Patna to host global conclave to celebrate legacy of Sikhism

Patna, Sep 21 (PTI) Scholars, researchers and notedpersonalities from around the world will congregate heretomorrow for a three-day global conclave to celebrate thelegacy of Sikhism and Sri Guru Gobind Singh ahead of the grand350th birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will inaugurate theevent at the Sri Krishna Memorial Hall which would be followedby a visit to the gurudwara in Patna Sahib, the birthplace ofSri Guru Gobind Singh. The ‘International Sikh Conclave’ is being held fromSeptember 22-24 as a precursor to the impressive ceremonylined up by the Bihar government in January to mark the 350thyear of the birth of the tenth Sikh Guru. "Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Unionminister S S Ahluwalia, former chairman of National Commissionfor Minorities Tarlochan Singh and New Zealand MP Kanwal SinghBakshi are among the personalties scheduled to attend theprogramme. Besides, some Sikh ministers in Canada have alsobeen invited," a senior official told PTI. Patna Sahib gurudwara or Taht Shri Harmandir Sahib,located in the old city in east Patna, is considered one ofthe holiest places in the world by the Sikh community, andwith the grand anniversary celebrations next year, Bihar isalso seeking to reposition itself on the global tourist map byleveraging his iconic legacy. "This conclave also is to spread the word about the grandevent to be held on January 5, preparations for which are infull swing. We want to present Bihar’s best and alldepartments are working in tandem to execute it successfully,"the official said. The conclave to be attended by around 200 delegates wouldalso have scholars of Sikhism, who would present papers ondifferent aspects of the religion. "On September 23, three panel discussion are lined up –‘Sri Guru Gobind Singh: A spiritual saviour and crusader ofrights’, ‘Sri Guru Gobind Singh: A poet par excellence’ and’Sikhism: A faith of love and humanity’. On the last day, adiscussion would be held on the topic of ‘Contributions ofSikhs to the Nation’," he said. Cultural programmes would be an added attraction to theglobal event. Musicians like Rabbi Shergill and Diljit Dosanjh wouldalso be performing, he said. A coffee-table book on Sri Guru Gobind Singh would alsobe launched on the occasion. "The event would be closed by Governor Ram NathKovind. This would be an important event as Bihar gears up forthe mega ‘Prakashotsav’ (festival) next year," he said. PTIKND PMS DVPMS