PM Modi lauds gurdwaras'' role towards cleanliness

Ravi S.Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 15

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the forthcoming 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev will be celebrated across the world, and lauded the role of gurdwaras towards cleanliness.

The PM stated this during his video conference interaction at various centres in the country after he launched  fortnight-long  "Swachhata Hi Seva Movement". 

In his interface with devotees at Patna Sahib Gurdwara, Modi said, "We will celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji all over the world." Modi chanted  the traditional hosannas to the Almighty along with the congregation at the gurdwara.

He said he has had experience of visiting gurdwaras and partaking of community kitchen ( 'langaar'), and added, "I was impressed by the cleanliness."

He said Guru Nanak Dev was an apostle of cleanliness. "One is near the Almighty only when one's mind and soul are pure, which in turn can be attained only when the ambience and surroundings is clean."

Earlier, Jathedar, Takht Patna Sahib Giani, Iqbal Singh lauded PM Modi for his initiative for cleanliness.

"It is by God's inspiration that you have undertaken the initiative. Guru Nanak was believer in cleanliness. Mother Earth has to be kept clean," the head priest told Modi. He  further told Modi's that it was due to his initiative of cleanliness that awareness on the issue has increased in Bihar where toilets are being constructed at a fast pace. 

He applauded Modi for his support to the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh in Patna. The grand celebrations have been recognised all over the world, he added.