Punjab Minister for Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Charanjit Singh Channi urged the Union Tourism and Culture Minister, Prahlad Singh Patel to release Rs100 crore for the celebrations of the 550th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in which a large number of devotees from all across the globe will participate. Mr Channi, who called upon Mr Patel at his office in Transport Bhawan, New Delhi today, said that the devotees from all parts of India and abroad as well those who respect the philosophy of the Great Guru are eagerly awaiting to be a part of these grand celebrations. Keeping this in view, the Union government should release these funds on priority bases so that all the arrangements are made well in advance. Mr Channi also extended an invitation to the Union Tourism and Culture Minister for the celebrations by the state government led by Punjab Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh.Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister also sought to declare Dera Baba Nanak and Batala townships of Punjab as heritage cities as the Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji had spent a significant time of his life in these townships.
Charanjit Singh Channi said that both these townships were as much linked to the journey of the great Guru’s life as were the revered Sultanpur Lodhi and Sri Kartarpur Sahib.He also demanded Rs400crore for the development works to be undertaken for both these historically important citiesMr Channi suggested that the Sahitya Academy work in collaboration with the State government for the celebration programs so that the philosphy and the Guru’s messages of universal brotherhood, tolerance and compassion should be disseminated all over the world. Mr Patel informed that the National Book Trust is already in the process of translating the teaching of the great Guru in other regional languages of India. The Union minister assured Mr Channi of the wholesome support from the centre and that the proposal will be considered on priority basis.Also present in the meeting were Principal Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Punjab, Mr Vikas Pratap; Special Secretary cum Director Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mr Malwinder Singh Jaggi; Union Secretary Tourism, Mr Yogendra Tripathi; Director General Tourism, Ms Meenakshi Sharma; Joint Secretary Tourism, Mr Suman Billa .