Giani Harpreet Singh hosts interfaith leaders at Golden Temple amid Hindu-Sikh tension in Canada

The global representatives of different faiths on Wednesday paid obeisance at the Golden Temple.

They were here for a brief visit before participating in the Inter-faith Global Sammelan scheduled at Bulandpur in Jalandhar.

At the Golden Temple, they jointly participated in ‘ardas’ for ‘sarbat da bhalla’ (welfare of all) and also savoured the Gurbani Kirtan recitation at the sanctum sanctorum for a few moments.

Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, who accompanied them, said that they were scheduled to participate in the ensuing global interfaith programme at Jalandhar, yet they were requested to pay a visit to the Golden Temple.

Giani Harpreet Singh briefed them with the Golden Temple’s significance, its history, maryada (tenets) and culture.

He said that the idea was to apprise all that the Golden Temple is a Sikhs’ spiritual destination from where the message of humanity and welfare of all, irrespective of any faith, is delivered. He showed gratitude towards them for accepting the invitation at such a short notice.

“Their visit was significant at a time when a wrong narrative was being transmitted globally against the Sikhs under a conspiracy, keeping in view the violent ruckus that occurred in Canada recently. We solicited the support of the representatives of all faiths to support us in one voice against the anti-Sikh propaganda. Attack on any ‘mandir’ or ‘masjid could never be Sikh’s philosophy. Gurbani teaches us ‘sarbat da bhalla’, without any discrimination. The Sikhs are embodiments of peace and tranquility and our principles could never allow us to attack the temple of any faith”, he said.