Mr. Speaker, Vaha Guru Ji Ka Khalsa.
Vahu Guru Ji Ki Fathe.
Today in 1469, with the advent of Guru Nanak, the radiance of knowledge, pierced through this world. Nanak, the founder of Sikh way of life, decreed that truth is good. However, greater still, is truthful living.
In the 15th century, he proclaimed, “Why disrespect women, from whom even kings are born”, thereby claiming equal rights for women. With knowledge from the divine, he guided the world to accept diversity and look beyond differences. He opposed the caste system and other divisions among society. He started the system of langar, a free kitchen, based entirely on contributions, which serves over a million free meals daily in India alone.
Guru Nanak's teachings remain available to the world through the eternal holy book, Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
I offer greetings to all Canadians on this most auspicious occasion.