/Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Monday sought the blessings and suggestions from the Sant Samaj for commemorating the 550th birth anniversary of Sikhs’ first master, Guru Nanak Dev, in a befitting manner across the globe.
Capt Amarinder, interacting with the representatives of Sant Samaj, said that it was a matter of pride and honour for him that these celebrations were being held during his tenure. “Our government will ensure that the celebrations are held in the most befitting manner and we have even sought assistance for it from the Union Government,” he said.
The Chief Minister urged the representatives of Sant Samaj to give their suggestions and inputs for crystallising the concept and programs for the celebrations.
Capt Amarinder also constituted a committee, comprising the state Local Government Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, Cooperation Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and PWD Minister Vijay Inder Singla, for preparing the blueprint for the mega celebrations.
“The yearlong celebrations will focus on Guruji’s life, his ideology, and his works, which till date continue to inspire millions across the globe,” he said.
He said that the suggestions and recommendations of the Sant Samaj will be considered by the committee before finalising the blueprint for the celebrations.
He requested Baba Sarvjot Singh Bedi to form a committee of the representatives from Sant Samaj, which would keep in regular touch with the state executive committee to ensure meticulous implementation of final program.
The Chief Minister apprised the members of Sant Samaj that his government will be celebrating various events at the historic places closely connected with the life of Guru Nanak Dev, including Sultanpur Lodhi, Dera Baba Nanak and Batala.
He said that on the suggestion of the state government, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had formed a 36-member national committee under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister, with Union Finance Minister, Punjab Chief Minister, Union Cultural Affairs Minister and Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs as its members.
“The former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is also being consulted by the State Government to chalk out the modalities and action program for these celebrations,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the parkash purab of Guru Nanak Dev would be celebrated on November 12, 2019.
“The State Government would initiate development works at the historical places, associated with the life of Guru ji, in the second week of November this year. Punjab has also sought a special package of Rs 2,145 crore from Centre,” he said.
The projects envisaged by the State Government include setting up of a National Institute of Interfaith Studies at Amritsar, and Rs 500 crore 500-bedded Super Specialty Hospital at Gurdaspur in the name of Guru Nanak Dev. Besides, the government will be establishing a Heritage Village — Pind Babe Nanak Da — at Sultanpur Lodhi at a cost of Rs 200 and undertaking various development works.
Already, a three-member committee, headed by Amritsar’s Guru Nanak Dev University’s Vice Chancellor, with Head of the University’s History Department and a representative of Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee as its members, has been setup by the Government to suggest the roads, which were travelled by Guru, so that they can be named after him.
“Punjab Government is already in touch with the Union Ministry of Railways for running special trains to the holy places from different parts of the country. Besides, a coffee table book is also being brought out on this sacred occasion to highlight the philosophy and teachings of Guru, who preached the oneness of God, harmony, brotherhood, compassion and truth to the humanity,” said Capt Amarinder.
Earlier while initiating the discussions, Baba Narinder Singh Ji Langran, flagged issues relating to accommodation, parking facilities, security, availability of drinking water, sanitation for the Sangat that would be visiting the state from across India and abroad.
He also demanded that the road linking Phillaur, Nurmahal, Nakodar, Sultanpur Lodhi, Goindwal Sahib and Tarn Taran should be declared national highway.
Expressing his views, Baba Sarvjot Sungh Bedi, said that 550th Gurpurab should be celebrated in an exemplary way with a focus on disseminating the divine message of Guru Nanak Dev. Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal said that Guru Nanak Dev’s eternal message, ‘Pawan Guru Pani Pita Mata Dharat Mahatt’, should be propagated in every nook and corner of the country so as to secure healthy environment besides ensuring ecological balance.