To commemorate the 350th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Consulate General of India, Birmingham organised a lecture series on March 31, 2017 in the Consulate premises. Deputy High Commissioner, Ambassador Dinesh Patnaik graced the occasion.
The speakers included Baroness Sandip Verma, Chairperson, EU External Affairs Sub-Committee & Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardee, 2011, Ms. Neena Gill, CBE, Member of European Parliament & Vice-Chair, Delegation for Relations with India and Pravasi Bharaiya Samman Awardee 2017, Dr. Sujinder Singh Sangha, OBE, FRSE, Ex- Principal and Chief Executive, Stockton Riverside College, and Dr. Krishna Kumar, Founder/Chairman Gitanjali Multilingual Literary Circle.
Deputy High Commissioner Ambassador Patnaik and Consul General, Dr. Aman Puri addressed the gathering. The distinguished speakers delivered in depth lectures encompassing a broad spectrum of the life and philosophy of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Reflecting on the uniqueness of the Sikh religion and its exalted position among the world religions, Ambassador Patnaik recalled contributions of the Sikhs through history in general, and the remarkable contributions of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji in particular. He also announced the High Commission’s intention to organise a series of events in the UK to celebrate the 350th Anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in the year 2017.
In his remarks, Consul General, Dr. Aman Puri recited a dohra written by Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He also made a special mention of Bhai Sahib Dr. Mohinder Singh’s commendable contributions in supporting the restoration project of the Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib in Patna.
The event which was attended by more than 100 guests, eminent personalities from West Midlands and adjacent areas, ended with the presentation of a small token in recognition and appreciation of the contributions of Bhai Sahib Dr.Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia, OBE, KSG Chairman, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewa Jatha by Deputy High Commissioner Ambassador Dinesh Patnaik.