Remarks by Amb Sibi George at the celebrations to mark the 550th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Nov 30, 2019
Wahiguru ji ka Khalsa
Wahiguru ji ki Fateh
Congratulations to all once again on the auspicious occasion of the 550th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
I thank Indian Association in Bern for joining hands with the Embassy in organising this important event today in Bern.
I am happy that in Switzerland, we organised several events to celebrate the birth anniversary of this great son of India.
Dear Friends,
Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's message belongs to all of humanity. He is a shining apostle of the spiritual ethos of India.
Our worldview has been continually broadened by his timeless messages. Each one of us, in whatever walk of life we are in, has so much to learn from the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Walking for 26 years, covering a distance of more than 35,000 kilometres, through snow-covered mountains, deserts, and over rocks, Guru Nanak Dev Ji travelled to every corner of the world with just one message, "Universal brotherhood".
He was a great champion of equality. He said, “The Lord gives shelter to all beings”.
Respect for women and gender equality is a very important lesson to be learnt from Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life.
His vision was also pragmatic and holistic. It was not a vision of renunciation but of active involvement. Work, worship and share was the motto he placed before his disciples and placing today before us.
His vision is timeless and has as much relevance today as it was when it was expounded five centuries ago.
I am happy to recall that when Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated the Kartarpur Sahib corridor to the nation on 9th Nov 2019, it has fulfilled a long cherished desire of the Sikhs across the world. I recall the messages of congratulations that I received in the Embassy in Switzerland from our Sikh friends on that occasion. Let me quote Prime Minister Modi who said, “Guru Nanak Dev Ji is not only a Guru, but a philosophy altogether, and as a pillar of support for our existence. He taught us the importance of living by true values and also gave an economic system based on honesty and self-confidence”. Unquote.
Along with the historic opening of the corridor and several other events were organised all over India and all over the world to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Dear Friends,
I would like to use this opportunity to also thank you for your support and cooperation in our efforts in strengthening the excellent relationship between India and Switzerland.
We maintain highest level of engagement. Our President Shri Ram Nath Govind was in Switzerland in Sept this year on a five day State visit. Our Prime Minister was here on two occasions in the last three years.
We are deepening our business and people to people engagement through a series of activities and events. Every available opportunity is being availed to celebrate India in Switzerland. I am happy that not a single day goes in Switzerland without some event being organised on India either by the Embassy, or one of our cultural or business partners.
Our motto: Connecting Himalayas with Alps, is resonating well with the stakeholders in both the countries. This is a win-win partnership for both Indians and Swiss. We will continue to work to strengthen this mutually beneficial partnership.
Once again I congratulate you on this auspicious occasion.
Wahiguru ji ka Khalsa
Wahiguru ji ki Fateh
