Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has assured fulsome support and cooperation to Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) for observance of 300th martyrdom day of legendary Sikh Warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur in a befitting manner.A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister during a meeting with President of DSGMC Mr. Manjit Singh GK, who called on him at his residence late last evening.The Chief Minister said that the state government has already agreed to bear the entire expenditure on installation of a life size statue of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur at Delhi. Likewise, he said that every effort would be made to observe this solemn occasion with religious fervor.
Assuring full support to DSGMC for this mega event, Mr. Badal said that state government would leave no stone unturned to ensure that it would be observed with full enthusiasm and religious spirit.The Chief Minister said that elaborate arrangements would be made for organizing march from Gurdas Nangal and Takht Sri Huzoor Sahib to mark the 300th martyrdom day of this iconic warrior. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that support from Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee would also be solicited to make this event a grand success. He said that the entire Sikh community was highly indebted to this iconic Sikh warrior, who ravaged the Mughal Empire to avenge the death of Sahibzadas of tenth master Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji.
The Chief Minister said that Baba Banda Singh Bahadur laid down the foundation of Khalsa Raj in India with the victory over Mughal rule. He said that great Sikh martyr was a true socialist, who abolished the Zamindari system of land under the control of Mughals and made the tillers and cultivators, the actual owners of the land and issued coins and seals in the name of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji. “This historic day reminds of supreme sacrifice by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur which will ever prove to be a beacon for younger generations to seek inspiration from his martyrdom” he added.
Prominent amongst other present in the meeting included Cabinet Minister Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Vice Chancellor Punjabi University Dr. Jaspal Singh, former Minister Jathedar Sewa Singh Sekhwan, President Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee Jathedar Avtar Singh, President Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Jathedar Manjit Singh GK and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema.