IEP Chandigarh, January 31
In a significant move towards preserving the rich traditions and memories of Sikh Gurus, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that a grand ‘Smarak’ (museum) near Pipli in Kurukshetra district would be constructed. Emphasising the importance of safeguarding the symbols and memories associated with all Sikh Gurus in Haryana, the Chief Minister envisions this ‘Samarak’ to serve as a repository of inspiration for future generations.
The aim is to impart the eternal message of humanity’s service, echoing through the lives of the Gurus among the youth, said Sh. Manohar Lal while addressing the audience after releasing the book based on the works done by the State Government for Guru sewa during an event that took place at Kurukshetra University in Kurukshetra district today. The Chief Minister suggested changing the title of the book to the author. Now, the title of the book is “Guruvani ki Seekh – Sewa aur Sewak Manohar Lal”.
The Chief Minister shared that the book beautifully covers the steps taken by the present State Government in preserving the rich traditions and values of Sikh Gurus in the last nine and a half years, includes various programs related to Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. He praised the author, Dr. Prabhleen Singh, and acknowledged the efforts of the Director General, Information, Public Relations, Language, and Culture Department, Sh. Mandip Singh Brar for the successful publication of the Book. The book is available in English, Hindi, and Punjabi languages.
Samarak for Baba Banda Singh Bahadur to be built in Lohgarh
The Chief Minister said that a grand ’Samarak’ will be built in Lohgarh, district Yamunanagar, the capital of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, who established the Sikh state. For this purpose, 20 acres of land have been allocated to the Lohgarh Trust.
He shared the story of Sikh youth Bhai Kushal Singh Dahiya from Badkhalsa village in Sonipat district, who sacrificed his head for Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji’s head. In honour of his sacrifice, a ‘Samarak’ has been built in Badkhalsa to make future generations aware of the numerous contributions made by Gurus in the service of humanity.
A separate Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has been formed for the administration of Gurdwaras in Haryana
Sh. Manohar Lal said that there has been a long-standing dispute over the management of Gurdwaras in Haryana, and after putting up a strong legal fight in the Supreme Court, a separate Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has been established for Haryana. This was not a political matter, but considering the situation in Punjab, it was deemed necessary to ensure proper management of Gurdwaras in Haryana. We believe that politics should be kept separate from Gurdwaras. A separate Election Commission has been set up for the elections of the Haryana Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, and it is expected that the election process will be initiated soon so that the elected committee can effectively take care of the Gurdwaras, said the Chief Minister.
Walk on the paths shown by the Gurus for the welfare of society
The Chief Minister said that the stories of Sikh Gurus portray qualities of valour, courage, and compassion. Merely reading history won’t be enough; instead, we all need to walk on the paths shown by the Gurus for the betterment of society. We must protect religion, country, and society, and along with that, serving humanity is also our responsibility, he said.
I always consider the 2.80 crore people of Haryana as my family and work for their well-being
Sh. Manohar Lal said that he considers the 2.80 crore people of Haryana as his family and works for their well-being. The Chief Minister shared that recently, he donated his ancestral house in the village of Baniyani to society so that a library could be established there. This initiative aims to provide children with quality education, enabling them to pursue higher education and secure government jobs based on merit.
Sant-Mahapurush Samman evam Vichar Prachar Prasar Yojana to celebrate the birth anniversaries and commemoration days of great personalities at the government level
The Chief Minister stated that irrespective of caste or creed, all great personalities in society share the common message of serving humanity. Therefore, the government has launched the Sant-Mahapurush Samman evam Vichar Prachar Prasar Yojana to celebrate the birth anniversaries and commemoration days of great personalities at the government level, so that the younger generation can draw inspiration from their lives of social service. He said that the government is working towards bringing the last mile citizen to the mainstream, following the path shown by saints and great personalities.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Printing and Stationery, Sardar Sandeep Singh, MP, Sh. Sanjay Bhatia, General Secretary, Haryana Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Ramnik Singh Mann, also addressed the gathering. Besides this, the author of the book, Dr. Prabhleen Singh, provided detailed insights into the information mentioned in the book.
President, Haryana Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Bhupinder Singh, Vice Chancellor, Kurukshetra University, Prof. Som Nath Sachdeva, Sardar Surender Singh Vaidwala and a large number of dignitaries also remained present on this occasion.
