Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary celebrated in UK

AN event at Guildhall complex in London has marked the 550th birth anniversary of the Sikh religion founder, Guru Nanak.

The event organised by the Indian High Commission in London has brought together the members of the British Sikh diaspora and ministers from India and the UK on Thursday (19).

Indian minister of state for external affairs V Muraleedharan, the chief guest at the event, said: “This event marked the culmination of year-long celebrations in the UK of Guru Nanak and his teachings.”

Ruchi Ghanashyam, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK speaking at the event, said: “The celebration of this anniversary in India, the UK and indeed around the world with such great fervour is a reaffirmation of Guru Nanak Devji''s powerful message of humanity and truthfulness.”

“His teachings have a timeless relevance, and therefore, it is extremely appropriate that the government of India has decided to celebrate this very auspicious occasion with enormous enthusiasm.

“The world needs to remember these teachings today when we are facing so much of violence, extremism, terrorism, radicalisation in so many societies across the globe.”

The event explored the concept of encouraging dialogue between different faiths, as propagated by the founder of the Sikh religion.

The event included the rendition of shabad kirtan as well as the screening of a special film on Guru Nanak''s messages of peace and universal brotherhood.

Lord Tariq Ahmad, the minister for Commonwealth affairs in the UK Foreign Office, said: “This celebration is a reflection of the rich diversity of faith, community and culture which defines our modern United Kingdom today”.

“British Sikhs contribute in so many ways to British life and will continue to be instrumental in strengthening the diaspora's Living Bridge between the UK and India,” he said.