Book on Sikh Guru outlines value of tolerance

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

Consul General of India in Dubai Dr Aman Puri presented a pictorial biography on the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev, to Ambassador of the UAE to India Dr Ahmed Al Banna and to Chairman of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara, Dubai Sardar Surender Singh Kandhari at a ceremony held at the Gurudwara in Dubai.

This wonderful visually moving biography on Guru Nanak Dev has been authored by Kirpal Singh and Davinder Pal Singh.
On this occasion, Consul General Dr Aman Puri made a small presentation about the origin and philosophy of the Sikh religion, and also about the contents of the visual book. He outlined the message of love, harmony, compassion and tolerance of Guru Nanak Dev, a message which is timeless and universal, and belongs to the entire humanity.
He also congratulated the UAE leadership for their vision, and wholeheartedly welcoming people from over 200 nationalities, who consider UAE their second home.
He also extended appreciation for their focus on tolerance, the UAE being the only country to have a Ministry of Tolerance. The UAE is a shining example for the world for truly believing in the principles of peaceful co-existence and taking care of all residents from all communities and religions, especially during the unprecedented Covid crisis.  He also thanked Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara for providing humanitarian assistance through various activities carried out to help needy people during the Covid crisis.
Dr Ahmed Al Banna showed keen interest in the presentation and introduction of Gurudwara by Sardar Surender Singh Kandhari and Bubbles Kandhari, Vice Chairperson of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara Dubai. He outlined that the UAE is a land of acceptance of all cultures, religions and people from all over the world. He also added that the UAE leadership believed in harmonious living, and wellbeing of all residents.
Sardar Surender Singh Kandhari thanked the Consul General for presenting the book, which would be kept in the library of the gurudwara for all devotees for their perusal. He also thanked Ambassador Al Banna for his gracious presence in the gurudwara. He mentioned that the gurudwara plays the role of community centre along with being a religious centre, where they do celebrate humanity in forms of Langar, Seva (service to the needy and society) and also Iftar and multi-faith prayers.