Aukland: Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined his administration’s major achievements in preserving Sikh religious heritage and addressing community concerns during a major address to the Indian diaspora in New Zealand. Speaking to a massive gathering, the Prime Minister detailed a series of successful state interventions designed to safeguard historical artefacts, ease international charitable contributions, and improve infrastructure for remote pilgrimage destinations. He emphasized that the global network of Gurdwaras remains a beacon of selfless service and humanitarian support, mirroring the core values of compassion and equality established by the Sikh Gurus.
A primary highlight of the address focused on the resolution of administrative hurdles that had previously restricted international community contributions. The Prime Minister noted that when representatives raised concerns regarding how the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act impacted charitable activities at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the central government acted swiftly to streamline the regulatory framework. Furthermore, he highlighted the nation’s emergency evacuation operations during the political crisis in Afghanistan, noting that the state prioritised the secure and deeply respectful transport of the sacred saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib back to Indian soil.
The Prime Minister also detailed extensive logistical upgrades aimed at making revered historical and religious sites more accessible to devotees. Among these is the ongoing construction of an advanced ropeway system to Hemkund Sahib, a project specifically designed to ease the strenuous Himalayan journey for elderly and vulnerable pilgrims. On the educational front, he pointed to the institutionalisation of Veer Bal Diwas on December 26, a national day of remembrance dedicated to educating younger generations across India about the historic sacrifices of the four Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh and Mata Gujri.
Concluding his remarks on cultural preservation, the Prime Minister shared the unique historical journey of the sacred Jore Sahib relics belonging to Guru Gobind Singh. He revealed that the family of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had carefully preserved these historic artefacts for nearly three centuries after bringing them safely to Delhi during the Partition. Following thorough consultations with prominent religious scholars, the government successfully arranged for the permanent installation of the relics at Takht Sri Patna Sahib, the birthplace of the tenth Guru, where the Prime Minister invited members of the diaspora to pay their respects during future visits to India.
