PM Modi begins Iran tour with visit to gurudwara

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday began his two-day trip to Iran with a visit to the capital city's only functioning gurudwara.
Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Iran in 15 years, offered prayers at the Bhai Ganga Singh Sabha Gurudwara.
He applauded the efforts of the Sikh community in Iran for preserving and spreading the culture and tradition of India.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the Indian Prime Minister is in Iran to sign deals to give India better access to Afghanistan and resource-rich Central Asia. 

"My Iran visit is starting with the blessings before the Guru Granth Sahib at this gurudwara. I am fortunate. I greet you all for having worked on spreading our culture and tradition as well as educating our young generation here."

"We accept all the people as our own and absorb them in our society because we believe in the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' -- the entire world is one family. Animated by this spirit, we Indians make every country our home," Modi told the gathering at the gurudwara.

PM @narendramodi :It's a matter of great privilege to celebrate 350 anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh shortly pic.twitter.com/RL6BgBKVDO
- Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) May 22, 2016

Just after reaching Tehran, Modi tweeted, "Reached Iran, a land with whom India shares civilisational ties. Hope to enhance economic partnership between our nations. I also hope my Iran visit further cements cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Iran."
Prime Minister Modi also praised the Sikh community living in Tehran for carrying out the traditions despite facing difficult times.

Here are a few facts about the gurudwara:
Situated in the heart of Tehran's Mesjed Henidyah, it was established in Tehran some 75 years ago, in 1941 by Bhai Ganga Singh Sabha Tehran. There are about 800 Sikh families in Tehran, mostly traders who had moved in early 20th century from Punjab.
(With PTI inputs)

• MENA
• India