Muslim Community Leaders Pay Tribute to Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji at Pune’s Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar
Camp, 11th December 2024: In a heartwarming gesture of interfaith harmony, prominent leaders of the Muslim community from India and the UK made a surprise visit to the Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar in Pune Camp on the occasion of the Martyrdom Day of Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, revered as Hind Ki Chaddar. The day honors the supreme sacrifice of the 9th Sikh Guru and his followers—Bhai Sati Dass, Bhai Mati Dass, and Bhai Dyaala Ji—who gave their lives to resist forced conversions under the Mughal rule.
The delegation, which included notable Muslim leaders such as Riaz Omer, Chairman of the Moledina Group of Educational Institutions in Pune, and Dr. N.D. Kotwal, former Principal of Poona College, paid homage at the Gurudwara and sought blessings from Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Their visit was seen as a testament to the shared values of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect between communities.
Launch of Coffee Table Book on Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji
As part of the visit, the delegation unveiled a coffee table book titled Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji: Footsteps in Benares & Beyond. The book highlights the spiritual journey of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and his teachings that transcend religious boundaries. The inauguration was conducted by the Gurudwara’s President, S. Charanjit Singh Sahni, along with Committee Members Kuljit Singh Choudhary and Mohinder Singh Kandhari.
Guided Tour and Showcase of Sikh Initiatives
The guests were welcomed warmly by trustees and members of the Gurudwara. They were given a guided tour of various initiatives managed by the Gurudwara, including the Guru Nanak Medical Foundation and Guru Nanak Public School. They also visited the Gurudwara’s museum and langar hall, where the community’s renowned tradition of free meals for all was showcased.
Prominent Attendees
The delegation also included several dignitaries, such as:
- Dr. Bazil Shaikh
- Abrar Rashid, a freelance journalist and former SV correspondent
- Nadeem Inamdar, Special Correspondent for Hindustan Times
- Altaf Khan
The event’s success was attributed to the efforts of key Sikh community leaders, including Mohinder Singh Kandhari, Rajvir Singh Ghai, NP Bakshi, Vikram Singh Kanda, Dilip Singh Rank, Surinder Singh Dhupar, and Santokh Singh Labana. Special gratitude was expressed to the President of the World Sikh Punjabi Chamber of Commerce, Gurbir Singh Makhija, for facilitating the visit.
A Symbol of Unity and Shared Heritage
The visit served as a powerful reminder of India’s pluralistic heritage, where different faiths come together to celebrate and honor shared values. Speaking on the occasion, Riaz Omer remarked, “The teachings of Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji and Guru Nanak Dev Ji are universal and inspire us to live with compassion and unity.”
The Gurudwara President, S. Charanjit Singh Sahni, extended his gratitude to the delegation, stating, “This gesture of interfaith respect underscores the harmony that has always been the foundation of our society.”
The event concluded with the visitors expressing their admiration for the Sikh community’s contributions to education, healthcare, and social service, reinforcing the timeless message of inclusivity and goodwill.
