A high level delegation led by the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today called on his Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar to review the arrangements for commemoration of 350th Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, the tenth Master of Sikhs at Sri Patna Sahib-the birth place of Guru Sahib during January, 2017.The Chief Minister accompanied by the SAD President & Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) Jathedar Avtar Singh and the President of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) Sardar Manjit Singh GK held detailed discussions for the celebrations of this mega event in a befitting manner at Mr. Kumar’s official residence in Patna this morning.It was decided in the meeting that a high powered committee would be constituted under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister with Deputy Chief Minister, President SGPC, and President DSGMC besides eminent Sikh scholars and intellectuals as its members to work out the modalities for the commemoration of this historic occasion with religious fervor, enthusiasm and devotion. The Special Principal Secretary to Punjab Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema would be the nodal officer to coordinate with the senior officers of the Bihar Government for the celebrations of 350th Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji.
Taking part in the deliberations, the Bihar Chief Minister informed the delegation that a land of nearly 75 acres had already been identified in Patna for the setting up of ‘Tented City’ for the celebrations in view of massive participations of Sikhs from not only different parts of the country but from across the world also. A heavy turnout of devotees was expected to pay their obeisance during these historic celebrations.Assuring the Punjab Chief Minister of extending all support and cooperation for this great historic event, Mr. Kumar said that that he would soon personally take up the matter of up-gradation of the Patna Sahib Railway station with the Ministry of Railways, GoI, keeping in view the paramount importance of this great event associated with the birth of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji. Likewise, the Bihar Government would also make endeavor to ensure up-gradation and beautification of Patna city as a mark of deep reverence and respect to Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, added Mr. Kumar.
Expressing gratitude to Mr. Kumar, the Punjab Chief Minister said that his government would leave no stone unturned to observe this majestic occasion with complete dedication and religious fervor as we, especially the people of Punjab were fortunate enough to be a part of this glorious and sacred historical occasion. He also said that a ‘Sikh Conclave’ would be held around the coming ‘Baisakhi’ (during April, 2016) in Patna to propagate the life, works and philosophy of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji as a part of these glorious celebrations. The Punjab Chief Minister assured his Bihar counterpart that he along with Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal would soon call on the Union Railway Minister Mr. Suresh Prabhu to seek his personal intervention and approval for the up-gradation of Patna Railway station on priority.Mr. Badal also urged the Bihar Chief Minister to allot suitable chunk of land in Patna to set up some institutions.Exuding confidence over the superb celebrations on this momentous occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that Patna Sahib-the birth place of the Guru Sahib would be the center-stage during the celebrations of this holy occasion. He said that millions and millions of people across the globe were ardently longing for to be a part of this mega event.
He said the people of Punjab would certainly contribute in every possible way to this noble task. The Deputy Chief Minister apprised Mr. Kumar that he had already taken up the issue with Union Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley for making special budgetary provision for the commemoration of 350th Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji in the next Union Budget. Earlier, the Punjab Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister besides other dignitaries paid obeisance at Takht Sri Patna Sahib and were presented with Siropas (robe of honor) by the Takht management.Later, the Punjab Chief Minister along with Deputy Chief Minister met RJD supremo Mr. Lalu Prasad Yadav at his residence as a ‘courtesy call’.The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema.