From Wednesday August 7th until Sunday August 11th, the University of Birmingham hosted an international celebration to commemorate the life, teachings and legacy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of the Sikh faith, born 550 years ago in 1469.
Many Gurdwaras from the Sikh Community in the UK joined hands with the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ), to organise the immersive retreat in an endeavour to learn from the life and legacy of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The theme of the celebrations was: Sikhi Sikhiya Gur Vichar (“A Sikh Is One Who Accepts and Practices The Guru’s Teachings”). The event included prayer, kirtan, service, education and dialogue, exhibitions, and children’s activities.
5-days of spiritual and interfaith engagement
There were two beautiful marquees, one for an Akhand Paath [continuous recitation of the Scriptures], and one for Kirtan [singing of Shabads], the celebration also included three exhibitions, over thirty-five educational seminars, and Langar [ blessed vegetarian food] which was prepared and served on site by an army of volunteers. It is estimated that in excess of 25,000 people visited the event across the five days, with delegates, representing all Faiths, coming from around the world, to join the celebrations.
Throughout the five-day event, over a thousand volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that all visitors were able to learn, reflect and be inspired in a safe and secure campus environment. International academic experts; faith and medical practitioners; and senior executives from the public and private sectors led discussions and workshops on a variety of contemporary issues, ranging from Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message for humanity; values-led education, equality and diversity, climate change, mental health, and social and civic responsibility.
The chairman of GNNSJ, Bhai Sahib Dr Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia stated: “The 550th anniversary celebrations has illuminated many dimensions of Guru Nanak’s teachings, life and legacy. The event has proven to be an historic opportunity to rediscover and apply Guru Nanak’s teachings, to generate new possibilities for transforming our personal and collective lives and the lives of the future generations. The event has been made possible by the dedicated and enthusiastic Nishkam Sewa (selfless service) by over 1,000 volunteers from around the UK, India, USA, Canada and Australia”
The historic Great Hall in the iconic Aston Webb Building was the site of an inspiring exhibition presenting the life, teachings and legacy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji for both the Sikh faith and the wider world. The exhibition outlined the history of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and explained the key values espoused during his lifetime.
As well as connecting those from the Sikh, other faiths and none, the celebration started with a highly successful civic reception that was attended by 350 dignitaries, including leaders from faith, education, business and the public and voluntary sectors from around the globe. The comments on social media by those who attended the celebrations have confirmed that this historic event has touched the lives of so many people with Guru Nanak’s core message of peace, forgiveness, reconciliation, social justice; equality and love for all of God’s creation.
