NEWS

Punjab Police has submitted a proposal to Declare Guru Nanak Jayanti as WORLD PEDESTRIAN DAY

WHAT IS THE PROPOSAL

• Suggested that Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary (Gurpurab) be declared as ‘Pedestrian Day’ (Guru Nanak’s 552nd Gurpurab – November 19 2021)
• While beginning can be made by declaring ‘National Pedestrian Day’ within the country by the Union ministry, the Government of India can later take up the matter with the United Nations to get Gurpurab declared as ‘World Pedestrian Day’ to spread awareness on road safety.

WHY THE PROPOSAL

• The extensive travel undertaken by Guru Nanak Dev
• To spread the message of oneness and to break barriers across faiths by engaging in spiritual dialogues
• His journeys is called udaasis
• Travels were documented in texts called ‘janamsakhis’
• Sites are now spread across nine nations as per current geographical divisions — India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, China (Tibet), Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan Along with his companion Bhai Mardana, undertook most part of his journeys on foot.
• If the government can dedicate a day for pedestrian safety, then it will certainly bring major changes towards their safety and highlight the government’s commitment towards “Right to walk” or pedestrian rights.
• A community which safeguards its pedestrian is treated as developed and contributes to sustainable development goals,” says the proposal note prepared by the Punjab Police