(a) whether the Government has taken decision to celebrate the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji;
(b) if so, the detailed plan to celebrate it domestically and worldwide through international execution and development of sikh pilgrimage therefor; and
(c) whether the Government has any proposal to commemorate with SARVA DHARMA SAMABHAVA and spreading of Indian secularism therein and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (I/C) FOR CULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
DR. MAHESH SHARMA
(a) to (c) Yes, Madam. Government of India has decided to commemorate 550th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Devji with effect from 23.11.2018 at national as well as international level. Following activities have been planned during the year-long celebrations:
(i) Development of the Kartarpur corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to the international border in order to facilitate pilgrims from India to visit the holy Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur on the banks of Ravi river in Pakistan.
(ii) Development of the historic town of Sultanpur Lodhi as a heritage town on the Smart City principles including establishment of a heritage complex.
(iii) Upgradation and development of Sultanpur Lodhi railway station with all the modern amenities.
(iv) Release of commemorative coin and postage stamp.
(v) Set up a Centre for Inter Faith Studies at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.
(vi) Organisation of an International Seminar on the life and teachings of Shri Guru Nanak Devji in New Delhi.
(vii) Establishing chairs on Shri Guru Nanak Devji in one University each in UK and Canada.
(viii) Doordarshan to arrange live telecast of programmes on Shri Guru Nanak Devji and the Gurubani.
(ix) National Book Trust to publish Gurubani in different Indian Languages
(x) UNESCO to be requested to translate and publish anthology of Shri Guru Nanak Devji ’s writings in world languages.
(xi) Indian Missions to organise special events to commemorate the occasion.
(xii) States/UTs to celebrate 550th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Devji in a befitting manner.
2. A High Level Committee under the Chairmanship of the Union Home Minister has been constituted to review, monitor and oversee the implementation of these activities.
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