A top UN official has sent greetings to the Sikh community worldwide on the occasion of the 'Sikh Environment Day'.
"In honour of the Seventh Sikh Guru I am sending my most reverent wishes and congratulations for the events planned to celebrate Sikh Environment Day on March 14," Olav Kjorven, the Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP, the UN Development Programme, said in his message to the community.
Kjorven was present when Sikh leaders launched EcoSikh and a five yearSikh plan in 2009 in New Delhi.
This plan was then presented to UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon in Windsor Castle in UK in November 2009. Many major Sikh organisations including SGPC have come forward to plant trees worldwide in celebration of Sikh Environment Day. "I am thrilled to see that the plans launched in Windsor two years ago are being implemented and have sparked support for successful initiatives, including the one you are about to celebrate," he said.
Hailing Sikh activism on behalf of environment he said: "I deeply admire the work undertaken across the faiths since Windsor and have watched your struggles to enact the far-reaching proactive changes that are necessary to address climate change, provide environmental protection and ensure the regeneration that our living planet so urgently needs."
Rajwant Singh, convener of EcoSikh, welcomed comments by Olav Kjorven. "We are encouraged by the leadership of the United Nations on the Sikh Environment Day celebrations. Sikh community is committed in making significant contribution to save Mother earth's environment. There is widespread enthusiasm amongst Sikhs on this issue and it will continue to inspire youngsters as well," Singh said.
{{/usCountry}}Rajwant Singh, convener of EcoSikh, welcomed comments by Olav Kjorven. "We are encouraged by the leadership of the United Nations on the Sikh Environment Day celebrations. Sikh community is committed in making significant contribution to save Mother earth's environment. There is widespread enthusiasm amongst Sikhs on this issue and it will continue to inspire youngsters as well," Singh said.
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