Punjab readies to welcome diaspora for 'Parkash Purab'

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh here on Monday assured British Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Ayre of full logistic support to people of Indian origin settled in Britain for visiting the state to pay obeisance on 'Parkash Purab' (birth anniversary) of Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1539) in November.

The Chief Minister promised Ayre, who called on him, that he would urge the Home Affairs Ministry to direct the Indian High Commissioner in Britain to be liberal in the grant of visa to the people of Indian origin, particularly the Punjabi diaspora, for the event.

The state government has initiated preparations on a mass scale, especially in the holy city of Sultanpur Lodhi where the first Sikh Guru had attained enlightenment and spent almost 17 years of his life.

Other places associated with the founder of Sikhism, such as Batala and Dera Baba Nanak, were also being spruced up for the occasion, he added.

Ayre informed the Chief Minister that several delegations from Britain were keen to visit Punjab to participate in the historic event.

The Chief Minister will also launch the year-long celebrations to commemorate the 550th 'Parkash Purab' on November 23 from Sultanpur Lodhi in the Kapurthala district.