With blessings of Guru Sahib I get chance to dedicate Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor: Narendra Modi

Dera Baba Nanak, November 9, 2019: Terming it as a historic moment, the Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday expressed hope that Sri Kartarpur Sahib corridor would lead to overall peace and harmony between both countries facilitating easy access to other Gurdwaras in Pakistan allowing Khule Darshan Didar to all devotees.
Addressing a mammoth rally just before crossing over to Pakistan to pay obesiance at Sri Kartarpur Sahib, the Chief Minister said that the opening of corridor would lead to strengthening of mutual ties between the both countries, which would give further impetus to overall development and growth.
Thanking Prime Minister Modi for fulfilling long cherished demand of passage to prestigious Sikh place, Captain Amarinder Singh said all Punjabis including the entire Sikh community was grateful for this gesture. The opening of Corridor is fulfillment of our ardas, the Chief Minister said congratulating devotees of Guru Nanak Dev Ji settled across the globe.
Expressing his gratitude to PM for coming over to inaugurate the Corridor, Captain Amarinder Singh stated that the momentous occasion had once again joined the Sikh community with the scared place in our collective history which the sad partition of 1947 had snatched away from us.
The Chief Minister said that he had been blessed to pay obeisance at Sri Nanakana Sahib twice besides offering prayers at Sri Panja Sahib once, Captain Amarinder Singh said expressing happiness that now he would also be able to go and pay his respects at Gurudwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur.
Making an emotional appeal, the Chief Minister also exhorted the sangat to follow Guru Nanak Dev Ji's philosophy of environment preservation in letter and spirit by shunning paddy straw burning.
We owe this to our Guru Sahib, the Chief Minister said adding that by failing to take care of our surroundings we would fail in our duty to the Almighty.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister joined PM Modi in releasing a commemorative Rs. 550 coin and five postage stamps with pictures of five historical Gurdwaras related to the first Sikh Guru.
Later addressing the rally Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that with the blessings of Guru Sahib today he was getting the chance to dedicate the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and the integrated check post established at Dera Baba Nanak to the people.
Thanking the Captain Amarinder Singh led Punjab Government and the SGPC in ensuring the completion of the Corridor in due time, PM Modi also expressed his gratitude towards Pakistan PM Imran Khan.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji's life is an ideology in itself and his teachings serve as a guiding light for our conduct and behaviour, the Prime Minister said. Modi motivated the people to practically follow the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji and said that Sri Kartarpur Sahib is blessed place where Guru Sahib had shown the practical implementation of his teachings which includes 'Kirat Karo', ' Naam Japo and 'Vand Shako'. Mesage of universal love and brotherhood echoed by Guru Sahib at Sri Kartarpur Sahib would always enrich and guide us in all our future endeavours, the PM added.

PM ALONG WITH CAPTAIN AMARINDER PARTAKES LANGAR IN PUNJAB GOVERNMENT PANDAL
Dera Baba Nanak (Gurdaspur), November 9, 2019: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday partook langar during his visit to Dera Baba Nanak before the inauguration of historic Kartarpur corridor to mark 550th Prakash Purb celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Disclosing this, an official spokesman said that the Prime Minister along with Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and Governor V.P. Singh Badnore partook the ‘Langar’ in the pandal set up by the Punjab Government. Later, the Chief Minister honoured the Prime Minister, Governor, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal.
PPCC President Sunil Jakhar, Cooperation and Jails Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar, Chief Principal Secretary to CM Suresh Kumar, Political Secretary to CM Captain Sandeep Singh Sandhu, Registrar Cooperative Societies Vikas Garg, MD Markfed Varun Roozam, MD Milkfed Kamaldeep Singh Sangha and Deputy Commissioner Vipul Ujjwal were also present on the occasion.

