Prime Minister Imran Khan has been awarded “Lifetime Achievement” by two leading British Sikh organisations during the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
The event held at the City Hall was co-hosted by the Sikh Network, Sikh Federation (UK) and Dr Onkar Sahsota, member of the London Assembly in collaboration with London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
The event, attended by dozens of Sikh figures and others from across Britain, celebrated the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji focusing on his universal message of wellbeing “Sarbat da Bhalaa”.
Sahibzada Jahangir, spokesman for PM Imran for Trade and Investment in UK & Europe, received the award on behalf of the prime minister.
The London mayor welcomed guests and highlighted the achievements and contributions of Sikhs in the UK. Khan expressed his admiration for the Sikh community and Sikh religion’s teachings of striving for equality, acceptance and oneness.
Preet Kaur Gill, Dr Sahota, Deputy Mayor Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Satpal Singh, Jas Singh, Canon Mark Poulson and others also spoke during the event.
Jahangir said the Kartarpur Corridor reinforced the idea of Sikhs as a bridge between cultures and countries. He went on to express how honoured the prime minster would be to receive this recognition and how keen he was to support Sikhs visiting Pakistan.
Jahangir added, it was a matter of pride for PM Imran’s government that “tremendous work” on Kartarpur Corridor was completed in the shortest possible period of nine months in order to make it possible for the Sikh Community to come to Kartarpur in time for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s celebrations.
“It all became possible because of Imran Khan’s love and passion for peace and humanity. I invite Sikhs from all around the world to come to Pakistan and enjoy our brotherly hospitality and love,” Jahangir said.
“Pakistan is now open for foreign investment as the country’s natural resources offers them great opportunities and their assets under the leadership of Imran Khan will be 100 per cent protected at all times,” he added.
Principal adviser to the Sikh Federation Singh highlighted the importance of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message that those who choose the Guru’s path should not listen to what others say and never flinch from performing righteous deeds.
He appreciated the Kartarpur Sahib Yatra Committee who were undertaking an accommodation building project to provide UK pilgrims with first class facilities.
Manchandan Kaur from Sikh Network said, “The move from Parliament to City Hall to mark the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurb was positively received by our esteemed guests. It is our hope that each of our guests left the evening with a glimmer of Guru Ji’s message inside them.”
