Kovind does a balancing act, visits both govt, SAD pandals

Deepkamal Kaur

Tribune News Service

Sultanpur Lodhi, November 12

To strike a balance between the two warring sides organising the 550th Guru Nanak Parkash Purb celebrations here, President Ram Nath Kovind today visited both  pandals set up by the state government and SAD-SGPC.

The President and his wife Savita Kovind were received at the helipad by Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore, CM Capt Amarinder Singh and his wife and Patiala MP Preneet Kaur. From there, they moved to Gurdwara Ber Sahib to pay obeisance.

Kovind first attended the programme of the state government where ardas was performed. In his speech lasting nearly two minutes, he described Guru Nanak as an apostle of love, peace and religious tolerance, and a champion of equality. “Guru Ji’s ‘bani’ continues to inspire millions. His true followers should work towards the welfare of mankind,” he said. 

At the other pandal, he was received by SGPC chief Gobind Longowal, ex-CM Parkash Singh Badal and SAD chief Sukhbir Badal. Here, his speech lasted over five minutes as he urged people to inculcate Guru Nanak’s principles in their daily life. 

While Capt Amarinder honoured the President with a sword, commemorative coin, plaque, shawl and a set of books on Guru Nanak’s life and teachings, he received another plaque at the SGPC function.