Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Thursday urged the Union Tourism and Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel to release Rs 100 crore for the celebrations of the 550th prakash purab of Guru Nanak Dev, besides awarding heritage status for Dera Baba Nanak and Batala.
Channi, who called upon Patel at his office in Transport Bhawan at New Delhi, said that the devotees from all parts of India and abroad as well those who respect the philosophy of the Great Guru are eagerly awaiting to be a part of these grand celebrations.
“Keeping this in view, the Union Government should release these funds on priority basis so that all the arrangements are made well in advance,” Channi also extended an invitation to the Union Tourism and Culture Minister for the celebrations by the State Government.
Channi also sought to declare Dera Baba Nanak and Batala townships of Punjab as heritage cities as the Sikhs’ first master, Guru Nanak Dev, had spent a significant time of his life in these townships.
“Both these townships are as much linked to the journey of the great Guru’s life as are the revered Sultanpur Lodhi and Sri Kartarpur Sahib,” he said while demanding Rs 400crore for the development works to be undertaken for both these historically important cities.
Channi suggested that the Sahitya Academy should work in collaboration with the State Government for the celebration programs so that the philosophy and the Guru’s messages of universal brotherhood, tolerance and compassion should be disseminated all over the world.
Patel informed that the National Book Trust is already in the process of translating the teaching of the great Guru in other regional languages of India. The Union Minister assured Channi of the wholesome support from the Centre and that the proposal will be considered on priority basis.
SODHI UNVEILS SPORTS CALENDAR, DISTRICT AND STATE LEVEL EVENTS TO COMMENCE FROM JUL 20
Punjab Government is striving to celebrate the 550th parkash purb of Guru Nanak Dev with great fervour by organizing sporting events.
With the motive to transform Punjab into a healthy and robust State, the state Sports Department is going to organize sporting events regarding which a detailed calendar was unveiled on Thursday.
Sports Minister Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi said that as per the directions of the Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, a detailed roadmap was chalked out with regard to the Sports Fixtures as per which sports competitions at every level ranging from District to State level would be held besides a cycle rally and a Kabaddi Cup of International stature.
He said that the sports events would commence from July 20 when all the districts would see under-14 boys and girls competitions being held which would continue till July 30.
“These sports events would come to culmination with a cycle rally from Sultanpur Lodhi to Dera Baba Nanak on October 17, apart from a Circle Style Kabaddi Cup later on,” he said.
Sodhi disclosed that Volleyball Federation Gold Cup dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre would be organized from September 27 to October 3 at Amritsar.
