Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today paid tributes to the Sahibzades, Mata Gujri Ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 'Vishesh Shaheedi Samagam', a programme organised by 'All Jammu Kashmir Sikh Coordination Committee' on ‘Veer Baal Diwas’, at Gurdwara Digiana Ashram.
“Sikh Gurus have made unparalleled sacrifices for the country. India and its history have witnessed the efforts of the Sikh community and the Sikh Gurus to awaken the society and continuously protect its values,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has taken various steps to honor the legacy of Sikh Gurus and revive their legacy. For hassle-free pilgrimage Sri Kartarpur Sahib corridor was developed and state-of-the art infrastructure was created for devotees, he said.
The Lieutenant Governor further said that the government has also ensured FCRA registration of the Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, Sri Darbar Sahib, Punjab, creating opportunity for global Sikh Sangat to partake in sewa.
He said the ideals of revered Sikh Gurus are inspiring the society to move forward on the path of peace and progress by strengthening our faith towards Maa Bharti. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor called upon the young generation to learn from the history, honor the sacrifice of the brave Sahibzades and respect the legacy of Guru Gobind Singh ji.
“Guru Gobind Singh Ji's life and teachings are a source of inspiration for our soldiers guarding country's frontiers. Today's solemn occasion reminds all of us to uphold the unity and integrity of the nation and strengthen the bond of brotherhood,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said the traditional values taught by Sikh Gurus symbolizes the priceless spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat which inspires us to make India a more powerful, progressive and advanced nation.
“On the occasion of 'Veer Baal Diwas', we should take a pledge to remind the all sections of society about supreme sacrifices of Pujya Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj, Mata Gujri and the four Sahibzades,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor lauded the immense contribution of Sikh community in all-round progress of the country with a commitment to make India a stronger and more prosperous nation.
The Lieutenant Governor also spoke on the efforts taken by the government to resolve long pending issues of the Sikh community including installation of statue of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur ji in Jammu, establishment of Guru Nanak Dev Ji Chair in Jammu University, implementation of Anand Marriage Act & notification of rules.
Reiterating the commitment of the government for the promotion of Punjabi language, the Lieutenant Governor said the course curriculum is being prepared to promote Punjabi Language in schools of Jammu region.
The Lieutenant Governor also felicitated youth of Sikh Community who have excelled in diverse fields. Mahant Manjeet Singh; S. Ajit Singh, Chairman All Jammu Kashmir Sikh Coordination committee, members of Sikh Coordination Committee and eminent persons of the Sikh community were present.
Dr. Narinder Singh Raina, MLA RS Pura Jammu South; Sh Anand Jain, ADGP Jammu; Sh Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, senior officials of Police and Civil administration were also present on the occasion.