CHEEMA APPEALS PM MODI FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NH CONNECTING SULTANPUR LODHI WITH LUDHIANA-AMRITSAR
Chandigarh/Sultanpur Lodhi, November 9, 2019: After the formal welcome of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his landing at helipad at village Busowal village, local MLA Navtej Singh Cheema also submitted a letter regarding the requisitions for the overall development of the city connected with Guru Nanak Dev ji. He urged the PM to connect Sultanpur Lodhi with Ludhiana-Amritsar with an 8-lane National highway. He added that being a historic holy city, Sultanpur Lodhi has also been a centre point of old trade point between Delhi and Lahore.
Mr. Cheema also requested the PM to sanction a Multi-specialty Hospital-cum-Medical College & Research Centre in order to improve the health facilities in the region. He added that around 100 km area around Sultanpur Lodhi has been lacking high-end health institution and sanctioning of health institution like AIIMS would be an honor to mark the celebrations of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji.
Local MLA said that in historic times, Sultanpur Lodhi was a major trade centre of North India and it is the need of hour to develop it as a major tourism place citing its historic importance. He added that 550th Parkash Purab is the best opportunity for the restoration of trade route and glory of this historic town by connecting it with National Highway.

STUDENTS EXHORT ONE & ALL TO EMULATE PHILOSOPHY OF SRI GURU NANAK DEV JI THROUGH PAINTINGS, CALLIGRAPHY
Chandigarh/Sultanpur Lodhi (Kapurthala), November 9, 2019: The people from all across the globe are converging on Sultanpur Lodhi in large numbers on the occasion of the 550th Prakash Purb celebrations of Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. On the other hand, the students from the Government Schools of the State are exhorting one and all to emulate the philosophy of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji through paintings as well as calligraphy.

The exhibition has been organized by the Punjab Small Scale Industry and Export Corporation (PSIEC) near the main pandal 'Guru Nanak Durbar' at Sultanpur Lodhi. The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has organized the exhibition in which the paintings as well as the calligraphy skills of the winners of the extra curricular academic competitions, dedicated to the Prakash Purb, have been displayed. The students have depicted the life and times of Guru Sahib through the colours besides showcasing the life, Udasis and philosophy of Guru Sahib through their calligraphic prowess.

A student of the 11th standard at Government Senior Secondary School, Sukhpur in District Barnala, Harpreet Singh has focussed on the greatness of 'Japji Sahib' through his calligraphy. Another student Kuldeep Singh (9th Standard) at Government High School, Mauran in Barnala has sought to attract attention towards the voice raised by Guru Sahib against various social evils.

The students have also brought into the limelight through the medium of colours, the universal principle of 'Kirt Karo, Naam Japo, Wand Chhako' as preached by Guru Sahib.

Giving details, the Chairman of PSEB Mr. Manohar Kant Kalohia said that the board organizes at regular intervals extra curricular academic competitions every year at the District, Regional and State level in the Government and recognized schools of Punjab. The competitions this year are dedicated to the Prakash Purb. The School Education Minister Mr. Vijay Inder Singla had on 3rd November at the State level competitions at the Desh Bhagat College in Bararwal (Dhuri) announced that the paintings and Calligraphic creations of the students which were part of the competition, would be displayed at the function at Sultanpur Lodhi, dedicated to the Prakash Purb, under which the present exhibition has been held. The exhibition would continue till 12th November.

VISITORS THRONG TO WATCH GRAND MULTIMEDIA LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW
Chandigarh/Sultanpur Lodhi (Kapurthala), November 9, 2019: Thousands of the people from all walks of the life thronged to witness the grand multimedia light and sound show in the 'Rabab' pandal set up at the holy city on Saturday night.
The Grand multimedia light and sound show is being organized by Punjab Government to commemorate the 550th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The General Manager Rail Coach Factory Mr. Ravinder Gupta participated in show as a devotee. The Regional Deputy Director of Local Bodies Department Mr. Barjinder Singh received Mr. Ravinder Gupta and apprised him about the feature of Grand Multimedia Light and Sound Show. ADC (D) Mr. A.S. Bhullar, SSP Vigilance Jalandhar range Mr. Diljinder Singh Dhillon were also present on the occasion.
Mr. Gupta said that the mesmerizing grand multimedia light and sound show is a befitting tribute to Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji which is disseminating the teachings and messages of Guru Ji including 'Work Hard, Chant God's Name and Share the Earnings', unity, peace, brotherhood, women empowerment, environment conservation among the people.
He exhorted the people to adopt the teachings of Great Guru in their lives. The devotee from various age groups watched the grand multimedia light and sound show and lauded the imitative for beautifully exhibiting the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Renowned Kavishar Bhai Hardev Singh paid a poetic tribute to Guru Nanak Dev ji besides apprising spectators about the life and philosophy of Baba Nanak in a poetic manner through vaars and poems. The presentation of Guru Nanak ji’s teaching and philosopy in such a way left audience mesmerized.
Hailing the efforts of state government Mr. Kulwant Singh a resident of Jalandhar City said that it was a noble efffort to bring out the message of brotherhood, peace and harmony through this artistic way.
The grand multimedia and light show will continue to impart the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji from November 6 to November 10 and then from November 13 to November 15 the show from 7 pm to 9:15 pm. On Nov 11, 12 and 13 the show will be held from 7 pm to 10:30 pm.

