AMRITSAR: Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, returned to India today via the Attari-Wagah border after celebrating the 556th Parkash Gurpurb (birth anniversary) of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji with a Sikh Jatha at Gurdwara Sri Janam Asthan, Sri Nankana Sahib, and after paying obeisance at Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Sri Kartarpur Sahib, along with other historical Gurdwaras situated in Pakistan’s Punjab province.
On this occasion, President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and Cabinet Minister in the Government of Punjab (Pakistan), Ramesh Singh Arora, specially came to the border to bid farewell to Jathedar Gargajj.
Speaking to the Indian media at Attari-Wagah border after his return, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj shared details about his visit and thanked Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, saying that although the circumstances were earlier unfavourable, Guru Sahib showered His grace, enabling the Sikh Jathas to reach Sri Nankana Sahib and celebrate the Gurpurb with devotion, where they received a warm welcome from the people of Pakistan Punjab. He said that the PSGPC and the provincial Punjab government on Pakistan side had made excellent arrangements, including tight security and facilities for the pilgrims.
Jathedar Gargajj expressed gratitude to both the Governments of India and Pakistan, saying that by allowing Sikh Jathas to travel, both nations have sent a message of love and harmony. He mentioned that during his visit yesterday to Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Sri Kartarpur Sahib, he performed Ardas (Sikh prayer) for peace and harmony between the two countries, as well as for the early reopening of Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and the Chardi Kala of the Sikh community.
Addressing the Government of India, Jathedar Gargajj made a special appeal that now, when relations between the two nations are cordial, Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor should be reopened, especially on the historic occasion of the 350th Martyrdom Saka anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar being observed on November 25. He said this represents the deep emotions of Sikhs across the world — that Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor should be reopened at the earliest.
Jathedar Gargajj further said that Sikhs have nearly 1.50 lakh acres of land in Pakistan, and if they are allowed to visit there, they can help in the upkeep and maintenance of the Gurdwaras and the lands associated with them. He appreciated PSGPC President Ramesh Singh Arora for working commendably in coordination with the Punjab Government (Pakistan), and added that it is also a matter of pride for the Sikh community that a Sikh has been appointed as a minister in the Punjab Government of Pakistan.
He informed that the Government of Pakistan Punjab has announced that by April next year, it would open 17 more Gurdwaras, which have remained closed since the partition of 1947, after carrying out necessary restoration and renovation.
Jathedar Gargajj also appealed to the Government of India that Sikhs living in Pakistan wish to visit the sacred Sikh shrines in India — such as Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa – Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib at Sri Anandpur Sahib, and other historical Gurdwaras — therefore, the Government should make visa arrangements for them with large heart as well.