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VIRASAT-E-KHALSA AS ONE OF THE WONDERS OF THE WORLD..BADAL
BJP President Mr Nitin Gadkari address religious congregation
at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
CM TO BE BESTOWED WITH PANTH RATTAN FAKHAR-E-QUAM
SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB NOVEMBER 25:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today described the state-of-the-art Virasat-e-Khalsa as ‘one of the wonders of the world’ to showcase the history of Sikhism and Khalsa Panth for our future generations.
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Addressing a religious congregation here after dedicating the prestigious Virasat-e-Khalsa to the humanity by the Head Priests of five Takhats in his presence and the President Shiromani Akali Dal & Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Chief Minister said that it was his sheer passion to erect such memorial to perpetuate the rich legacy of 550 years of Sikhism right from Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji till partition in 1947 amongst our youth to enable them to become ideal citizens of the society. Mr. Badal was exteremly humbled while dedicating this prestigious project to the mankind saying that he alone could not accomplish this gigantic task without the blessings of the Almighty and unstinted support and cooperation from the masses.
Mr. Badal lamented the way the entire Congress leadership of the state disuaded the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh from particiapting in today’s historic function as it was his keen desire to get this world class project dedicated to the nation by an eminent personality of his stature.
Taking a dig at the opposition, Mr. Badal further said that he was pained to note that despite of extending personal invitations to all the MLAs and Members of the Parliament they did not participated in today’s function meaning thereby they have virtually bycotted it. Mr. Badal asked “Had they bycotted my invitation or Virasat-e-Khalsa, adding Mr. Badal said that these leaders owe an explanation to the public for this unsavory behaviour”. Mr. Badal in an emotive gesture said that the God had bestowed upon countless blessings on him and his family and he would ever remain indebted to the Almighty and pray to God to give him strength for serving the Khalsa Panth, Punjab and its people till his last breath.
Expressing gratitude to the world aclaimed architect Mr. Moshe Saifde who concepulaised and designed the Virasat-e-Khalsa, the Chief Minister said that he met him at Jerusalem in Isreal 13 years ago and asked him to construct a monument of grandeure on the pattern of one constructed in the rememberance of martyrs of Isreal. He said his dream has been fulfilled today with Mr.Moshe’s hard work and dedication. Mr. Badal honoured Mr. Moshe Saifde and his wife who were present on the occasion.
Mr. Badal said that it was the bounden duty of the government to construct such memorials to connect the past moments in the format of history with present in today’s relevance and this wonder in form of Virasat-e-Khalsa was a right step in this direction. He said that his government would also dedicate Chhota Galughara Memorial in Khanuwan Chamb in Gurdaspur district, Wadda Galugharsa at Kup Rahera in Sangrur distrct and Fateh Burj as Baba Bandha Singh War Memorial at Chhapar Chiri in Mohali district on November 28, 29 and 30 respectively.
On the occasion, Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh announced to confer the title of Panth Rattan Fakhar-e-Quam on the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal for his outstanding contribution and services for the welfare of Sikh panth on December 5 at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib.
In his address the President of SAD & Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that it was the endeavour of SAD-BJP government to construct these memorials to commemorate the supreme sacrifices of the martyrs who laid down their lives for the Sikh panth. He said that nations who forget their martyrs or heroes were bound to vanish with the passage of time. He said that the Virasat-e- Khalsa was a dream project of the Chief Minister which has been cherieshed by the grace of God. He said: “I bow my head in reverence to the great saints, religious and spritual leaders who had specially come from different parts of the country to grace the occasion”.
The Deputy Chief Minister further said that the Sikh history was replete with numerous selfless sacrifices and we have inherited this legacy from our great Gurus and Martyrs. He appealed the youth to take a vow to abstain from the menace of drugs to ensure a harmonious and prospers Punjab as a befitting tributes to our great Gurus and martyrs.
National BJP President Mr. Nitin Gadkari in his address highly appreciated the initiative of Mr. Badal for dedicating this world fame project to the mankind. He said that it was unfortunate that Prime Minister did not attend the function despite being inivited by the Chief Minister personally. Mr. Gadkari hoped that the Virasat-e-khalsa monument would go a long way in imbibing the spirit of communal harmony, national integration, brotherhood and peace as showcased by it in the right perspective as per the tenets of Sikhism.
