Speakers at a seminar held at the Lahore Arts Council on Tuesday paid rich tributes to late Sufi saint Baba Guru Nanak and highlighted his thoughts, wisdom and history.

The people who shed light on the Sufi saint's life from the Sikh community were Kalyan Singh, Sarwant Kaur, Dr Akhtar Sindhu, Parveen Malik, Nabila Rehman and Samina Batool. They also thanked the Lahore Arts Council for organizing the seminar.

Kalyan Singh highlighted the personality of Baba Guru Nanak and said he challenged cruel customs in the society, helped the oppressed and was a follower of respectful humanity. He said that Islam is the religion of peace and it did not come with the sword. He further said that Baba Guru Nanak always condemned to rule in the name of religion and raised his voice against the oppression of society. He added the Kartarpur Corridor, Guru Nanak University, issuing postage, coins and free visas on his birthday is a gift from the people of Pakistan for us.

"Guru Nanak worked for the welfare of the society. In Baba Nanak's teachings, there is nothing against any religion; in fact helping the oppressed is also a part of his teachings," said Dr Akhtar Sindhu, adding that he was working for the betterment of the people of Punjab.

Parveen Malik also spoke on the occasion while Niaz Hussain Lakhwera hosted the seminar.

Lahore Arts Council Executive Director Athar Ali Khan said that Baba Guru Nanak enlightened the message of humanity, equality, love, goodness, spirituality and high social values which teaches us humanity. "Baba Nanak always took the path of peace and tolerance, the main purpose of this seminar was to educate our younger generation through his teachings," he added. He continued that the Lahore Arts Council will observe a whole week from November 7 in the memory of Baba Nanak by organizing different programmes, seminars, music fests and "mushairay". According to Athar, the Sikh pilgrims from all over the world are coming to Pakistan to participate in the Baba Guru Nanak Sahib's week-long birth celebrations at the Arts Council.

In this regard, the Punjab Information and Culture Department is fully prepared to welcome Sikh pilgrims. "The event will not only promote the message of love and peace but it will also promote the positive image of Pakistan in the world."

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019