Jammu, Nov 15 (UNI) The 555th Parkash Purab (birth anniversary) of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was celebrated on Friday with great enthusiasm and religious fervour across the region by the entire Sikh community and his other followers.
The main programme was organised by the District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (DGPC) Jammu at Gurdwara Yaadgar Sri Guru Nanak Sahib, Chand Nagar.
A large number of devotees from the Sikh community and other followers of Guru Nanak Dev Ji from different communities participated.
The Gurdwara was beautifully decorated, and devotees began visiting early in the morning to seek the Guru’s blessings.
On the 555th Parkash Purab, Bhai Sukhwinder Singh Ji Dadehar, a Sikh preacher from Gurmat Gian Missionary College, Ludhiana, spoke on the life and message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, emphasising his extensive travels to spread the message of peace and love for humanity, selflessness, and belief in brotherhood and equality.
Bhai Robin Preet Singh from Sultanpur Lodhi and Ragi Gurdev Singh Hazuri Ragi from Sri Darbar Sahib recited Shabad Kirtan of Gurbani. Prominent local Ragis of DGPC Jammu, including Bhai Gian Singh, Bhai Harpreet Singh Chohala, and Bhai Rattan Singh Ji, also recited Shabad Kirtan and shed light on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Various preaching organisations and the Health Department set up stalls in the premises of the Gurdwara Sahib, and Guru Ka Langar was served continuously throughout the day.
Dr Farooq Abdullah, President of the National Conference, along with Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Javed Rana, Forest Minister and Rattan Lal, Provincial President, paid obeisance at Chand Nagar Gurudwara Sahib.
Balvinder Singh, Vice President, while addressing the Sangat, shared some key issues of the Sikh community in JKUT that have long been unaddressed. Prominent among them are the promotion of the Punjabi language by filling vacant Punjabi teacher positions, ensuring Sikh participation in the assembly by granting political reservations similar to those provided to Pandits under the migrant quota and to another group from the Jammu region under the POJK quota and amending SRO 425 to accommodate Sikh youths in the valley within the special employment package under the non-migrant quota.
