Panel okays inter-faith institute in Guru’s name

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 8

The National Implementation Committee with regard to the commemoration of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak met on Thursday and decided to create an inter-faith institute in the name of the first Sikh Guru.

The meeting was presided over by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. It was attended by Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma, Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore and Punjab Culture Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu.

Punjab BJP president and MP Shwait Malik, former MP and Chairman of National Commission for Minorities Tarlochan Singh, both newly appointed members of Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust, and SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal also attended the meeting.

Tarlochan Singh said: “Besides an inter-faith institute, it has been decided to develop Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala and Bein river.”

Tarlochan Singh said it had also been decided to approach the UNESCO for publication of Guru Granth Sahib in all foreign languages recognised by the UNO. Besides, the state governments would be asked to publish the holy book in Indian languages.

The SGPC president said the Centre should take requisite steps to facilitate religious visits of the Sikhs from India to Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib. Both shrines are located in Pakistan.