Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, accompanied by Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, today dedicated the recently installed 81 feet high stainless steel ‘Khanda’ to the humanity in a simple and impressive ceremony.The Chief Minister in the presence of Sikh priests and various political leaders dedicated this majestic ‘Khanda’ made of stainless steel to the people amidst great enthusiasm, gaiety and religious fervor. As soon as Mr. Badal dedicated this iconic ‘Khanda’ to the people the entire park was enthralled with the slogans of ‘Bole So Nihal Sat Sri Akal’. Mr. Badal unveiled the plaque to mark the inauguration of ‘Khanda’ installed here in the Panj Piyaras park after the Ardas ceremony performed by the Sikh high priests. On the occasion, the fireworks were displayed and martial art-Gatka was performed by several teams.
Dedicating the ‘Khanda’ to the masses, the Chief Minister said that it was 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’. Recalling the immense significance of ‘Khanda’ in the annals of Sikh history, he 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. Mr. Badal said that ‘Khanda’ symbolizes the eternal spirit of universal brotherhood, courage and valor against the tyranny, oppression and injustice.
Prominent among others who were present on the occasion included Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib Giani Mal Singh, Chief Sant Samaj Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, Rajya Sabha MPs Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Lok Sabha MP Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Cabinet Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema and Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal and Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema.