The Sacred Land of Chamkaur Sahib Is a Timeless Beacon of Sacrifice, Courage and Service: CM Nayab Singh Saini

Chandigarh, September 3: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini today paid obeisance at Gurdwara Sri Katalgarh Sahib in Chamkaur Sahib, Punjab. He prayed for the happiness and prosperity of the people of Haryana and for further strengthening the bonds of brotherhood between Haryana and Punjab. He also announced ₹21 lakh for the construction of a historic gate to be named after Amar Shaheed Bibi Sharan Kaur.

Addressing the Sangat, the Chief Minister said that the opportunity to bow before the Guru at the sacred land of Gurdwara Sri Katalgarh Sahib was an extremely emotional and proud moment for him. The land of Chamkaur Sahib is timeless testament to sacrifice, martyrdom, honour, service, courage and indomitable spirit. This sacred place is associated with the supreme sacrifice of the elder Sahibzadas, Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, the revered sons of the Tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj. Following the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas in 1704, during that cold December night, Bibi Sharan Kaur displayed extraordinary courage and a spirit of service by performing the last rites of the Sahibzadas. Her selfless service and valour remain an example that history can never forget.

The Chief Minister said that the example of Bibi Sharan Kaur teaches us that women have never lagged behind anyone when it comes to service and courage. The lives of our great Gurus and ancestors teach us that we should inspire our children not merely to become successful, but also to become individuals rooted in values and good character. The lives of the Gurus inspire us to reflect on the kind of legacy we wish to leave for future generations.

The Chief Minister said that the Central and Haryana Governments are today following the path shown by our great Gurus. To mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Haryana Government organised various programmes for a month to take his teachings to the people and pay tribute to his supreme sacrifice. A grand Samagam was organised in Kurukshetra, where Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi also paid his respects and launched a commemorative coin and a coffee-table book in memory of Guru Ji. The government is also constructing a Sikh Museum in Kurukshetra at a cost of ₹100 crore so that the messages and teachings of the Gurus can be disseminated among the people.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that there is a need today for all of us to resolve to take the country forward, fulfil the vision of a developed India and strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi. He said that the Prime Minister is working day and night with great dedication to take the country to new heights, and everyone should extend their support to these efforts.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini elaborated on how the BJP government, since coming to power in Haryana, has brought improvements in the lives of the common people. He said that out of the 217 commitments made before the elections, 70 have already been fulfilled within just one-and-a-half years. To fulfil the announcement of providing ₹2,100 per month to women in Haryana, the government allocated ₹5,000 crore in its very first budget after assuming office, out of which ₹2,000 crore has so far been transferred to women's bank accounts.

He said that Haryana is the only state in the country that procures all crops from farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Payment reaches farmers' accounts within 72 hours of procurement. If there is any delay for any reason, farmers are also paid interest on the delayed amount. Similarly, the government has introduced the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana for farmers growing vegetables and fruits in Haryana. Under the scheme, if farmers receive a lower market price for their produce, the government compensates them for the difference. So far, ₹200 crore has been transferred to farmers' accounts under this scheme. Farmers in Haryana have also received financial assistance of ₹16,500 crore so far for crop damage.

The Chief Minister said that out of Haryana's population of 3 crore, 1.5 crore people are benefiting from free treatment of up to ₹5 lakh annually under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. So far, the government has paid ₹4,500 crore towards the treatment of 42 lakh people. Poor families no longer need to worry about the cost of treatment for serious illnesses. Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has also extended the benefits of the scheme to all senior citizens above the age of 70 years. The Haryana Government has adopted this provision as well and has so far paid ₹8 crore under the scheme. Similarly, cooking gas cylinders are being delivered for only ₹500 to the kitchens of families in Haryana with an annual income of up to ₹1.80 lakh.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that a generation that knows the history of its great personalities and martyrs can never be diverted from its values and its path by any force. Therefore, it is the responsibility of society to pass on the stories of the valour and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas to the younger generation and draw inspiration from the courage and spirit of service of Bibi Sharan Kaur. He called upon everyone to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice of the Sahibzadas and resolve to incorporate their courage, service and devotion to righteousness into their own lives. This, he said, would be the true tribute to the great Sahibzadas and Bibi Sharan Kaur.

On this occasion, Sant Baba Avtar Singh, Gurdwara founder Baba Karam Singh Raipur, Sardar Iqbal Singh Lalpura, District President S. Ajayveer Singh, Councillor Sarvjeet Singh, Amarjeet Saini, S. Tarsem Saini, Rajendra Singh Saini and Saini Mahasabha's Harjeet Singh Longia, along with a large number of dignitaries and women, were also present.