Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann bows in reverence at Nanded Sahib; says his govt will raise demand for granting holy city status to Nanded with Maharashtra Govt

NANDED (The Uttam Hindu): Bowing in reverence at Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said his government would raise the demand for granting holy city status to Nanded Sahib with the Maharashtra Government, underscoring that the sacred town holds immense spiritual significance for Sikhs and humanity at large. Recalling that the Punjab Government has already declared Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities, the Punjab CM asserted that his government remains fully committed to the Guru Sahiban.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also paid obeisance at the holy shrine of Kalgi Dhar Patshah Ji, met the shrine management and witnessed a strong turnout of devotees and local residents, underscoring the deep connect between the Panth, its historic institutions and the people who continue to draw inspiration from them.

Addressing the gathering, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Nanded Sahib is a sacred place not only for Sikhs but for entire humanity, as the Tenth Sikh Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent a considerable part of his life on this holy land.” 

The Punjab CM asserted that the Punjab Government would impress upon the Maharashtra Government to accord holy city status to Nanded Sahib as a befitting tribute to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Chief Minister added, “The 350th Shaheedi Diwas (Martyrdom Day) of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, who laid down his life for religious freedom and human rights, has been commemorated by the state government with deep devotion and reverence.”

Recalling an important decision taken last year, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “In November, on the Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, the Punjab Government designated three Takht towns as holy cities.” He said the official notification granting holy city status to the walled city area of Amritsar, Talwandi Sabo and Sri Anandpur Sahib had already been issued, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the sangat across the world. “On similar lines, an announcement for Nanded Sahib should also be made by the Maharashtra Government, for which the Punjab Government will make all possible efforts,” he said.

The Chief Minister also announced a complete facelift of the Punjab Bhawan in Nanded Sahib. “The Punjab Bhawan constructed by the Punjab government will be upgraded with ultra-modern facilities to facilitate devotees,” Bhagwant Singh Mann said, adding that the supply of Verka milk products in Nanded would also be further streamlined for the benefit of pilgrims. He asserted, “No stone will be left unturned to ensure every possible facility for the devotees visiting this sacred place.”

Highlighting the contribution of Punjabis to the nation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjabis have played a stellar role in the freedom struggle, in making the country self-reliant in food production, and in safeguarding the unity, integrity and sovereignty of India.” 

He said Punjabis are always at the forefront when it comes to defending the borders and are ever ready to make sacrifices. “It is a matter of immense pride that in times of any mishap, Punjabis often reach the spot even before organisations like the Red Cross to serve the needy,” he said.

The Chief Minister said, “The Punjab government is duty bound to perpetuate the glorious legacy of the great Guru Sahibans among the younger generations. We are following the footsteps of the great Guru Sahibans, who taught humanity to stand against tyranny and injustice while ensuring the welfare of all.”

He added that as part of this commitment, the Punjab Government recently commemorated the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji at Sri Anandpur Sahib. “Our sole aim is to keep the younger generations connected with the life, philosophy and supreme sacrifices of the Guru Sahibans for mankind,” he said.

Meanwhile, at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, the Chief Minister prayed for the progress and development of the state and the prosperity of its people. He said, “Takht Sri Hazur Sahib is one of the five highest seats of religious authority in Sikhism, providing spiritual, temporal and moral strength to the community.” He listed the other four Takhts as Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar, Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Sri Anandpur Sahib, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo and Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Bihar.

Paying tributes to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Dashmesh Pitaah Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji made unparalleled contributions to uphold the traditions of secularism, safeguard human rights and ensure religious freedom, even sacrificing his entire family for these ideals.” He said the Guru Sahib spent a significant part of his life on the sacred land of Nanded Sahib.

The Chief Minister said he felt blessed to have the opportunity to pay reverence at the holy shrine. “I seek the blessings of the Almighty to give me the strength to serve the people of Punjab with humility and dedication,” Bhagwant Singh Mann said. After offering prayers at the Gurdwara Sahib, he reiterated the firm commitment of his government to serve people of all castes, colours, creeds and religions and to work towards building a harmonious society.