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Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Inda-Pak tensions disrupt Sikh pilgrimages, raise corridor security concerns
Amritsar: The conflict between India and Pakistan — triggered by the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives — is having major religious repercussions, particularly for Sikh pilgrims. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has been forced to suspend planned visits to Pakistan and the remains closed for daily pilgrimages to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib (Kartarpur Sahib) in Pakistan. SGPC secretary Partap Singh on Monday announced that the committee would not send a jatha to Pakistan to observe the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh on June 29, citing travel restrictions imposed by the Centre. He said that a jatha scheduled for May 15, intended to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev, also could not proceed for the same reason. Singh appealed to the central govt to reopen the Kartarpur Corridor, stressing the importance of allowing devotees to fulfil their religious aspirations by visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib, via the Integrated Check Post at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district. India had suspended the day-long pilgrimage to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib on May 7, just hours after the launch of Operation Sindoor, citing security concerns for pilgrims. Meanwhile, a religious ceremony was reportedly held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on Monday to observe the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev. This follows an "unprecedented" symbolic reception ceremony organised by the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) at Wagah (Pakistan) on June 9, which media reports suggest was aimed at "inflaming Sikh religious sentiments as part of its ongoing anti-India agenda". Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Meanwhile, as more details of Pakistan's alleged espionage network emerge, questions are being raised about the management of the Kartarpur Corridor. It is becoming increasingly evident, according to sources, why the Pakistani govt opted not to entrust the corridor's management to the PSGPC. Instead, it established a new entity, the Project Management Unit (PMU), placing it under the direct control of senior officials from the Pakistan Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Intelligence agencies indicate that all three people recently arrested on spying charges – Devender Singh Dhillon, Jyoti Malhotra, and Jasbir Singh – had visited Kartarpur Sahib, which is reportedly under the ISI's direct control. According to media reports, Brigadier Muhammad Latif of the Pakistan Army was appointed as the PMU's first chief executive officer (CEO), later replaced by Muhammad Abu Bakar Aftab Qureshi, a senior ISI deputy director general. Further concerns were raised when Pakistan constituted a nine-member management team, comprised solely of Muslim officials, to oversee the operations of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur. Indian intelligence sources have expressed concern that the appointment of Ramesh Singh Arora as the first Sikh minister in Pakistan's Punjab province may be a strategic move by the ISI. As president of the PSGPC, Arora is reportedly being positioned to expand the ISI's influence among Indian Sikh organisations, using religious outreach and cross-border engagements as a cover for intelligence operations. MSID:: 121884138 413 |
Time of India
30-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Chabeel Sewa held to mark martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev
Varanasi: To mark the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev (the fifth Sikh Guru), a Chabeel Sewa was organised at the National Centre of Ageing (NCA) on Friday. The event began with an ardas (prayer) which paid tribute to Guru's unmatched sacrifice and served as a reminder of his unwavering faith, his message of universal brotherhood and his peaceful resistance in the face of tyranny. As part of the sewa, refreshing chilled drinks and light snacks were distributed to hundreds of patients, caregivers, hospital staff, and visitors echoing the Sikh tradition of serving all without distinction. The event was held under the leadership of director of the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Prof SN Sankhwar, and NCA nodal officer Prof Anup Singh. Prof Singh said such acts of service are not only culturally significant but also serve to strengthen the moral fabric of the medical and caregiving community. "This observance at the National Centre of Ageing reflects a broader commitment to blending clinical care with compassion, tradition with service, and remembrance with community outreach — honouring the past while inspiring present and future generations," he said.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Important Days in June 2025: Full list of national and international events
Important Days in June 2025: The month of June is filled with several important days, observed both in India and across the world. From awareness campaigns to historical commemorations, June 2025 brings a mix of national events and international events that are celebrated with great importance. These dates highlight issues of global concern, honour achievements, and promote peace, health, and unity. Let's take a detailed look at the important days in June 2025, which include key national and international events that hold significance socially, culturally, and historically. Why is June 2025 Important? June stands out as a month dedicated to raising awareness on health, environment, education, and human rights. Several international events like World Environment Day, International Yoga Day, and World Oceans Day are observed this month, bringing global attention to pressing issues. Many national events in June 