Kanwal Singh
On 4th January, 1948, the then political party, Akali Dal raised a demand at Patiala Conference that a possible solution to Sikh Holy places of Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib should be charted out. Then in the year 1999, keeping in mind the huge sentiments of people of Punjab, India proposed the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, when the then PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee took a bus ride to Lahore.
Finally, it was the year 2018 when both the countries mutually agreed to built a corridor connecting the two holiest shrines.
Stretching over a length of 4.5 KM, the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor will be a dedicated passage connecting Dera Baba Nanak in India and Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. The four lane highway connecting the zero point of the Kartarpur corridor up-to the National highway-354 is constructed by NHAI. While entering the corridor, Indian Sikhs will only require a valid identity proof. However, Non-Sikhs Indians will require a visa to enter the corridor. On a single day, 5000 pilgrims can visit and every pilgrim is supposed to return the same day. The Former PM of India, Manmohan Singh Ji will be part of the first Jatha (Group) visiting Kartarpur Sahib. Hon’ble President Ram Nath Kovind And Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi will also be participating in the 550th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
With the establishment of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor; there is an emergence of hope and it should not be limited only to Sikh population. Guru Nanak Dev Jis Teachings are followed across all sections of society. There are more 1.5 Lakh Nanak Panthis living in Pakistan who with time have embraced the Guru’s Lessons in Gurbani. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a Teacher and Guide for the entire world. This holy shrine belongs to the entire human race and everyone has the right to pay his/her obeisance.
As the author of the best selling book, “The Lost Sikh Heritage in Pakistan” has rightly said-
“In the failure of any bilateral talks I feel this Corridor will act as a pathway for conversation between the people from both countries. Ideas will be shared and our DNA’s will find reasons for cohesiveness”.
Every Indian including the entire Sikh Community is in Joy and hopes for peace between two countries. On one hand where countries are finding reasons for conflict here in the Indian Subcontinent two nations are building Bridges of Faith and harmony over their Borders. I don’t want to draw conclusions as it will take decades for a peaceful resolution between the two Nations but a corridor in the time of conflict Is nothing less than a Miracle. The Pre-Independence Punjab was a classical example of syncretic and pluralistic society where people from different cultures lived in harmony.
It was the land of Guru Nanak, Sheikh Fareed and Bulleh Shah. I feel post independence the Kartarpur Corridor can help heal the Fracture caused by 1947 Partition. Leaving Geo-Politics of this region aside let’s rememeber the True adherent of Faith; Guru Nanak Who knew no boundaries, color or differences. Let’s have faith and let’s together put our first step on the Boat of Truth. As Guru Nanak Dev Ji Said:
“Nanak, the Boat of Truth will ferry you across; contemplate the spiritual wisdom.”
“Nanak Beri Sach Ki Tariyey Gur Veechaar”
I feel the Kartarpur Corridor will be nothing less than a Hymn on the Indo-Pak Perimeter which will create infinite possibilities for peace between two Nations.
“Nanak Naam Chardi Kala Tere Bhane Sarbat Da Bhalla”
As, every Daily Sikh Ardas ends up by wishing welfare of the world, I wish for peace and harmony between the two Country’s.
(The writer is a Scholar of Sikh History and a Social Activist.
 

DISCLAIMER:

The views expressed in the Article above are Kanwal Singh’s personal views and kashmiribhatta.in is not responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article.

Courtesy: The State Times: 24th November, 2019