The Central Government’s recent decision to allow Sikh pilgrims to visit Pakistan and pay obeisance at holy gurdwaras, including Sri Nankana Sahib, on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary has been widely appreciated. Ramesh Yadav, president of the Folklore Research Academy, expressed gratitude towards the Central Government for this move, which comes amid strained India-Pakistan relations.
In a joint meeting held by the Folklore Research Academy, Progressive Writers Association, and Majha Virasat Trust, leaders lauded the decision that enables Sikh devotees to commemorate the Prakash Purab at Sri Nankana Sahib and other significant gurdwaras across the Attari-Wagah border.
“The relations between the two countries have been tense following recent attacks, leading to a halt in cross-border movement, trade, and business,” said Ramesh Yadav. “This step revives the hope of religious and cultural connectivity for devotees on both sides.”
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has also supported the move, approving the pilgrimage to Sri Nankana Sahib and other gurdwaras for the celebrations. Furthermore, the organizations urged the Central Government to expedite the opening of the corridor from Dera Baba Nanak to Sri Kartarpur Sahib, responding to the heartfelt demands of devotees eagerly awaiting darshan at the final resting place of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
In addition, the joint meeting recommended that Hindu pilgrims be allowed to visit the Katasraj temple in Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of cross-border religious tourism for fostering goodwill.
The conference was attended by several prominent figures including Prabhjot Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Dodar Singh, Mehal Singh, Harpreet Singh, Iqbal Singh, Harpreet Singh Happy Mundian, Hardeep Singh Mundian, Pal Singh Grewal, Inderpal Singh Grewal, Harvinder Kumar Pappi (block president), Mandeep Singh Sahnewal, Harpreet Kaur Grewal, Shingara Singh Mangli, Kamal Sharma, Manpreet Singh Dheri, Kamaljit Singh Bhatti, Manpreet Singh (Sports Coach), Sunita Tezaniya, Surinder Chaudhry, and Harvinder Mundian.
The decision marks a hopeful step towards restoring religious and cultural ties amid complex diplomatic challenges between India and Pakistan.
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