Sri Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
A grand ‘Sarbat Da Bhala Ektrata’ (Gathering for the Welfare of All) was organised by the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, dedicated to the 350th Martyrdom Day of the Ninth Sikh Guru Sahib, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. During the event, senior leaders addressed the congregation (Sangat), paying tribute to the Guru Sahib Ji’s unmatched martyrdom and highlighting the government’s efforts in organising this historic gathering.
Addressing the gathering, ‘AAP’ Punjab President and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora emphasised the uniqueness of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s supreme sacrifice. He referred to the Ninth Guru Sahib as the ‘Hind Di Chadar’ (The Sheet/Protector of India) and underscored the deep historical significance of the Guru Sahib sacrificing his life to protect the religion of others.
Mr. Arora recalled significant events related to the Guru Sahib’s martyrdom, stating, “It was the first time in history that a child advised his father that the community needed his sacrifice; it was the first time that a martyr himself walked to the executioner for his martyrdom.”
He paid profound homage to the sacrifices of Guru Sahib’s followers who were martyred alongside him: Bhai Mati Das Ji (sawn alive), Bhai Sati Das Ji (burnt alive), and Bhai Diala Ji (boiled alive). Mr. Arora also shed light on the extraordinary circumstances when the sacred head (Sheesh) and torso (Dhar) of the Guru Sahib were cremated at separate locations. Aman Arora mentioned that the main objective of these well-planned events, organised this year, was to acquaint the younger generation with the philosophy, life, and importance of the Guru Sahib’s supreme sacrifice.
Punjab’s Information and Public Relations Minister and Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated that these programs are receiving global acclaim due to the deep reverence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener Arvind Kejriwal.
Highlighting the preparations for these events, Mr. Bains provided details of key development works, including whitewashing the holy city. He further announced that a Heritage Street is being established here. He also announced the creation of a new corridor to connect Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Keshgarh Sahib.
Mr. Bains informed that invitation letters were sent by the state government to the Chief Ministers of all states and leaders of opposition parties across the country to participate in these programs.
Tourism Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond stressed the government’s commitment to the event, stating that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann placed no budgetary restrictions to make this state-level event magnificent, which helped the Tourism Department maintain its historical and spiritual significance.
Earlier, MP Malvinder Singh Kang welcomed the attendees on behalf of the entire AAP leadership, including AAP Supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, and volunteers. He thanked the Almighty and the saints for giving them the opportunity to bow before the Ninth Guru Sahib and his brave followers. Kang assured the Sangat that the government and party volunteers are sincerely working to ensure convenient services for all devotees coming to pay their respects.
The leaders collectively sought blessings to continue serving the land of the Gurus under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Prominent leaders present on the occasion included Jathedar Baba Balbir Singh, Chief Jathedar of Nihang Singh Organisation 96 Crore Budha Dal; Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, Finance Minister of Punjab; Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Agriculture Minister; Laljit Singh Bhullar, Transport Minister; Barinder Kumar Goyal, Water Resources Minister; Harbhajan Singh E.T.O., Public Works Minister; Lal Chand Kataruchakk, Forest Minister; Hardeep Singh Mundian, Revenue Minister; Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, MP; Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, former Cabinet Minister and AAP spokesperson; and Deepak Bali, Advisor to the Tourism Department, among other key leaders.