Baisakhi joy multiplies as CM Fadnavis unveils key measures for Sikh and Naam Leva communities. |
Maharashtra will organise state-level celebrations for Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th martyrdom day, announced chief minister Devendra Fadnavis at a huge gathering of Sikh community on the occasion of Baisakhi.
The joy of Baisakhi celebrations in Maharashtra was increased fourfold after CM Fadnavis announced multiple measures to support the Sikh and Guru Nanak Naam Leva Sangat communities. The announcements were made at a grand celebration of Baisakhi by the Sikh community in Navi Mumbai’s Sanpada.
Harnam Singh Khasla, a revered saint of the community, presented long-standing demands concerning the upliftment, recognition and inclusion of the Guru Nanak Naam Leva Sangat. The CM responded to the demands with major announcements for the community.
Baisakhi joy multiplies as CM Fadnavis unveils key measures for Sikh and Naam Leva communities.Baisakhi joy multiplies as CM Fadnavis unveils key measures for Sikh and Naam Leva communities. |
The foremost announcement was about the state-level celebrations for Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th martyrdom day, which is also known as Prakash Purab. The state will also celebrate 350th Gurta Gaddi Diwans of Guru Gobind Singh. The celebrations will be held on December 21 and 22 in Mumbai, December 6 in Nagpur and December 15 and 16 in Nanded. The state government will officially organise and participate in these historic events.
Baisakhi joy multiplies as CM Fadnavis unveils key measures for Sikh and Naam Leva communities. |
The CM also announced the expansion of property regularisation scheme to include Sikh, Hindu Punjabi, Sikligar and Guru Nanak Naam Leva communities. The amnesty scheme, which was originally launched for the Sindhi community, will now acknowledge the migration of other communities during the partition and their longstanding contribution to the state. On the same lines of financial aid for madrasas, the state will also consider providing similar financial aid to Guru Nanak Dharamshalas.
CM Fadnavis emphasised that the life, teachings and sacrifices of the great religious leaders of the Sikh community should reach every household. He underlined that Maharashtra State Punjabi Sahitya Academy has a major and leading role to play in spreading awareness, literature and cultural education.
Harnam Singh Khalsa said, “This is a proud moment for the Sikh community. These announcements by the CM are not just administrative, but spiritual and cultural acknowledgments of our identity and contribution. We are grateful for this inclusive vision.”
Malkit Singh Bal, executive chairman of Maharashtra State Punjabi Sahitya Academy, said, “The government’s trust in the Punjabi Sahitya Academy to lead the awareness mission about Sikh history is a great responsibility and honour. We welcome these announcements with deep appreciation and renewed commitment.”
