Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Nov 17: The 545th Parkash Diwas -the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety all over the State today.
A grand function was organized by District Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (DGPC) here at Gurudwara Yadgar Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj, Gumat.
Thousands of Sikh devotees including a sizable number of women drawn from different parts of the Jammu city and other areas participated in the celebrations.
A Ragi Jatha of Jagjeet Singh Hazoori Ragi Darbar Sahab Amritsar and local Ragi Jathas participated in recitation of Gurbani on the occasion.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Shantmanu who heads the District Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee also participated in the day long function along with other senior officers.
On the occasion, a resolution highlighting various demands of Sikh community was adopted by the Sangat with recitation of Boley So’nihal Sat Sriakal.
The resolution was read by president DGPC, S Dilip Singh and it was seconded by S Surinder Singh.
On the occasion, the devotees were served with kada Prashad and the function culminated with serving of Prashad to Sangat.
The resolution demanded settlement of refugees of 1947 from Pakistan and determining their status.
These refugees were uprooted in 1947 and till date it has not been ascertained whether they are refugees, displaced persons or migrants. Some of them are still living in abject poverty in camps.
It reiterated the demand regarding naming of University road on the name of 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj from Bikram Chowk to Railway Station, establishing of a chair on the name Guru Gobind Singh Ji in the Jammu University, installing of Banda Singh Bahadur statue at Kunjwani Chowk and naming the Chowk on him.
It further demanded constitution of Minority Commission in the State and benefits to Sikh community as minority, two percent reservations to members of Sikh community in Government jobs and professional colleges, representation to the community in State Cabinet, grant of permission to Sikh community for the construction of historical Gurudwara at “Seer Manjla” Ghri Ramnagar where Guru Nanak Devi Ji stayed during his visit to Kashmir and Kailash, appointment of Punjabi subject teachers in Government schools and colleges for teaching of Punjabi as optional language.
The Sangat through its resolution also expressed grave concern over the political interference in the affairs of management of Gurdwaras and strongly advocated for holding of elections under the Gurudwara Act. It also demanded widening of road at Gurudwara Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gumat by removing the workshops from there.
The DGPC and administration had made all arrangements for the celebrations and a big contingent of police was deployed to avert any untoward incident. Entire Gurudwara complex was fully decorated befitting the occasion.
During the morning the functions in connection with celebration of the Parkash Divas were held in all the Gurudwaras of the city where besides Shabad Kirtan, Gurbani was recited.
Reports coming from other parts of the Jammu region and Kashmir valley said the Parkash Diwas was celebrated in entire State with religious and fervour gaiety.
A grand function was held at Gurudwara Singh Sabha Poonch on the occasion of Parkash Diwas today in which thousands of Sikh devotees participated. A Ragi Jatha from Amritsar( Punjab) recited Gurbani and Shabad Kirtan. The function was organized by DGPC Poonch and devotees were served langar later.
Other functions were held at Old Poonch Gurudwara and Khalsa Chowk Gurudwara in connection with celebrations of Parkash Diwas today.
In connection with celebrations of Guru Nanak Jayanti a function was also held at Brigade Headquarter Poonch in which the orphan children and destitutes were presented gifts.
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