New Delhi/IBNS: Following the decision by the Union Cabinet to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev throughout the country and across the globe, the Ministry of External Affairs is commemorating the anniversary in a grand and befitting manner.
To mark the celebrations of the anniversary, Missions and Posts abroad have organised a large number of activities such as Baisakhi celebrations, photo exhibitions, international conference, seminars and talks, quiz and essay competitions, screening of documentary films on the life of Guru Nanak Dev earlier this year.
Special events like the planting of plant saplings, rendition of Kirtan/Ardas based on ‘Gurbani’, blood donation and medical camps, demonstrations of Sikh Marshall Arts / Hola Mohalla, setting up Chair in the name of Guru Nanak Dev were also organised.
UNESCO is partnering in translations of Nanak's teachings in many International languages for wider dissemination and outreach.
As part of the celebrations, Missions will be unveiling the special commemorative stamps issued by Department of Posts and also presenting the same to foreign dignitaries.
In addition to this, Missions in countries with a large Sikh diaspora like USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Italy, France, Germany etc will be projecting a LED video on prominent locations in these countries. Palazzo Senatorio in Rome, Maritime Museum in Sydney, Nanak Darbar Gurudwara in Dubai are among the locations identified.
The film depicts prominent teachings of Guru Nanak Dev's life, his inspiring quotes and about the three pillars of Sikhism i.e. NÄm JapÅ , Kirat karÅ and VaṇḠchakkÅ presented in spectacular visual narrative using an animated and graphic visual.
The illustrations are based on the day to day scenes from the life of a common man and give a visual meaning to the application of Guru Nanak Dev's teachings in day to day life.
Earlier on 22nd October 2019, around 90 resident Heads of Missions in New Delhi travelled to Amritsar on a special commemorative visit organized by ICCR in collaboration with the State Government of Punjab and the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee.
The ICCR is also organising a visit of the delegation of youth Sikh diaspora to various places associated with Guru Nanak Dev in India and an International youth seminar on the occasion in Amritsar.
The celebrations this year also coincide with the opening of the historic ‘Kartarpur Corridor’ on the 9th November 2019 which will enable pilgrims from India and those holding Overseas Citizen of India Card to undertake a visit to the holy Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan.
Guru Nanak Dev's teachings of love, peace, equality and brotherhood have universal appeal and convey the message of spirituality, humanity, devotion and truth.
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