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Appeal of  SGPC President

Guru-blessed Khalsa Jio, Guru-blessed Khalsa Jio,

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh.

Through the infinite grace of the Lord Eternal the Sikh Community is preparing to observe three historic centenaries at the global level during the year 536 Nanakshahi. (2004 AD) It is indeed a great blessing from the Guru that these centenaries fall in our lifetime.

All Sikh organisations right from the S.G.P.C. which is the most representative body of the Panth, to all institutions believing in the doctrine of Guru Panth, including Singh Sabhas, educational and missionary societies, Akali Jathas, and Sikhs settled in India and abroad eagerly look forward to these centenaries. On this occasion all followers of Guru Nanak, who pray for prosperity and happiness for all, will pay obeisance to the tremendous sacrifices of the Gurus and other great events of their history, and seek inspiration and light from them. The main purpose/objective of the centenaries is to commit ourselves to our great heritage, philosophy and historical traditions and to rededicate ourselves to the ideas of the Guru. Gurbani says :

During the current year, befitting homage will be paid to Guru Angad Dev Ji on his 500th birth anniversary, to Sri Guru Granth Sahib on the 400th anniversary of its installation, and to the younger and elder sons of Guru Gobind Singh as well as his mother Mata Gujri on the 300th anniversary of their martyrdom.

Each centenary has its own historical and religious significance. Without going into details, I wish to inform the entire Khalsa Panth in all humility, that the 500th Birth anniversary of the second Nanak will be celebrated on the 5th Vaisakh (April 18, 2004) on the historic land of Khadur Sahib in a special way. In addition, wherever followers of Guru Nanak live, they should share the jubilation with their community. The Guru took special steps like preparation of primers to popularises Punjabi & Gurmukhi script. For physical fitness he set up wrestling akharas, and promoted the tradition of sangat and pangat, which has continued ever since. Another centenary that falls during this year is that of installation of Guru Granth Sahib. The whole world tries to follow the light of the World. But no other religion has accorded the status of Guru to it. Blessed is the Sikh Community that has given this status and reverence to the word, and follows it in practical life. The blessed time for celebration of the 400th anniversary of its installation falls on the 17th Bhadon, Nankshahi corresponding to September 1, 2004. Following the Guru's command-

"bwxI gurU gurU hY bwxI ivic bwxI AMimRqu swry ], guru bwxI khY syvku jnu mwnY prqiK gurU insqwry ] "

every sikh seeks light and guidance from Guru Granth Sahib. Every morning and evening he recites the couplet:

"sB is`Kn ko hukm hY gurU mwinE gRMQ["

deriving inspiration and courage from its divine message. It is accepted that the Guru Granth is a unique repository of spiritual knowledge. The 400th anniversary of Guru Granth Sahib will be celebrated on the sacred land of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, which has no parallel, in a specially befitting manner. On this blessed occasion, the emphasis should be on dissemination of the message of gurbani in the whole world, and your fullest cooperation is required in this task.

The third centenary of the matchless martyrdom of the four Sahibzadas (sons) of the Tenth Lord, also falls during this very year. Earlier, Guru Arjun had achieved martyrdom with tortures like sitting on hot plate and hot sand falling on his head, saying:

To consolidate this tradition of martyrdom, the elder and the younger sons of the Guru Gobind Singh Ji, as well as his mother Mata Gujri offered unparalleled sacrifice and carried forward the doctrine, tradition and history of martyrdom.

According to the poet Allah Yar Khan Jogi, 'If there is any place of pilgrimage on this earth, it is Gurdwara Chamkaur Sahib and Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib where the Sahibzadas became martyrs'. At both these places the 300th anniversary of their martyrdom will be observed from 8 to 13 Poh, 536 Nanakshahi (December 21 to 26, 2004 CE) according to Panthic traditions. No doubt, on these centenaries religious programmes like special seminars, group discussion on bani, keertan and dhadi darbars, etc. will be arranged, and Nagar Keertan processions will be organised to demonstrate the buoyant spirit and solidarity of the Panth. It is necessary, however, to hold such functions in all parts of the world and to preach the Sikh thought in all major language of the world. We also need to prepare, publish and distribute literature on Sikh doctrines and the rich heritage of the Khalsa. This is a huge task on society or organisation can perform single-handed. But, if we make a collective effort with full sense of responsibility, success will surely come over way with the Guru's grace. I would, therefore, appeal that while you organise functions in your area, state or country, dedicated to the memory of these historic events, side by side, you should distribute gurmat literature/material in local language, so as to disseminate information among the multitude about salvation-oriented Sikh thought. Every Sikh, man or woman, young or old, must undertake atleast on sahij path of Guru Granth Sahib with love and devotion to understand the divine message of gurbani and to share it with others.

I appeal to the entire Sikh Panth, that while you observe the occasions in your homes, side by side, you should also join the historic programmes being organised at national or global level with devotion and commitment. Let us pray to the Guru that during the shatabdis, we imbibe the spirit of the shabad and share with the world, the message of brotherhood of mankind and good to all. May this thought prevail universally and the Guru's flag flutter everywhere. This is the desire we all cherish. In the end I appeal to you again to join the mighty effort of the Panth on the occasion of these centenaries to spread the fragrance of the Sikh thought everywhere to earn the blessings of the Guru.

Any constructive suggestions in this connection from your side will be welcome.

In the Service of the Panth,

President,

Shiromani Gurdwra Parbandhak Committee,

Sri Amritsar