K S DHALIWAL
AMRITSAR – Leaders vied to praise the Guru Granth Sahib at the “Parkash Utsav” celebrations on Wednesday.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of the Art of Living fame, said the Granth should be taught to children not only in the country but also across the world.
Praising the Granth he said it has the essence of all the Vedas and Upanishads put together. “The Sikh Gurus defended our country once. We have reverence for them. The world is headed for destruction. Each person is under stress. This Granth holds the key to peace and calm.”
The former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee praised the Granth for fighting evil for the last 400 years.
Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh said the book teaches introspection and whether we are indulging in empty rituals. “Chain paths and rituals are not true Sikhism. But every day brings us news of caste-based violence, he said.
Former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal announced that the celebration would be extended till 2008. “The Granth has brought together texts from diverse cultures, languages and traditions. And the bhagats have added to its cosmopolitan character,” he said.
In his appreciation the Dalai Lama said, “We bow to this great Granth, which was compiled 400 years ago. Since then it had been spreading the message of peace and love all over the world. The 21st century is witnessing a revolution in technology and man is improving his skills, but in matters of living and relationships between nations there is a marked degradation. The aim of all religions is to create a good man.”
Seeking apology for not being present for the occasion, a message from the Congress president Sonia Gandhi was read out by Punjab Congress chief H S Hanspal, which said: The Guru Granth Sahib is a guide for peace and justice. My heartiest felicitations to the Sikh community on the 400th year of its installation. While the Sikh community is known for the sacrifices made for the country, the religion is also known for the quality of forgiveness that it preaches.”
A message from Canadian prime minister Paul Martin, read out by Gurbaksh Singh Malhi, parliamentary secretary, said it was an occasion for the Sikh diaspora to be united spiritually as well as socially.
Akal Takht jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti said religion has a special message for the world: love, peace and brotherhood. We are members of one extended family, his message said.
In the beginning was the word, which is fundamental to the Sikh religion, said Sant Singhji Maskeen. And from respect for the word gushed forth poetry, song, philosophy and growth.
