Guru Nanak Jayanti being celebrated across the country

Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab is being celebrated with religious fervour across India and the world today. It marks the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak, who laid the foundation of Sikhism. This year marks the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

 

On this day, devotees around the world offer prayers. The Golden temple in Amritsar celebrates Gurpurab with much aplomb.

 

President Ram Nath Kovind has extended his greetings and best wishes to all the citizens living in India and abroad, especially the brothers and sisters of the Sikh community on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

 

In his message, Mr Kovind has said that the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev are an inspiration for all human-beings. He showed people the path of unity, harmony, fraternity, comity and service, and gave an economic philosophy to realize a lifestyle based on hard work, honesty and self-respect.

 

The President said that Guru Nanak Dev gave the basic mantra of ‘Ek Onkar’ to his followers and insisted on treating all human beings equally, without discriminating on the basis of caste, creed and gender. Mr Kovind said that his message of 'Naam Japo, Kirat Karo and Vand Chhako' contains the essence of all his teachings.

 

The President said, on the sacred occasion of Guru Nanak Dev's birth anniversary, we should



resolve to conduct ourselves in a manner so as to emulate his teachings.

 

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has also greeted the nation on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti. In his message, Mr Naidu said that the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji has remained an icon of truth, compassion, and righteousness through his noble life. He has a unique place among the spiritual leaders, preceptors, reformers and saints of India.

 

Mr Naidu said, his teachings have universal appeal and would forever inspire us to follow the path of compassion and humility and to show respect for all humankind, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. Vice President said that Guru Nanak Jayanti is always an occasion for family and friends to come together and celebrate. But this year, given the unprecedented health emergency due to COVID-19, he urged his  fellow citizens to celebrate the festival by adhering to COVID health and hygiene protocols.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today bowed to Guru Nanak Dev Ji on his Parkash Purab. In a tweet, Mr Modi said, his thoughts keep motivating people to serve society and ensure a better planet.

In his Mann Ki Baat programme, Mr Modi said he is deeply inspired by the noble ideals of Guru Nanak Dev. Prime Minister Modi said, the world over, the influence of Guru Nanak Dev ji is distinctly visible.