“Sacred Service, True Honor” - Mann Government Hands Over 71 Crores for Development of 142 Villages Connected to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Dhuri (Sangrur), November 23, 2025: Under efforts dedicated to the 350th martyrdom day of the ninth Patshah (Guru) Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has distributed checks worth 71 crore rupees for the development of 142 villages and cities in the state that received the touch of Guru Sahib Ji’s feet.

Today at the check distribution ceremony here, calling it a humble effort of the Punjab government, the Chief Minister said that these efforts are very small compared to Guru Sahib Ji’s martyrdom, great life and philosophy, but the Punjab government is fulfilling its duty as devotion and respect towards Guru Sahib Ji. He told that these grants will be used for strengthening infrastructure, facilities for the congregation (sangat), beautification of paths leading to the holy places and other necessary development works, so that these villages and cities can be equipped with modern facilities. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this effort is an important and historic step in the direction of care of Guru Sahib Ji’s holy places, their promotion and better facilities for the congregation.

In today’s program, checks were handed over to sarpanchs, councilors and other elected people’s representatives of villages and cities from Malwa, Doaba and Majha regions.

During this, he said that celebrating the 350th martyrdom day of the ninth Sikh Guru Ji is a historic moment for all of us. Guru Ji gave an unparalleled sacrifice for the protection of humanity. He said that we all are fortunate that we are getting the good fortune of becoming part of these great events in our life. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Akal Purakh (God) has blessed the Punjab government immensely to fulfill its service in this great work and the government will not leave any shortcoming in this noble work.

The Chief Minister invited people to walk on the path shown by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for humanity. He said that the Punjab government is committed to celebrating this holy occasion with devotion. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Guru Sahib Ji’s universal message of peace, humanity, love and brotherhood is extremely relevant even in today’s national and international perspective.

The Chief Minister appealed to reach the programs happening in Sri Anandpur Sahib from 23 to 25 November dedicated to the 350th martyrdom day of the ninth Patshah Ji, saying that all arrangements have been made for the convenience of the congregation in these events. He told that Nagar Kirtan (religious procession) has departed from Srinagar and from three cities of Punjab - Faridkot, Gurdaspur and Talwandi Sabo, which will pass through almost all cities of the state. He appealed to people to join the Nagar Kirtan and have darshan (viewing). Large numbers of congregations are participating with devotion in these Nagar Kirtans dedicated to Guru Sahib Ji’s holy day. Ambulance, digital museum, langar (free food) arrangement and other necessary arrangements will be available for the convenience of the congregation walking with the Nagar Kirtan.

The Chief Minister told that the Nagar Kirtan that departed from Srinagar on 19 November, passing through Jammu, Pathankot, Dasuha, Hoshiarpur, Mahilpur, Garh Shankar and other cities, will conclude on 22 November in the holy city Sri Anandpur Sahib founded by the ninth Patshah Ji.

Bhagwant Singh Mann said that on 20 November, three Nagar Kirtans have been organized from Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo), Faridkot and Gurdaspur and all these four Nagar Kirtans will conclude in Sri Anandpur Sahib on 22 November.

The Chief Minister said that the programs for the holy occasion of the 350th martyrdom day started on 25 October from Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Delhi and on this day a huge Kirtan Darbar (prayer gathering) was organized at Gurdwara Sri Rakabganj Sahib.

He told that from 1 November to 18 November, light and sound shows were organized in all districts of Punjab, in which the great life and philosophy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji were depicted. He said that from 23 to 25 November, programs will be held on a large scale in Sri Anandpur Sahib. For the stay of devotees coming in large numbers, a ‘tent city’ named ‘Chak Nanaki’ is being established in the holy city.

The Chief Minister told that exhibitions and drone shows highlighting Guru Sahib Ji’s life and message will be organized and an inter-faith conference will also be held. He told that on 24 November, a special session of the Punjab Assembly will be organized in Sri Anandpur Sahib, in which prominent personalities will share views on Guru Ji’s life, philosophy and his great sacrifice for the protection of religious freedom and human rights. Historic decisions will also be taken in this session. On 25 November, state-level blood donation camps will be set up, large-scale plantation will be done by the Forest Department and many prominent personalities will participate in the ‘Sarbat Da Bhala Ekatta’ (Everyone’s Welfare Gathering) program.

Chief Minister Mann further told that spiritual leaders and saints from around the world have been consulted regarding the programs of the 350th martyrdom day and they have also been invited to participate in these events. He said that the Punjab government has got the good fortune of organizing these historic events during its term. He appealed to people from the country and abroad to participate in these programs.