Bengal and Punjab are bound by a shared history of sacrifice, said the head of the highest temporal body of Sikhs on a recent visit to the city.
On the eve of the 77th Independence Day, Giani Raghbir Singh, the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib and head granthi of Darbar Sahib, Golden Temple, Amritsar, shared a message with this newspaper to stress the shared history.
“Punjab and West Bengal share a deep connection. In the annals of India’s quest for Independence, both states emerged as poignant symbols of unwavering resilience and sacrifice. Both states, though geographically distant, bear the weight of a shared struggle that runs deeper than borders. These states stood undeterred, forging an unbreakable bond of courage and sacrifice that would ultimately guide India into Independence,” he said.
The Jathedar was on a two-day visit to Kolkata that culminated on July 31. Between meeting chief minister Mamata Banerjee and visiting gurdwaras, he interacted with The Telegraph on a range of issues.
The Manipur violence, which has so far killed over 180 people and left tens of thousands homeless, was “deeply troubling”, he said.
“I condemn what is happening in Manipur. The recent incidents of violence are deeply troubling... Such acts of violence against women are not justifiable under any circumstances. Sikhism has always upheld the dignity and honour of women, placing them on a higher pedestal than men.”
He stressed the need to preserve India’s diversity and foster amity among all religions and ethnic groups.
“Our rich heritage and cultural tapestry are a testament to the beauty that emerges when people from various backgrounds come together in harmony. The teachings of our revered Sikh Gurus have always emphasised the principle of Sarbat Da Bhalla — the welfare and well-being of all humanity.
“By embracing this profound philosophy, we cultivate understanding and empathy, creating a nurturing environment where every individual can thrive and contribute to the betterment of society. It is through this collective effort to respect and cherish one another’s differences that we can build a more compassionate, inclusive and united world for generations to come,” he said.
On July 31, he met Mamata Banerjee in the Bengal Assembly and invited her to the Golden Temple. The chief minister said she would visit soon, a participant in the meeting said.
The Jathedar thanked the chief minister for “preserving the spirit of inclusivity and compassion, that also lies at the core of Sikh values, in Bengal”.
He also thanked the Sikh community of Kolkata for supporting the people of Punjab during the recent floods.
A team from the IHA Foundation, for example, had camped in Punjab for over a week in July, distributing food, water, medicines, sanitary napkins and other essentials in the flood-hit villages.
“The meeting was a profoundly enriching experience, rooted in the spirit of unity and compassion... Her inclusive approach and dedication to the welfare of all communities exemplify the core values of Sikhism,” the Jathedar said.