AI Generated Summary
- India’s Sikh organizations and community leaders have welcomed the Centre’s decision to permit Sikh jathas (groups of pilgrims) to visit historic shrines in Pakistan for the birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism.
- Leading Sikh bodies such as SGPC, DSGMC, and the Akal Takht voiced appreciation for the Centre’s green signal, noting that the annual pilgrimage is pivotal in safeguarding Sikh tradition and dignity.
- The Centre’s approval is widely seen as recognition of India’s commitment to religious freedom, interfaith dialogue, and the dignity of its diverse communities, encouraging positive growth in Indo-Pak relations through shared heritage and peaceful coexistence.
India’s Sikh organizations and community leaders have welcomed the Centre’s decision to permit Sikh jathas (groups of pilgrims) to visit historic shrines in Pakistan for the birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. This move marks a positive step toward upholding the spiritual rights of Indian Sikhs and sustaining a centuries-old tradition of cross-border religious harmony.
Tradition and Diplomacy
Sikh pilgrims will journey to sacred sites like Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur, venues deeply significant for the faith and heritage of the Sikh community. These visits are conducted under the framework of the longstanding 1974 bilateral protocol, which has enabled religious exchanges even during times of tense India-Pakistan relations. Faith leaders, including the Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), commended the government and emphasized that such gestures not only strengthen communal harmony but also improve bilateral ties.
Community Reactions
Leading Sikh bodies such as SGPC, DSGMC, and the Akal Takht voiced appreciation for the Centre’s green signal, noting that the annual pilgrimage is pivotal in safeguarding Sikh tradition and dignity. All India Congress Committee’s Pargat Singh stated, “Politics cannot confine faith,” reflecting the sentiment that religious devotion transcends borders and political disputes. The move is also seen as a response to broad-based appeals by Sikh leaders and organizations, following prior concerns when the pilgrimage was restricted.
Social and Regional Impact
The continuing tradition of Sikh jathas traveling to Pakistan is hailed as a bridge for peace, underpinning regional stability and promoting mutual respect between neighboring countries. Sikh organizations have further urged the government to reopen the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, emphasizing its importance for unhindered spiritual access and people-to-people contacts.
The Centre’s approval is widely seen as recognition of India’s commitment to religious freedom, interfaith dialogue, and the dignity of its diverse communities, encouraging positive growth in Indo-Pak relations through shared heritage and peaceful coexistence.
