Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday said that the life of the third Sikh Guru, Amar Das is a shining beacon for humanity that will continue to guide generations on the path of sacrifice, devotion, service and equality. He said the Guru strongly opposed social discrimination, caste divisions and outdated customs, and gave the timeless message of "Pehle Pangat, Pachhe Sangat", which remains a foundation of social harmony and equality.
The chief minister was addressing the gathering near Amarpura Chowk in Punjab's Ludhiana at the 9th 'Vishal Kirtan Samagam' organised to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Amar Das. The chief minister appreciated the efforts of Guru Amar Das Seva Society, Shri Sukhmani Seva Society and Guru Amar Das Gurudwara & Dharamshala Charitable Trust for organising the event.
Highlighting the life and teachings of Guru Amar launched a major movement for social reform. Even Emperor Akbar was asked to sit in the common langar and dine with ordinary people before meeting Guru Ji, sending a revolutionary message against caste discrimination and social divisions, he said.
The chief minister said Guru Amar Das made an unparalleled contribution to social reform and women's empowerment. He strongly opposed the practice of 'sati', supported widow remarriage and encouraged women to reject the purdah system, Saini said. He added that modern society is increasingly chasing material comforts while facing growing mental stress, conflict and jealousy. In such times, the teachings of Guru Amar Das provide the right direction.
The chief minister said that Haryana and Punjab are not merely neighbouring states geographically; they are united by a common spiritual heritage, culture and historical legacy. The sacred footprints of the Sikh Gurus are also deeply embedded in the soil of Haryana.
Saini emphasised that the BJP government's respect for the Sikh community is reflected not only in words but also in concrete actions.
He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, unprecedented efforts have been made to preserve and promote India's religious and cultural heritage.
Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the Government of India has approved the development of the heritage circuit comprising Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Sri Chamkaur Sahib, Ferozepur, Amritsar, Khatkar Kalan, Kalanaur and Patiala, he said.
Saini said Prime Minister Modi participated in the state-level commemoration of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at Jyotisar in Kurukshetra and paid tribute to the Guru.
PM Modi also released commemorative coins, postage stamps and a coffee table book dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur. In 2019, he inaugurated the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor from Dera Baba Nanak. A special air service between Amritsar and Nanded was also launched for pilgrims, Saini said.
The chief minister further said that PM Modi declared the martyrdom day of 'Sahibzadas' Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, as "Veer Bal Diwas", which is now observed across the country every year on December 26 with great reverence.
The Haryana government has decided to develop a forest in the name of Guru Tegh Bahadur at Kalesar in Yamunanagar and has also constructed a memorial gate in his memory, Saini said.
Referring to the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, he said the government has provided employment to one member of each of the 121 affected families who lost a family member in the violence. During the last year's Veer Bal Diwas programme in Panchkula, Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally handed over appointment letters to members of these families, the chief minister said. He said that a Chair on Guru Tegh Bahadur has been established at Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, to promote research on his life and teachings.
He also highlighted that around nine acres of land associated with the historic Gurdwara Chilla Sahib in Sirsa was transferred in the name of the Gurdwara without any cost, and the relevant documents were formally handed over in the presence of the sangat.
Keeping in view the faith and devotion of the Sikh community, the Haryana government has launched the Swarna Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra Yojana to provide financial assistance to pilgrims visiting Sri Hazur Sahib, Sri Nankana Sahib, Sri Hemkund Sahib and Sri Patna Sahib. Two special trains have also been operated from Kurukshetra and Sirsa to Hazur Sahib, Nanded. The chief minister said the BJP government remains committed to spreading the teachings and principles of the Sikh Gurus among the masses.
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