Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal along with Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal today dedicated the ‘Golden Temple Entrance Plaza’ to the people in a simple and impressive ceremony.Dedicating the ‘Golden Temple Entrance Plaza’ to the people, the Chief Minister in his address termed it as an Architectural Marvel which was humble tribute by the state government to add to zing of the Sri Harmandir Sahib. He said that constructed at a cost of Rs 130 crore this plaza was the result of strenuous efforts of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who had paid special attention for conceiving and executing this project. Mr. Badal said that it was the most important day of his life as the state government has been able to contribute a little towards the most revered place of the Sikh panth.
The Chief Minister further said that the SAD-BJP alliance government was committed for perpetuating the glorious history of the state for which stupendous efforts were being made by them. He said that the state government has constructed world class monuments like Viraasat-e-Khalsa Memorial at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Chapparchiri War Memorial at Mohali, Memorials of big and small holocaust at Sangrur and Gurdaspur besides the upcoming ‘Jang-e-Azaadi’ memorial at Kartarpur. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that special focus was being laid on the development of the religious towns of state.The Chief Minister further said that the state government was following the footsteps of the great Gurus, saints and seers for ensuring the overall welfare of every strata of the society. He said that special thrust was also being laid for developing every religious place of the state. Expressing gratitude to the every worker involved in this ambitious project, Mr. Badal said that this gigantic task could not be accomplished without their hard work.
Earlier addressing the gathering Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh, Head of Damdami Taksal Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma, President SGPC Jathedar Avtar Singh and President DSGMC Mr. Manjit Singh GK lauded the state government for constructing the plaza.Later on talking to the media persons, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the Union Government would soon start the work on making the holy city Amritsar into a ‘Smart City’. He said that the ‘Smart City’ project was in pipeline and the necessary planning regarding it was being done by the Union government.
On the occasion the Chief Minister made a fervent appeal to the people of Punjab to celebrate Deepawali by making a solemn pledge of upholding peace, amity, brotherhood and communal harmony in the state at every cost.Punjab Tourism Department also launched a pictographic booklet to mark the occasion. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike and Mr. Anil Joshi, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Inderbir Singh Bolaria, MLAs Mr. Manjit Singh Mianwind and Mr. Baljit Singh Jalal Usma and Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. PS Aujla.