Cabinet approves Commemoration of the 550th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Devji

The  Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has  passed a Resolution to celebrate the 550th Birth Anniversary of Shri  Guru Nanak Devji, which falls next year, throughout the country and  across the globe, in a grand and befitting manner along with State  Governments and the Indian Missions abroad. Guru Nanak Devji's teachings  of love, peace, equality and brotherhood have eternal value.

 The following are the highlights of the decisions taken in the Cabinet meeting: 

  Development of Kartarpur Sahib corridor:

 In  a significant decision, the Union Cabinet approved the building and  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 Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur on the banks of the  Ravi river, in Pakistan, where Shri Guru Nanak Devji spent eighteen  years. Pilgrims would then be able to visit the holy shrine throughout  the year.

 The  Kartarpur corridor will be implemented as an integrated development  project with Government of India funding, to provide smooth and easy  passage, with all the modern amenities. Government of India will put in  place suitable facilities for smooth passage of pilgrims. Government of  Pakistan will be urged to recognize the sentiments of the Sikh community  and to develop a corridor with suitable facilities in their territory  as well.

 Development of Sultanpur Lodhi:

 The  Union Cabinet also decided that the historic town of Sultanpur Lodhi,  associated with the life of Shri Guru Nanak Devji, shall be developed as  a heritage town and on the Smart City principles, including energy  efficiency, to highlight Shri Guru Nanak Devji's emphasis on  sustainability and reverence for nature. As a major attraction for  pilgrims and tourists, a heritage complex at Sultanpur Lodhi, "Pind Babe  Nanak da" will be established to depict life in the times of Shri Guru  Nanak Devji. Sultanpur Lodhi railway station will be upgraded and  developed with all the modern amenities.

 Centre for inter faith studies and Chairs in foreign Universities:

 A  centre for inter faith studies will be set up at Guru Nanak Dev  University, Amritsar. Chairs on Shri Guru Nanak Devji will be set up in  one University each in UK and Canada. An International seminar on the  life and teachings of Shri Guru Nanak Devji will be organised in New  Delhi.

  Celebrations throughout the country and globally:

 States/Union  Territories will also be requested to celebrate 550th Birth Anniversary  of Shri Guru Nanak Devji in a befitting manner. Special Events befitting the celebrations will also be organised abroad.

 Commemorative coin and stamps:

 Commemorative coin and postage stamps will be released by the Government of India to mark this momentous occasion.

 Religious activities and publications:

 Religious  activities will be organised throughout the country. Doordarshan will  telecast programmes on Shri Guru Nanak Devji and the Gurubani. National  Book Trust will publish Gurbani in different Indian languages. UNESCO  will be requested to publish Shri Guru Nanak Devji's writings in world  languages.

Special train for pilgrims:

 Ministry of Railways will run a train passing through the various holy places

 associated with Shri Guru Nanak Devji, for pilgrims and tourists.