Amritsar. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gore along with the 28-member US delegation on Monday paid obeisance at Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib. During this, he listened to Gurbani Kirtan and got information about the dignity and service tradition of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Before the visit of the US Ambassador, 150 soldiers were deployed at the Golden Temple by tightening security.
This is said to be Gore’s second visit to Sri Harmandir Sahib. He had also come here about 15 years ago. Shiromani Gurdwara Management Committee Chairman Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami and Executive Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj welcomed the US Ambassador at the information centre. He was honored with a golden model of Sri Harmandir Sahib, religious books and dough.
During the meeting, the issue of the recent poster of the US Homeland Security Department using the name ‘Mr Singh’ in America was also raised. SGPC had earlier written a letter to the US Embassy objecting to this post, after which the controversial post was removed. Dhami asked the American delegation to take necessary steps to ensure that such a situation does not happen again in future. He said that Punjabis and especially the Sikh community have made an important contribution in the development of America. He also stressed on ensuring the safety of all the communities living there.
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj said that people from different countries and religions of the world come to Sri Harmandir Sahib and every person is respected as per the tradition of Guru Ghar. He said that various issues related to the Sikh community living in America were also discussed with the American delegation. The US Ambassador’s discussion with the SGPC leadership on issues related to the Sikh community has also been confirmed in other reports.
Sergio Gore, recording his feelings in the visitor’s book, described visiting Sri Harmandir Sahib again as a special experience. Many dignitaries including various office bearers of SGPC, officials of Sri Darbar Sahib and members of the US delegation were present on the occasion.