Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday lauded the Sikh community’s unparalleled contribution to the nation, saying its legacy of courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the protection of faith continues to inspire generations and remains a matter of pride for every Indian.
Addressing a ‘Dhanyawad’ Programme organised by the Sikh Sangat at Haryana Niwas in Chandigarh, the Chief Minister said the Sikh community has set extraordinary examples of bravery and self-sacrifice throughout history. The Sikh community laid down its lives in defence of faith but never bowed before oppression. Their glorious heritage, sacrifices and valour are a source of immense pride for the entire nation, he said.
On the occasion, members of the Sikh Sangat honoured the Chief Minister by presenting him with a Kirpan and a Siropa. The Chief Minister said that from Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, the Guru Sahiban guided humanity on the path of service, equality and courage. He said the supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, revered as ‘Hind Di Chadar’, and the martyrdom of the four Sahibzadas formed an integral part of the great Guru tradition that protected the nation and upheld its spiritual and cultural values.
PM Modi-led Government Undertaking Historic Measures to Preserve and Promote Sikh Heritage
Highlighting the Centre’s initiatives, the Chief Minister said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, unprecedented efforts are being made to preserve and promote India’s religious and cultural heritage.
He said the Ministry of Tourism has approved the development of the Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Sri Chamkaur Sahib, Ferozepur, Amritsar, Khatkar Kalan, Kalanaur, Patiala Heritage Circuit under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. The Chief Minister said that the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor connecting Dera Baba Nanak with Sri Kartarpur Sahib, along with the launch of dedicated air connectivity between Amritsar and Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, are among the landmark initiatives undertaken by the Central Government for the Sikh community.
Paying tribute to the Sahibzadas, he said that Veer Bal Diwas is observed across the country every year on December 26 with deep reverence to honour their unparalleled sacrifice. Educational Institutions, Roads and Memorials Dedicated to Sikh Gurus Across Haryana
Reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to the Sikh community, Nayab Singh Saini said several educational institutions and infrastructure projects have been named after revered Sikh personalities and places of historical significance.
He said the upcoming medical college in Yamunanagar has been named after Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, while the Government Polytechnic College in Ambala has also been renamed in his honour. In addition, the Tohana–Jind–Dhamtan Sahib Road has been designated as ‘Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Marg’.
The Chief Minister further informed that the college at Assandh has been named after Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the youngest Sahibzada of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. A VLDA College has also been established at Lakhnaur Sahib in the name of Mata Gujri Kaur Ji.
He added that a memorial gate and a forest dedicated to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji have been developed at Kalesar in Yamunanagar district. The foundation stone of the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial has also been laid at Lohgarh in Yamunanagar.
Financial Assistance and Special Trains Benefiting Pilgrims Under Swarn Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra Yojana. The Chief Minister said that, keeping in view the deep religious sentiments of devotees, the Haryana Government launched the Swarn Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra Yojana to facilitate pilgrimage to major Sikh shrines. Under the scheme, financial assistance is being provided to pilgrims travelling to Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, Sri Nankana Sahib, Sri Hemkunt Sahib and Takht Sri Patna Sahib.
He further informed that two special trains have been operated from Kurukshetra and Sirsa to Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, enabling devotees to undertake their pilgrimage with greater convenience. The Chief Minister reiterated that the Haryana Government would continue to work towards disseminating the teachings, values and ideals of the Guru Sahiban among the masses and remain committed to serving society by following the path shown by them.
Among those present on the occasion were Sant Baba Jasdeep Singh, former Education Minister, Kanwar Pal, OSD to the Chief Minister, B.B. Bharti, BJP District President, Rajesh Sapra, Ram Niwas Garg, Sardar Gurdev Saini, Sardar Baljit Singh, Advocate, Harpreet Singh and other distinguished members of the Sikh community.
