Indian envoy pays respects to Guru Granth Sahib in Birmingham

India's High Commissioner to the UK, Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha, paid his respects to the Guru Granth Sahib at the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha in Birmingham as part of the year-long 350th birth anniversary celebrations of the 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh.

Patna-born Mr. Sinha, who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Girjia Sinha, and the Consul General of India in Birmingham, Dr. Aman Puri, amongst others, met with Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia, Spiritual Leader of GNNSJ and other dignitaries.

The high commissioner, who is the son of former Vice Chief of Army Staff, Late Lt. Gen. S.K. Sinha, paid tribute to the historic Kar Sewa projects carried out by GNNSJ in India, including the heritage conservation and beautification of the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Takhat Sri Harmandir Ji, Patna Sahib, and added, "It was a great honour and privilege for my wife and I to pray and pay respects here."

Bhai Sahib Ji added, "The paramount purpose of celebrating Sikh Guru Gobind Singh Ji's 350th Prakash Ustav is to pay loving tribute to the Saint-Soldier Guru, who not only created the Khalsa fraternity, but also blessed Sikhs with the highest exalted spiritual authority - Guru Granth Sahib Ji."

The year-long celebrations will culminate on the 25th December, 2017, at the Takhat Sahib in Patna.Dr. Puri is planning a mobile exhibition, in conjunction with GNNSJ, celebrating the life and legacy of the great Guru Ji to launch in Birmingham during November. Dr. Puri had earlier staged a tremendous drama production in Birmingham, as part of the 350th Birth Anniversary celebrations, which was supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

The dignitaries later proceeded to 'Diwali on the Square,' a celebration hosted by Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, before proceeding to the Shree Geeta Bhawan Multi-faith Diwali event. Bandi Chhor Divas, the Sikh celebration of Guru Hargobind Ji's release and liberation of 52 imprisoned Rajas from Gwalior Fort, is also celebrated at this time.