PM visits gurdwara on Prakash Utsav

Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Gurdwara Sahib in Ameerpet on the 554th ‘Prakash Utsav’, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Ji. He offered ‘poshaka (offering of clothes)’ and performed the religious ‘parikrama’ around the holy book Guru Granth Sahib.

Sources said that after offering prayers, Modi stayed on the gurdwara premises for a brief time. Surender Singh Sahu, secretary of the gurdwara, along with members of the gurdwara committee, escorted the Prime Minister.

Dimple Kaur, a member of the gurdwara committee, said, “This day is very special for us as we are celebrating the birth of the first Guru. The Prime Minister’s visit made it more special, as he joined us in the evening prayers.”

The day also saw around 20,000 people of the Sikh community gather at the Exhibition Grounds for congregational prayers. They heard discourses on the holy book and participated in singing Gurubani Keertans.

“We get so much solace being here. We are involved in seva (service) here. All families of our community are excited to be here,” said Baldev Singh Bagga, an organiser.

He said, “The langer (free community kitchen) is open for all. Irrespective of religion, devotees take part in cooking. There are free medical and dental camps arranged, with medicines also given for free to the needy.”