CM urges parties, SGPC chief to celebrate 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday appealed to all political parties, religious and social organisations to set aside "petty considerations" to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in a "befitting manner".

Amarinder Singh urged the 'sant samaj' (the fraternity of seers) to come forward in prevailing upon the leaders of these parties and organisations to ensure their participation for commemoration of the historic event.

He also urged SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal to join hands with the state government to make the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev a "grand success".

The chief minister solicited cooperation from all organisations in the development of the historical town of Sultanpur Lodhi associated with the first Sikh Guru as holy city.

"The life and philosophy of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the common heritage of Punjab and therefore all the political/religious parties/groups/individuals should sink their political differences and come together to disseminate the message of the first Guru," Amarinder Singh was quoted as saying in an official release.

Addressing representatives of the 'sant samaj' during the executive committee meeting of 550th Prakash Purab celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev here, the chief minister stressed that politics should be kept out of pious and religious occasions.

Welcoming the inputs provided by various 'sant samaj' heads to celebrate this momentous event with religious fervour and gaiety, Amarinder Singh sought their whole-hearted support and cooperation to make this event memorable.

The chief minister said, "We are all blessed to have got the opportunity to celebrate this historic and sacred occasion during our lifetime."