The Sikh community in Delhi took out a massive bike rally on May 12 in support of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The bike ride was led by BJP’s Sikh leader Majinder Singh Sirsa. Several people from the Sikh community can be seen waving flags of the BJP to express their support to the party.
The rally, with the slogan #SikhWithModi started from the state BJP office and reached the national headquarters via Connaught Place.
#WATCH | Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva and Union Minister General VK Singh flag off a bike rally organised by the Sikh community and led by party leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa in support of PM Narendra Modi.#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/LPGConZMYQ
— ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2024
Addressing the rally, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa says, “The youth has taken out a bike rally to show support of the Sikh community for PM Narendra Modi. He has made untiring efforts to strengthen our community, be it taking action against the 1984 riots accused, making the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, celebrating Veer Bal Diwas to remember the sacrifice of the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, or rescuing the Sikh community from Afghanistan”.
#WATCH | Delhi: BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa says, "The youth has taken out a bike rally to show support of the Sikh community for PM Narendra Modi. He has made untiring efforts to strengthen our community, be it taking action against the 1984 riots accused, making the… pic.twitter.com/6Zy6229BpI
— ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2024
BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa said,”The Sikh community is moving forward on the streets with the message that we all stand with Modi. Our dream of a developed India will be fulfilled under the leadership of Modi.”
This comes days after 1,500 members of the Sikh community joined the saffron party in Delhi ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. This also included various members from the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC).
The last decade has seen several noteworthy initiatives undertaken under his leadership to celebrate and promote the values of Sikhism and augment Sikh welfare.
Kartarpur Sahib Corridor: A Historic Milestone
The opening of the Kartarpur Corridor in November 2019 marked a significant milestone, easing the pilgrimage for Sikh devotees from India to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, where Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent his final years. Furthermore, efforts to develop and preserve historic Sikh sites, exemplified by the restoration of Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib (Patna Sahib Gurudwara), highlight the administration’s dedication to safeguarding Sikh heritage.
Justice and Closure: Addressing the 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots
Prime Minister Narendra Modi facilitated efforts to provide justice and closure for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots by creating a SIT, reopening 300 cases, and imprisoning those found guilty. PM Modi brought the Jallianwala Bagh memorial back to its former splendour and gave 3,328 victim families financial support of Rs 5 lakh apiece.
Veer Baal Diwas: Honouring Sacrifice and Bravery
The declaration of December 26 as Veer Baal Diwas by the Modi Government pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the four Veer Sahibzades of Guru Gobind Singh. This symbolic gesture reinforces the nation’s resolve to protect its values and heritage.
Diaspora Diplomacy: Engaging Sikh Communities Worldwide
As a diaspora diplomacy specialist, PM Modi has also engaged the Sikh diaspora as “bridge-builders” between India and adopted countries. His clarity of vision in tapping them to further economic, financial, and global benefits for India has undeniably benefitted India. Veer Bal Diwas programs are now held in the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, and Greece. Veer Bal Diwas is now observed on a global scale. It is due to PM Modi’s persistent efforts that the Indian Sikh diaspora is more valued now as a unique force in world culture and revered as brand ambassadors of India.
Preserving Sacred Texts: Guru Granth Sahib’s Journey
Under PM Modi’s regime, copies of Guru Granth Sahib reached India from Afghanistan, and the nation received the privilege of seeing three ‘Swaroop’ of Guru Granth Sahib that arrived in Delhi from Kabul. The Sikh tradition is the best example of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and explains PM Modi’s close affiliation with the values this religion upholds.
