Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday morning bowed his head in reverence at the historic Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, paying homage to Mata Gujri Ji and the younger Sahibzadas, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, for their supreme sacrifices.
Highlighting the significance of the days of Shaheedi Sabha, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that all of Punjab observes these days as “Days of Mourning,” as it was during this period that the tyrant rulers bricked alive the younger Sahibzadas of Dashmesh Pitaah. “The entire world feels proud of this unparalleled and extraordinary sacrifice, an act not only revered by Punjabis and Indians, but by humanity across the globe. Nearly 50 lakh devotees visit Fatehgarh Sahib during the Shaheedi Sabha to seek blessings at the holy shrine,” he added.
Interacting with the media persons after paying obeisance, the Chief Minister said that these great sacrifices remain unmatched in human history and will continue to inspire future generations to resist tyranny, oppression, and injustice. “Every inch of this sacred land is blessed, drawing countless devotees who come to bow before this holy place. This pious soil is a source of inspiration not only for Sikhs but for the entire human race,” he said.
Referring to the sacrifice of Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that their supreme act to uphold the human right to follow one’s faith according to conscience stands unparalleled in human history. “The Sikh tradition remembers this as the ‘Nikkian jinda, vadde Saake’, a tragedy that, even after more than three centuries, continues to evoke deep pain among Sikhs worldwide,” he stated.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added that he prayed to the Almighty for Punjab’s continued prosperity, harmony, peace, and strengthening of human values of brotherhood and goodwill.
The Chief Minister said that he considered himself fortunate that the Almighty blessed him with the opportunity to serve the people of the state. Sharing details about the arrangements for the millions of devotees arriving from around the world, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab government has made extensive provisions for healthcare, transport, cleanliness, and security to ensure that no devotee faces inconvenience. Making such arrangements during the Shaheedi Sabha is the government’s foremost duty, which it fulfills with full dedication,” he asserted.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that this year, the 350th Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom anniversary) of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, is being commemorated with deep devotion and respect. He recalled that in November, on the occasion of Guru Ji’s martyrdom, the Punjab government announced the designation of three Takht towns as holy cities. “The official notification has already been issued for granting holy-city status to the walled city area of Amritsar, Talwandi Sabo, and Sri Anandpur Sahib thereby fulfilling a long-standing demand of sangat worldwide,” he highlighted.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the naming of the younger Sahibzadas’ martyrdom day as Veer Bal Diwas, the Chief Minister said that when the decision was first taken by the BJP led Union Government, the Shiromani Akali Dal publicly supported it through a tweet. However, he said that now under public pressure, the party has now taken a U-turn. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The supreme sacrifice of the Sahibzadas cannot be expressed in words or attached to a specific day. The Akali Dal’s reversal proves that the party is not sincere toward religion or heritage.”
