UK PM, Deputy PM and Labour Leader on Guru Nanak Dev Jis Gurpurb

LONDON, UK—British Prime Minister, David Cameron has tweeted: “My best wishes to British Sikhs celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev. You help make Britain a brighter, better and more successful nation.”

My very best wishes go out to the Sikh community on the day that they celebrate Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday.

Guru Nanak, founder of the Sikh Faith, was a great philosopher, religious leader and poet whose teachings and core values remain as relevant now as they did when first set down. The most important of these is the fundamental belief that all people, regardless of ethnicity, religion and background are equal.

Teaching by example, Guru Nanak and his nine successors sought to emphasise the importance of a good life built on kindness, honesty and hard-work. These are the ideals by which Britain’s Sikh community continues to live by now, and will be celebrating as they gather together on and around 17^th November.

It is that shared commitment – to show generosity and respect for others – that helps us together make Britain a strong, prosperous and diverse nation. I want to wish everyone involved in these festivities a happy and joyous time.

Sat Sri Akal Ji, today, many around the world will observe the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith.  I send my best wishes to all those observing this significant occasion.

As Sikhs celebrate the birth of Guru Nanak, we can all identify with his teachings of love for all and the need for compassion in our service to others. His messages of tolerance, looking after the disadvantaged and serving others remain as important today as they were then.  They are values which are shared by the Labour Party.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to recognise the many contributions that Sikhs in Britain have made to our nation, and to reflect on the diversity that is a hallmark of Britain today.

In particular at this time of year, as we remember those who have given their lives for our country and our freedom, I would like to highlight the Sikh contribution and the thousands of Sikhs who have given their lives for our freedom in the two World Wars and other conflicts.

Once again, on behalf of the Labour Party I send our best wishes on this special day.