Amarinder Singh urges Modi to prevail upon Pakistan to grant Indian devotees access to more Pak gurdwaras

Punjab Chief Minister has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prevail upon Pakistan to grant Indian devotees open access to more historic gurdwaras across the border.

The Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh made the announcement on Tuesday during the 550th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, where President of India Ram Nath Kovind joined him in leading the historic celebrations in the state. Punjab Governor VPS Badnore and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot were among the galaxy of luminaries present at the state-level function to mark the auspicious occasion.

The Chief Minister, on the occasion, also announced his government’s decision to honour Punjab Police personnel with `Prakash Purab Tagma (Medal) for their service to the state in the true spirit of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's ideology.

The Chief Minister also announced that the 550th Prakash Purab celebrations, which commenced last year, would continue till November 2020.

Addressing a religious congregation after the bhog of ‘Sri Sehaj Path’, the Chief Minister said as per his government’s decision to release 550 convicts prematurely to mark the historic occasion, 450 had already been freed, while the others would be released over the next few months.

He welcomed millions of devotees (Sangat) who had converged from different parts of the country and foreign shores here to participate in the Prakash Purab celebrations with great enthusiasm and religious fervour.

The Sehaj Path, jointly organized by the Punjab Government, Sant Samaj, various Sikh religious organisations and Sikh Sangat on behalf of the people of Punjab at Sri Guru Nanak Darbar, had commenced on November 5.

Amarinder Singh hoped the opening of Kartarpur corridor would also be followed by more such gurdwaras in Pakistan being opened to Indian devotees. He said he would personally take up the matter with Modi and urge him to raise the issue with Imran to facilitate the realization of the Sikh community’s dream to visit those gurdwaras, such as Panja Sahib and Nankana Sahib, also.

The CM acknowledged the support given by the Central Government in making the historic celebrations a success and expressed happiness at the participation of people from different political parties, as a befitting tribute to Pahli Patshahi (first Sikh guru), who always spoke of Sarbat Da Bhala.

The Chief Minister pointed out that the followers of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s ideology lived not only in Punjab and India but across the globe. Dwelling on the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, he underscored the significance of education, in line with Guru Ji’s Bani that “Vidya Vichari, ta Parupkari”.

He exhorted one and all to emulate the great Guru’s mantra of Kirat Karo (earning a livelihood by honest means), Naam Japo (constant chanting of Name of God) and Vand Chhako (share the fruits of labour).

Capt. Amarinder Singh referred to some of the major projects undertaken by the state government to make the 550th Prakash Purab celebrations, making particular note of infrastructural development at Sultanpur Lodhi and Dera Baba Nanak, making Sultanpur Lodhi a Heritage City with GoI assistance, setting up of tented cities in both towns, sound and light shows, floats on rivers Satluj and Beas, exhibitions, Inter-Faith Conclave at GNDU, special Session of the Vidhan Sabha, New Open University in memory of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, setting up of Guru Nanak Chairs in various universities, felicitation of distinguished Punjabi achievers, among others.

He complimented all those who had worked for more than a year to make these commemorative events a success.

Speaking on the occasion, President Ram Nath Kovind, who was earlier received at the helipad by the Punjab Chief Minister and the Governor, described Guru Nanak Dev ji as an apostle of love, peace and religious tolerance, and a champion of equality.

Guru Ji’s Bani, in the dialect used by the common man, continues to inspire millions, he said, advocating pursuance of his teachings in letter and in spirit for the creation of harmonious society. The President thanked the Punjab Chief Minister for inviting him on this historic occasion.

Amarinder Singh honoured the President and Governor Punjab, as well as Rajasthan Chief Minister with Sri Sahib (a sword), a commemorative coin, a plaque, a shawl and set of books on the life and teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Patiala MP Preneet Kaur honoured the First Lady of India Savita Kovind. Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Charanjit Singh Channi proposed a vote of thanks.

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunil Jakhar honoured the members of Sant Samaj and representatives of various Sikh religious organizations.

Earlier, the Chief Minister along with his wife Preneet Kaur paid obeisance at the sanctum-sanctorum of Gurdwara Sri Ber Sahib, where he offered a Rumala Sahib and a Chaur Sahib and Deg (karah-prasad)