The Punjab Government is continuing preparations at fast pace with regard to the 550th Parkash Purb celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the Jallianwala Bagh Centenary functions. The functions would be held at grand level in various big cities as well as the Districts. These views were expressed by the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister, Punjab, Charanjit Singh Channi in the review meeting of the functioning/activities of the Punjab Kala Parishad, Punjab Sangeet Natak Akademi, Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi and Punjab Sahit Akademi.Mr. Channi further while briefing about the functions to be held by the Punjab Kala Parishad regarding the 550th Parkash Purb celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji said that the main purpose of these functions is to guide the masses about Sikh history and philosophy. During these celebrations various functions such as Poetry Recitals, Rabab Utsav, Dhadhi Darbar, ‘Balihari Kudrat Vaseya’- Shabad Gayan and seminar, Plays- ‘Jithe Jithe Baba Pair Dhare’ and ‘Jag Chanan Hoa’, Discussion on the topic ‘Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Da Sandesh’, Paintings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji-Exhibition and Discussion, Malwai Folk Dance-Teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Folk Boliyan, Kirtan Darbar in accordance with the Ragas, Wall Paintings about Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji-Photo Exhibition and various seminars, would be organized.
The minister also said that during the centenary functions of Jallianwala Bagh the people would be sensitized about the sacrifices made by the martyrs of Punjab apart from their history. These functions would also see the programmes with regard to Music, Plays, Poetry Recitals being held while making the masses aware about the history of the Jallianwala Bagh. A letter would soon be written to all the Deputy Commissioners to ensure the success of these programmes. The presence of the local MLAs would also be ensured in these programmes.Divulging more, Mr. Channi said that special efforts would be made to include school and college students as well as the youth from the rural/urban areas in these programmes. He further directed the officers present to undertake sustained publicity campaigns to raise awareness regarding these programmes in the public. During the meeting, Dr. Surjit Patar apprised the minister of the activities undertaken by the Punjab Kala Parishad during previous period besides putting forward the future plans.
Among others present on the occasion included Principal Secretary, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Vikas Pratap, Chairman Punjab Kala Parishad Dr. Surjit Patar and General Secretary Dr. Lakhwinder Singh Johal, President Punjab Sangeet Natak Akademi Mr. Kewal Dhaliwal, President Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi Mr. Diwan Manna and President Punjab Sahit Akademi Dr. Sarbjit Kaur Sohal and other officers of the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department.