AMRITSAR: US president Barack Obama has extended best wishes to Sikhs on the occasion of the 544th birth anniversary of Sikh’s first master Guru Nanak Dev.
A statement issued from US president’s office sent to TOI through an email by Sikh Council on Religion and Education reads, ” I want to extend my best wishes to all our Sikh friends, across the United States and around the world, who this weekend are observing the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru.”
“This sacred time is an occasion to reflect on Guru Nanak’s timeless teachings and the principles that are at the heart of Sikhism, including the equality of all human beings, the pluralism we cherish in diverse societies and the compassion we owe one another.”
“Here in the United States, we’re grateful to the many Sikh Americans who give life to these values and enrich our country every day, reminding us that these shared principles are not only at the heart of the Sikh faith, they are central to who we are as Americans”.
The Sikh community in the US welcomed Obama’s greetings. Chairman of Sikh Council on Religion and Education Dr Rajwant Singh said, “We truly appreciate President Obama’s gesture to greet us on this auspicious anniversary. He and his administration had shown particular respect for Sikhs and their religious observances.”
He said they were committed to be a partner with President Obama in building a loving society where no one feels left out.” We wish Happy Gurpurab to President Obama and also pray that he is successful in his agenda of making this nation economically strong and being able to provide an access to health care to all.”
