The Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Devji is being celebrated all over the world in a grand and befitting manner. Therefore on the eve of the 553rd Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Devji, IHA Foundation celebrated the Prakash Purab (Birth Anniversary) of the first Guru of the Sikhs and the founder of the faith Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji by recalling his teachings of love, equality and universal brotherhood, which is the need of the hour.

“EK ONKAR” (One Universal Creator) – A Dialogue on the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji – Love Equality and Universal Brotherhood.

The Programme was started with Gurbani Shabad – Awal Allah Noor Upaya Kudrat ke Sab Bande, which resonated with all the people who had gathered on this auspicious occasion to remember the teachings of the Guru.

A cross section of People from different communities and background – representatives from Consulates, UNICEF, Interfaith leaders, community heads and religious leaders and other important persons of the society participated with enthusiasm to celebrate this occasion to spread the message of love, compassion, equality and Universal Brotherhood and signifying Ek Onkar – All Beings have emancipated from “ONE”

Stalwart senior religious leaders and community heads of all faiths and religion representing Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Muslims, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, Jewish spoke about the contribution of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji - towards Love, Equality and Brotherhood, and their effect in society.

Present during the celebration were Mr. Nicholas Low (British Deputy High Commissioner), Mr. Eshor Raj Poudel (Consul General – Nepal), Mr. Nicolas Facino (Director - Alliance Francaise du Bengale), Imran Zaki (Vice President – UIFI), Swami Shastrajnananda Ji (Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Saradpitha) Brahmachari Divakar Chaitanya (Chinmay Mission), Fr Dominic Gomes (PRO Vicar General, Diocese of Calcutta), ), Munni Mani Kumar Maharaj (Jain Monk, Nanak Sambtani (Holy Mission Sri Guru Nanak), Moulana Syed Hasan Zaki Rizvi (Imam E Jumma), Rev. Martin A Pakhare – Presbyter-in-Charge of Calcutta Hill Christian Church, Jb Zafar Ahmed (President of Ahhamidiya Muslim Jamaat Kolkata), S K Mudreka Jamali, Muavin Aamil of Dawoodi Bohra Jamaat (Bohra), Buddha Priya Bhikshu Maharaj, Provincial Sisters and other representatives.

553 LED Diyas were lit up by all participants signifying the light is one among us all during the programme. Documentary was also shown to the participants on the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji and the Life lessons that we all imbibe and take from his teachings.

“IHA Foundation has always tried to bring awareness by spreading the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in a diverse but distinct manner which is equally consequential and important, this programme was another of our endeavors to remember the teachings of our Guru and to spread his message among all so that we shall all resolve to conduct ourselves in a manner so as to emulate his teachings..” said Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman IHA Foundation, General Secretary Gurdwara Behala.

Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman IHA Foundation, General Secretary Gurdwara Behala further added “Today, on the very special occasion of the 553rd Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, my greetings to everyone. This is a day to rededicate ourselves to fulfilling Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's dream of a just, inclusive and harmonious society. His message holds as much true today as it was over 500 years ago when he delivered it. The world needs to follow his teachings to ensure everyone lives in peace and equality,”