NCM Chief requests Gujarat CM to set up Sikh Development Board for promoting education of Punjabi language
The National Commission for Minorities formed under the NCM Act, 1992 has been inter-alia, entrusted with the responsibility to safeguard the interests of the Minority communities. Besides, the role of the Commission is also to undertake confidence building measures amongst the members of the Minority Communities.
Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman, NCM has written a letter to Hon'ble Chief Minister of Gujarat requesting to set up a Sikh Development Board and a Sikh Research Board in Gujarat for the purpose of promoting education of Punjabi language, Sikh culture and Sikh history in Gujarat.
Prime Minister and Gujarat Government has been generous in providing financial support for the renovation and construction of Sikh Gurudwaras in Gujarat.
The special relationship between Sikhism and Gujarat has traces in history. Gujarat has witnessed historic visits of Sikh Gurus including Guru Nanak Dev ji. Bhai Mohkam Singh ji, one of the five beloved Sikhs of Guru Gobind Singh ji, was also from Dwarka, Gujarat. A large number of Sindhi Sikhs are living in Gujarat. Besides the State has a sizable population of Sikhs settled since the visit of Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji in 16th century.
However, the State lacks education of Punjabi language. Sri Guru Granth Sahib and other Sikh Scriptures are written in Punjabi, therefore, the language holds a special place in Sikhism. It needs to be taught in the State of Gujarat.
For this purpose, Chairman, NCM has requested Gujarat CM to set up a Sikh Development Board and a Sikh Research Board or at least a Chair in the name of Guru Nanak Dev Ji or Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji at University level.