Guru relevant in today’s turbulent times: Manmohan
CHANDIGARH: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev, propounded over 500 years ago, remained relevant even in today’s turbulent times. “The question now arises what is the relevance of Guru Nanak’s teaching in the world of today? We need to revisit Guru’s teachings,” he added, addressing the valedictory function of two-days conference on Guru Nanak’s philosophy at the Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID).
“Even now, the challenges are aplenty. There are cries heard from the middle-east, there’s the challenge of over exploitation of natural resources and a narrow approach that creates differences needs to be avoided. Based on the values of Guru Nanak’s philosophy, the ideas to unite humanity will help create a different social order,” the ex-Prime Minister added.
Quoting Urdu poet Allama Iqbal’s couplet written on Guru’s praise, “’Phir uthi akhir sada touheed ki Punjab se, Hind ko ek mard-e-kamil ne jagaya khwab se (Again from the Punjab the call of monotheism arose, a perfect man roused India from slumber),” Manmohan added, “Guru Nanak indulged in a dialogue with people of different faiths and delivered the message of universal brotherhood.”
CRRID governing body member TKA Nair delivered the welcome address.
Addressing the issue of disparities and conflicts, former Union HRD minister Murli Manohar Joshi emphasised the relevance of the application of Nanak’s philosophy in today’s globalised world.
Dr Rashpal Malhotra, executive vice-chairman, CRRID, expressed his gratitude for the cooperation received from the Punjab government and the Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi, in the holding of the conference.
PEACE IS FIRST: GURSHARAN KAUR
Gursharan Kaur, wife of the former PM, who was also present at the meeting, later told HT she and her husband were crossing over to Pakistan to pay obeisance at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur, in Pakistan on Saturday. Speaking on the opening of the corridor, she said, “The important thing is that peace should prevail at all costs.”