Union Minister Hardeep Puri applauds PM Modi for key initiatives benefiting sikh community
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching several initiatives aimed at supporting and promoting the Sikh community. Among these, Puri highlighted the opening of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in Pakistan, which has been a significant step towards fostering peace and religious harmony between India and Pakistan.
In a post on X, Puri noted, "From the opening of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor to painting the fundamental teaching of Sikhism, 'Ek Onkar,' on an Air India aircraft that began operations between Sri Amritsar Sahib and London (Stansted) from October 31, 2019, when I was the Civil Aviation Minister, a host of initiatives were implemented under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi to celebrate the auspicious 550th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the most befitting manner."
The Kartarpur Sahib corridor, which connects the Sikh religious site of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan to India, serves as a bridge not only for devotees but also as a symbol of peace and unity. Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last 18 years of his life in Kartarpur, making it a key site in Sikh history and spirituality. The Gurdwara is the second-most sacred site in the Sikh faith, after the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
The complex itself, covering about 42 acres, includes several important locations, including the Sarovar Sahib (holy pond), Darbar Sahib, Dewan Sahib, Langar Hall (community kitchen), and Kheti Sahib, where Guru Nanak is believed to have cultivated crops. The current structure was rebuilt in 1925 by Raja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala after the original was destroyed by floods. The temple continues to serve as a place of spiritual solace and reflection for millions of Sikhs around the world.
In addition to the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, Puri also highlighted other initiatives, such as the symbolic painting of 'Ek Onkar' on the Air India aircraft, which operates between Amritsar and London, further emphasizing the promotion of Sikh culture and values globally.
Notably, India and Pakistan recently extended the validity of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement for an additional five years. This agreement, initially signed in October 2019, facilitates the easy movement of pilgrims from India to the sacred Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan. In June 2024, Pakistan issued 509 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to attend the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, showcasing continued cooperation between the two nations in matters of religious and cultural significance. The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor remains a vital and cherished initiative for the Sikh community, offering a unique opportunity for spiritual connection while promoting peace and understanding across borders.
