Chandigarh: Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sardar Kultar Singh Sandhwan has called for removing all impediments for restoration and maintenance of the historic Diwan Todar Mal Haveli at Sri Fatehgarh Sahib. Chairing a high-level meeting at the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, Speaker Sandhwan stressed the need for a united front to preserve this valuable historical heritage.
Pointing out its deep historical significance, Sardar Sandhwan paid tributes to the unparalleled bravery of Diwan Todar Mal, who defied Mughal royal orders to ensure dignified cremation of two younger sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji – Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji. He emphasised that preserving this monument does not mean just preserving bricks but handing over a legacy to future generations who can be proud of their rich cultural heritage.
The Speaker lauded the Diwan Todar Mal Heritage Foundation for leaving no stone unturned in its mission. He said that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Punjab Department of Tourism and Archaeology would provide assistance for its restoration. He emphasised that the work becomes easier with the cooperation of many people and collective determination would be required to achieve this milestone. Sardar Lakhwinder Singh Kahane, Chairman, Heritage Foundation, expressed confidence that with strategic cooperation and the green signal from the Shiromani Committee and the Punjab Government, the Haveli would soon be restored to its former glory.
He assured that the restoration would respect the original architecture while preserving an important chapter of Sikh and Punjabi cultural heritage. In the meeting, expert engineers presented their comprehensive restoration plan. They held in-depth technical discussions with the representatives of SGPC and Department of Tourism and Archaeology and highlighted the historical and architectural nuances of the monument from every angle.
On this occasion, Tourism and Archaeology Minister Sardar Tarunpreet Singh Saund, Director Tourism and Archaeology Department Ms. Amrit Singh, Deputy Commissioner Shri Fatehgarh Sahib Dr. Sona Thind, Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Ravjot Kaur Grewal, Maharani of Nabha State Preeti Singh, representative of Shiromani Committee and Manager of Gurdwara Shri Fatehgarh Sahib Sardar Gurdeep Singh Kang, members of Tourism and Archaeology Department and Diwan Todar Mall Heritage Foundation Punjab were present.