French tourists thank gurdwara for kindness

It wasn't just citizens to whom good samaritans and religious bodies opened their doors to in their hour of need. Some foreign tourists stranded and not knowing where to go also found their saviors.

A family of five from France who were to travel to Aurangabad to see the Ajnata caves were some such tourists. After their trains were cancelled due to heavy rains, they reached Sri Guru Singh Sabha, which is the umbrella organisation of all gurdwaras in the city.

Eliciting their help, the tourist were happy enough to pen a letter of appreciation to them. The message on a small post card read: "Dear Friends, we were lost in the rain and your gurdwara appeared like a lighthouse in the dark. Not only did you prepare a shelter, but you welcomed us with extreme kindness. One of our worst experiences in India turned into one of the best, and we learned a lot from you. Thank you so so soo much!....Warmest regards, Arie, Sophie".

The letter goes on to invite them to Paris and call on the family whenever they come. "Since they were foreign tourists, it was a courtesy to look after them even more. Therefore, we ensured they were treated properly and given a better stay," said Manmohan Singh, general secretary of Sri Guru Singh Sabha.