Sikh synonymous with courage, hard work: Modi

Wearing a red turban, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed a Sikh delegation that visited him in his residence here and complimented the community for being “synonymous with courage, prowess and hard work for the country “.

Acknowledging the contribution of the Sikh community in the country and outside, Modi said the entire country feels grateful to the Sikhs for their contributions to the freedom struggle and in the post-independent India. The PM said he is fortunate enough to get suggestions from the community on several issues from time to time, which he tries to implement. “Today also I received many suggestions,” Modi said. “Going to Gurudwaras, spending time in service, getting langar, staying at the homes of Sikh families have been a part of my life. I have been fortunate to meet Sikh delegations at PM residence from time to time. My heart fills with pride when I meet Sikh community abroad,” Modi said. The group included people from different walks of life. Union Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri was among those present on occasion. The Prime Minister also recalled his visits to the places of Sikh heritage all over world during his visits

“Our Gurus have taught us courage and service. The people of India have gone to different parts of the world without any resources and achieved success through their labour. This is the spirit of New India today too”, he said.

Reiterating his appreciation for the mood of new India, the Prime Minister said New India is scaling new dimensions and is leaving its mark on the whole world.“You will also be proud to hear that 99 percent of vaccination has been done through our own Made in India Vaccines,” ,he said while referring to Covid-19 situation in country. Modi said in this difficult period, India has emerged as one of world’s largest start up ecosystems. The PM elaborated on his vision of India’s freedom struggle. He said this struggle is not confined to a limited period but is a manifestation of thousands of years of consciousness, ideals, spiritual values and ‘tapasya’.

He expressed happiness on the good fortune of being associated with landmark events like Guru Teg Bahadur’s 400th Prakash Purab, Guru Nanak Devji’s 550th Prakash Purab and Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s 350th Prakash Purab. Modi has, of late, been increasingly interacting with Sikh community and participating in Sikh religious events.

The overreach of the BJP towards Sikhs hasgained pace after AAP’s electoral victory in the border state of Punjab.