Golden Temple FCRA to Hemkund ropeway: PM Modi highlights Sikh initiatives during New Zealand address – The Tribune

Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined his government’s initiatives relating to the Sikh community and its religious heritage while addressing the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, highlighting steps taken to facilitate pilgrimage, preserve Sikh traditions and resolve issues flagged by the community.

Referring to India’s efforts during the Afghanistan crisis, Modi said the government had ensured that the sacred saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib were brought back to India with due reverence.

“Our great Sikh Gurus gave the message of service, courage, equality and compassion to humanity. Gurdwaras across the world have become centres of selfless service where no one goes hungry and those in distress find support,” he said.

The Prime Minister said members of the Sikh community had informed the government about difficulties related to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) affecting sewa at the Golden Temple. “We resolved the issue immediately,” he said.

Highlighting efforts to improve access to Sikh pilgrimage sites, Modi said the government was constructing a ropeway to Hemkund Sahib to make the arduous Himalayan pilgrimage easier, particularly for elderly devotees.

The Prime Minister also referred to the government’s decision to observe December 26 every year as Veer Bal Diwas in memory of the sacrifice of the four Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh. He said the observance had helped introduce children across the country to the courage and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri.

Modi also recounted the journey of the sacred Jore Sahib associated with Guru Gobind Singh. He said Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had informed him that his family had preserved the relics for nearly 300 years after bringing them safely to Delhi during Partition.

After consultations with Sikh scholars and religious experts, the government decided that the sacred relics should be placed at Takht Sri Patna Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, where devotees can now pay their respects.

Inviting members of the diaspora to visit the shrine during their trips to India, Modi said he considered it a privilege to have witnessed the installation of the sacred relics at Patna Sahib.