Bihar to host global conclave to celebrate legacy of Sikhism

Scholars, researchers and noted personalities from around the world will congregate on Thursday for a three-day global conclave to celebrate the legacy of Sikhism and Sri Guru Gobind Singh ahead of the grand 350th birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will inaugurate the event at the Sri Krishna Memorial Hall which would be followed by a visit to the gurudwara in Patna Sahib, the birthplace of Sri Guru Gobind Singh.

The ‘International Sikh Conclave’ is being held from September 22-24 as a precursor to the impressive ceremony lined up by the Bihar government in January to mark the 350th year of the birth of the tenth Sikh Guru.

“Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Union minister S S Ahluwalia, former chairman of National Commission for Minorities Tarlochan Singh and New Zealand MP Kanwal Singh Bakshi are among the personalties scheduled to attend the programme. 

Besides, some Sikh ministers in Canada have also been invited,” a senior official told PTI.

Patna Sahib gurudwara or Taht Shri Harmandir Sahib, located in the old city in east Patna, is considered one of the holiest places in the world by the Sikh community, and with the grand anniversary celebrations next year, Bihar is also seeking to reposition itself on the global tourist map by leveraging his iconic legacy.

“This conclave also is to spread the word about the grand event to be held on January 5, preparations for which are in full swing. We want to present Bihar’s best and all departments are working in tandem to execute it successfully,” the official said.

The conclave to be attended by around 200 delegates would also have scholars of Sikhism, who would present papers on different aspects of the religion.

“On September 23, three panel discussion are lined up— ‘Sri Guru Gobind Singh: A spiritual saviour and crusader of rights’, ‘Sri Guru Gobind Singh: A poet par excellence’ and ‘Sikhism: A faith of love and humanity’. On the last day, a discussion would be held on the topic of ‘Contributions of Sikhs to the Nation’,” he said.

Cultural programmes would be an added attraction to the global event. Musicians like Rabbi Shergill and Diljit Dosanjh would also be performing, he said.A coffee-table book on Sri Guru Gobind Singh would also be launched on the occasion.

“The event would be closed by Governor Ram Nath Kovind. This would be an important event as Bihar gears up for the mega ‘Prakashotsav’ (festival) next year,” he said.