Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today approved the installation of 70 feet high stainless steel ‘Khanda’ as a symbolic to the glorious legacy and rich cultural heritage of Sri Anandpur Sahib on the 350th anniversary of the foundation of the ‘city of bliss’.A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister, while presiding over a high level meeting to finalise the arrangements to commemorate this mega event at the holy city of Sri Ananpur Sahib from June 17-19, here at Punjab Bhawan this evening.Recalling the immense significance of ‘Khanda’ in the Sikh history, the Chief Minister said that its installation would be a humble tribute to the great philosophy of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, who laid the foundation of ‘Khalsa Panth’ on the auspicious day of Baisakhi in 1699 at Sri Anandpur Sahib. He said that ‘Khanda’ symbolises the eternal spirit of universal brotherhood, courage and valour against the tyranny, oppression and injustice.
The Chief Minister also approved the format of Invitation Card to be sent to the dignitaries besides the design of momento and the Gold plated commemorative coin to be issued on the historic occasion. He also asked the Executive Committee to bring out a brochure depicting the brief history and origin of Sri Anandpur Sahib to apprise the people about its glorious past and rich legacy. Mr. Badal also reviewed the ongoing activities related to the commemoration of this gala event and appealed the people from different walks of life in the country and abroad to ensure their participation with full religious fervour and gaiety. In order to streamline and oversee the arrangements meticulously, the Chief Minister constituted a special panel comprising Cabinet Ministers Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema and Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Lok Sabha MP Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Vice Chancellor Punjabi University Dr. Jaspal Singh, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Deputy Commissioner Ropar Ms. Tanu Kashyap, Secretary SGPC Mr. Roop Singh and Member SGPC Mr. Amarjeet Singh Chawla. The committee has been mandated to deal with the day-to-day affairs for the celebrations of this mega event.
Prominent amongst others present in the meeting included Cabinet Ministers Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema and Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Lok Sabha MP Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Rajya Sabha Members Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, President SGPC Jathedar Avtar Singh, former MP Mr. Tarlochan Singh, Vice Chancellor Punjabi University Dr. Jaspal Singh, Additional Chief Secretary PWD Mr. NS Kalsi, Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs Mrs. Anjali Bhawra, Secretary Irrigation Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu, Director Local Bodies Mr. Priyank Bharti, Deputy Commissioner Ropar Ms. Tanu Kashyap and Brig (Retd.) J.K. Gagneja.