DISTRIBUTES CHEQUES WORTH RS 71 CRORE FOR DEVELOPMENT OG 142 VILLAGES AND TOWNS
Dhuri (Sangrur News): Under the initiatives dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday distributed cheques worth Rs 71 crore for the development of 142 villages and towns in the state that were sanctified by the Guru’s divine presence.
Describing this as a humble effort of the Punjab Government, the Chief Minister said these initiatives are minor compared to the Guru ji’s supreme sacrifice, life, and philosophy, yet represent the government’s commitment to duty, reverence, and respect. He added that these grants will be used to strengthen basic infrastructure, improve amenities for devotees, beautify roads leading to sacred sites, and execute essential development works to modernize these villages and towns.
Bhagwant Singh Mann termed this initiative a historic step toward preserving the sacred sites associated with the Guru ji, spreading his teachings, and enhancing facilities for devotees.
The Chief Minister handed over cheques to sarpanches, councillors, and other elected representatives from villages and towns across Malwa, Doaba, and Majha regions.
He said commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the Ninth Sikh Guru, who made the supreme sacrifice for the protection of humanity, is a historic moment for everyone. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed gratitude that people are fortunate to witness and participate in such divine events.
The Chief Minister stated that the Almighty had showered His blessings upon the Punjab Government, allowing it to serve in these sacred efforts, and affirmed that no stone would be left unturned in this noble mission. He urged people to follow the path of truth and compassion as shown by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, noting that the Punjab Government is committed to observing this sacred occasion with deep devotion. Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Guru’s universal message of peace, humanity, love, and unity remains deeply relevant in the modern national and global context.
Exhorting people to attend the events being held from November 23 to 25 at Sri Anandpur Sahib, the Chief Minister said that the state government has made all necessary arrangements for visitors’ convenience. He announced that Nagar Kirtans had already begun from Srinagar and three Punjab cities Faridkot, Gurdaspur, and Talwandi Sabo which will traverse nearly the entire state. Bhagwant Singh Mann appealed to devotees to join these nagar kirtans and seek blessings of the almighty adding that large numbers of devotees are participating in these Nagar Kirtans with great reverence.
The Chief Minister said that to ensure the well-being, the nagar kirtans are accompanied by ambulances, digital museums, langar arrangements, and other essential facilities. He detailed that the Nagar Kirtan leaving Srinagar on November 19 would pass through cities including Jammu, Pathankot, Dasuya, Hoshiarpur, Mahilpur, and Garhshankar before culminating on November 22 at Sri Anandpur Sahib, blessed by the Ninth Guru. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that on November 20, three other Nagar Kirtans set out from Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo), Faridkot, and Gurdaspur will also reach Anandpur Sahib on November 22.
The Chief Minister said these commemorative events began on October 25 with Ardas at Delhi’s Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and a grand Kirtan Darbar at Gurdwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib the same day. He said that from November 1 to 18, light and sound shows were organized across all districts of Punjab, depicting the life and philosophy of Guru ji. Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that from November 23 to 25, large-scale events would be held at Sri Anandpur Sahib, including the establishment of a “Tent City” called “Chakk Nanaki” to host thousands of devotees.
The Chief Minister said that Exhibitions and drone shows will highlight the Guru ji’s life and teachings, alongside an interfaith conference on the same day. He said that on November 24, a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly will be convened at Sri Anandpur Sahib, where prominent personalities will showcase life, philosophy, and unparalleled sacrifice of Guru ji for religious freedom and human rights. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Historic resolutions will be passed during this historic session in the holy city.
The Chief Minister said that On November 25, State-level blood donation camps will be organized, along with a major tree plantation drive by the Forest Department and a grand “Sarbat da Bhala – Oneness” event featuring eminent personalities. He added that spiritual leaders and saints from around the world had been consulted and invited to participate in these celebrations. Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Punjab Government feels honored to organize such historic events during its tenure and invited people from India and abroad to join.
Responding to critics who have been finding faults in the government’s efforts, the Chief Minister said all political parties traditionally commemorate such anniversaries, but some groups are opposing this occasion with ill intent. He condemned the Akalis for frequently using religion as a shield to hide political failures, saying it was now hypocritical for them to question the government’s devotion when they had already fallen in public esteem. Bhagwant Singh Mann recalled that all previous governments had observed centenaries of the Sikh Gurus, and now, when his government is doing so with sincerity and devotion, opponents are conspiring against it.
The Chief Minister said that Even on this sacred occasion of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom,” the Akalis are not refraining from playing politics. He said that these selfish leaders will make desperate attempts to find faults in the coming days, but our sincerity and devotion remain firm, so we will pay no heed to them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Shiromani Akali Dal government had once used money from the Shiromani Committee for advertisements to cover up its failures , a fact that Sukhbir Singh Badal himself admitted before the Akal Takht.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated 38 development works worth Rs 7.57 crore across 17 villages of Dhuri constituency.
Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Aman Arora, Dr. Balbir Singh, Hardeep Singh Mundian, and Varinder Kumar Goyal were also present on this occasion.
