Tarn Taran, November 4
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu has lauded the historic preparations made by the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for the state-level events dedicated to the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. He said that the AAP government’s arrangements for nearly one crore devotees are a true tribute to the unparalleled sacrifice of Guru Sahib.
In a statement issued here, AAP candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu, citing official figures released by the government, said that the construction of three massive “Tent Cities” to accommodate more than 11,000 devotees daily and the arrangement of vast parking facilities spread over 106 acres along the routes to Sri Anandpur Sahib reflect the foresight and dedication of the Mann government. He added that the provision of 500 e-rickshaws and 100 mini-buses for free transport within the holy city is a highly commendable step that will provide great convenience to elderly persons and children.
Harmeet Singh Sandhu especially praised the Education Department’s initiative to launch, a 15-day compulsory educational curriculum from nursery to class 12 in all schools, saying that this is a historic effort to connect the coming generations with the life, sacrifice, and the great history of the Khalsa Panth. Likewise, he said, 45-minute special light and sound shows and seminars in universities and colleges across Punjab will help carry Guru Sahib’s humanitarian message to every home.
The AAP candidate said that the Punjab government’s decision to start free special bus services from every tehsil of Punjab to Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23 to 25 will ensure that no devotee is deprived of the opportunity to pay obeisance due to financial hardship. He described the 500-drone show, the first of its kind in North India, and the historic decision to convene a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly at Sri Anandpur Sahib for the first time in history as revolutionary steps.
Sandhu added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP’s National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, all ministers and MLAs of the government will participate as humble sevadars (volunteers) in the four grand Nagar Kirtans starting from November 19, symbolizing the AAP government’s spirit of service and devotion.