early times report
Chandigarh, Nov 24: In a historic special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha convened to mark the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Punjab Cabinet Minister and State President of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Mr. Aman Arora, paid homage to the Ninth Guru Ji’s unparalleled sacrifice, underscoring its profound and urgent relevance for contemporary India.
While addressing the special session at Bhai Jaita Ji memorial, Mr. Arora stated, “By the grace of Guru Sahib, we gather on this sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib to bow our heads to commemorate his 350th Martyrdom Day. While words may fall short to encompass the philosophy and sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, his sacrifice is the testimony in the world history where a great soul laid down his life for the protection of another faith.”
Articulating the unique nature of the Guru Sahib Ji’s martyrdom, Mr. Aman Arora noted that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s unparalleled sacrifice was supreme act of unity, bridging all religions and faiths of Hindustan and became the ‘Hind di Chadar’. His devoted sikhs—Bhai Mati Das, was brutally sawn in half alive, Bhai Sati Das, was immolated alive, while, Bhai Dayala ji was boiled alive—remained unflinching in their faith.
Detailing Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s concrete initiatives to honour the Guru’s core message of religious freedom and interfaith harmony, Mr. Aman Arora said that the state government has consciously worked to follow the Guru Sahib’s path. This commitment is reflected in tangible allocations of Rs 25 crore for the Dera Ballan Research Centre, Rs. 35 crore for the Bhagwan Valmiki Panorama at Ram Tirath, Amritsar, Rs. 75 crore for the Kali Mata Temple complex and Rs 25 crore Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra scheme.
Mr. Arora stressed that these initiatives are not just financial allocations, but a conscious endeavour to uphold Guru Sahib's message of ensuring every individual has the unbridled freedom to practice their faith and it's the state's paramount duty to safeguard every religion and school of thought.
Highlighting the relevance of the special session as a beacon of unity, Mr. Aman Arora stated that at a time when attempts are being made across the country to divide society in the name of caste, religion and communalism—as witnessed in the tragedies of Manipur and Haryana—this session is essential. |