AS A MARK OF RESPECT TO WOMEN, FUNCTIONS ON 5TH DAY DEDICATED TO BEBE NANKI JI
Chandigarh/Sultanpur Lodhi (Kapurthala), November 9, 2019: The 5th day of the functions being held at the main pandal Guru Nanak Durbar in view of the 550thPrakash Purb celebrations of Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji were dedicated to Bebe Nanki Ji considering the respect accorded to women in Gurbani by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Today, renowned kirtani jathas of women recited kirtan and held the entire sangat spellbound.
In the beginning, the ragi jatha of Dr. Jasmeet Kaur from Jammu recited the kirtan and after that the ragi jathas of Bibi Simran Kaur from Ludhiana, Bibi Jasleen Kaur from Delhi and Dr. Gurinder Kaur from Delhi connected audience with the gurbani. After that, the jatha of Bibi Ishwinik Kaur from Delhi connected audience with the shabad guru through melodious rendering of shabads ‘Baleyo Chirag Andhar Mein’ and ‘Aao Meet Pyaare’. The jathas of Bibi Prabhjot Kaur Patiala and Dr. Jasbir Kaur Patiala also lent a spiritual colour to the atmosphere through their kirtan. On the occasion, Punjabi Singer Surinder Chhinda also paid obeisance.
In the aftermath of shabad kirtan by women jathas, special diwnas were held from 6-10 PM in which the ‘Path’ of Sri Rehras Sahib was held and the hukamnama taken after the ardaas. After this, Aarti kirtan was held. During the occasion, the children of Kalgidhar Trust, Sri Baru Sahib also recited gurbani kirtan. In the end, Kathawachak Karanjit Singh expressed his views

OBEISANCE PAID TO SRI GURU NANAK DEV JI DURING KAVI DURBAR ON EVE OF DERA BABA NANAK UTSAV
Chandigarh/Dera Baba Nanak (Gurdaspur), November 9, 2019: On the second day of Dera Baba Nanak Utsav being organized by the Punjab Government on everything of the 550th Prakash Purb celebrations of Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, eminent literary figures presented their views on presentation of Bani of Guru Sahib and his big legacy to the human race in different literary forms in Punjabi Literature such as Story, Play, Music, One Act Play.
During the seminar held on the subject 'Guru Nanak Dev Ji Da Punjabi Sahit Vich Bimb', various literary doyens such as Dr. Gurmukh Singh, Dr. Baldev Singh Dhaliwal, Dr. Sarbjit Singh Bedi, Dr. Satish Kumar Verma, Mr. Jatinder Bir Singh, Dr. Bhiminder Singh, Dr. Nivedita Singh, Dr. Rawail Singh, Dr. Baljinder Nasrali and Dr. Jasbir Singh Mand aired their views on literary contributions during different time periods by the litterateurs.
The litterateurs also were of the view that Guru Nanak Dev Ji emphasized oneness of the whole humanity and brought revolutionary changes in the Indian spiritual as well as cultural traditions from the aspects of Linguistic, Literary, Social and Religious Beliefs. Guru Sahib also gave new direction to the then prevailing forms of singing. The litterateurs were also of the view that the modern Punjabi story presents philosophy of Guru Sahib in a unique manner where Guru Sahib laid emphasis on social concerns.
On the occasion, a film festival was also held where various films related to Guru Sahib were shown. These included 'Eh Langha' by Harjit Singh, 'Kafir' by Varinderpal Singh, 'Gurpurab' by Sahib Singh, 'Ek Onkar' by Sukhjit Sharma and 'Chanan' by Satnam Singh. A play called 'Jeon Kar Suraj Niklaya' on the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and directed by playwright Kewal Dhaliwal was also staged.
On the occasion, various renowned poets such as the likes of Swaran Sawi, Dr. Gurbhajan Singh Gill, Gurcharan Pabbarali, Gurpreet Mansa, Sewa Singh Bhasho, Ravinder Bhatthal (President Punjabi Sahit Akademi), Pali Khadeem, Harmeet Vidhyarthi, Mohanjit Delhi, Jatinder Kumar Soni, Dr. Sarbjit Kaur Sohal, and Ravinder Masroor also presented their creations and paid obeisance to Guru Sahib through them.

PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TOURISM ASKS ALL DEPARTMENTS TO PLUG ALL THE STOPS FOR SMOOTH AND HASSLE FREE EXECUTION OF 550TH PARKASH PURB OF SRI GURU NANAK DEV JI
Chandigarh/Sultanpur Lodhi (Kapurthala), November 9, 2019: Principal Secretary Tourism Mr. Vikas Pratap today asked all the departments to plug all the stops for ensuring smooth and hassle free execution of the celebrations to mark 550th parkash purb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji at Sultanpur Lodhi.
The Principal Secretary, accompanied by Inspector General of Police Mr. Naunihal Singh and Deputy Commissioner Mr. DPS Kharbanda, said that the parkash purb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji would be celebrated across the globe on November 12. He said that the state government led by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh was commemorating this mega event in an unsurpassed manner. Mr. Vikas Pratap said that it was a lifetime opportunity and all of us should perform our duty zealously to ensure that devotees coming to the holy city do not face any sort of inconvenience.
The Principal Secretary reviewed the works being carried out by the various departments to facilitate the devotees coming at the holy city. He asked the departments of Power, Transport, Police, Water Supply and Sanitation, Local Government and others to ensure that devotees do not face any problem. Mr. Vikas Pratap categorically said all out efforts must be made to ensure that people celebrate this occasion with full religious gaiety and enthusiasm.
Principal Secretary said that the state government has made path breaking initiatives to facilitate the pilgrims coming to the holy city. He said that elaborate arrangements have been put in place to ensure that pilgrims could participate in this mega event. Mr. Vikas Pratap called upon all the officers to perform their duty zealously so that this mega event was celebrated in an unprecedented manner.

DWSS INSTALLS 60 SANITARY PADS VENDING MACHINES TO ENSURE MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG WOMEN PILGRIMS IN SULTANPUR LODHI
Chandigarh/Sultanpur Lodhi (Kapurthala), November 9, 2019: Aimed at providing clean drinking water and sanitation facilitie, the department of water supply and sanitation (DWSS) has taken a unique initiative to cater the pilgrims visiting the holy city Sultanpur Lodhi in the eve of 550th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji.
Divulging more, Superintending Engineer of the department Er. K.S. Saini said that instil awareness about sanitation facilities a comprehensive action plan has been chalked out by the department and has been executed in the city. As a part of this action plan to promote menstrual hygiene among women pilgrims as many as 60 sanitary pads vending machines have been installed at the all key location of the city to distribute free-of-cost sanitary pads.
The more has received a big response from the pilgrims as more than 15,000 sanitary pads have been distributed among the women pilgrims. The women staff and volunteers have been sensitize to carry out the task of distributing sanitary pads and to promote the use of these vending machines, said Er. Saini.
He added that for effective menstrual hygiene management (MHM), the dedicated efforts were made to create awareness and education about menstruation and menstrual hygiene and access to safe produce.
Er. Saini said that widespread usage of sanitary pads necessitates efficient collection and disposal infrastructure as well and the department has dedicatedly deployed two vans to collect all the used sanitary pads in order to dispose them off as per norms, adding he said that throughout various key locations in the city the pink dustbins were also placed for the women to dump the used sanitary pads.
He said that the initiavitve has been taken under the direction of Mrs. Rajia Sultana, cabinet minister, department of water supply and sanitation and Mrs. Jaspreet Talwar, secretary department of water supply and sanitation where as HDFC bank limited has supported the noble cause under its corporate social responsibility

