Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal gave its nod for the installation of a 70-feet high stainless steel 'Khanda', a double-edged sword regarded as a symbol for Sikhs, at Sri Anandpur Sahib on the 350th anniversary of the city's foundation.
A decision to this effect was taken by the chief minister during a high-level meeting to finalise the arrangements for commemorating the 350th foundation day of Sri Anandpur Sahib, starting from June 17 to 19, an official release said.
Recalling the significance of 'Khanda' in the Sikh history, the chief minister said its installation would be a humble tribute to the great philosophy of Sikhs tenth Guru Gobind Singh, who laid the foundation of 'Khalsa Panth' on the auspicious day of Baisakhi in 1699 at Sri Anandpur Sahib.
He said 'Khanda' symbolises the eternal spirit of universal brotherhood, courage and valour against the tyranny, oppression and injustice. The chief minister also approved the format of invitation card to be sent to the dignitaries, besides the design of memento and gold plated commemorative coin to be issued on the historic occasion.
He also asked the executive committee to bring out a brochure depicting the brief history and origin of Sri Anandpur Sahib to apprise the people about its glorious past and rich legacy. Badal also reviewed the ongoing activities related to the commemoration of the event and appealed to the people from different walks of life in the country and abroad to ensure their participation with full religious fervour and gaiety.
In order to streamline and oversee the arrangements meticulously, Badal constituted a special panel comprising cabinet ministers Daljeet Singh Cheema and Madan Mohan Mittal, Lok Sabha MP Prem Singh Chandumajra, Vice Chancellor Punjabi University Jaspal Singh, special principal secretary to chief minister KJS Cheema among others.
