“I want to offer my best wishes to all of Alberta’s Sikhs as they celebrate the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikh Dharam.
“Guru Nanak was among the rarest of people. He was dedicated to the highest principles of honesty, integrity and compassion. And he was utterly unafraid to venture into the world to preach that everyone else live by those same standards, personally and professionally.
“Sikhi bears the marks of his influence. Anyone who has struggled to feed themselves and turned to a gurdwara for a meal, anyone who has spent time around Sikhs, knows how well they abide by Guru Nanak’s teachings. They are fearless in their generosity and acceptance of others — just as he was.
“I hope everyone celebrating Guru Nanak Gurpurab finds peace, joy and time for prayerful reflection as the hymns ring out and the scripture readings begin.
“Gurpurab Dian Lakh Lakh vadhaiyaan.”