Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid rich tributes to the Sikh Gurus, recalling their sacrifices and historic contribution to India’s nation-building at a time when the country was dealing with the onslaught of foreign invasions.

Addressing the Gurpurab celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev at Gurudwara Lakhpat Sahib in Kutch, the Prime Minister recalled the teachings of the first Sikh Guru that had enlightened society on the evils of the caste system and shown the path of working for the poor and the weak.

He said Guru Nanak’s teachings continue to inspire people and the role played by the gurudwaras in the country in coming to the help of those suffering during the dreaded coronavirus pandemic was a shining example of this inspiration.

He also referred to Guru Nanak’s observations during Babar’s invasions and pointed out that the first Guru had come to the help of the people at a very difficult time.

Similarly, he recalled the sacrifices of the other Sikh Gurus who had to face the wrath of the Moghul rulers but still did not compromise on their religion or the honour of the country.

He pointed out that the ninth Sikh Guru had sacrificed his life but did not bow to the wishes of Aurangzeb and how the 10th Guru had sacrificed four sons in the war against the medieval Moghul emperor.

PM Modi also praised the Sikh community for not only taking on the Moghul rulers in medieval times but also later participating whole-heartedly and bravely in India’s freedom struggle to overthrow British rule.

The Prime Minister said that the Gujarat government would make further financial contributions to help build more facilities at the Kutch Gurudwara in memory of the Sikh Gurus. He said this would help to spread their  message of working for the good of humanity and the unity of the country. 

Besides a 100-bed hospital in Guajrat was also being named after Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru of the Sikhs.

Every year from 23rd December to 25th December, Sikh Sangat of Gujarat celebrate the Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Gurudwara Lakhpat Sahib. Guru Nanak Dev ji had stayed at Lakhpat during the course of his travels.  Gurudwara Lakhpat Sahib has his relics including wooden footwear and palkhi (cradle) as well as manuscripts and markings scripts of Gurmukhi.

The Gurudwara had suffered damage during the 2001 earthquake. TPM Modi who was then Gujarat Chief Minister, had undertaken efforts to ensure repair of the damages.