Sangh Samachar

As part of the countrywide celebrations of the 400th anniversary of Shri Guru Granth Sahib, a function was organised jointly by the Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, West Bengal, and the Punjabi Biradari of Kolkata in Kolkata on September 2. Former Uttar Pradesh Governor, Acharya Vishnukant Shastri was the chief guest on the occasion.

Sardar Mohan Singh Sabbarwal said that the teachings of the holy book, Shri Guru Granth Sahib, could help in achieving harmony in the country as the teachings of the 36 leading saints belonging to different communities constituted an integral part of Shri Guru Granth Sahib. ?In fact here lies the actual national integration,? he said. He said the tenth Guru, Gobind Singh, directed the Sikh community to abide by the holy book.

Acharya Vishnukant Shastri said that Guru Arjun Dev compiled the holy book in a span of 14 years and it took him three years to write it. Highlighting the main teachings of Shri Guru Granth Sahib, he said: ?God is one, no mater by what names we may call Him. He is the only truth. He is doing everything. We can do nothing without Him. He can never be encapsulated in an era; He is above the era-present, past or future. He is not born of any mother, He has been created by Himself. He does not fear or He can never be an enemy to anyone. That is why no Guru was drawn to materialistic power and sacrificed themselves for the truth.? He appealed to the people to shun pride and dedicate themselves to the Almighty. Before the function, Shri Guru Granth Sahib was brought from Gurdwara Sant Kulia of Bhawanipur by the granthis carrying it on head with full honour. Shri Satpal Singh Vedanti performed the gurvani and kirtan. The function was presided over by Sardar Harinder Singh Azad.