Sacha Sauda Samagam 2026 Culminates in Kolkata with Emphasis on Service and Unity
The annual Sacha Sauda Samagam 2026, hosted by Gurdwara Behala in the New Alipore area of Kolkata, successfully concluded on Monday, marking a profound celebration of devotion, unity, and selfless service. This two-day congregation served as a vibrant tribute to the timeless teachings of Guru Nanak Dev, with a special focus on the institution of langar, which embodies compassion and communal harmony.
Historical Significance and Spiritual Activities
The term 'Sacha Sauda' harks back to a pivotal moment in Sikh history when the young Guru Nanak used Rs 20 provided by his father to feed a starving village, an act that symbolizes true commerce in service. The event featured soul-stirring kirtan (devotional singing) and enlightening kathas (discourses) delivered by esteemed religious leaders. Among the notable guests were Singh Sahib Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa, the head granthi of Sis Ganj Sahib in New Delhi, and Hazoori Ragi Bhai Jitander Singh from Gurdwara Bangla Sahib and Sis Ganj Sahib, whose hymns and spiritual talks deeply moved the audience.
Leadership and Political Participation
Giani Balwinder Singh, the head granthi of Gurdwara Behala, alongside Bhai Subash Singh, the Hazoori Ragi of the gurdwara, conducted Gurmat Vichaar sessions that underscored core principles such as humility, equality, and service as essential guides for life. The event garnered significant political attention, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extending heartfelt greetings to the Sikh community. Other dignitaries in attendance included:
- Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, Minister-in-Charge of the Government of West Bengal
- Abdus Sattar, Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister of West Bengal
- Mala Roy, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC)
- Debasish Kumar, MLA and MMiC
- Tarak Singh, Councillor and MMiC of KMC
- Ashim Bose, MMiC of KMC
- Kakali Bag, Councillor of KMC
- Anjan Das
- Amit Singh, Councillor
- Various other representatives
Message of Humanity and Inclusivity
In a powerful address, Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, General Secretary of Gurdwara Behala and a member of the West Bengal Minorities Commission, highlighted the contemporary relevance of the Sacha Sauda message. He stated, "In a world often divided by greed and differences, the message of Sacha Sauda calls us back to our shared humanity — to serve without discrimination, to give without expectation, and to love without boundaries." This sentiment resonated throughout the samagam, reinforcing its role as a beacon of hope and communal solidarity in today's society.
