On an idea mooted by the National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday announced to set up a world class university after the name of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji at Sri Anandpur Sahib.
Addressing the gathering during the events to mark 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji here at Gurdwara Buddha Dal Chauni, the Chief Minister said that that the university will be a befitting tribute to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji. He said that the university will act as a catalyst to undertake extensive research on supreme sacrifice, life and philosophy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this will help in inspiring the coming generations besides perpetuating the life and philosophy of great Guru sahib ji.
The Chief Minister said that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji was an epitome of socialism and secularism as he sacrificed his life for the sake of preserving human rights in the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann urged people to imbibe the spirit of self-sacrifice as preached and practiced by ‘Hind Di Chaadar’- Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji, who laid down his life to safeguard the freedom of worship, besides upholding the human and secular values. He said that the Bani of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, which is included in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, preaches the message of oneness of mankind, universal brotherhood, righteousness, valour and compassion, which need to be followed by one and all.
The Chief Minister said that Guru ji’s supreme sacrifice as protector of religion was unparalleled in the history of mankind and stands out as an example for humanity. He said that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji made supreme sacrifice to uphold the value of righteousness, truth and freedom of faith adding that this should always be remembered by one and all. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the world class university being set up by the state government will play a pivotal role in disseminating in every nook and corner of the world.
The Chief Minister said that the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur is a lighthouse for the entire humanity adding that this proposed university will help in perpetuating this glorious legacy on one hand and further cementing the ties between people on the other. He said that the sacrifice made by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji was unmatched adding that it hardly finds any parallel across the globe. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the tyranny unleashed by the erstwhile emperors before Guru Sahib was unprecedented but Guru sahib never bowed before such tactics and laid down his life for the sake of religious freedom, which has no example in the world.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Sant Samaj for supporting the state government to accomplish this noble task adding that the state government performed its duty with a missionary zeal. He said that the state government held a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha here at this sacred place which was unexpected and unprecedented as the state assembly was brought at the feet of Guru Sahib. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the assembly had unanimously decided to accord holy city status to towns having all the Takhts viz. Amritsar walled city, Talwandi Sabo and Sri Anandpur sahib.
The Chief Minister said that there are five Takhts of Sikhs out of which three Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Amritsar), Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda) and Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (Sri Anandpur Sahib) are in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that keeping in mind the long-standing demand of the people, and to make this session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly permanently memorable in history, the state government has declared these cities as holy cities of Punjab. He said that the sale and use of meat, liquor, tobacco, and other intoxicants will be prohibited in these cities to fulfill the long-pending demand of the devotees.
The Chief Minister said that no stone will be further left unturned for the holistic development of these cities and there is no dearth of funds and resources for this noble cause. He also announced a free public transport system in form of e-rickshaws, mini buses and others for the devotees coming to these cities for paying obeisance. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every effort will be made for further boosting the development of these cities as there was no dearth of funds for this cause.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that as a humble tribute to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur sahib ji, the state government has organized a series of events across the state to commemorate their 350th martyrdom day. He said that the sacrifice made by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji was supreme and unprecedented as it was aimed at protecting the religion of others. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib made the supreme sacrifice to protect the religious rights of humanity to set an example for the world.
The Chief Minister exhorted the people to follow the path of righteousness in the true tradition of humanity, as propagated by Guru Sahib. He said that the ninth Sikh Guru was a true symbol of secularism, unity, and universal brotherhood, adding that Guru Sahib’s life and philosophy continue to serve as a beacon of light for all humanity. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these functions will continue in coming time too and will be held across the state in the coming years too to mark the martyrdom day.
The Chief Minister said that the sole motive is to perpetuate the glorious legacy of great Guru sahib amongst our coming generations. Bhagwant Singh Mann also announced plans to renovate and upgrade the existing Charan Ganga stadium in the holy city to facilitate the pilgrims coming to holy city every year to participate in Hola Mohalla. He said that the state government is committed for the well being of every section of society and strenuous efforts are already being made in this regard.
In his address, the National Convener of AAP said that from the last three days he had been here with his wife as a mark of devotion to this divine land of bliss. Arvind Kejriwal said that he was fortunate to have paid obeisance at Gurdwara Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Gurdwara Sishganj Sahib and Gurdwara Bhaura Sahib. He said that it was a unique experience to be here and part of the series of events to mark commemoration of 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji. Arvind Kejriwal said that state government had made elaborate arrangements to facilitate the devotees coming to this holy city for paying obeisance.
However, the National Convener of AAP said that if any shortcoming had been there in this Sewa, then the state government seeks forgiveness from the people and the great Guru sahib. Arvind Kejriwal said that if the message of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji is emulated in the lives of the people than there will be no place of any sort of communal tension in the world. He said that Guru sahib’s message of love, compassion and humanism could pave the way for World peace.
The National Convener of AAP said that all the arrangements have been possible just because the state government is following the path shown by the great Gurus. He said that by treading the path of honesty, every single penny has been spent judiciously by the state government for the well being of people. Arvind Kejriwal said that quality education and health services are being imparted to people by the state government.
The National Convener of AAP said that the farmers are getting the canal water even at the tail end of the state adding that 90% of households in the state are getting free power. He said that the state government is fortunate to have got the opportunity to serve the people of state and organize these events to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur ji. Arvind Kejriwal said that the entire Sikh history is one of Chardi Kala (ever-rising spirit), inspiring people to work honestly (Kirat Karni), meditate on God’s Name (Naam Japna), share with others (Vand Chakna), and defend the weak and oppressed.
Even today, the National Convener of AAP said that Punjabis draw both spiritual and physical strength from the great Gurus and take inspiration to fight against tyranny, oppression and injustice. He said that the state government led by Bhagwant Singh Mann considers it as their sacred duty to contribute as much as possible to the blessed land. Arvind Kejriwal said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that right from Minister to officer every person associated with the state government have put their all efforts in the sewa of Guru sahib adding that the smooth execution of events was result of their efforts only.
On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Harpal Cheema, Harjot Singh Bains, Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, Lal Chand Kataruchak, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Lok Sabha MP Malwinder Singh Kang and others were also present.
