KANGRA, June 16: The Hon'ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Kavinder Gupta today inaugurated the newly constructed Main Darbar Sahib at Shri Sarv Dharma Peeth Taposthan, Gurdwara Shri Nanak Jyot Sahib in Kangra and addressed a large gathering of devotees, saints, sevadars and distinguished guests on the occasion.
Congratulating all devotees, sevadars and well-wishers associated with the development of the sacred site, the Governor described the sacred place as a shining symbol of India's rich spiritual heritage and cultural inclusiveness. He said that the very name "Sarv Dharma Peeth" conveys a profound message of harmony, mutual respect and unity among all faiths.
Highlighting the historical and spiritual significance of the place, Shri Gupta said that Guru Nanak Dev Ji is believed to have stayed at this site during his third Udasi while travelling across different parts of the Indian subcontinent and beyond. He noted that archaeological findings, including ancient yajna kunds, tridents, spears, and the presence of an old Nagni Mata temple alongside a sacred banyan tree, indicate that the area had long served as a centre of spiritual penance and meditation.
The Governor observed that saints and spiritual leaders transcend all religious boundaries and are revered by humanity as a whole. Paying rich tributes to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, he described him as a universal spiritual beacon whose teachings of equality, compassion, service and truth continue to inspire generations across communities.
Appreciating the efforts of the chief sevadar, Sant Baba Shri Lavpreet Ji Maharaj, Shri Gupta lauded the vision of establishing the sacred place as a Sarv Dharma Peeth, reflecting the essence of India's age-old traditions of inclusiveness, coexistence and spiritual harmony. He said that the presence of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, a temple dedicated to the Divine Mother and the eternal sacred flame (Akhanda Jyot) at the same premises represents the true spirit of spirituality, where there is no discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, social status, education or economic background, and where the doors of faith remain open to all.
On the occasion of the Shaheedi Divas of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the Governor paid heartfelt homage to the fifth Sikh Guru and recalled his extraordinary sacrifice, courage and unwavering commitment to truth, justice and humanity. He said that Guru Arjan Dev Ji's life continues to inspire people to remain firm on the path of service, righteousness and human welfare even in the face of adversity.
The Governor also highlighted the significant contributions of the Central Government Headed by the Hon'ble Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi towards the Sikh community, highlighting the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and declaration of Veer Bal Diwas on December 26 to honour the supreme sacrifice of the Sahibzadas. He said these decisions reflect the deep respect of the Government at the Centre towards Sikh traditions and sentiments. Expressing concern over the growing threat of drug abuse, particularly among the youth, Shri Gupta said that substance abuse has emerged as a serious challenge for society and poses a threat to the future of younger generations. "I appeal to the youth of this village and surrounding areas to devote time regularly to seva at the Gurdwara Sahib and encourage their friends and peers to do the same.
The spirit of service, the company of the sangat and the spiritual environment of religious places provide positive direction to young minds and help keep them away from social evils such as drug abuse," he said.
The Governor emphasized that the fight against drugs cannot be won by the government alone and requires collective participation from society, families, educational institutions, religious organizations and youth. "Only through united efforts can we build a drug-free village, a drug-free Himachal Pradesh and ultimately a drug-free India," he added. Shri Kavinder Gupta expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated Darbar Sahib would emerge as a thriving centre of spiritual awakening, social harmony, community service and national integration.
He said that such sacred places play a vital role in nurturing moral values and inspiring future generations to uphold the ideals of humanity, selfless service and nation-building. On the occasion, Dr Rajan Sushant, former minister, Ashwani Kumar Sharma, Ex MLA from Jammu and large number of devotees, religious leaders and prominent people of the area were present.
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