Appreciating the unparalleled and unpretentious characteristic of the Sikh community, the Bihar Governor Mr. Ram Nath Kovind said that the entire Nation is proud of them. Addressing the final day of the First International Sikh Conclave organised by the Patna Government dedicated to the 350th Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Patna, the birth place of Guru Sahib, the Governor said that the Sikhs have made their special and significant place in every part of the World. Following on the path of equality, mankind and secularism shown by tenth master of Sikhs Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, this community has overcome the menace of casteism, inequality and several other social evils. They have attained remarkable positions in the fields of governance, administration, culture, security forces and sports in the country.Referring to the unprecedented growth of Punjab over the years and recalling the ultimate contribution of Dr. M. S. Randhawa, the Governor said that the Green Revolution initiated by Punjab had virtually ended the scarcity of food grains in the country and it was possible because of the Punjabis.Recalling the contribution of the contribution of the Sikhs in safeguarding the Nation, Mr. Kovind said that the Sikhs are the epitome of exhibiting undaunted courage and is considered to be a fearless community. He said that although they form just 2% of the the total population of the country but still over 20% Sikhs are there in the security forces. After Independence this valiant community has been conferred with 5 Paramvir Chakras and 209 Veer Chakras. The Governor also said that it was a matter of great pride that out of the five Holy Takhts (Temporal Seats) of Sikhism, one is situated in Patna Sahib. He said that such events would further strengthen the ethos of peace, communal harmony, brotherhood and amity across the length and breadth of the country and open new horizons for Bihar.
Earlier while presiding over the last session of the International Sikh Conclave, former Member Parliament Canada, Ms. Ruby Dhalla said that the contribution of the Punjabis especially the Sikh community in the fields of administration, politics, social service, trade and business, sports etc is matchless even in the other side of the Nation. She called upon the youth to carry forward this legacy and keep adding laurels. She said that Punjabis enjoy a very respectable place because of their upright approach and hard working and helpful personality traits.Prominent persons who expressed their views on promoting Punjabi language and overcoming social aberrations to build a healthy society, during the International Sikh Conclave included Chairman Minority Commission Rajasthan, Mr. Jasvir Singh, S. Inderjit Singh Bal from Canada, renowned Historian Prof. K.L.Tuteja, Prof. Harpal Singh, S. Gurmej Singh Goraya and S. Satpal Singh Khalsa. They unanimously raised their voice towards imparting education to the girl child. Cultural Affairs Minister Bihar Ms. Anita Devi proposed the vote of thanks to the visiting dignitaries and also observed two-minute silence in the memory of 17 martyrs who sacrificed their lives in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir.Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included, Chief Secretary Bihar Mr. Anjani Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Ms. Harjot Kaur Bhamra, Chairman of the high powered Advisory Committee on the 350th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and former chief secretary Mr. G,.S.Kang and Dr. Amita Pal.