2025, such as Telangana Formation Day and the Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, are also remembered to honour historical milestones and sacrifices made by great leaders. Not only this, June also celebrates Father's Day, World Music Day, and Olympic Day, making it a well-rounded month full of celebration, reflection, and awareness. June is Health and Environment Awareness Month In June 2025, several health and environment-related awareness days are observed. From World Food Safety Day to World Blood Donor Day, these important days in June 2025 aim to spread awareness about physical well-being and environmental conservation. One of the most widely recognised international events is International Yoga Day on June 21, which encourages people to embrace yoga for a healthier lifestyle. Full List of Important Days in June 2025 Here is a complete list of important days in June 2025, including both national events and international events. This calendar is especially useful for students, competitive exam aspirants, and general awareness. June 1 World Milk Day Global Day of Parents June 2 International Sex Workers' Day Telangana Formation Day (National Event) June 3 World Bicycle Day June 4 International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression June 5 World Environment Day (One of the most important international events in June 2025) June 7 World Food Safety Day June 8 World Oceans Day World Brain Tumour Day June 12 World Day Against Child Labour June 14 World Blood Donor Day June 15 International Father's Day World Elder Abuse Awareness Day June 16 Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev (Important national event in Sikh history) June 17 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought June 18 Autistic Pride Day June 19 World Sickle Cell Awareness Day June 20 World Refugee Day June 21 International Yoga Day World Music Day June 23 International Olympic Day United Nations Public Service Day June 26 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking International Day in Support of Victims of Torture Stay Informed About Key June 2025 Dates To sum up, June 2025 is packed with a variety of important days that hold national and international relevance. These national events and international events remind us of our responsibilities towards society, health, history, and the planet. Whether you're preparing for an exam or simply want to stay informed, keeping track of these important days in June 2025 is a smart move. Bookmark this page or note down the dates to never miss a chance to participate or learn about these meaningful observances in June 2025. (Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.) For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Sukhmani Sahib: Consoler of the mind
Written by: Inder Raj Ahluwalia The Fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan Dev's life and achievements played a key role in shaping Indian history and spiritual traditions. Preaching Guru Nanak Dev's mission, Guru Arjan Dev propagated humility, devotion, and surrender to God's will. He imparted several teachings on important issues, such as acceptance of God's will, trust, kindness, tolerance, and humility. The cornerstone of his teachings was having faith in one Creator. At a physical level, one of his great tasks was the completion of the tank at Amritsar's Golden Temple. Being truly secular, he had invited a Muslim saint, Mian Mir, to lay the temple's foundation stone. With secularism being of paramount importance, his take on the subject is priceless. Through his life and teachings, the guru promoted universal brotherhood and religious tolerance. Collecting hymns of the first four Sikh gurus and adding his own verses and those of Farid, Kabir, Raidas, Jaidev, and Bhikham, his greatest work was the compilation of the holy Adi Granth. Today, the Granth Sahib is revered by millions worldwide. A priceless legacy bequeathed to us by the Guru is the Sukhmani Sahib prayer. Universally hailed as the 'consoler of the mind' and the 'jewel of peace', Sukhmani Sahib's wealth of positive powers has won the faith of millions. Devotees recite it in devotion to the Guru as an expression of gratitude and faith; it is an invocation for physical and mental well-being and health. In an environment dominated by significant turbulence and violence, the guru wrote the prayer to calm and heal, and he is omnipresent throughout its verses. He poured his very spirit, peace, into this composition. A powerful prescription for peace, calm, and bliss, prayer is undertaken by the devotee with the Guru's generosity, mentorship, and guidance. With 'Sukh', comfort, and 'Mani', mind, the prayer fulfils several goals. It refreshes the mind, soothes frayed nerves and rejuvenates the soul. It also banishes sorrow and removes anguish through sincere remembrance of God. In the third astapadi, canto, the Guru states that any study of holy texts, performance of austerities, etc, cannot compare with reading or listening to the Sacred Word. Above all, Sukhmani Sahib helps one become a better person. It enables one to reach a high spiritual state through meditation and Self-realisation. Guru Arjan Dev believed that 'men who stand for truth have to suffer, and their suffering strengthens the cause of truth'. Amidst upheaval, he found time to encourage trade and industry among the Sikhs, which created a surge in business transactions. He favoured widow remarriage, which hugely impacted contemporary life, and condemned the use of intoxicants. His opening of a leprosy centre in Tarn Taran is a noble reference point in relation to this disease. Almost everything Guru Arjan Dev did was directed at being tolerant, good, and progressive. Today's ravaged, troubled, and fractured world must realise the depth and wisdom of the Guru's philosophy and follow in his footsteps. Guru Arjan Dev created a roadmap for us, and now the onus is on us to follow it. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
News18
