Follow path shown by Sikh Gurus: Khattar

Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday exhorted people to follow the path and ideals of Sikh Gurus who made sacrifices for the nation and society. He emphasised the importance of unity in society and cautioned against those who want to divide the country.

While addressing the gathering during a Sikh Sammelan at Kalidas Rangshala in the city as chief guest, Khattar extended greetings on the occasion of the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. He highlighted that in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa Panth and Sikhs raised the sword against Mughal oppression, defending their faith and weakening the Mughal forces. He further said that Sikhs fought numerous battles against the Mughals and later the British, with countless sacrifices made to protect their religion.

Programme organiser and BJP leader Trilochan Singh submitted a 15-point memorandum of demands to the Union Minister. Khattar assured that a committee would be formed to address the demands.

Khattar recalled that Guru Gobind Singh and Sikhs sacrificed their lives to protect Sanatan Dharma and society, but the 1980s saw attempts to create divisions, culminating in Operation Bluestar and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He appreciated the government for reopening pending cases and ensuring punishment to the perpetrators.

The minister lauded the Haryana Government for successfully establishing a separate Gurdwara Management Committee of the state and for celebrating Sikh Gurus’ Prakashotsav (birth anniversaries). He said that over its 11-year tenure, the government fulfilled several demands of the Sikh community, including the recent decision to provide government jobs to one member of each family affected by the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan described Sikhs as a brave community, proud of the Gurus who fought to protect religion and culture. Karnal MLA Jagmohan Anand praised the Khattar’s initiative of celebrating the birth anniversaries of saints, launched during his tenure as Chief Minister.

Earlier, Khattar blessed 10 couples at a mass marriage ceremony organised by JCI Karnal Gold at Agrawal Bhawan, Sector 8. He also attended the 126th edition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ at the party’s district office Karna Kamal, where he promoted the use of local products to strengthen India’s economy.

Later, speaking at a free health check-up camp at Shri Krishna Gaushala, Khattar lauded Karnal citizens for their spirit of service. He highlighted ongoing social initiatives during the Swachhata Pakhwada, including blood donation drives, health camps, tree plantations, sports events and cow protection activities.

He also emphasised government efforts to promote economic welfare, including GST reductions that increase purchasing power, tax exemptions and inflation control. During the gaushala visit, the minister inspected modern facilities, including an X-ray machine for cattle, and offered feed to the cows.