Major Announcement for Anandpur Sahib: A New University and Holy City Status
In a significant development for Punjab's cultural and educational landscape, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared the establishment of a world-class university in Anandpur Sahib, named in honour of the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur. The announcement was made during the concluding ceremony of the state government's three-day event marking the 350th anniversary of the Guru's martyrdom. This move is seen as a direct response to an appeal made by AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, who, while addressing the gathering, urged the Chief Minister to create a fitting tribute to the revered Guru.
Key Announcements and Infrastructure Upgrades
Chief Minister Mann did not stop at the university announcement. He also revealed plans for a comprehensive revamp of the Charan Ganga Stadium in Sri Anandpur Sahib. Furthermore, he officially confirmed that Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo would be entirely declared as holy cities of Punjab. To facilitate pilgrims and devotees, the government will introduce a free local bus service in all three of these holy cities. Mann emphasized that this service would transport visitors to all the gurdwaras within Anandpur Sahib, ensuring the city is clean and aesthetically unified, as suggested by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains.
Mann defended the timing of these announcements, clarifying that the declaration of a holy city must be routed through the Legislative Assembly, which was accomplished during the special session held in Anandpur Sahib. He assured the public that the commemoration of Guru Tegh Bahadur's legacy would continue, stating, "We will not just stop at commemorating the 350th martyrdom day of the guru. There will be the 351st one also." He also invited suggestions from the public and religious leaders regarding the courses to be offered at the new university, highlighting the potential for a chair to translate Gurbani into all world languages.
Political Reactions and Context
The announcements, however, were not without controversy. The declaration of the three cities as 'holy' was met with criticism from opposition parties. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Badal countered the claim, stating that these cities had already been declared holy by former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal 15 years ago. This political friction underscores the charged environment in which these developmental projects were announced.
Sources within the government indicated that Anandpur Sahib MLA and Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains had been pushing for a major announcement for the city, including its declaration as Punjab's 24th district. The fact that these significant announcements were made following Kejriwal's public appeal highlights the dynamic within the ruling party. The government has also stated that infrastructure work, including making gurdwaras disabled-friendly and road recarpeting, has already been completed and will remain as a permanent improvement for the city.
