CHANDIGARH, Punjab—The United Nation’s Secretary General António Guterres today paid obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib during the evening hours. He has become the first UN chief to pay obeisance at the holiest Sikh shrine.
Sikh24 has learnt that António Guterres specially came to Amritsar Sahib for paying obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum Sri Harmandir Sahib. He was warmly welcomed with flower bouquets by the Union State Minister S. Hardeep Singh Puri, Finance Minister of Punjab Karan Avtar Singh, Amritsar’s Deputy Commissioner Kamaldeep Singh Sangha, Amritsar’s Police Commissioner S. Srivastva, Additional Protocol Secretary Sri Munish Kumar and other officials.
SGPC president S. Gobind Singh Longowal and Chief Secretary Dr. Roop Singh received Mr. António Guterres on his arrival at the central Sikh shrine Sri Harmandir Sahib.
While traversing the periphery of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Mr. António Guterres manifested a special interest to get knowledge about the world’s largest community kitchen and partook “langar” there. He was apprised of the Sikh philosophy and history by the SGPC officials.
After offering “Karah Prasad”, Mr. António Guterres paid obeisance inside the sanctum sanctorum Sri Harmandir Sahib. He was honored with a “Siropao” (robe of honor) by Giani Jagtar Singh. Later, he also paid obeisance at the supreme Sikh throne Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Interacting with the media at Information Centre, Mr. António Guterres said that he feels himself blessed on getting a chance to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib. He added that he has been given unforgettable memories for which he thanks the Sikh community.
“I pay tribute to the sikh community worldwide and i express my deep respect for this Holy place where all religions are accepted in a wonderful demonstration of enthusiasm, love and tolerance” he wrote in the visitor book.
He was honored with a golden model of Sri Harmandir Sahib, a set of religious books and a “Siropao” by the SGPC president S. Gobind Singh Longowal and Chief Secretary Dr. Roop Singh.
