hours. On February 21, he will land at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport at 10.30 am.

Sources said that it was very likely that CM Capt Amarinder Singh would welcome Trudeau at the airport.

An insider said that though the CM was not keeping well these days, he would receive Trudeau and would remain with him throughout his stay in the holy city.

SGPC officials said that Trudeau is expected to reach the Golden Temple at around 11.30 am. During his hour-long stay, he will pay obeisance and will also visit the shrine’s kitchen. Later, as per tradition, Trudeau will be honoured at the Information Centre. Ample security arrangements by the local administration and SGPC task force have been made for this high-profile visit.

SGPC has prescribed a dress code to distinguish its security team and officials.

“The SGPC officials will sport blue turbans and the task force will have saffron turbans. The task force will be deputed at the entrance plaza, ‘parikrama’, langar hall and information office. We will honour him as per ‘maryada’. Trudeau will also be presented a special golden replica of the shrine and a specially crafted Sri Sahib (small sword — a religious symbol). We have decided not to hand over any memorandum to the guest. But various issues related to Sikhs in Canada could be taken up briefly,” said an SGPC official.

Those who attended the meeting today included SGPC chief secretary Dr Roop Singh, secretary Avtar Singh and additional secretary Diljit Singh Bedi.