Prominent amongst others who spoke on the occasion included founder of the Art of the Living Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Bapu Asha Ram, Architect Moshe Saifde, former MP from Pakistan Rai Aziz Uallah, SGPC President Jathedar Avtar Singh, Managing Editor Ajit Group of Papers Dr. Barjender Singh Hamdard. Those who attended the function included Mr.Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Dr. Upderjit Kaur, Mr.Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Mr.Tikshan Sud, Capt. Balbir Singh Bath (all Cabinet Ministers), Advisor to Chief Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Media Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Harcharan Bains, Mr. Nand Lal and Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Josh (both Chief Parliamentary Secretaries) MP from Amritsar Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu, MP from Faridkot Mrs. Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, MP from Tarn Taran Mr. Rattan Singh Ajnala, President Youth Akali Dal Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, former Deputy Speaker Lok Sabha Mr. Charanjit Singh Attwal, Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra and Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal (all General Secretaries of SAD), former Education Minister Pakistan Punjab Janab Mian Imran Mayood and former Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal. Besides senior leaders and party workers of SAD-BJP, religious, spiritual and social leaders and members of the SGPC also attended the congregation.
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VIRASAT-E-KHALSA DEDICATED TO HUMANITY
- FIVE SIKH HEAD PRIESTS AND BADAL PERFORM THE CEREMONY
- VIRASAT-E-KHALSA DENOTES THE MESSAGE OF ‘SARBAT DA BHALA’-BADAL
- BADAL THANKS WAHEGURU FOR ACCOMPLISHING THIS MONUMENTAL TASK
- SEEKS FORGIVENESS FROM GOD FOR ANY INADVERTENT MISTAKE IF COMMITTED BY HIM IN LIFE
- UKHBIR DESCRIBES VIRASAT-E-KHALSA AS 8TH WONDER OF WORLD
ANANDPUR SAHIB, NOVEMBER 25:
A golden chapter in the history was scripted today as Five Sikh Head Priests and Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today dedicated Virasat-E-Khalsa, a monumental museum depicting the evolution of Khalsa Panth, right from Guru Nanak era to Guru Gobind Singh’s Khalsa Raj, depicting the unparalleled sacrifices of Sikhs for unity and integrity of the country.
As the five head priests of five Takhts and Mr. Badal dedicated it to the humanity, religious heads of all religions, representatives of all casts and people from various countries described it a new symbol of humanity depicting universal brotherhood and love.
Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal honoured the people associated with the project with robe of honour and Sukhbir in his address described Virasat-E-Khalsa as 8th wonder of the world that is set to put Sri Anandpur Sahib on global tourist map.
Dedicating Virasat-E-Khalsa to the humanity, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh described it as a important day in the history when the first project of its own kind depicting history and evolution of Khalsa Panth was being inaugurate. He said that the vividly depicted sacrifices of Sikhs in this memorial are set to perpetuate the memory of martyrs.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal thanked Almighty for giving him strength and opportunity to accomplish this monumental task and his humble duty towards Sikh Panth and humanity.
In an emotionally choked voice Mr. Badal said that, “I am thankful to Waheguru that he made me Chief Minister four times, gave me an opportunity to conceive and complete this monumental project besides monuments dedicated to Chotta Ghallughara, Vadda Ghallughara and victory of Sirhind by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. These monuments would be guiding force for our future generations that are set to educate them about selfless sacrifices of Sikhs for guarding the unity and integrity of the country”.
The Chief Minister said that we should view Virasat-E-Khalsa rising above all religions, all parties, all castes as this monument is dedicated to the humanity denoting the message of ‘Sarbatt Da Bhala’ given to us by the first Guru of Sikhs. Lamenting that we are alienating ourselves from the rich religious and cultural heritage and our younger generation was oblivious of selfless sacrifices of Sikhs, he said that we hardly remembered Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, who 12 years after formation of Khalsa Panth was responsible for First Khalsa Raj in India. Describing Baba Banda Singh Bahadur as first martyr of freedom struggle, he said that monument at Chapparchirri to be inaugurated on 30th November, 2011 would remind the coming generation about his bravery and selfless sacrifice.
