Photographic exhibition commemorating Sikh guru opens today

The exhibition in memory of the founder of Sikhism, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, opens in Heritage Quay

THE University of Huddersfield’s award-winning archives centre has been one of the UK venues selected for a travelling photo exhibition that commemorates the 550th anniversary of the birth of one of history’s greatest religious leaders.

The 20-panel display illustrates the life and teachings of the founder of Sikhism, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who was born in 1469 AD in the village of Rai Bhoe Talwandi.  He was first of the ten Sikh gurus and year-long celebrations of his anniversary are under way, with the Indian Government celebrating 2019 as the Year of Universal Brotherhood.

In Britain, the High Commission of India, via the Consulate General in Birmingham, has organised a special exhibition, focussing on the core values and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.  The aim is to showcase the way the Sikh religion has grown over the years and the relevance of the Guru’s message in the 21st century.

The exhibition is being showcased throughout the UK – where Sikhs are one of the biggest ethnic minority communities – and has been mounted at the University of Huddersfield’s Heritage Quay archives centre this week, opening today through to Friday (13-16 August).

After it had been installed at the University, the exhibition was launched at a special preview event at which the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Thornton, highlighted the achievements of Sikh graduates of the University.  He also told how the Yorkshire Sikh Forum – which has instituted a scheme to pay tribute to leading figures in the region – had bestowed an award to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bob Cryan.

“Today, we find Sikhs prominent in many businesses, professions, enterprises and activities in our region, proudly maintaining their own cultural identity while seamlessly playing a role in the wider society,” said Professor Thornton.

“The University of Huddersfield has a highly fruitful cultural interaction with Sikhism,” he continued.  “The fact that we are one of the places where this exhibition is being displayed is the latest example of this.”

The travelling exhibition is being seen at a range of venues in the Midlands and the North of England, as well as some venues in the London area.