CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Sunday felicitated the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, symbolizing the spirit of Punjab, Punjabi & Punjabiat.

In a message on the eve of Baisakhi, Badal reminded the people of our centuries old glorious past and said that on this sacred day in 1699 Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji - the Tenth Master of the Sikhs created 'Order of Khalsa' at the holy city of Sri Anandpur Sahib by baptizing 'Panj Pyaras (beloved ones) belonging to different regions and religions thereby carving out a casteless society and preaching the gospels of love and compassion for mankind, universal brotherhood and communal harmony.

The Chief Minister also said that this festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and ripening of Rabi crops. The farmers of the state gather the fruits of toil and rejoice over their prosperous future.
On the occasion, Mr.Badal called upon the people to celebrate this joyous festival in unison with traditional fervour and gaiety to strengthen the secular and social fabric of our country.

Extending warm greetings on the sacred occasion of Baisakhi  , Manoranjan Kalia Industries Minister Punjab,said the Tenth Master Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji created a castless society, with the creation of the Khalsa at the holi city of Sri Anandpur Sahib by Baptising 'Panj Payars' [beloved ones].  

Kalia said Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, moulded the Sikhs through the sacramentof the Nector [Amrit} into saint soldier for upholding the values of Dharma ,Humanism and Secularism.

He called upon the people to follow the sacred teachings and precious legacy of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Tenth Guru and a Spiritual ambassador. On the occasion of Baisakhi I convey my warm felicitations and best wishes to the Sikhs living in India and abroad. May the New Year usher in happiness and prosperity among the people.

Surjit Singh Barnala Governor of Tamilnadu in a separate mesasage said that Baisakhi marked the arrival of harvesting season and has a unique significance which coincides with the birth of Khalsa on this day in 1699 AD. Sri Guru Gobind Singhji transformed and revolutionized the Sikh community and created a spirit of valour, liberty, equality and chivalry.

He said," Let us on this occasion resolve to foster unity and promote harmony and compassion and rededicate ourselves to uphold the dynamism of the Khalsa".