Punjab government is making special efforts to preserve the heritage and history of the state, said Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Cabinet Minister, Punjab, after reviewing the arrangements of state level function to be organised in the memory of Baba Banda Singh Bhadur. He said that on one hand, the state government is celebrating the centenaries of martyrs at a large-scale and on the other hand, monuments pertaining to history and religion of different communities are being set up.Mr. Thandal informed that under the guidance of Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Bada, the state government is organising a state level function on June 26 at Chappar Chiri, to mark the 300th martyrdom day of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. He said that besides the residents of Hoshiarpur, people from across the globe are expected to participate in the event. Mr. Thandal said that to mark the event , country's leading event management will organize a laser show at the historic Aam Khas Bagh in Sirhind wherein the life and philosophy of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur will be highlighted.
He said that the event will go a long way in creating awareness in the minds of younger generation, about the great contribution of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. He said that it is little known to the modern day youngsters that Baba Banda Singh Bahadur brought the feudal structure under the Mughal rule to an end and issued coins and stamps in the name of Guru Nanak Dev ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He said that it is pertinent to recall that Baba Banda Singh Bahadur first established Khalsa Raj in 1710.He said that in village Khuralgarh of the district a memorial of Sri Guru Ravi Dass is being set up to perpetuate his teachings and added that the construction work of the memorial is in full swing. Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister, Punjab said that constant efforts are being made to preserve the culture and heritage of the state . He said the state government during its tenure of last nine years, has celebrated the prominent religious events of every religion in an absolutely secular manner which has gone a long way in strengthening the bonds of brotherhood. Mr. Thandal went on to say that the state government has built a memorials dedicated to the vadda and chota Ghalughara (carnage )at the cost of Rs. 42 cr., which are duly perpetuating the marshal history of Punjab. He said that construction of Baghwan Valmik Tirath Sthal in Amritsar, at a cost of Rs. 105 cr is in full swing. Similarly, construction of other memorials dedicated to Baba Moti Ram Mehra and Baba Jiwan Singh ji are underway. He added that efforts are afoot to boost tourism in the state as well, through these monuments and memorials.