Indian missions to celebrate Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary: Swaraj

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 12

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday that the Central government would take the year-long celebrations commemorating Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary across the world. She invited the World Punjabi Organisation (WPO) to be a partner in this initiative.

“Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary will be celebrated in all major Indian missions abroad,” Swaraj said here on the occasion of Gurbani Kirtan organised by the WPO and the Indian Council of Cultural Relations, Union Ministry of External Affairs, to commemorate the birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism.

“The Guru remained an icon of truth, compassion and righteousness throughout his noble life. His divine teachings would forever inspire humanity to follow the path of righteousness and respect for all irrespective of caste, creed or religion,” the minister was quoted as saying.

“The message, ‘We are one and we need to remain one’, is very important for peaceful coexistence,” she said, as per a statement issued by the WPO.

Padma Shri awardee Vikramjit Singh Sahney, international president, WPO, emphasised the importance of Guru Nanak’s teachings in promoting universal brotherhood and gender equality.

Kirtan was performed by Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa from the Golden Temple. The programme was attended by the ambassadors of various countries and other dignitaries.