Rai Bular Bhatti’s haveli in Nankana Sahib was frequented by Guru Nanak during his childhood.

Governor Lt General (r) Khalid Maqbool said Baba Guru Nanak taught a lesson of unity and love, and raised voice against the caste system.

Addressing a seminar organised by Diyal Singh Research and Cultural Forum on Wednesday at a local hotel, Maqbool said Muslims respected Baba Guru Nanak because his teachings were based on love and peace. “He taught the oneness of God,” he said. He said the Sikhs and the Muslims worship one God and therefore they were in the never-ending brotherhood. “Some Muslims are promoting extremism, which is contrary to the teachings of Islam,” he added.

He said the government had made all necessary arrangements for the Sikh pilgrims. “We welcome Sikhs in advance to celebrate Guru Nanak’s birthday in the years to come,” he said. The government had prepared a plan to convert Nankana Sahib into a modern city. “Work on the project has begun,” he said.

The governor also inaugurated the launching ceremony of two books Sukhmani and Bibi Nanaki on the occasion. Dr Kirat Singh from Jammu said Guru Nanak was a prophet of love and peace. He said Guru Nanak promoted equality and for this reason he is equally respected by Sikhs and Muslims. “Guru Nanak has given equal status to women,” he said.

Sardar Rajindhar Singh said Bhai Mardana, a Muslim friend of Guru Nanak, spent 54 years with him. “It reminds of centuries old relations between the Sikhs and the Muslims,” he said.

Sardar Manmohan Singh Khalsa from the UK said the teachings of Islam and Sikhism were very similar. “Both religions urge their followers to stand by the truth and believe in human equality,” he said.

Diyal Singh Research and Cultural Forum director Dr Zafar Cheema said a lot had been done in Pakistan on Sikhism. He said the forum had done a lot of research on the Punjabi literature, history and personalities. “The research being done by the forum will help promote the Sikh-Muslim harmony,” he said.

“Recently a book was published on the 100th birthday of Bhagat Singh. The Guru Nanak number of the forum’s magazine published was also of historic importance, he said.

The governor distributed the newly written books, Sukhmani and Bibi Nananki, among the distinguished guests at the end of the programme. staff report

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jaswinder singh said:

adaab jnaab, i think your report is not right. i reject this seminar according to research and study, because also i wa in seminar and there is not a single scholar to leave stage secratry dr. Zafar cheema. muslim sikh relations started from bhai mardana ji, but he was not a muslim, he was a sikh when he accept guru nanak. guru nanak was a Nbi and his heart was very large and he established a new community.there was seminar was on Guru Nanak but no one talked about guru nanak`s philosophy and new theries that hye gave to world.

December 23, 2007

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