Rodrigues,Badal,Hooda greet people on Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

Chandigarh, Jan 4 (UNI) Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gen (Retd) S F Rodrigues, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today eulogised the contribution of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Sikh Guru, in defending the country against the Mughal invaders and offered greetings to the people on his birthday being celebrated in various parts of the country.

''Sant Sipahi' Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a noble and pious soul whose sacrifice for preserving human and secular values is unique.

His un-paralleled heroism, administrative skills, literary pursuits, military prowess and his boundless love for humanity has inspired Sikhs for generations,'' the Governor said in his message on the auspicious occasion.

''Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji preached and practiced the gospels of love, oneness of mankind and universal brotherhood throughout his life,'' Mr Badal said in a message on the occasion.

Prayer meetings and recital of Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs, marked the celebrations in various Gurdwaras. The worship began since the wee hours. Besides, religious processions were taken out in various cities, including the capital on the solemn occasion.

In a message issued on the occasion of 'Parkash Utsav' here, Mr Hooda said, ''Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a saint-soldier and a poet who took to sword to fight against the oppression generated by the contemporary rulers. He was a noble and pious soul whose sacrifices for preserving human and secular values are unique.'' Sri Guru Gobind Ji through his poetry preached love and equality and ethical as well as moral code of conduct. Guru Ji's teachings and philosophy were relevant for all times, he added.

The leaders urged the people to follow the noble teachings and high ideals of the great Guru and to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation and the mankind.

UNI PS SHB HT1708