Hindu Elders Foundation Inc. celebrated the 551st Prakash Utsav (Birthday) of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj, the first Guru (Master) of the Sikh faith on 13 November 2022 at Balmoral Community Hall, (Bhartiya Mandir Complex), Sandringham, Auckland with religious fervour, gaiety & devotion. The mass congregation was marked by the recitations of Gurubani Keertan (Devotional Songs) and inspirational speeches on the life stories of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji by renowned dignitaries. The Guru ka langar (Feast) was also served to the sadh sangat (devotees).
The galaxy of dignitaries present on the occasion included Sh Bhav Dhillon, Honorary Consul of India in Auckland, Sh Prithipal Singh Basra, President of Guru Nanak Dev jee Gurudwara Management Committee, Sh Shrikant Bhave Sanghchalak Hindu Swyamsevak Sangh, New Zealand, Sh Vinod Kumar, Past President of Hindu Council of New Zealand, Sh Harnam Singh Golian, Ex. Member of Parliament, FIJI, Sh Jeet Suchdev, Chairperson of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, Sh Mahesh Bindra, Ex Member of Parliament, NZ First, Smt. Vishav Sharma, Administrator of Shanti Niwas and Smt Jyoti Parashar Registered Social worker at Age Concern.
Sh Amandeep Singh recited the ‘Sabad’ viz Sat Guru Aayo Saran Tumahri and Hey Gobind Hey Gopal. His daughter Sushri Harnoor Kaur a student of year 12 sang the Sabad Aas piasi Birke tai.
Speaking on the occasion Sh Bhav Dhillon quoting examples mentioned that the world is waking up now on the issues which Guru Nanak Dev ji raised 550 years ago. Sh Harnam Singh Golian said Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji is revered all over the world for his teaching. These are simple & easy to understand by the masses. Sh Shrikant Bhave Sanghchalak HSS said by celebrating the auspicious occasion like Sri Guru Nanak Dev jee Praksh Utsav would further strengthen brotherhood, communal harmony, amity, and secular traditions and would be a harbinger of peace and progress. Sh Prithipal Singh said Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji was the pioneer of various social changes he introduced in his teachings. Sh Satya Prakash Pahuja explained why and how the name NANAK was chosen for the first Guru. Hindu Elders Foundation Inc. Secretary Sh Yatish Wadhera thanked all the dignitaries, singers, and members to be part of the auspicious celebration to get the blessings of Gurus. The program was conducted by the Smt Rashmi Sharma vice President of Hindu Elders Foundation-TIN Bureau