Chandigarh: In a bid to propagate the concept of ‘Sangat and Pangat’ amongst the people of different religions and faiths, the Punjab Government in its humble endeavour participating in the Tableaux section on the Republic Day Parade-2018 to be held tomorrow at Rajpath in New Delhi. This concept assumes all the more significance in modern era which is marred by internecine conflicts and is a shining beacon of peaceful living considering whole human race as ‘One’.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesman said that the tableau of the State Government would be depicting the oneness of humanity perfectly in consonance with the teachings of great Guru Sahiban. It would be showcasing the humane traditions in which the ‘Sangat’ meaning the congregation of people sits together transcending the boundaries of caste, creed, race, colour and religion in ‘Pangat’ meaning a row meaning thereby Sangat partaking langar in Pangat.
Elaborating further, the spokesman said that the front portion (Tractor) of the tableau would also exhibit the way in which the free community kitchen called ‘Langar’ is being prepared with utmost devotion and in the trailer part will show the Sangat partaking langar. One of the cornerstones of the Sikh religion, the novel concept of ‘Sangat’ and ‘Pangat’ has been acting as the guiding light illuminating the path of humanity since the 15th century. Founded by the first Sikh Guru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj along with the institution of ‘Langar’ meaning free community kitchen for all, this concept has come a long way in serving the mankind thus proving true to the values of compassion, peace, equality and communal harmony.It may be recalled that even Mughal Emperor Akbar, when he visited Sri Guru Amar Das Ji Maharaj, had to conform to the principles enumerated in the concept and had to partake of the langar with the sangat while sitting like a commoner in a pangat.
This all encompassing humane ideology of ‘Sangat’ & ‘Pangat’ has been imparting the all important lesson of peaceful co-existence, mutual trust, communal harmony and compassion towards one and all in the true spirit and highest traditions of humanity which was the core of the teachings of great Guru Sahiban.
The Shabad ” Na Ko Bairi Nahi Bigaana, Sagal Sang Hum ko Ban ayi” to be played at the backdrop of the tableau has been recited by former Hazuri Ragi Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar Padamshri Bhai Nirmal Singh.