* Cabinet Minister reviews preparations for upcoming events across Punjab
* Four Shobha Yatras, State-level function at Khuralgarh Sahib and wide-ranging religious, cultural and educational programmes underway
* Directs all departments to ensure seamless arrangements for devotees and participants
Chandigarh, August 3:
Punjab Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond today reviewed the progress of ongoing events and upcoming programmes being organised under the year-long celebrations being organised to commemorate the 650th Parkash Purab of Guru Ravidass Ji and directed all departments concerned to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the successful conduct of the programmes.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Minister was informed that a series 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 also attended by MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal, Mr Deepak Bali, advisor to Punjab Heritage and Tourism Development Board among members of 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.
The meeting was apprised 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, while a plantation drive involving 6.50 lakh saplings and the distribution of 6.50 lakh commemorative flags is also being undertaken. A “Run for Equality” Marathon at all district headquarters and Cycle Rallies across the State have also been scheduled.
The Minister was 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 at Sri Khuralgarh Sahib from October 9 to 11, featuring 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 to 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.
The Cabinet Minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to celebrating the 650th Parkash Purab of Guru Ravidass Ji in a befitting, dignified and memorable manner. He said the year-long celebrations would help disseminate Guru Ravidass Ji’s timeless teachings of equality, fraternity, compassion and social harmony among people, particularly the younger generation.
He also directed officials to regularly monitor the progress of preparations and ensure that every event is organised smoothly, enabling devotees from across the country to participate with convenience and devotion.
During the meeting, Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department Kumar Amit, Secretary Information and Public Relations Puneet Goyal, Secretary Education Sonali Giri, Director Tourism Sanjeev Tiwari, Director Higher Education Kulwant Singh and members of expert panel were also present.
