December 8, 1997

TRIBUTE TO GURU NANAK
 

 Rich tributes were paid to Guru Nanak at a function to commemorate his birth anniversary
in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, December 7, 1997.  Addressing the gathering, the
Deputy Chief of Mission of the Indian Embassy, Mr. T. P. Sreenivasan said that the Sikh
faith that emerged from Guru Nanak's vision had profoundly influenced the course of events
in North Western India.   The contribution of the Sikh community to the development of
modern India was vastly disproportionate to the size of the community, he said.  India's
national defence, its industrial progress and its green revolution had owed a great deal
to the dedication and skills of the Sikhs.

 Mr. Sreenivasan recalled how Guru Nanak had created a new vision, new values and a
new society, with its own ethos.  Guru Nanak's vision of dynamism shook long established
traditions and reconciled different faiths in the country.  Through his compassion towards
the less prIvileged in the society and women, Guru Nanak sought to bring about social
justice and a common brotherhood of man.

 The celebrations were preceded by 'Akhand path' and singing of prayers.  Several
representatives of the Indian community spoke on the occasion.  A large gathering of
Indians of various religions attended the function at the Hindu Center in Charlotte built
recently on a ten acre plot.