Date:07/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/07/stories/2007060706430500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Sikhism lays stress on social justice, says Barnala

Special Correspondent

`Religious diversity is India's greatest strength'

BOOK RELEASE: Governor Surjit Singh Barnala releasing `A saga of supreme sacrifice martyrdom of Shri Guru Arjan Dev,' in Chennai on Wednesday. The first copy was received by U.S. Consul-General David T. Hopper. (From left) author Harbhajan Singh and Prince of Arcot Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali are in the picture. — Photo: M. Vedhan

CHENNAI: The need for religious tolerance, respecting one's faith and inter-religious harmony was stressed by the Tamil Nadu Governor, Surjit Singh Barnala, here on Wednesday.

Religion in all its forms led one to purity of mind, body, word and deed. All religions preached equality, tolerance, living in amity and peace with humaneness. India was a place where Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism had their origin. The religions adopted by the West were all from Asia. "We feel proud of our nation with peoples from different religions, cultures and languages living in unity. It is the brotherhood of man and the blessings of the Almighty that had paved the way for communal harmony, brotherhood, religious and linguistic unity."

Speaking after releasing the book A saga of supreme sacrifice martyrdom of Shri Guru Arjan Dev, authored by Harbhajan Singh, he said the history of Sikh religion dated back to 500 years. The religion was being followed by more than 20 million people around the world. Sikhism was a message of devotion and remembrance of God at all times. It preached truthful living, equality of mankind, social justice and denounced superstitions and blind rituals.

Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru, was a brilliant star in the galaxy of seers, saints and sages of his time. He was instrumental in the compilation of the Holy Granth, construction of Har Mandar Sahib, better known as Golden Temple, and above all sacrificed himself in upholding truth and righteousness.

The Consul-General of the United States in South India, David T. Hopper, who received the first copy, said India's religious diversity was its greatest strength. That was seen in the democratic leadership and in the temples and monuments. Those who loved India should cherish their diversity.

The Prince of Arcot, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, said the people should respect each other's views and religions. They should protect secularism.

The president, Evangelical Church of India, M. Ezra Sargunam; president, Sri Pathasarathy Swami Sabha, Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti; president, The Anjuman-E-Himayath-E-Islam, U.Mohamed Khalilullah; executive director, Institute of Dialogue with Cultures and Religions, Joe Arun; and president, Developers India, Ravi Prakash Khemka, were among those who spoke.