On November 12-13, in the first symposium of its kind to be held at Lahore's famous Al-Hamhra Convention Centre, the scholars and leaders of all world religions will make presentations and lead discussions on the universal teachings of Guru Nanak as it impacts on the interfaith understanding and harmony. This symposium is part of a 10 days pilgrimage to Sikh holy places in Pakistan.

From November 12 through November 22, 2005, people of all faith will join world Sikh delegations to undertake the pilgrimage of peace in Pakistan. The program will begin with the symposium in Lahore, join the Birth Day Celebration in Nanakana Sahib, undertake pilgrimage to Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib and Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh in Peshawar, and conclude with a prayer at Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib. The participants will follow the foot-steps of Guru Nanak to pay their homage and to pray for peace.

Guru Nanak (1469-1539) began his life journey from what Sikhs call the Janam Asthan, now located 75 miles west of Indo-Pakistan border; travelled every where from China in the North East, Sri Lanka in the South and Baghdad in the West, to spread his message of peace and harmony among people of all religions, colours, and nationalities. He completed his journey in the town of Kartarpur, the town he founded on the land now situated on the Indo-Pakistan border. There, he founded a community of spiritual householders who would spread peace and harmony. The mausoleum at his burial place and guru-asthan at his cremation ground, both laying side by side in this holy city, bear witness to his all inclusive (sarab sanjhi) teachings.

Several organizations are sponsoring this symposium to create a momentum towards involving Sikh community in particular and the world community in general to undertake projects towards reviving Guru Nanak's legacy for today's world starting from the holy land of his birth.

The Symposium program is being developed around the following themes.

1. Heritage of Nanak's Foot-Steps in Pakistan
2. Janam Ashan and Kartarpur in Sikh Doctrines
3. Islamic Contributions to Interfaith Understanding
4. Sufi Literature on Interfaith Harmony
5. Management of Holy Shrines and World Peace
6. History of Pursuit Towards Formation of PSGPC
7. Management of Sikh Shrines and Indo-Pakistan Relationship
8. Guru Nanak's Teachings in Today's World of Conflict
9. Guru Nanak Heritage and Sikhs Today
10. Looking Back to Move Forward

Harbans Lal, PhD., D.Litt (hons)
Founding Vice President, Sri Nanakana Sahib Foundation
President, Academy of Guru Granth Studies, USA
6415 Amicable Drive
Arlington, Texas 76016, USA
Tel. 817-446-8757; Email: japji@comcast.net

Ganga Singh Dhillon
Founding President, Sri Nanakana Sahib Foundation
Chairman, Advisory Council, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Pabandhak Committee
Washington, DC

Shaista Nuzhat, PhD
Director, Institute of Punjabi Language & Culture, Punjab
Afzal Haider, Senior Advocate
Legal Advisor, PSGPC
Former Law Minister, Pakistan