Jathedar’s Historic Visit to Korea: Strengthening Ties and Promoting Interfaith Harmony
Seoul: In a landmark visit that has garnered international attention, Giani Harpreet Singh jiformer Jathedar Sahib of Akal TakhatSahib atAmritsar Sahibembarked on a three-day trip to South Korea from October 7th to October 9th, at the invitation of the HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, and Restoration of Light) organization. During his visit, Jathedar played a pivotal role in strengthening cultural and interfaith ties, as well as discussing plans for a new Gurdwara Sahib in Seoul.
The visit was made possible through the collaborative efforts of HWPL, a non-governmental organization dedicated to achieving world peace through various peace initiatives, including interfaith dialogue and cultural exchanges.
On the first day of his visit, Jathedar Sahib participated in an interfaith peace dialogue hosted by HWPL. He shared insights from the Sikh tradition, emphasizing the importance of tolerance, harmony, and coexistence among different religious communities. The dialogue saw leaders from various faiths come together to promote a message of peace and unity, transcending religious boundaries.To promote closer cooperation between HWPL and Damdama Sahib a MOU was also signed between two organizations.
During his stay in Seoul, Jathedar also had the opportunity to meet with the members of Punjabi Association of Korea, a community of Sikh and Punjabi expatriates living in South Korea. The highlight of this meeting was the discussion surrounding the construction of a new Gurdwara Sahib (Sikh temple) in Seoul. The project aims to provide a place of worship and cultural connection for the Sikh community in the city.
Speaking about this initiative, Jathedar said, “The construction of a new Gurdwara Sahib in Seoul is a testament to the growing Sikh community in South Korea. It will not only serve as a place of worship but also as a center for cultural exchange and a bridge between our two great nations. We are grateful for the efforts being made the Punjabi Association of Korea in this regard and looking forward to its successful completion.” On this occasion he also honored president of Punjabi Association of Korea Dr.(Prof) Lakhvinder Singh with a‘Robe of Honor’ for the leading work being done by him and Punjabiassociation of Korea to promote Sikhism in Korea and build astronger ties between India and Korea.
The Punjabi Association of Korea expressed their gratitude to Jathedar sahib for his visit and his support for the construction of a new Gurdwara Sahib in Seoul. They shared their commitment to working closely with the local authorities and the Sikh community to make this endeavor a reality.
During his visit Jathedar sahib also had the opportunity to visit the Sikh GurdwaraSahib in Pochean city around 55 km from Seoul and address the Sikh sangat present at the occasion. He also partook in the “langer” (community kitchen) during his visit to the gurdwara sahib.
Jathedar’s visit to South Korea marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural and interfaith ties between the two nations as they celebrate 50thanniversary of establishing diplomatic ties. It served as a reminder of the importance of dialogue and collaboration in fostering peace and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world. His discussions with the Punjabi Association of Korea also laid the foundation for the construction of a new Gurdwara Sahib in Seoul, which will undoubtedly serve as a symbol of unity and cultural enrichment for years to come.
