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.
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)