Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday marked the sacred occasion of Gurpurab, celebrating the parkash purab (birth anniversary) of Sikhs’ first master and founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev, by offering prayers at Gurdwara Chevin Patshahi in Amritsar. In a thoughtful gesture to avoid inconvenience to devotees due to the extensive security protocols accompanying his visit, the Chief Minister refrained from visiting the Golden Temple — the Sikhs’ holiest shrine.
Paying homage at Gurdwara Chevin Patshahi, Mann prayed for peace, progress, and prosperity for Punjab and its people. He extended heartfelt greetings on the auspicious occasion, emphasizing the timeless relevance of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings of ‘Kirat Karo, Naam Japo, Vand Chhako’ — work honestly, meditate on God, and share with others.
Speaking on the significance of the Guru’s life and philosophy, Mann highlighted Guru Nanak Dev as a spiritual luminary who envisioned a casteless, inclusive society free from the shackles of ritualism and prejudice. He called upon the people to draw inspiration from the Guru’s legacy of humility, service, and harmony to build a peaceful and progressive society.
The Chief Minister reminded the congregation of Guru Nanak Dev’s efforts to oppose tyranny, injustice, and oppression, citing the Guru’s confrontation with Mughal emperor Babur as an example of standing firm against societal wrongs. Reflecting on Guru Nanak Dev’s ecological wisdom encapsulated in the verse, ‘Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat’ — air as teacher, water as father, and earth as mother — Mann praised the Guru’s forward-thinking advocacy for environmental preservation long before it became a global concern.
Further, Mann reiterated Guru Nanak Dev’s emphasis on women’s empowerment and equal rights, stressing the importance of fostering a society free from gender discrimination.
While Mann’s absence from the Golden Temple might have been notable, his decision to prioritize the convenience of devotees over protocol drew widespread appreciation. His visit to Gurdwara Chevin Patshahi was marked by a sincere commitment to the principles of humility and inclusivity preached by Guru Nanak Dev.
The Chief Minister urged Punjabis to rise above divisions of caste, creed, and religion, dedicating themselves to communal harmony and shared prosperity. As celebrations resonated across the state, Mann’s tribute served as a reminder of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s universal message of peace, love, and brotherhood.
