Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today dedicated one of the world’s best heritage street with ethnic outlook from Townhall to Sri Harmandir Sahib besides another magnificent entrance gate depicting marvel of ancient Sikh architecture as an integral part of Amritsar Beautification Project to the humanity.Addressing the public gathering at the entrance plaza of Sri Darbar Sahib, the Chief Minister said that it goes to the credit of SAD-BJP government, which undertook momentous task to preserve the glorious cultural heritage of Punjab through state-of-the-art memorials and monuments viz. Virasat-E-Khalsa, Chotta and Wada Ghallughara, Baba Banda Singh War Memorial, State War Heroes Memorial & Museum. Apart from these, Jang-E-Azadi Memorial, Baba Jeevan Singh (Bhai Jaita Ji), Guru Ravidass Ji Memorial and Bhagwan Valmiki Sthal would soon be dedicated to the mankind in the coming days. Concerted efforts of the state government in this regard, were to perpetuate the glorious and rich legacy of our great culture especially amongst the younger generations so as to enable them to connect with their roots. He categorically said that those nations who tend to forget their cultural past and heritage were bound to be vanished with the passage of time. Henceforth, it was our bounden duty to preserve our rich cultural heritage for the future generations till eternity.
The Chief Minister further said that we were fortunate enough to restore the pristine glory of the passage leading to Sri Darbar Sahib with original grandeur and facade to have the feel of aura of divinity in the precincts of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Mr. Badal said it was not merely a development project but a composite plan aimed at reviving the ethnicity in the environs of Sri Harmandir Sahib since the times of great Sikh Gurus. The entire beautification plan brings Sikh architecture at centre-stage to represent the true character of holy city of Amritsar, the first and foremost Centre of Sikh religion. The Chief Minister also announced to construct magnificent gates on all the ways leading to the Sri Darbar Sahib.Mr. Badal said with all humility that Almighty had bestowed his bountiful blessings on us to accomplish this gigantic task, which was ultimately a result of service towards the humanity in the adoration of ‘Guru Nagari’ (abode of Guru). Mr. Badal said that we were committed to showcase the holy city of Amritsar as world’s best tourist destination. Mr. Badal said that he has not merely come here today for the inauguration of the beautification project but to express gratitude to the Almighty for giving us enormous strength to accomplish this prestigious project through bestowing service (sewa) on us so none else should be credited for the completion of this great historic project. He also complimented MP Bathinda Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal for taking keen interest in this beautification project.The Chief Minister recalled that such projects came into existence only with the grace of Almighty and this came true when he visited Israel way back in mid 90s and incidentally met world renowned architect Moshe Safdie there and offered him to prepare a layout plan of Khalsa Heritage Complex, which was a distant dream but our firm commitment transformed this concept into a reality as a world class monument on the earth. He said even the beautification project of Amritsar was an outcome of stupendous efforts and cooperation rendered by everyone and he was personally indebted to Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and his entire team besides every shopkeeper, trader, engineer, worker and a labourer, who have immensely contributed for the timely completion of this prestigious project.
On this momentous occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab, S. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that one year back the surroundings of Sri Harmandir Sahib were in a pitiable condition with congested streets and traffic woes adding to the problem and leading to chaotic conditions everywhere.
S. Badal also said that the townhall and heritage street transformation project were completed in a record time with all the people connected with the work taking it as a mission. He also said that this is not the end of the project albeit it is just a beginning for heralding the total beautification and transformation which the holy city would witness during the course of next 5 years.Terming the project as a ‘Sewa’ bestowed on him by the Akalpurkh, the Deputy Chief Minister said that no political angle should be seen into it as it was a project dear to him in terms of being a devotee. He further elaborated that not only people from all over India but from around the globe are coming to see this marvel in architecture and culture and are in complete awe of the wonderful place.The Deputy Chief Minister disclosed that the interpretation center is the main highlight of the place where the Sikh history, religious philosophy, ethos and culture would be showcased serving the purpose of educating not only the young generation of the state but also the foreign tourists who exhibit immense interest in learning about the history and culture of Punjab and Sikhs especially the numerous sacrifices that they have made.Exhorting all the Punjabis in particular the Sikhs to come and see the wonderful place, S. Badal said that this unique endeavor of the Punjab Government would go a long way in preserving the architectural, cultural and historical heritage of the state besides serving as a shining beacon of humanity to every member of the human race inhabiting the world.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment and President State BJP Unit Mr. Vijay Sampla said that the Chief Minister has revisited the history through these prestigious memorials and monuments, which would go a long way in showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the state on one hand and keeping abreast our future generations with our great legacy. He said beautification project of Amritsar has further propelled the tourism potential of this holy city, which had a daily foot fall of millions of tourists from across the globe. He also lauded the vision of the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for timely implementation of this beautification project right from the state of conceptualization to its dedication to the humanity.Lauding the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister for taking unprecedented steps to give a new look to holy city, the Chief of Sant Samaj Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa exhorted the Sikh community across the globe to visit this place and witness the marvelous service rendered by SAD-BJP alliance government. He said that the Sikhs should unite to give a befitting reply to forces inimical to Sikh panth by rallying solidly behind the Shiromani Akali Dal. Baba Harnam Singh lauded both the leaders for their utmost dedication and commitment to development of this holy place.
In his address, the President, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Mr. Manjeet Singh GK also highly appreciated the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister for taking historic steps to preserve the rich cultural heritage of state. He said that by rendering unique service of giving face-lift to this holy city has made every Punjabi proud for doing a great service to the humanity. Mr. GK further pointed out that today history has been created by the state government, which was really a creditable task.Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh in his address said that city’s beautification project has added to the grandeur of holy city of Amritsar manifold and it was a matter of great satisfaction and pride for every Punjabi especially the Sikhs.Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Union Food Processing Minister Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Cabinet Ministers Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Mr. Anil Joshi, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani, Mr. Sharanjeet Singh Dhillon and Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Lok Sabha MP Jathedar Ranjeet Singh Brahmpura, Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, MLAs Prof Virsa Singh Valtoha, Mr NK Sharma and Bibi Jagir Kaur, former Ministers Bibi Upinder jeet Kaur, Jathedar Sewa Singh Sekhwan and Mr Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Chairman Punjab Agro Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali, Advisor Deputy Chief Minister Mr Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Secretary Health Mr Hussan Lal, Special Principal Secretaries to Deputy Chief Minister Mr PS Aujla and Mr Rahul Tiwari, Joint Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr Kumar Amit, Director Information and Public Relations Mrs Senu Duggal, Commissioner Police Mr Lok Nath Aangra and Deputy Commissioner Mr Varun Roozam.