Centre to set up inter-faith studies institute in state

NEWDELHI: The Centre will set up a first-of-its-kind institute of Inter-Faith Studies in Punjab to promote brotherhood and diversity as part of the year-long activities to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, Union minister Mahesh Sharma said on Monday.

The activities will begin from November 23 and go on for a year, the Union culture minister said, adding the decision was taken at a meeting of the National Implementation Committee (NIC) headed by home minister Rajnath Singh earlier this month.

The government will also develop Sultanpur Lodhi in Punjab where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, is believed to have spent most of his life.

The area will be developed as a heritage city incorporating “Pind Babe Nanak Da”. A high-powered telescope will be installed in Indian territory to view Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan where the first Sikh guru spent his last days, Sharma said.

“We will set up an institute for inter-faith studies in Punjab on the lines of the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji who preached the qualities of brotherhood, diversity and the concept of unity in diversity. This will be the firstof-its-kind centre in the country,” he said.

He said the government will engage experts and form committees to oversee and finalise the concept of this institute.