19-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Pakistan's Plot To Target Harmandir Sahib Exposed: A Direct Assault On Communal Harmony
Last Updated: To attempt a missile or drone attack on the Golden Temple in Amritsar is not merely an act of war but an act of blasphemy against the very idea of India If there ever was a line that should never be crossed, it was this one. And Pakistan, in its habitual ignorance of history and faith, has not just crossed it but bombed it, quite literally. The Harmandir Sahib, or the Golden Temple, is not only the holiest shrine of Sikhism, it is India's beating heart of spirituality, tolerance, and unity. To attempt a missile or drone attack on it is not merely an act of war, it is an act of blasphemy against the very idea of India. According to senior military officials, what the Indian Army has uncovered during Operation Sindoor is nothing short of staggering: a deliberate and calculated assault by the Pakistan Army on the Golden Temple in Amritsar. A place of profound reverence whose foundation stone, ironically, was laid not by a Sikh or a Hindu, but by a Muslim Sufi saint, Hazrat Mian Mir, who was personally invited by Guru Arjan Dev. That one historic act exemplifies India's timeless spirit of pluralism – the very spirit Pakistan has tried to strike down with its cowardly missiles. This isn't just about faith but strategy – one that feeds on deceit, proxy propaganda, and the manipulation of religious sentiment. Pakistan's plan is as old as its founding: divide and distract. This time, its weapons weren't just explosives, but lies alleging that India planned strikes on Nankana Sahib and the Golden Temple to inflame Sikh sentiment worldwide and diplomatically isolate itself. It was a dangerous lie – one that not only insulted intelligence, but desecrated memory. Thanks to India's vigilant armed forces, that plan failed. The Indian Army has confirmed that during Operation Sindoor, a series of drones and long-range missiles – many believed to be aimed at civilian and religious targets including the Golden Temple – were intercepted and destroyed before they could cause damage. The sacred precincts of Harmandir Sahib were saved, not just by technological prowess but by the iron resolve of those who stand guard at India's borders. Major General Kartik C Seshadri, General Officer Commanding, 15 Infantry Division, was unequivocal: 'The Pakistan Army has no legitimate targets to strike inside India, nor does it have the courage or capability to stand up to the Indian Armed Forces face-to-face. Hence, it resorts to terrorism as a national policy, using drones and long-range missiles launched from its own soil. The Golden Temple, internationally renowned and a place of faith for all, saw a surfeit of drone and missile attacks, which were bravely thwarted by our army air defence gunners." Let's be blunt: this was not a military campaign. This was a terrorist act by a failing state. Having failed to divide Sikhs through decades of pro-Khalistan propaganda, Pakistan has now turned to brute force. Their proxies like Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and the banned 'Sikhs for Justice' (SFJ), have long peddled separatist narratives dressed up in religious symbolism. But this time, Islamabad's own fingerprints are visible on the remote controls. What Pakistan refuses to understand is that Sikhs don't need to prove their loyalty. From Saragarhi to Kargil, they have laid down their lives not for applause, but for a deeper sense of belonging. Their faith in India is not fragile, it is forged in sacrifice. During Operation Sindoor, it wasn't just the Indian Army or the Air Force that responded, it was a Sikh Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who led from the front. While Pakistan peddled disinformation, Indian Sikh officers and soldiers defended the nation with quiet strength. Try explaining that to Islamabad's propagandists, who still believe loyalty can be bought with slogans and social media campaigns. Let us also not forget that the Harmandir Sahib is more than a religious symbol. It is a living embodiment of Sikh values – compassion, equality, and service. Every day, its langar (community kitchen) serves over one lakh meals, feeding anyone who walks in, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. No identity is checked, no label matters. Hunger is the only commonality and service, the only response. The teachings of Sikhism – as laid out by Guru Nanak Dev and passed through generations – are deeply rooted in the oneness of God and of humanity. 'Ik Onkar' – there is only one Creator – is not just a prayer but a worldview. It is this inclusive vision of faith that Pakistan tried to attack. And it is this vision that has stood resilient. This latest provocation from Pakistan is not without precedent. In 1971, they shelled gurdwaras in Punjab. In 1965, they falsely claimed Indian shells had struck Kartarpur. Even today, while they restrict Indian Sikh pilgrims at Kartarpur Sahib, they freely allow radical extremists to roam. Their agenda has never been spiritual – only cynical. But this time, they struck a nerve. Not among Sikhs but among all Indians. Far from sparking communal division, Pakistan's actions have sparked national unity. No matter the religion, every Indian today stands shoulder to shoulder in defence of our sacred spaces, our pluralistic values, and our national sovereignty. Pakistan's missiles may have missed their physical target, but they exposed its moral bankruptcy. The Golden Temple still stands bathed in golden light, reflected in the calm waters of the Amrit Sarovar. And in that reflection, we see not fear, but unshakable faith. The Harmandir Sahib is not just a Sikh shrine. It is a monument to India's soul. And that soul, no matter how many drones fly at it, will never surrender. (Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views) tags : Golden Temple religion Sikhism Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 19, 2025, 21:58 IST
