A Significant Moment: Puducherry Lieutenant Governor
K. Kailashnathan, a former aide to PM Modi, joins Sikhs for Khalsa Saajna Diwas. WSN reports.

Marking a significant moment for the tiny Sikh community in the Union Territory of Puducherry, Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan graced the occasion of Khalsa Saajna Diwas at the lo­cal Gur­d­wara Sa­heb -Gurudwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Ariyankuppam, Puducherry.

The spirit of Khalsa Saajna Diwas and Vaisakhi was celebrated with deep devotion and enthusiasm, where a large and vibrant gathering of devotees from Puducherry, Chennai, and neighbouring regions participated in the Kirtan, Katha and lecture program to celebrate the historic day.

Significantly, in a touching moment, the Lieutenant Governor, who has been a senior aide of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was presented with a Tamil translation of Japji Sahib, the foundational prayer composed by Guru Nanak, along with selected verses of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

The Governor expressed pleasant surprise and appreciation at this thoughtful gesture and assured the Sangat that he would make a sincere effort to read and understand the profound teachings contained within this sacred text.

The Lieutenant Governor was also presented with a memento of Sri Darbar Sahib and was honoured with a Siropa, in keeping with Sikh tradition. In his address, Shri Kailashnathan lauded the Sikh community for its enduring contributions to nation-building and its exemplary commitment to seva and langar, which embody the highest ideals of humanity, equality, and selfless service.

The Sangat expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for his continued support and encouragement to the Sikh community in Puducherry. The Lieutenant Governor also joined the Sangat in partaking of Guru ka Langar, reflecting the spirit of humility and collective harmony central to Sikh practice.

Among those present were Harsaran Singh (General Secretary, Pondicherry Gurudwara Sahib), Rajinder Singh Bhasin (President, Guru Nanak College, Chennai), Surjit Singh Madaan (Director, United Sikhs Tamil Nadu), Jasbir Singh Bhasin (Bhai Mardana Ji Kirtan Jatha, Chennai), Jasbir Singh Narula (Joint Secretary), and Gurpartap Singh, Onkar Singh, and Paramjit Singh, members of Sri Guru Nanak Satsang Sabha, Chennai.

Far from Punjab, it was remarkable to see how a small but committed community can uphold and celebrate the rich spiritual and historical legacy of the Khalsa with dignity and devotion.