350th Gurpurb to be grand affair: Bihar Guv

Jitendra K shrivastava

Patna, September 24

Tributes were paid to Uri martyrs on the concluding day of the three-day International Sikh Conclave today. Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind’s talked about how Guru Gobind Singh had raised his voice against “terrorism and atrocities”.

The Governor invited the delegates to attend the 10-day “Parkash Utsav” in Patna beginning December 10 to celebrate the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh. It would be a grand affair and would continue till January 10, he said.

Talking about the contribution of the Sikh community to the nation, the Governor said: “A fairly large number of Sikhs serve the Indian Army. They were awarded with five Param Vir Chakras, 40 Ashok Chakras and 209 Vir Chakras. Wherever they go, they leave their imprint of bravery, devotion for the work and honesty as they tread on the path of Guru Gobind Singh who was a soldier, saint and a scholar.”

“The Bihar government has a challenge to conduct the mega event peacefully, but we are proud to have the Guru’s birthplace in Patna,” he said.

Jasbir Singh, Chairman, Rajasthan Commission for Minorities, said: “With the divine power of the Sikh Guru, India has got an idea to be the most powerful country in the world and it is the highest tribute to him on his 350th birth anniversary. Sikhs have proved their worth everywhere and we cannot forget MS Randhawa’s contribution to the nation.”

During the concluding session, noted scholar and bureaucrat Amita Paul said: “Patna has become the spiritual capital as it has already conducted international conclaves for the Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and the Jains. But Guru Gobind Singh cannot be confined to the Sikhs alone as he had taught the lessons of humanity, love and spiritual uplift to all.”