The Hindu : National : President participates in Gurta Gaddi fete

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President participates in Gurta Gaddi fete

S. Harpal Singh

NANDED (MAHARASHTRA): President Pratibha Patil on Monday said the virtues put forward through teachings of Guru Granth Sahib were of relevance in the present circumstances. The exemplary life of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhs, should also inspire people to work for the benefit of the society, she observed.

The President participated in the programme associated with the tercentenary of Guru Gobind Singh’s ‘Parlok Gaman,’ or departure for heavenly abode, at Nanded that formed part of the ongoing celebrations of 300 years of Gurta Gaddi of Guru Gobind Singh.

She addressed a Sikh congregation at the Samagam sthan where Maharashtra’s Governor S.C. Jamir and Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Union Minister of State for Rural Development Suryakanta Patil and were also present.

Message

Ms. Patil said the message of universal brotherhood ingrained in the Guru Granth Sahib and the unique composition made its appeal a universal phenomenon. Because its composition was based on the wisdom of many Bhagats and Saints of the Bhakti Movement of Medieval period, the holy scripture also serves as a guide to humanity, she added.

Talking about the virtues that form part of the teachings of Sikh Gurus, the President said the Khalsa panth believed in ‘naam japna,’ ‘keerat karna’ and ‘vand chakna.’

The first virtue related to remembering the name of Almighty, the second to the earnings from honest hard work and the last concerned sharing the earnings.

“The tradition of ‘langar’ or community kitchen is an example of ‘vand chakna,’ explained Ms. Patil. “‘Daya’ and ‘sahansheelata’ (mercy and patience) also formed part of the teachings of Sikh Gurus.”

In his short life, the tenth Guru had inspired many followers, she said.

The Gurudwara Board, Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib, gave Ms. Patil a traditional honour. She was presented with a replica of the Sachkhand Gurudwara. Earlier, she paid obeisance at the Gurudwara.

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