Sri Amritsar Sahib, September 17: The Sikh community in Amritsar marked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday with a Gurmat programme featuring Ardas, Gurbani Kirtan and Seva, with religious leaders and members of various Sikh organisations offering prayers for his well-being.
The programme, organised on the initiative of Rajya Sabha member Shwait Malik at Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi in Ranjit Avenue, included the concluding prayers of the Sri Sukhmani Sahib recitation followed by a Kirtan Darbar. Ragi jathas performed Gurbani Kirtan, while religious figures spoke about selfless service, humility, communal harmony and Sarbat da Bhala.
A large number of devotees, including women, saints, representatives of Sikh sects, religious and social organisations, intellectuals and other prominent personalities from different parts of Punjab, attended the programme. Among those present were Giani Sukhdev Singh Ji, Head Granthi of Sri Dukh Nivaran Sahib, Patiala; former SGPC secretary Karar Singh; former SGPC member Jathedar Harbans Singh Ranjhpur; SGPC member Jathedar Harbans Singh Siddhwan; Baba Major Singh; Sant Baba Hardeep Singh; Harminder Singh; Kuldeep Singh and other religious figures.
Members of the Sant Samaj also released a book titled Door-to-Door: A Saga of Reverence, which the organisers said highlighted the relationship between the Prime Minister and the Sikh community and efforts to preserve Sikh heritage.
Sikh leaders at the programme highlighted several initiatives of the Modi government, including the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, improved road, rail and air connectivity to Sikh pilgrimage sites, national observance of Veer Bal Diwas, GST exemption on Langar, development of Sultanpur Lodhi as a heritage site and celebrations of Sikh Gurus’ Prakash Purabs.
They also referred to the Citizenship Amendment Act in connection with Sikhs fleeing persecution in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the return of Swaroops of Guru Granth Sahib from Afghanistan and measures concerning Sikh devotees’ access to religious sites.
Rajya Sabha member Satnam Singh Sandhu said the Modi government had made efforts over the past 12 years to preserve and propagate Sikh culture and heritage. He said improved connectivity had made pilgrimage to Sikh religious sites more convenient and described the Prime Minister’s Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas approach as being aligned with the Sikh philosophy of Sarbat da Bhala.
Sandhu also referred to the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, celebrations of Sikh Gurus’ anniversaries, Veer Bal Diwas, the Langar GST exemption and other measures as initiatives addressing long-standing concerns of the Sikh community.
Religious leaders, including Baba Major Singh and Sant Baba Hardeep Singh Tibbe Wale, also spoke about what they described as the Prime Minister’s efforts to preserve and promote Sikh values, culture and heritage.