E-EYES KEEPING STRICT VIGIL OVER EVERY ACTIVITY IN THE HOLY DURING FUNCTIONS TO MARK 550TH PARKASH PURB OF SRI GURU NANAK DEV JI
Chandigarh/Sultanpur Lodhi (Kapurthala), November 9, 2019: In order to keep a strict vigil over the security and law & order situation in the Sultanpur Lodhi during the commemorative functions to mark the 550th parkash purb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji around 1000 CCTV, Pan Tilt and Zoom (PTZ) and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras have been installed in the city and entry points which were being monitored 24X7 at the Integrated command and Control Centre (ICCC).
These cameras have been installed at strategic and vulnerable points in the holy city to ensure that no untoward incident takes place in the city. Divulging the details Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Satinder Singh said that Inspector General of Police Mr. Naunihal Singh was the chief architect and planner for the ICCC. He said that these high resolution and ultra modern cameras were acting as electronic eyes to ensure that each and every moment in the holy city was recorded. Mr. Satinder Singh said that while the CCTV cameras were being used for noticing everything that happens in the city, the PTZ cameras, which show the 360 degree video, have been installed at the vulnerable and highly congested points so that every activity was precisely recorded adding that these ultra modern cameras were also capable of detecting fire at some place due to which it could be very helpful in tackling any sort of urgency. He further said that ANPR cameras have been installed at the main entry points of the city so as to record the entry and exit of every vehicle coming to the holy city.
The Senior Superintendent of Police said that the basic purpose was to ensure that the pilgrims coming to the city do not face any sort of problem and were able to participate in the commemorative functions with religious fervor and gaiety. He said that the staff has been deputed round the clock to monitor the movement on these cameras at the ICCC for which a huge LED wall has been erected at the centre. Mr. Satinder Singh said that dedicated personnel on 24 consoles were keeping a hawk’s eye on everything cached by these cameras.

PUNJAB GOVT DEDICATES NOVEMBER EDITION OF ITS MAGAZINES TO 550TH PARKASH PURAB OF SHRI GURU NANAK DEV JI
Chandigarh/Sultanpur Lodhi, November 9, 2019: Punjab Government has dedicated the November edition if its magazines to the 550th Parkash Purab of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The speech of former president of India Dr Zakir Husain delivered during the 500th Parkash Purab of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji has also been included in these magazines. Besides, the translations of writings of former president of India, Dr Radhakrishnan and other scholars about first Sikh Guru have also been included in these magazines.
In this special edition, an article on topic “Rabab in Sikh History” by Ravee Pandher has been included. This article mentions in detail about the origin and relevance of Rabab in Sikh history. Articles by Tamil Nadu’s former Governor Dr Ujjal Singh and eminent writer Dr Maheep Singh, and other eminent scholars and writers have also been included in the magazines.
The magazines, Vikas Jagriti (Punjabi), Vikas Jagriti (Hindi) and Punjab Advance (English) are being distributed free of cost amongst the pilgrims attending the 550th Parkash Purab celebrations of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Sultanpur Lodhi. She informed that 60,000 copies of Vikas Jagriti (Punjabi), 15,000 copies of Vikas Jagriti (Hindi), 25,000 copies of Punjab Advance (English), 40,000 brochures in Punjabi, 35,000 brochures in English, more than 5,000 each flyers in Punjabi & English languages and more than 15,000 welcome folders. She stated that main aim of distributing this literature free of cost is to make the masses aware about the life and teachings of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This literature is being well received by the pilgrims.
Paris (France) based NRI’s Sukhdev Singh and his wife, who basically hail from village Vatanwali Kalan, have been visiting Sultanpur Lodhi for attending the 550th Parkash Purab celebrations. They were so ecstatic over this initiative of the Punjab government, that they took more than 100 magazines with them for distribution on their own in France.