Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday said that Haryana is the first state in the country to implement Sant-Mahapurush Vichar Samman and Prasar Yojana to officially celebrate the anniversaries of not only Sikh Gurus but also other great personalities of the society. The present State Government is committed to conveying the teachings of Sikh Gurus to the new generations, he added.

Addressing the members of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee at his residence, in Chandigarh, Saini emphasised that preserving their memories and teachings is essential, and everyone should incorporate the principles of harmony, tolerance, brotherhood, and mutual love shown by the Sikh Gurus into their lives, as this is the key to human welfare and the true tribute to the Gurus.

The Chief Minister highlighted the bravery of the Sikh community, who sacrificed their lives to protect their religion, without bowing down. All Indians take pride in the sacrifices and bravery of the Sikh community. He said that the brave Sikh warriors actively participated in the country's freedom movement and made significant sacrifices to protect India after independence. The contributions of the Sikh community to the nation's development are written in golden letters, he said.

Saini said that whenever humanity faces a crisis, Sikhs are there to offer protection and service. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gurdwaras opened their doors to everyone and organised ‘langar’ for everyone. He recalled the bravery of Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh, who refused to cut his hair even under the threat of execution by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. The Chief Minister expressed pride in being among such a brave community.

Saini praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib globally for the first time. He reiterated that the greatest legacy of the Sikh Gurus is the message of love, equality, and brotherhood. Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached, Awal Allah noor upaya ‘Kudrat ke sab bandey, Ek noor se sab jag upja, Kaun bhaley, kau mandey’

The Chief Minister said that the establishment of the 'Khalsa Panth' on April 13, 1699, was to protect the country and religion and to safeguard people from oppression and exploitation. This community was founded on principles of humanity, brotherhood, mutual and generosity. He said that while Haryana separated from Punjab on November 1, 1966, the teachings of the Gurus remained integrated. All ten Sikh Gurus visited Haryana, which is a matter of great pride for the state. Historic Gurdwaras have been established at all the places wherever these Sikh Gurus have visited, said Saini.

The Chief Minister said that Guru Nanak Dev Ji sanctified places like Sirsa, Karah (Kurukshetra), Pehowa, Kurukshetra, Kapal Mochan, Karnal, Panipat, and Pinjore with his holy presence. Guru Nanak Dev Ji even celebrated his birthday at Kapalmochan. Eight Gurus visited Kurukshetra from time to time.

He said that Prime Minister Modi decided to commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's sons,  Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, as 'Veer Bal Diwas' every year to inspire the youth with the stories of their bravery. The government has launched the 'Swarn Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra Yojana' to provide financial assistance to pilgrims visiting Sri Hazur Sahib, Sri Nankana Sahib, Sri Hemkunt Sahib, and Sri Patna Sahib.

On this occasion, members of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee presented an 18-point demand letter to Chief Minister, who assured them of necessary actions by forwarding it to the relevant departments. The members honoured the Chief Minister by presenting him a ‘saropa’. Rajya Sabha, MP Krishan Lal Panwar, President, Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Baba Bhupinder Singh, former MLAs Bakshish Singh Virk, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Baljit Singh Daduwal, Kawaljit Singh Ajrana and a large number of people from the Sikh community were present during the programme.