Mr. Badal said that next five days would be the most important days in the history of the world when such an important historical monuments would be dedicated to the humanity. Mr. Badal said that Vadda Ghallughara memorial at Kup Rahiri, depicting the holocaust of 35000 and Chotta Ghallughara memorial at Kahnuwan Chhumb, dedicated to holocaust of 15000 Sikhs would keep their memories alive for future generation.
He said that it was God’s grace that gave him strength and power to visualize these projects and translate them into reality. He said that it was on God’s direction that I was able to meet Moshe Safidi during my visit to Israel and could motivate him to plan and construct Virasat-E-Khalsa. He said that I am thankful to the God that I have been able to serve the people of Punjab for Four terms as Chief Minister and accomplish these tasks successfully. He sought forgiveness from the God for any inadvertent mistake committed by him during his lifetime. “I am at the fag end of my life, when I may get a call of the God anytime but I am fully satisfied that with the grace of God I have been able to accomplish these projects and do my humble duty to Khalsa Panth”.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, National President Bhartiya Janata Party, expressed happiness to be associated with the inaugural function of Virasat-E-Khalsa that was depicting 500 year old history of Khalsa Panth. He said that he and his family was associated with Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib Nanderh and he was indebted to Sardar Badal for associating him with this project. Mr. Gadkari said that being associated with conceptualization of many concrete projects, I find this a world class project that exceeds your imaginations. He congratulated Mr. Badal for conceptualizing such a project and getting it completed with a record time.
Spiritual Guru, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, speaking on the occasion, said that every Indian citizen was indebted to Khalsa Panth for countless and selfless sacrifices made by them at alter of freedom of Freedom struggle. He said that this monument Virasat-E-Khalsa is going to connect our future generations with our heritage. He said that our heritage is just like our root, stronger the root stronger would be the civilization. Paying glorious tributes to Sikh Gurus Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said that in this era of corruption, the message of universal brotherhood and selfless sacrifices of Sikh Gurus should be propagated every nook and corner of the country. He said that time has come when every citizen should become ‘Sant-Sipahi’.
Earlier renowned Bollywood singer Asha Bhonsle, started the function with Shabad Gayan and recited the ‘Mere Sahib, Mere Sahib’. She was emotional as she recalled her association with Takhat Sri Hazoor Sahib, Nanderh and said that every Maharashtrian family was indebted to Sikh Gurus for blessing them with Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib. She said that though she has sung so many Punjabi songs but it was her maiden visit to Punjab.
Jaspinder Narula rendered the shabad ‘Deh Shiva Bar Mohe Ehe, Shubh Karman Te Kabhun Nan Taroon’, and it was followed by Ardass by Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib’s Jathedar Giani Tarlochan Singh.
As five head priests accompanied by Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal pushed the button to unveil the inaugural plaque, the whole sky was filled with fireworks and a glider showered flower petals over the assembled congregation marking the new chapter in the history of Khalsa Panth.
After the inaugurating the project the dignitaries were conducted through the galleries of the project depicting the history and evolution of Khalsa Panth in 15 different galleries.
Besides all cabinet ministers including Mr. Tikshan Sud, Mr. Avtar Singh Makkar, President SGPC, Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Om Parkash Chautala, Former Chief Minister Haryana, Mr. Navjot Sidhu Member Parliament, Harsimrat Kaur Badal,l Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Members Parliament, Jagat Guru Shankracharaya Jyotirmath Swami Madhav Ashram Ji, Bapu Asa Ram, Mian Mr. Imran Massod, Education Minister Pakistan, Mr. Rai Azizullah, Member Paliament Pakistan, Mr. Vaiko, Member Parliament, Mr. Dalip Sangheri, Agriculture Minister Gujrat, Mr. Moshe Saifdi, Israeli Architect. Mr. N.S. Rai, Executive Director L&T, Ruby Dhala, Former Canadian MP, Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, Mr. Gurbax Singh Malhi, Former Canadian Minister, Mr. Barjinder Singh Hamdard, Editor Ajit, Mr. Raj Chengappa, Editor In Chief, Tribune Group, Mr. Vipan Pubby, Resident Editor Indian Express, Mr. Manish Tiwari, Editor Daily Post, Youth Akali Dal President, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Bibi Jagir Kaur former SGPC Chief, Mr. Darbara Singh Guru, Principal Secretary to CM and First Baptised Sikh policeman in Canada Mr. Baljit Singh Dhillon, were also present on the occasion.
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