On the auspicious occasion of Birth Anniversary of Sh. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, World Punjabi Organisation (WPO), organized gurbani kirtan at Rashtrapati Bhawan on 16th November' 2005. President of India Sh. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Lt. Gen. J.J. Singh - Chief of Army Staff, Montek Singh Ahluwalia - Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and several other dignitaries attended the function.
Welcoming the elite "Sangat" on behalf of The President, Honourable Sh. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, International President, WPO, highlighted the achievements and teaching of Sh. Guru Nanak Dev. He brought out that the Guru always preached that one should always work hard with honesty and share his earnings with the needy. He did not believe in any caste, creed or colour and advocated that there was only one God. Vikramjit Singh Sahney emphasized these points with suitable hymns from Sh. Guru Granth Sahib.
On behalf of the WPO, a Siropa, Sri Sahib, Portrait of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and holy books were presented to the honourable President by Sh. Vikramjit Singh Sahney.
Gurbani kirtan in his melodious voice was recited by Ragi Jatha of Sh. Sarabjit Singh, Hazoori Ragi Sh. Durbar Sahib. Shabads sung by him were greatly appreciated by President and other dignitaries present.
In his vote of thanks Joint Secretary Rashtrapati Bhavan Sh. A.K.Mangotra, IAS was all praise for the kirtan recited by the ragis. He mentioned that it was for the first time that Hazoori Ragi jatha from Shri Darbar Sahib had recited shabads at Rashtrapati Bhavan and it was for the first time that "Sangat" had joined in singing the hymns along with the Ragi's. He paid special compliments to Bhai Sarabjit Singh for the quality of his performance and carrying the "Sangat" along with him. An impressive backdrom put up by the WPO added to the serene ambience of the occasion.
At the conclusion of the kirtan, The Ragis and V.S. Sahney were honoured with Siropas by The President. This was followed by Prasad and tea for Sangat.
The eminent personalities who attended the function included Sh. B.L. Joshi - Hon'ble Lt. Governor of Delhi, Marshall of the Air Force, Air Marshall Arjun Singh, Dr. M.S. Gill - MP, Sh. Tarlochan Singh - Chairman National Commission for Minorities, Mr. Onkar Singh Kanwar - President FICCI and Sh. P.S. Sarna, President Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee.