On behalf of the Punjab Government and the people of the state, the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today paid rich and glorious tributes to Sri Satguru Ram Singh ji, the founder of Namdhari movement on the auspicious occasion of his 197th birth anniversary during a State Level function here at Sri Bhaini Sahib.Addressing a mammoth gathering on the occasion, Mr. Badal announced that the state government would chalk out a comprehensive celebrate program to mark the 200th birth anniversary of Sri Satguru Ram Singh ji in a befitting manner and he would shortly convene a meeting of renowned Sikh scholars and intellectuals to seek their views for this forthcoming mega event of 2016.
Remembering the vanguard role of Satguru Ram Singh ji during the freedom struggle of the country, the Chief Minister said that the supreme and unparalleled sacrifices made by Kuka martyrs under the leadership of Satguru ji, would always remain a great source of inspiration for those who have the courage of conviction. He further said that the Kukas were amongst the first warriors of the country who had created history by using non-cooperation as the political weapon against the British Rule successfully, later on this idea inspired many national leaders for the struggle.
Mr. Badal said that to bring social reforms and for caving a harmonious society, Namdharis under the leadership Satguru Ram Singh Ji had not only contributed to liberate the country but launched an effective drive to eradicate the social evils from the society. He added that on this historic day our real tribute to Satguru Ram Singh would be to rise above the parochial considerations of caste, colour and creed to strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, universal brotherhood in the form of a selfless society as propagated by him. SAD-BJP government was also fully committed to maintaining peace and amity in the state on the same principle, added Mr. Badal.
The Chief Minister further said that fulfilling their commitments our government had earlier persuaded the Union government to include the Kuka Namdhari Movement-1871 and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre-1919 as a part of the National Freedom movements and then celebrated a yearlong state wide celebrations of 150th anniversary of ‘Kuka Movement’, which had been launched in 1857 by Satguru Ram Singh Ji, with full enthusiasm and rejoice.
Mr. Badal also said the State Government had prepared a plan to setup Jang-e-Azaadi Memorial at Kartarpur near Jalandhar to show case the supreme sacrifices made by the Punjabis in the National freedom struggle. A special section dedicated to Namdhari Martyrs would also be established there.
Later, talking to the media persons Mr. Badal said that the state government had initiated an ambitious program of cleaning of River Sutlej, Beas, Ghaggar under which strict steps had been taken to ensure zero discharge of industrial chemical effluents, sewage and sludge water into these rivers besides initating war footing work of laying water Supply lines, sewerage, setting up of STPs in all the Cities and towns. The project would be completed in next two years, added Mr. Badal. On the occasion, Satguru Uday Singh honored Mr. Badal by presenting a siropa.
Prominent among others who spoke on the occasion included Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal and Namdhari Surinder Singh.