Sikh Scripture stands for universalism, oneness of God:V President

New Delhi, Oct 4 (UNI) Vice-President Mohammed Hamid Ansari today said India should be proud of the unique complilation of 'Guru Granth Sahib'(Sacred Sikh Scripture) which sums up the essence of 'spiritual ethos of the East' conveying the message of 'universalism and oneness of God'.

Releasing a book, "Guru Granth Sahib: the Guru Eternal", authored by eminent historian Dr Mohinder Singh marking the tercentenary celebration of 'Gurgaddi Divas' of the Sikh scripture, the Vice President said the religious anthology has a universal validity as it elucidates the basic purpose of existence and life.

"Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith belonged to the humanity and expounded the message that carried the convictions of all major religions of the world. His commentary on the politics, social and economic set-up of his times, has relevance for the time to come. And, the principles of service, devotion and 'bhagti' laid down by Guru Nanak continue to hold good for the coming generations", Mr Ansari added.

On the occasion, Mrs Gursharan Kaur, wife of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was present where latter's message was read out which said "the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib seek to harmonise the world as we know it".

"These teachings synthesise the essentail wisdom of all religions and earlier mystic saints, and the ancient culture and civilization ethos of the Indian people. In doing so, it sets out a powerful and appealing message of gender equality and concern for environment", the PM's message added.

Several eminent personalities including well-known writer Dr J S Neki, former UGC chairman Dr Amrik Singh and Pir Hasan Sani Nizami heading a Muslim religious seat and Women Commission's Chairperson Dr V Mohini Giri said the 'Guru Granth Sahib' is the epitome of'spiritualism and divinity' of the Indian subcontinent as expressed and manifested by saints and sages of the past. It contained the scripture of as many as two dozen acclaimed saints and sages of the Bhagati era including Kabir, Namdev and Ravidas-- hailing from socially low castes-- who preached oneness of God as essence of the entire existence and shunned all sorts of outward ostentations and form of peity manifestations.

Eminent Sikhs from various walks of like were present and a photo gallery of Sikh religious traditions was also put on display on the occasion. Mr Tirlochan Singh (MP), National Commission for Minorities member Harcharan Singh Josh, ambassadors of various embassies in Delhi were present at the function jointly organised by the Punjabi Academy, Delhi and National Institute of Punjaib Studies.

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