Kurukshetra, April 13 Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said that both the Central and state governments are working continuously to spread the principles and teachings of the Sikh Gurus to every section of society.
He added that these efforts were further strengthening the preservation and promotion of the Guru tradition and the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering at the state-level Baisakhi Mahotsav, organised by the Art and Cultural Affairs Department in collaboration with the district administration here.
Extending greetings on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, the Chief Minister paid obeisance to the revered Gurus on the foundation day of the Khalsa Panth.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister and Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj were presented with a kirpan and siropa by the Sikh Sangat as a token of respect.
Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated an exhibition based on Sikh history as well as the achievements and schemes of the state government.
He also flagged off wrestling competitions for men and women and inaugurated the international kite competition by flying a kite.
He inspected the Haryana Heritage Pavilion showcasing the rich Haryanvi culture.
Highlighting the significance of the festival, the Chief Minister said Baisakhi symbolises prosperity, respect for labour and harmony with nature.
He expressed happiness at being present on the sacred land of Kurukshetra, known as the land of Dharma and Karma, and said the festival inspired people to remain connected with nature and celebrate the joy of a bountiful harvest.
The Chief Minister said India is progressing towards a new era under the leadership of PM Modi and is moving rapidly towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
He emphasised that the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, unity, dedication, service and hard work, must be adopted in daily life to build an inclusive society where all citizens have equal opportunities, there is no discrimination, and every individual can live with dignity.
He added that development must go hand in hand with staying connected to “our roots, preserving culture and acquainting future generations with the nation’s glorious history”.
Recalling the historical importance of the day, he said that on this day in 1699 at Sri Anandpur Sahib, the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, established the Khalsa Panth at a time when injustice and oppression were at their peak, giving a new direction to society based on courage, equality, self-respect and patriotism.
The Chief Minister said that under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana, a special train would depart from Kurukshetra on May 5 to facilitate devotees’ visits to Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra.
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