Faiths come together to celebrate 550th Anniversary of founder of Sikhism

550th Guru Nanak Birthday Civic Reception

A wonderful ground-breaking and, probably for the first time ever in the history of Scotland, that a Muslim organisation organised, Hindu organisation supported, Christian Lord Provost hosted an event for Sikhs on the 550th Anniversary of the birth of their founder and attended by all faiths (writes PUNEET DWIVEDI).

The Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society (SABS), led by its Director-General Imam Razawi, with Frank Ross, The Rt. Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, convened a reception in celebration of the 550th Anniversary of the Birth of Guru Nanak, the Founder of Sikhism.

The reception was held at the Edinburgh’s City Chambers, as the civic symbol of Edinburgh’s society and a place for people to gather across all walks of life.

The event was held in partnership with the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, the Hindu Forum of Britain, and the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. The reception witnessed for the first time senior Dharmic Faith Leaders from across Scotland and Europe gather together in Edinburgh. The event’s Chief Guest was Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh Ji, of the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha.

In attendance were leaders across the Scottish and British Christian, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim communities, Consul General of India, UN representative.

The event started with The Rt. Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh welcoming the guest and explaining how the city of Edinburgh is multi cultured and all faiths are welcomed.

He invited the Imam Razawi to address the gathering, who mentioned that this event would showcase a multicultural and tolerant Scotland, accepting to people of faith and no faith, but it will also witness the coming together of the various strands of Scottish society.

After this speech Imam Razawi invited Mr Puneet Dwivedi, Vice president of Hindu Forum of Britain, to speak. Mr Dwivedi (above) said: “India has been a land of spirituality. It has produced not one but many religions, many holy scriptures and many systems of spirituality and Spritual Guru one of the greatess Guru was Guru Nanak Dev ji.

“Guru Nanak Sahebji travelled extensively to spread the spiritual message based on virtue, equality, goodness and love for every human being. HFB is really delighted to share in this celebration and wish everyone well and believe the message of hope, respect, peace and compassion given by Guru Nanakji needs to be taken to heart by one and all.

Madhupati Dasz (above) from Hungarian Society for Krishna Consciousness who travelled a very long distance – with four train changes – and gave short and sweet speech about unity of all faith.

This was followed by an inspiring speech from Edwin Shuker, Vice President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews (below).

Then Jasvir Singh from the City Sikhs London and Faiths Forum for London introduced the Chief guest Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh Ji, who was recently with Indian Prime minister Mr Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime minister Imran Khan and he was also with Prince Charles during his last India trip.

Bhai Sahib (above) explained how two rival countries India and Pakistan came together to open Kartarpur Corridor on Birth Anniversary of GuruNanak Dev ji – visa-free border crossing connecting the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan to the border with India, the crossing allows Sikh devotees from India to visit the gurdwara in Kartarpur.

He also highlighted the spiritual teaching of Guru ji that each of us are unique and spark of God and merge with that oneness that ultimate spark. He explained how life is all about where we came from, what is our purpose of life and where will go after death. He said the all conflict in the world can be resolved with dialogue and if we have peace inside we will be able to reflect and bring peace outside.

Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh Ji speech was very well received by thunderous clapping by all.

The closing remark was made by Mr Shabir Beg, chairman of SABS who hold hands with all faith leaders and said Thanks to everyone who made the event successful.

After the event, Mr Wegi Singh ji invited all the guests to Edinburgh Gurudwara, where all faith leaders were very warmly welcome by the Gurudwara committee president Mr Jaswant Singh Ji, vice president Sukhdev Singh ji, Gen Secretary Jagjeet singh ji and resident Giani Harbhajan Singh ji.

All the faith leaders and organising team were felicitated with Sikh Saffron Siropa and special commemorate medal of 550th Birthday message of GuruNanak Devji.

Dr Maureen Sier, director of Interfaith Scotland and Mr Iain Stewart of Edinburgh Interfaith spoke about the great interfaith event they witness and how this will help to bridge all gaps and faith together.

The event reminded us of Guru Nanak’s message of the ‘oneness’ of humanity and that each of us carries a spark of the divine.

In an ever increasingly divided world it is great to be reminded that the artificial boundaries that divide us can be put aside as we can come together in the spirit of Guru Nanak teaching’s to remember the oneness and equality of humanity and to celeberate the beauty within all faiths.

Puneet Dwivedi