:dateline:For the first time in history, the Russian Army chief Col-Gen Salyukov Oleg Leonidovich today paid obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum Sri Harmandir Sahib. He was warmly welcomed by the SGPC�s executive members and staff with a flower bouquet.
SGPC�s chief secretary Dr. Roop Singh apprised Col-Gen Salyukov Oleg Leonidovich about the great Sikh history, traditions and the concept of �langar� (community kitchen) while traversing through the sanctum sanctorum�s periphery.
After traversing through the periphery of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Col-Gen Salyukov Oleg Leonidovich offered Karah Prasad before paying obeisance inside the sanctum sanctorum.
He was honored with a �Siropao� (robe of honor), a golden model of Sri Harmandir Sahib and a set of religious books by the SGPC officials at Sri Darbar Sahib�s information office. He also wrote his experience of the journey in the visitor book.
Interacting with media on this occasion, Col-Gen Salyukov Oleg Leonidovich said that he is feeling blessed after paying obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib. �The environment of Sri Harmandir Sahib is extremely peaceful,� he added.