PM Modi Highlights FCRA Clearance for Golden Temple at New Zealand Diaspora Event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a diaspora event in Auckland, New Zealand, on Saturday outlined several measures taken by his government for the Sikh community. These included clearing Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) approvals for the Golden Temple, improving access to Hemkund Sahib, and the return of sacred relics.

Addressing the event alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, PM Modi noted the contributions of the Indian diaspora to their adopted country. He said, 'We love our motherland and dedicate ourselves equally to our 'karmbhoomi'.' He then turned to his government's focus on conserving India's heritage, citing emergency measures to bring back copies of the Guru Granth Sahib from Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover of Kabul.

PM Modi praised the Sikh gurus and said that when members of the community raised issues regarding FCRA clearances for services at the Golden Temple, his government addressed them promptly. He also spoke about the ongoing work to connect Hemkund Sahib with a ropeway, making the high-altitude pilgrimage site more accessible.

Additionally, the Prime Minister highlighted the government's decision to annually commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh's sons. He noted that the family of Union Minister Hardeep Puri had preserved shoes worn by the last Sikh guru and his wife for 300 years. On expert advice, the government transferred these relics to Patna Sahib Gurdwara, the guru's birthplace, in a ceremony attended by PM Modi.

The outreach comes as Punjab, home to a majority Sikh population, approaches assembly elections early next year. The BJP has traditionally had limited support among Sikhs, but recent alliances with local parties have increased its vote share in the state.