Sikh Leaders Express Gratitude Over Ayodhya Ram Mandir Invitation; Do Not Give Confirmation About Attendance

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami have expressed their appreciation to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra for extending an invitation to attend the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir on January 22. However, there is no confirmation about whether they will be making an appearance or not.

In a joint statement, Jathedar Raghbir Singh and President Dhami articulated their respect for diverse religious beliefs. As followers of the divine Gurbani and adherents of the Gurmat philosophy blessed by the ten Gurus, they emphasized their commitment to inclusiveness and interfaith harmony. The leaders underscored the importance of acknowledging and respecting the beliefs of every religion.

The statement conveyed, “In the hearts of the people of every religion, there is determination and belief in the holy shrines of their prophets/incarnations.” They further added that everyone is blessed with his faith and sacred belief. Adding on, they wished for religious freedom, communal harmony, and peace should prevail in the world, so that every human being is free, safe, and fearless to practice his/her religious beliefs.

While over 70 Sikh religious leaders were invited to the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya, it remains uncertain whether Jathedar Raghbir Singh and President Dhami will be present at the ceremony. There were reports of a faction of Sikhs in the US urging the jathedars of the five Sikh Takhts and the community to refrain from participating in the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir.

The inauguration, slated for January 22, will be presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will oversee the ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony, symbolizing the placement of Lord Ram’s idol within the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. The event has garnered attention and debate, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the Sikh community on their participation in the historic ceremony.

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