The Diocese of Amritsar, Church of North India, celebrated the completion of 60 years of service since its accession in 1953. This Diamond Jubilee Celebration was held across 11th to 14th February 2013.

The Jubilee began with a procession, "Chetna Yatra" at Ajnala. More than a thousand people from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir of all age groups walked in this. They waved banners and flags coming from four different points Bhindi Shaida, Mehmud, Ramdas and Fatehgarh Churiyan and reached the Emmanuel Church, Ajnala.

Our overseas partners Bishop Mathais Schmidt & Mrs. Schmidt (Germany), Rev. Konrad Schulz & Mrs. Christele Schulz (Germany), Rev. Dr. Johny Thonipara (Germany), Dr. Axel Siegemund, Lutheran World (Germany), Mr. Alexander (Church of Scotland), and Mr. B.D Das (Synod) and Rev. Dinesh Chand (Diocese of Jabalpur), participated on behalf of their churches and organizations in this occasion.

The office bearers of the Diocese of Amritsar, Rev. Sohan Lal, the Vice President, Mr. Pravez S. Kaul, the Secretary, Rev. Ayub Daniel, the Treasurer, Rev. Lily Samantaroy, the Administrator and other heads of the Institutions graced the occasion.

Mr. Daniel B. Das, Director of SEDP headed this program. The youth from Ajnala, Thoba, and Chamiari sang Qawalis.

The General Secretary of the Church of North India, Mr. Alwan Masih spoke of the work of the Diocese in Ajnala and ex-centres in the past 60 years. He also highlighted the need for political awakening and social upliftment of the marginalized segment of the society and the Church enabling them to fight for their rights. He appreciated the work of the diocese in providing education to the less privileged children.

Bishop P. K. Samantaroy addressed the gathering saying that God's love binds the Diocesan family together in unity, witness and service.

On the second day more than 500 people walked singing praises in the Chetna Yatra from Amritsar to Khamkaran with three focal points Taran Tarn, Valtoha and Gharyala.

Bishop Mathais Schmidt delivered the keynote address on the theme of the jubilee "stop- look-go". He explained the significance of the theme and recalled the growth of the Diocese. He said that it was a wonderful opportunity for all who have witnessed the completion of 60 successful years of the Diocese of Amritsar. It is because of God's Grace and the hard work of the people. He said that the Diocese stands like a shining star, guiding many in the field of education and health.