Chandigarh, June 7:- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that the life of the third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das Ji, is a unique symbol of sacrifice, penance, service, dedication, equality and humanity. He said that Guru Amar Das Ji’s teachings continue to guide society towards brotherhood, human welfare and social harmony, and will keep inspiring future generations. The Chief Minister made these remarks while addressing the 9th Grand Kirtan Samagam organized on the sacred occasion of Guru Amar Das Ji’s Prakash Purab near Amarpura Chowk in Ludhiana, Punjab. He also announced a grant of ?5 lakh for the service and management of the gurdwara and assured all possible government support for future development works related to the shrine.
The Chief Minister said that Guru Amar Das Ji strongly opposed social evils such as caste discrimination, inequality and untouchability. Through the message of “Pehlan Pangat, Pachhai Sangat” (first sit together in the community kitchen, then join the congregation), he set an enduring example of social equality and unity. Saini said that this message was not only religious in nature but also the foundation of a significant social reform movement.
Appreciating the efforts of the Guru Amar Das Sewa Society, Shri Sukhmani Sewa Society and Guru Amar Das Gurdwara and Dharamshala Charitable Trust for organizing the event, he said such programs help strengthen the values of unity, service and spiritual awareness in society. He also paid respectful tributes to the saints and kirtan groups present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister said that the devotional kirtan performed by renowned ragi jathas on the sacred land of Ludhiana was providing spiritual peace and divine bliss to devotees. He noted that Guru Amar Das Ji spent more than 60 years of his life as a humble servant and, after ascending to the Guruship, launched a wide-ranging campaign of social reform.
He further stated that Guru Amar Das Ji made historic contributions to women’s empowerment and social reform. He opposed the inhuman practice of Sati, supported widow remarriage and encouraged women to come out of the restrictive veil system, thereby promoting dignity and equality for women.
Saini said that in today’s world, people are facing challenges such as mental stress, jealousy and conflict due to the relentless pursuit of material comforts. In such times, the teachings of Guru Amar Das Ji provide the right direction to humanity. He said that the sacred verses of Anand Sahib guide individuals towards true happiness, contentment and inner peace.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Haryana and Punjab are not merely neighboring states geographically, but also share a common cultural, spiritual and historical heritage. He said that the land of Haryana has also been blessed by the presence of Sikh Gurus and that the state government is continuously working to preserve this rich legacy.
Referring to the initiatives undertaken under the leadership of Narendra Modi, Saini said the Central Government has carried out remarkable work to preserve India’s religious and cultural heritage. Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, approval has been granted for the development of a Heritage Circuit that includes Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Sri Chamkaur Sahib, Ferozepur, Amritsar, Khatkar Kalan, Kalanaur and Patiala.
He added that Prime Minister Modi had paid tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji during the 350th Martyrdom Day commemoration at Jyotisar and had also released commemorative coins, postage stamps and a coffee table book. He further noted that the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor was inaugurated in 2019 and that a special air service between Amritsar and Nanded was launched for the convenience of pilgrims.
The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Modi declared December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas in memory of the martyrdom of Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh. He said the day is now observed across the country every year with deep respect and reverence.
Saini further said that the Haryana Government has decided to develop a forest in Kalesar, Yamunanagar, in the name of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and to construct a memorial gate in his memory. He also stated that one member from each of the 121 families affected by the 1984 riots had been provided government employment. He mentioned that Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally distributed appointment letters to these families during a Veer Bal Diwas event.
The Chief Minister informed that a research chair dedicated to the life and teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji has been established at Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa. He added that nearly nine acres of land related to the historic Gurdwara Chilla Sahib had been transferred to the gurdwara free of cost.
He also stated that the Government Polytechnic College in Ambala has been named after Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Similarly, the Tohana-Jind-Dhamtan Sahib road has been renamed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Marg. The upcoming medical college in Yamunanagar will also bear Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s name. Institutions have been established in Assandh in the name of Baba Fateh Singh Ji and in Lakhan Majra in the name of Mata Gujri Ji. Additionally, a grand memorial dedicated to Banda Singh Bahadur is being developed at Lohgarh in Yamunanagar.
The Chief Minister said that keeping in view the faith of Sikh devotees, the Haryana Government has launched the Swarn Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra Scheme, under which financial assistance is provided to pilgrims visiting Sri Hazur Sahib, Sri Nankana Sahib, Sri Hemkund Sahib and Sri Patna Sahib. He added that special trains have also been operated from Kurukshetra and Sirsa to Hazur Sahib, Nanded, for the benefit of devotees.
Concluding his address, Saini said that the Haryana Government remains fully committed to spreading the teachings and ideals of the Sikh Gurus among the masses. He also assured devotees that he would speak to the electricity department regarding the relocation of electric poles near the gurdwara to ensure safety and convenience. Among those present on the occasion were BJP State Vice President Dr. Subhash Sharma, BJP leader Chairman Gurdeep Singh Neetu, Amarjit Singh and several distinguished guests and devotees.