Baba Guru Nanak International University: Foundation stone laid in Pakistan

Foundation stone of Baba Guru Nanak University (BGNU) was laid at Nankana Sahib, in Pakistan’s Punjab province. University’s foundation stone was laid by Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. This comes ahead of beginning of International Nagar Kirtan by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee on July 25.

Key Highlights

Nankana Sahib is the birth place of founder of Sikhism Baba Guru Nanak Dev.

BGNU is spread over 10 acres and would be completed with an amount of over Rs 258 crores.

The establishment of Baba Guru Nanak University in Nankana Sahib is part of Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan’s vision to facilitate students in Nankana Sahib and other adjoining districts.

This university would help promote religious tourism in Pakistan and also portray country’s good image at international level.

Other steps taken by Pakistan for promoting secularism–

In 2019, for the 1st time a Pakistani university had created Baba Guru Nanak research chair to promote message of peace that Sikh spiritual leader preached.

A motel of Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) was also inaugurated in Nankana Sahib to promote religious tourism.

Foundation stone of a road repair project was also laid in Nankana Sahib district that will be completed with Rs 150 million.

Background

The decision to construct BGNU came after Sikhs living in Pakistan demanded university after name of founder of their religion Baba Guru Nanak at his birthplace in Nankana Sahib. The construction proposal of building university was 1st surfaced in 2003 during Punjab government of Pervaiz Elahi.

In 2017 in government of Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N), the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) gave a final approval to project.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2019