Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday, 7 June paid tribute to the third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das Ji, calling his life a shining beacon for humanity at the Prakash Purab celebrations held in Ludhiana, Punjab. Addressing a large gathering, Saini said Guru Amar Das Ji's teachings on sacrifice, devotion, service, and equality would continue to guide generations to come.

Guru's Message of Equality and Social Reform

Chief Minister Saini highlighted that Guru Amar Das Ji was a fearless champion of social equality who strongly opposed caste discrimination, social divisions, and regressive customs. The Guru's timeless principle of 'Pehle Pangat, Pachhe Sangat' — community meal before congregation — remains a cornerstone of social harmony, Saini said.

He noted that even Emperor Akbar was asked to sit in the langar and dine alongside ordinary people before being granted an audience with the Guru — a revolutionary gesture that sent a powerful message against hierarchical social structures.

Women's Empowerment and Spiritual Legacy

The Chief Minister underscored Guru Amar Das Ji's unparalleled contribution to women's empowerment. The Guru strongly condemned the practice of sati, actively supported widow remarriage, and encouraged women to abandon the purdah system. Saini also noted that Guru-ji spent more than 60 years as a humble devotee before ascending to Guruship, after which he launched a transformative movement for social reform.

Saini observed that in an era of growing materialism, mental stress, and social conflict, the sacred verses of Anand Sahib offer a path toward true inner peace and happiness.

Grant Announced, Organisers Felicitated

On the occasion, Chief Minister Saini announced a grant of ₹5 lakh as a gesture of seva for the gurdwara management. He appreciated the efforts of Guru Amar Das Seva Society, Shri Sukhmani Seva Society, and Guru Amar Das Gurudwara and Dharamshala Charitable Trust for organising the event, crediting them with bringing society together through unity, service, and devotion. He also assured the management of full government support for future developmental works.

Haryana-Punjab Shared Spiritual Heritage

Saini emphasised that Haryana and Punjab share not merely a geographical border but a deep common spiritual heritage rooted in the legacy of the Sikh Gurus. He said the sacred footprints of the Gurus are embedded in Haryana's soil as much as Punjab's.

Referring to the Central government's initiatives, he noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Swadesh Darshan Scheme has approved development of a heritage circuit encompassing Anandpur Sahib, Fatehgarh Sahib, Chamkaur Sahib, Ferozepur, Amritsar, Khatkar Kalan, Kalanaur, and Patiala.

Pilgrim Yatra Scheme and Special Trains

The Haryana government has also launched the Swarna Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra Yojana to provide financial assistance to Sikh pilgrims visiting Sri Hazur Sahib, Sri Nankana Sahib, Sri Hemkund Sahib, and Sri Patna Sahib. Additionally, two special trains have been operated from Kurukshetra and Sirsa to Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Saini added.

The event marks a continued effort by the Haryana government to strengthen its outreach to the Sikh community and reinforce the shared cultural and spiritual bonds between the two states.