Sikh community bids farewell to outgoing Indian ambassador

Dubai - Following a kirtan (prayer song) at the gurudwara, Navdeep Singh Suri was felicitated by the Dubai's Sikh community.

Dubai's Sikh community members paid tribute to the outgoing Indian Ambassador to the UAE at a special event organised at the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara on Friday afternoon.
Following a kirtan (prayer song) at the gurudwara, Navdeep Singh Suri was felicitated by the Dubai's Sikh community.
Surendar Singh Kandhari, chairman of Dubai's Guru Nanak Darbar, presented Suri with a robe of honour (Sikh saropa) a gift awarded to persons who rendered distinguished services of the community of men in general.
He was also awarded a memento from the Singh Motorbikers Club. A few 100 guests were present at the Gurudwara to witness the farewell, including leading members of the Sikh community and officials from the Consulate-General of India.
Suri said the event was made more special with the presence of Pravasi Bharatiya Awardee and Founder and Chairperson of Zulekha Healthcare Group Dr Zulekha Daud.
Speaking to Khaleej Times after the event, Suri said: "I am deeply moved by the emotional farewell at the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara in Dubai. It is a beacon of tolerance and has played an important role in spreading the message of Guru Nanak.
"They organised a splendid farewell event. I've always been impressed by the spirit of tolerance that is displayed in the Guru Nanak Darbar. The message of Guru Nanak is truly reflected at the gurudwara."
Meanwhile, Kandhari said Suri's tenure as the ambassador of India has ushered a golden era in the UAE-India relations. "During his tenure, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi visited the UAE twice. He was also conferred the Order of Zayed.
"He has put in a lot of effort to improve lives of Indian communities across the UAE. He has made great personal sacrifices towards this effort," he added.
After the event, langar was served to all guests and a heart health awareness campaign was organised by medical professionals at the Zulekha Hospital for devotees at the Gurudwara.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
 

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