The High Commission of India in collaboration with South Asia Centre in the London School of Economics organised the culmination event celebrating 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh on March 22, 2018. The celebration took the form of a high power panel discussion by experts on Sikhism based in the UK at Thai Theatre, London School of Economics.
The event, organised as part of the 100 Foot Journey Club, commenced with opening remarks by High Commissioner of India to the UK, His Excellency Y K Sinha. From Patna himself, the High Commissioner took pride in the fact that the celebrations of this historic year were commenced in the city of the great Guru’s birth by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
He spoke of the deep sense of reverence the great Guru has instilled among of Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike, throughout the globe and through generations. He also spoke of the life of Guru Gobind Singh as an example of unrelenting struggle for justice and freedom, and against treachery. High Commissioner thanked the various partner organisations and Gurudwaras in various cities all over the UK who came together with the High Commission and Ministry of Culture to organise the series of events throughout the country celebrating the life of the great Guru.
The other key speakers at the event were Professor James Hegarty (Professor of Sanskrit and Indian Religions at the University of Cardiff), Mr. Prab Seyan (former President of the Watford Sikh Association), Professor Pritam Singh (Professor of Economics at Oxford Brookes University) and Professor M P S Bedi (Chair of the P C Pirthi Bedi Foundation).
Prof James Hegarty said that in his view Guru Gobind Singh’s story must be heard by everyone. His teachings transcend the boundary of religion, and 350 years after the birth of the Guru, continue to be an inspiration for the whole of mankind.
In his address, Prof MPS Bedi said that the West will always be indebted to the sacrifices of Sikh soldiers in World War I and WWII. Though they are a minority in India, Sikhs have led from the forefront in all spheres including in the defence of the country. He spoke of the 'sacred word' the Gurbani as the light guiding Sikhs for all times to come.
Prof Pritam Singh said that Shri Guru Granth Sahib celebrates spiritual equality and social equality. The sacred text is a repository of highest level of spiritual wisdom.
Mr Prab Seyan in his comments said that Dharma as contained in Shri Guru Granth Sahib is righteousness and the right way of living and human existence. The aim must be to be true to yourself and practise truthfulness, and this is one of the key messages as contained also in the life’s message of Guru Gobind Singh.
The event was very well-attended by students, scholars as well as members of leading Gurudwaras in London, local Councillors and Mayors and media persons.
Dr. Nilanjan Sarkar, Deputy Director, South Asia Centre at LSE thanked all eminent panellists and announced that the centre will come up with a special publication on the event to share the thoughts shared during the course of the addresses with the diaspora and other institutions in the UK and India alike.
High Commissioner addresses Indo-British All Party Parliamentary Group reception
HE Y. K. Sinha addressed a distinguished gathering of members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords at a reception hosted by Mr. Virendra Sharma, Chair of the Indo-British All- Party Parliamentary Group at St. James’s Court, London on 21st March 2018. About 45 Members of Parliament were present on the occasion including Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, Dame Rosie Winterton; Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Dr Thérèse Coffey; Chair of the 1922 Backbench Committee, Sir Graham Brady; and former Attorney General Dominic Grieve.
The Indian High Commissioner talked about the UK-India relationship. He referred to the programme of familiarisation visits to India being organized for groups of British MPs by the High Commission of India and the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi. High Commissioner also spoke of the need to utilise the opportunity provided by the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London next month to rejuvenate the Commonwealth and to make the most of the 'Commonwealth Advantage' in promoting both intra-Commonwealth and bilateral ties.
