Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Monday reviewed the progress of ongoing and upcoming programs being organised under the year-long celebrations commemorating the 650th Parkash Purab of Guru Ravidass Ji and directed all concerned departments to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the successful conduct of the events.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, Minister was informed that a wide range of religious, cultural, educational and public outreach programmes are being organised across the State from July to November as part of the commemorative celebrations.
The meeting was attended by MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal, Deepak Bali, Advisor to the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Development Board, and members of the expert panel, including Sant Pardeep Dass Ji from Dera Ballan, Sant Nirmal Dass Ji from Jalandhar, Sant Kewal Singh Ji from Tap Asthan Khuralgarh, Sant Satwinder Singh Hira from Charan Chhoh Ganga Khuralgarh, Dr Manjinder Singh from GNDU and Dr Raj Kumar Hans from Amritsar.
Officials informed the Minister that seminars and workshops on the life, philosophy and legacy of Guru Ravidass Ji are being organised in leading universities across Punjab. Special Kirtan Samagams are also being held at various locations to spread the message of equality, social justice and universal brotherhood.
As part of the celebrations, Guru Ravidass Ji's Bagichis are being established on 650 acres of land across Punjab. In addition, a plantation drive involving 6.50 lakh saplings and the distribution of 6.50 lakh commemorative flags is being undertaken. The programme also includes a "Run for Equality" Marathon at all district headquarters and Cycle Rallies across the State.
The meeting was further informed that four Shobha Yatras will be organised from Varanasi, Faridkot, Bathinda and Jammu to Sri Khuralgarh Sahib during the first week of October. This will be followed by a three-day State-level function from October 9 to 11 at Sri Khuralgarh Sahib.
The State-level event will feature exhibitions on the life of Guru Ravidass Ji, Katha and Kirtan Darbars, Sant Sammelans, conferences on Guru Ravidass Ji's Bani, Begumpura Samagams and 3D projection shows at Minar-e-Begumpura.
Reviewing the preparations in detail, Sond directed all departments to work in close coordination and ensure foolproof arrangements for devotees and visitors. He instructed officials to make adequate provisions for accommodation, sanitation, drinking water, transportation, security, traffic management, medical assistance and other essential public services during all programmes.
Among those present at the meeting were Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs Kumar Amit, Secretary Information and Public Relations Puneet Goyal, Secretary Education Sonali Giri, Director Tourism Sanjeev Tiwari, Director Higher Education Kulwant Singh, along with members of the expert panel.
