Interfaith Program to commemorate 555th Parkash Purab of Guru Nanak Sahib

555th Parkash Purab of Guru Nanak Sahib was celebrated at Gurdwara Sahib Glenwood in Sydney. We organized an interfaith gathering in collaboration with Australian Sikh Association. Religious leaders from different faiths came together and shared information about their own faith and their views about Guru Nanak Sahib’s philosophy and teachings.

The purpose of organizing this interfaith gathering was to facilitate mutual understanding and dialogue among followers of different faiths, emphasizing on the common spiritual ground, universal teachings and oneness of humanity that Guru Nanak Sahib preached.

The guests paid obeisance to Sri Guru Granth Sahib and talked about their respective faith perspectives on how interfaith dialogue and Guru Nanak Sahib’s universal teachings can help address internal and external conflict to bring about peace and harmony in the world. The distinguished guests and representatives of faith groups appreciated the teachings of Gurbani enshrined in Guru Granth Sahib. These were explained by Bhai Sham Singh, Australian representative of World Sikh Parliament. Everyone partook in the langar and delved deeper into the concept of langar, sangat and pangat commenced by Guru Nanak Sahib more than 500 years ago. They learnt about values of service, sharing and emphasis on equality in the Sikh faith by eliminating differences of caste, creed, class and gender.

UNITED SIKHS Director Randeep Singh said that recognising human race as one is the key universal principles of Sikhi which drives UNITED SIKHS as an organisation and its volunteers around the world. Celebrating Guru Nanak Sahib’s Parkash Purab calls for reflecting on his universal messages of oneness, fostering spiritual and social enlightenment to combat pervasive evils, he said.

He also emphasized that given the current challenges of internal and external conflicts that exist in the world, it is paramount that we collectively continue to further mutual understanding, a culture of inclusivity to create harmony and peace around us. Fostering dialogue, respect, and collaborationamong people of diverse backgrounds is essential for a vibrant and resilient world,” he added. This was acknowledged by all present in the congregation with a Jaikara.

Gurvinder Singh, UNITED SIKHS National Director, Australia also stated that interfaith events like these were essential to bring down barriers, enhance mutual dialogue and understanding, and recognize the oneness of the human race, which is more relevant now than ever.