LUDHIANA: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Wednesday said that the application of philosophy and the teachings of the eternal Sri Guru Granth Sahib could promote peace, harmony, compassion and brotherhood globally as the world today was strife torn due to wide spread hatred and violence.  He however, said that Sri Guru Granth Sahib is not merely a holy scripture but a 'Guru' to guide the destiny of the mankind across the globe.   

Addressing a religious congregation during a 'Guru Manyo Granth Samelan' organized by Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle (GGSSC) here at Guru Ram Das Academy, adal said that Sri Guru Granth Sahib contains sacred hymns of 36 holymen out of which six are Sikh Gurus and the rest of 30 spiritual personages hail from various parts of India representing different faiths, different regions and different times.  Mr.Badal mentioned that the gift of Shabad Guru (word divine) is a panacea for all ills.

The Chief Minister appreciated the Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle for launching a state wide crusade against the social malady of drug addiction besides motivating the youth in the Sikh fold to lead an ideal and pure life according to the tenets of Gurbani. He announced Rs.21 lakh for the 'Aas Kiran Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Project being run by the GGSSC. 

Badal commended the GGSSC for administering oath to 20000 youth and surrendering life long service towards Shabad Gurus' message, shunning the concept of human worship, work and enlighten the people around them towards the glory of Gurbani.  

In his address SGPC President Jathedar Avtar Singh lauded GGSSC for organizing this samelan and emphasized that the Guru's wisdom in installing Guru Granth Sahib ji – "Shabad Guru" as the Guru who is beyond any worldly fallacy and is recognized by the entire humanity for its welfare feature and as a uniting force.  He thanked Mr.Badal for the extension of the existing Sri Guru Gobind Singh Marg from Sri Anandpur Sahib to Takhat Sri Hazoor Sahib Nanded in Maharastra via Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib Talwandi Sabo during the Tercentenary celebrations of Gurta Gaddi Divas of Sri Guru Granth Sahib at Takhat Sri Hazoor Sahib in 2008.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included; Jathedar Akal Takhat Singh Sahib Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, Jathedar Takhat Sri Dam Dama Sahib Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh, Jathedar Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib Giani Tarlochan Singh, Deputy Speaker Lok Sabha Charanjit Singh Attwal, Cooperation Minister Capt. Kanawaljit Singh, Tourism Minister Hira Singh Gabria, ex-President SGPC Kirpal Singh Badungar, Chairman Guru Ram Das Education Trust Raja Singh. Chief Organizer Principal Ram Singh , Chief Secretary Dr.Charan Kamal Singh, Director Youth Services Satnam Singh Sahlopuri, Deputy Chief Organizer Inderpal Singh of GGSSC also attended the function.