A BOURNEMOUTH man says he felt privileged to be present when a spiritual leader became the first Sikh to be awarded a knighthood by Pope Benedict, for his work towards peace among people of all faiths.

Jyotveer Gill was among more than 100 Sikhs to attend the ceremony honouring Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia at St Chad’s Cathedral in Birming-ham.

“It was a great privilege for me to witness history being made, a Sikh being knighted with the highest and most prestigious distinction which the Pope can bestow,” he said.

“I was greatly moved on seeing Roman Catholic and Sikh devotees singing hymns of praise from both traditions, a unique sight in a Cathedral service.

“I was left very optimistic seeing the fruit of real interfaith dialogue.

“It really felt as if I was part of one large family, humans with common origins, common destiny and common goals.

“Praying together really inspired and heartened me to know that two faiths can join and seek unreserved peace and prosperity for all.”

He added: “Bhai Sahib Ji, a spiritual leader for many Sikhs, has not only been a positive influence in my life but a great asset in creating peace among people of all faiths.

“I am very proud that he has been recognised for selfless service, which he provides to all without distinction. He is my biggest inspiration.”

Fr John Lee, parish priest at St Joseph’s RC church in Christchurch said: “I was thrilled and delighted to learn that the Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham, Bernard Longley, recently invested an international leader of the Sikh community with the Pontifical Order of Pope St Gregory the Great.

“Bhai Sahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia received this in recognition of the Sikh commitment to inter-religious dialogue.

“That the Roman Catholic Church should award the Sikh community with such an accolade is a hugely significant development in inter-faith dialogue in this country.”

He added: “As Christians, we pray every day for all those who seek God with a sincere heart.

“We have so much to learn from each other.

“This is both an extraordinary and hope-filled sign for all those who are striving for the ‘Common Good’ in Britain today.

I hope that this recognition of the work of the Sikh Community will become a catalyst for many more inter-faith initiatives.”