More than 220 school pupils were told stories of the Guru Nanak Gurpurab – the first Sikh Guru – on his 549th birthday.

Ilford Recorder: Pupils at the Atam Academy marked the 549th birthday of of the Guru Nanak Gurpurab on Friday, November 23. Photo: Mankamal SinghPupils at the Atam Academy marked the 549th birthday of of the Guru Nanak Gurpurab on Friday, November 23. Photo: Mankamal Singh (Image: Archant)

Pupils at the Atam Academy, in Barley Lane, Chadwell Heath, marked the birthday of the Guru Nanak Gurpurab with a day of activities on Friday, November 23.

An assembly was held at the newly-opened building where children took part in Kirtan - the singing of hymns.

One of the stories children were told was of the Guru’s visits to two different villages – the first treating him with hostility as an outsider and second welcoming him with respect and hospitality.

“He told the first village ‘may you be happy and remain within your homes,’” co-founder Mankamal Singh recounted.

“He told the second village to ‘scatter’, which traditionally has negative connotations in Punjabi.”

Asked why he said this, the Guru said that he wants goodness to spread throughout the world and not negativity, Mankamal explained.