Declare 2021 as ‘int’l human rights year: SGPC writes to UN

SAYS THE NINTH SIKH GURU’S MARTYRDOM INSPIRED THE WHOLE WORLD TO PROTECT HUMAN RIGHTS AND ENSURE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

AMRITSAR: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Jagir Kaur on Tuesday wrote to the secretary general, United Nations Organisation (UNO), Antonio Guterres, urging him to dedicate year 2021 to ninth Sikh master Guru Tegh Bahadur and declare it as the ‘international human rights year’.

“The martyrdom of Guru Sahib is of paramount importance in keeping the religious freedom alive, which inspired the whole world to protect human rights and ensure religious freedom. Guru Tegh Bahadur instilled a sense of selfrespect in the people who were oppressed by the oppressors,” said Jagir Kaur said in the letter.

“The 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur is coming on May 1 this year, which would be celebrated throughout the year in the country as well as abroad. Therefore, in view of Guru’s great contribution to humanity and in protecting their human rights, the year 2021 should be observed as the international human

rights year,” she added.

SGPC to set up girls’ sports academy

In order to provide better opportunities to Sikh girls in the field of sports, an academy for hockey, basketball and athletics will be set up to mark the 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. “For selection, the trials will be held at Punjab Armed Police (PAP) Ground in Jalandhar on March 13 and 14,” the SGPC chief said.

She said the final selection will be made by organising sports camps for the selected players after completion of the trials. She said that the hockey academies for boys are already being run by the SGPC which was recognised by Hockey India this year.