French students all praise for Sikh religion & culture

Tribune News Service

Patiala, October 18

Sikhism is a religion of love and togetherness, said a student delegation from France after visiting several parts of the state and seeing the ongoing commemoration of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev.

The delegation of 19 students, accompanied by two teachers from Lycee Clos Maire, Beaune, France, was hosted by Yadavindra Public School, Patiala, under the weeklong cultural exchange programme from October 12-19.

The visit was organised under the aegis of American Field Service (AFS) India, an international youth exchange organisation, to promote the rich culture of India and develop intercultural learning for a peaceful and just world. French students, after visiting gurdwaras and Sikh museums, said Sikh people treated them with generosity and benevolence.

“We are really impressed with the culture of Punjab. The 550th anniversary celebrations of the Guru is an eye-opener for us on how a religion is growing with dignity,” said Marc Gabriel Doudin, an escort teacher with the France group.

Marc said after visiting the Golden Temple under the programme, his life had changed hugely because he gained tranquillity and patience over there.

Mary Ambre, a French student, said: “People here in Punjab are so kind. After visiting religious temples, including the Golden Temple, we realise that the Sikh religion is full of love and togetherness.”

During the programme, the French delegation explored different facets of rich and diverse culture of Punjab by visiting the Golden Temple and the Jallianwala Bagh Sikh Museum.

During their campus tour at YPS, they learned about different pedagogical measures adopted for classroom interactions in the school. Foot-tapping bhangra and music sessions were also planned for the delegation to show them the pulse of Punjab.