Amritsar, India: Amidst the serene aura of Punjab’s historic Golden Temple, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, accompanied by his wife Amy Wakeland and a family member, fulfilled a cherished dream on Monday. Their visit to the iconic religious site in Amritsar marked a poignant moment for Garcetti, who expressed profound gratitude and reverence.
Garcetti, immersed in the spiritual ambiance, partook in the sacred rituals, offering prayers and engaging in ‘sewa’ or voluntary service. His journey to the Golden Temple carried a deeply personal significance, as he reminisced about his parents’ pilgrimage to the revered site decades ago.
VIDEO | US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) paid obeisance at the revered Golden Temple in Amritsar earlier today. pic.twitter.com/Rfnk52eIk5
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 26, 2024
“My mother and father came here to the Golden Temple when they were just married in their 20s, and as a child, they told me stories of coming to this beautiful place – a place where not you can not just feel its beauty, but see its beauty. It has been a dream of mine to come to the Golden Temple ever since I was a little boy; today that dream came true,” Garcetti expressed, reflecting on the emotional resonance of his visit.
Amidst the graceful hospitality of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Garcetti and his family were honored with tokens of appreciation, including a golden model of Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib, books, and shawls. The gesture underscored the enduring bonds between nations and cultures, transcending geographical boundaries.
-US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti pays obeisance at Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib
— Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (@SGPCAmritsar) February 26, 2024
-Advocate Dhami honoured him, requests to start direct flights to US from Sri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport, Amritsar
Amritsar, February 26-
Ambassador of United States of America (USA)… pic.twitter.com/XRufsy88Rr
During his interaction with SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, Garcetti discussed avenues for enhancing bilateral ties. Dhami extended a request for initiating direct flights from the USA to Amritsar, fostering greater connectivity and cultural exchange between the two nations.
In the visitor book, Garcetti penned heartfelt sentiments, acknowledging the sanctity of the Golden Temple and the profound impact of Sikhism’s principles of service and compassion. “There are a few places in the world that are truly sacred -this Golden Temple is right there at the top of that list. You feel not only the holiness of this place but how the generous service of the people define not only the world as it is but as it can be. May the deep friendships between the United States and Sikhism always bring peace to our world. With deep respect and friendships,” Garcetti inscribed, encapsulating the essence of his transformative experience.
As Garcetti concluded his visit, his journey to the Golden Temple echoed beyond personal fulfillment, symbolizing the enduring bonds of friendship, spirituality, and shared humanity that unite diverse cultures across the globe.
