352nd Birth Anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh ji and 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji

Chicago IL: Consulate General of India, Chicago in association with Gurdwara Sahib of Chicago celebrated the 352nd Birth Anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh ji and 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji on Sunday 20th January 2019 at the Gurdwara Sahib of Chicago. This Gurdwara was also celebrating its 25th Anniversary as well during this occasion. This Gurdwara is known to feeding the needy for free every day from 7.00am to 9.00pm.

The program started with Shabad Kirtan followed by Keynote speech by Ms. Neeta Bhushan, Consul General of India. She spoke on the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji and his message of one God, communal harmony and its relevance in today’s world. She mentioned that Guru Nanak Dev ji visited many places to spread his message of tolerance and harmony. He denounced ritualism, superstition, ceremonialism and believed in simplicity and that God was present in each one of us. The lessons he taught are relevant to this day. About Guru Gobind Singh ji she mentioned that apart from being an extraordinary human being , he was an outstanding example of his love for his people and for helping the oppressed and protecting a person’s right to practice the religion of his choice. Every incident of his life revealed his love for humanity and courage to stand for what he believed was right. Guru Gobind Singh ji was born at Patna Sahib in Bihar which is now among the sacred shrines of not just members of Sikh religion but for people from all religion and walks of life.

The occasion was also graced by Hon. Congressman of 8th Congressional District Mr. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who also spoke about the relevance of teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji. The Consul General thanked all the people who attended the program and Mr. Balvinder Singh in organizing this event at the Gurdwara.

The program was well attended and concluded with a Langar.