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World-class university named after Guru Tegh Bahadur to be set up in Anandpur Sahib, says Punjab CM Mann

CHANDIGARH: A day after the Punjab assembly unanimously passed a resolution declaring Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo and the walled city of Amritsar as holy cities. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday announced that a world-class university in the name of the ninth Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur will be set up at Anandpur Sahib. Addressing a gathering at the concluding ceremony of the government-organised Sarv Dharam Sammelan at Guru Ka Bagh, Baba Budha Dal Cantonment, held to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, CM Mann said, A world-class university in the name of Guru Tegh Bahadur will be set up here. He added that the proposed university would become a global centre for high-quality education, research, interfaith dialogue and studies inspired by the Gurus message of human rights, peace and sacrifice. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur laid down his life for defending the right to faith and freedom. Establishing a world-class university in his name is the least we can do to inspire future generations with his teachings, Mann said. He said that the Punjab government is committed to developing Anandpur Sahib not only as a spiritual capital but also as a centre of academic excellence and global learning. Mann said that the announcement formed part of a broader vision for infrastructural and cultural uplift of the area. He said more developmental decisions would follow in harmony with the sentiments of devotees visiting the birthplace of the Khalsa. He further added that a heritage street will also come up in Anandpur Sahib. Mann also announced a free e-rickshaw or mini bus service for people to visit gurdwaras in Amritsar, Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district and Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district. The state government will bear the expenditure arising on account of the free e-rickshaw or mini bus service, added Mann. Earlier in the day, Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal joined the large congregation here to pray for the progress of the state and prosperity of Punjabis. Both the leaders took part in the 'ardas' performed after the 'bhog' of 'Sri Akhand Path sahib' to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur and legendary Sikh martyrs Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dayala at Gurdwara Baba Budha Dal Chauni. Kejriwal had earlier urged Mann to make an announcement for setting up a world-class educational institution in Anandpur Sahib. The Sarv Dharam Sammelan, organised as part of the ongoing week-long commemorative events, brought together prominent leaders and spiritual representatives of various faiths. Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, who is also the MLA from Anandpur Sahib, said that the declaration of Anandpur Sahib as a holy city and the plans for a world-class university were long-pending demands of the region. These decisions will open new avenues for development while preserving the spiritual legacy of the city, Bains said.