This is a special year for Sikhs and well-wishers of Guru Nanak Dev ji as his 550th birth anniversary (Parkash Purb) is being celebrated around the globe with a great deal of enthusiasm. India Cultural Centre of Canada Gurdwara Nanak Niwas, 8600 #5 Road in Richmond has been doing this since early this year.
On the last Sunday of every month it has invited a prominent scholar on Sikhism to share Guru Nanak’s vision and mission with the congregation. On November 12, a big celebration is planned for the founder of Sikhism.
In this context, it was an honour for the Gurdwara Management to invite eminent Sikh scholar and outstanding historian Dr. Balwant Singh Dhillon to share his views about Guru Nanak Sahib with the congregation. Dr. Dhillon enthralled the Sangat with his speech about Guru Ji’s philosophy, vision and mission.
Secretary Balwant Singh Sanghera and President Balbir Singh Jawanda thanked Dr. Dhillon for taking the time to visit the Gurdwara and share his thoughts about Guru Ji with the congregation.
As token of its appreciation, the Gurdwara Management Committee led by its Chairman Asa Singh Johal and Mrs. Kashmir Kaur Johal presented Dr. Dhillon with a plaque. Gurdwara manager Mr. Avtar Singh Saddhar presented a Saropa to Dr. Dhillon on behalf of the management.
Guru Nanak’s message of universal brotherhood, equality, human rights and against discrimination of any kind is equally as valid and appropriate to-day as it was 550 years ago.
His three basic principles of making an honest living, sharing and meditation in the name of God Almighty are the excellent pathways to a productive, peaceful and happy life.
(The group pictures show presentation of plaque to Dr. Dhillon by Mr. Asa Singh and Mrs. Kashmir Kaur Johal and the Management Committee Members and guests with Dr. Dhillon and Asa Singh Johal)