Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Monday urged the people to rise above the narrow considerations of life and tread the path of humanism while dedicating self to the ideals of equality, brotherhood, and compassion.
Sinha made these remarks as he attended the ‘Shabad Kirtan’ organized by All J&K Sikh Coordination Committee to mark ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ at Gurdwara Sant Mela Singh Dastkari Ashram, Digiana, Jammu, an official press release informed.
It said the LG paid obeisance to Sahibzades, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and Mata Gujri Ji and urged the new generation to draw inspiration from their courage, perseverance, and sacrifice.
Addressing the gathering, the LG said people across the sections of society must be told about Guru’s influence in transforming society and enriching social values.
“Veer Baal Diwas would inspire all of us to uphold the unity and integrity of the nation and live with each other in peace and harmony. It is a day to rededicate ourselves to the ideals of equality, brotherhood, and compassion,” added the LG.
“Exemplary courage and sacrifice of Sahibzades and Guru Gobind Singh-ji’s life and teachings would continue to guide the path of humanity for all times to come. People must rise above the narrow outlook of life and tread the path of humanism,” the LG said.
The LG also highlighted the significant contribution of the Sikh community in nation-building and establishing a just and equal society.
“In this Amrut Kaal Khand, India stands proudly on the world stage tall, self-reliant, and full of self-confidence. We owe a debt of gratitude to Gurus and Sikh community for their immense and unparalleled contribution to the Country’s progress and prosperity. Vision of Gurus always inspires us to work to achieve greater heights,” he added.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to work for the welfare of the Sikh community, the LG assured appropriate action on the demands and needs of the community with the utmost sensitivity.
As requested by All J&K Sikh Coordination Committee, the statue of Baba Banda Singh-ji Bahadur will be installed in Bhagwati Nagar area of Jammu. Nangali Sahib Gurdwara, Poonch will be renovated, announced the LG.
District Administration and Tourism department have been directed to promote religious places of Sikh heritage in Poonch in a planned manner, he further added.
“We are fully committed to the promotion of the Punjabi language. I have instructed the Academy of Art, Culture & Languages to educate the citizens about the sacrifices of Sahibzades & spread the timeless teachings of Sikh Gurus. The administration has already established Guru Nanak Dev-ji chair at Jammu University and promoting the Punjabi language in school education,” said the LG.
The LG also appreciated the endeavour of the All J&K Sikh Coordination Committee to make the people aware of the bravery, sacrifice, and ideals of Sahibzade.
Mahant Manjeet Singh spoke on the sacrifices of Sahibzada Baba Ajeet Singh, Baba Jujhar Singh, Baba Zorawar Singh, and Baba Fateh Singh. He also expressed his gratitude to LG for heeding the demands of the Sikh community pertaining to the installation of the statue of Baba Banda Singh-ji Bahadur and efforts for the promotion of the Punjabi language in J&K among other issues.
S. Ajit Singh, chairman, All Jammu & Kashmir Sikh Co-ordination Committee expressed gratitude to the UT administration led by LG for taking cognizance of various concerning issues of the Sikh community and moving forward towards resolving the same with alacrity.
Kavinder Gupta, former deputy CM; Ravinder Raina, president, BJP J&K; Devender Singh Rana, former legislator; Baldev Singh Billawaria, Deputy Mayor, JMC, senior political and religious leaders and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.
Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Avny Lavasa, Deputy Commissioner Jammu; senior officials of police and civil administration; members of the Sikh Coordination Committee; eminent persons and intellectuals of the Sikh community were also present.
