Govt plans events to commemorate 350th martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday said the state government would organise a series of events to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of ninth Sikh Guru Guru Teg Bahadur.
Chairing a review meeting of the Tourism Department, the Chief Minister said the state government would observe the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur with a series of functions across the state and comprehensive development of places having the footsteps of the Guru Sahib. Mann asked the department to chalk out a detailed programme to organise the events to commemorate the martyrdom day.
The Chief Minister said Guru Teg Bahadur laid down his life to protect the right of freedom to worship and preserve human and secular values. The Guru’s supreme sacrifice was unique and unparalleled in the history of mankind and symbolised the crusade against tyranny and oppression. CM Mann said that the ninth guru of Sikhs sacrificed his life for the sake of preserving human rights in the country.
Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to promote tourism in Punjab, the Chief Minister gave nod to organise 'Rangla Punjab' festival in February. He said the purpose of the festival was to showcase Punjab as the most preferred global tourist destination. He added that Punjab had a rich and glorious cultural legacy along with beautiful destinations which could attract the tourists from across the globe. The Chief Minister said there was a huge potential for developing the state as a favourite tourist destination for which all-out efforts should be made to attract the tourists.
He said the festival would act as a catalyst in the socio-economic development of Punjab as it would open new vistas of employment for the youth of the state by promoting tourism. He said it was high time vibrant and blessed Punjab was showcased to people across the globe to give a major fillip to tourism in the state.
The Chief Minister also gave a nod for organising heritage festivals across the state to perpetuate the glorious cultural heritage of the state for the coming generations. He asked the Tourism Department to chalk out a detailed proposal in the form of calendar events so that these festivals could be celebrated every year. He said these festivals should be celebrated at a grand level so that the rich heritage of the state could be preserved in a big way.
The Chief Minister also asked the department to explore the feasibility of setting up ultra-modern convention centres on the lines of Pargati Maidan. He said these centres must be set up in big cities like Amritsar, Ludhiana and New Chandigarh, adding that these must house arena, hotels and shopping malls, among others. Mann said it would help give a boost to tourism by organising big shows by renowned and internationally acclaimed artistes.
The Chief Minister also asked the department to prepare a detailed plan for further developing areas around Ranjit Sagar Dam, Shahpur Kandi Dam and Kandi areas of the state. He said these areas could be developed as ideal tourist destinations for attracting tourists from across the globe. He said there was a huge potential for developing these areas as a tourist destination for which all-out efforts should be made. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister expressed happiness that the trial run of the first boutique hotel of Punjab built in Quilla Mubarak had started. He said that this aesthetically designed hotel built on PPP mode woud set a new benchmark in comfort, hospitality and elegance adding that it would be a favourite place for destination weddings and others.
