Punjab Day commemorated at Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan
Punjab Day showcased shared values of unity, service and education, illustrating how these two vibrant traditions enrich and strengthen Tamil Nadu’s social and cultural fabric
Marking a meaningful celebration, Punjab Day at Tamil Nadu’s Raj Bhavan recently honoured the profound connections between Sikh and Tamil cultures. This event showcased shared values of unity, service and education, illustrating how these two vibrant traditions enrich and strengthen Tamil Nadu’s social and cultural fabric.
The celebration of Punjab Day at Raj Bhavan, resonated with the spirit of unity as Manjit Singh Nayar, General Secretary and Correspondent, Guru Nanak College, delivered a powerful speech about the enduring connection between Sikh and Tamil cultures. The host of the day, R N Ravi, Governor, Tamil Nadu, highlighted the shared values of inclusivity, education and social responsibility that have woven a remarkable bond between the Sikh and Tamil communities.
In his address, Nayar highlighted the long history of cultural exchange, he recalled the travels of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism, through Tamil Nadu, where he engaged in spiritual discourse at sacred sites like Thiruvannamalai, Kancheepuram, Srirangam and Rameshwaram. This journey not only linked Sikhism with Tamil spiritual traditions but set a foundation for a connection grounded in mutual respect and understanding. Guru Nanak’s teachings of “Ek Onkar,” or the oneness of God, were discussed as a universal principle that resonates deeply with Tamil values of unity in diversity.
Manjit Singh Nayar delivered a powerful speech about the enduring connection between Sikh and Tamil cultures
He also drew parallels between the Sikh and Tamil spiritual philosophies, noting how the ethical teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book, align with those of the Tamil classic, Thirukural. He emphasised the importance of shared ideas in both faiths, such as the Sikh ideals of ‘Miri and Piri’ the integration of spiritual and worldly life and their reflection in Tamil Sangam literature’s concepts of Agam or inner life and Puram, the outer life.
Beyond history, Nayar spoke of the Sikh community’s modern contributions to Tamil Nadu. Starting with the establishment of the Guru Nanak Educational Society (GNES) in 1970 by Lt Col G S Gill, he highlighted the development of institutions like Guru Nanak College, which has grown to become one of the most prestigious educational institutions in southern India. Founded in 1971 on land generously provided by the Tamil Nadu government, Guru Nanak College now serves over 7,300 students, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and holding a distinguished 89th rank in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). The college’s motto, “Pro Bono Publico,” meaning “for the benefit of all,” reflects the Sikh prayer “Sarbat Ka Bhalla” and its commitment to inclusive education for all, regardless of socioeconomic background.
Nayar also discussed GNES’s dedication to social responsibility, with initiatives like Swabodhini, which supports children with special needs by providing therapy and vocational training, and Agni Pookal, a self-defence programme empowering young women. The community kitchen, or langar, at the college’s gurdwara was highlighted as a symbol of Sikh generosity, serving around 800 meals daily and providing food during crises like the 2015 Chennai floods, the Vardah Cyclone, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Outlining his vision for future growth, Nayar made a heartfelt request to the Governor for an additional 20 acres of land in the Kanchipuram or Chengalpet district. This land, he explained, would enable the Sikh community to establish a new college dedicated to serving the educational needs of residents in these areas. This proposed institution would aim to carry forward the values of unity and service, deeply rooted in both Sikh and Tamil traditions, he added.
