Covid surge: SGPC decides to limit 9th Guru’s 400th birth anniversary events

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 21

Following surge in Covid-19 cases, the SGPC has decided to curtail the grand function planned to mark the 400th Parkash Purb (birth anniversary) of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Besides, a series of events to mark the occasion would be telecast live.

The 400th Parkash Purb centenary celebrations were scheduled to be celebrated at Bhai Gurdas Ji Nagar, New Amritsar. But due to rise in Covid cases, these ceremonies will now be held at the Diwan Hall of Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib at Golden Temple complex.

SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur said, "There was a lot of enthusiasm among the sangat for the centenary celebrations but considering the prevailing situation due to the pandemic, no large gathering could be allowed. A series of events , scheduled at Gurdwara Guru Ka Mahal, the birth place of ninth Guru in Amritsar, would be telecast live through various platforms so that the sangat all over the globe could get connected with the historic day celebration while sitting in their homes", she said.

During the centenary celebrations, the requisite web links would be provided to the channels for live telecast of the events scheduled from April 29 to May 1. "It would be open for any channel who wishes to do the live coverage", she said.

She said the decision was taken after holding discussion with the government officials. To cater the Covid patients exclusively, the SGPC has spared Sri Guru Ram Das Charitable Hospital at Chattiwind Gate. A total of 100 beds have been provided here and corona vaccination facility is also being provided free of cost.

The SGPC has made arrangements for vaccination at Sri Guru Ram Das Medical College Vallah, Sri Guru Ram Das Charitable Hospital Amritsar, Baba Buddha Ji Hospital Bir Sahib and at Fuhara Chowk Amritsar.

"Despite crisis being faced by the SGPC, it could never step down from performing its duties towards humanity. Our doctors and allied teams have been on job round the clock to treat Covid patients", she said. Lately, the state government has recognised the services of SGPC-run Sri Guru Ram Das Medical College and included its image among the best medical treatment hospitals in the newspapers.

However, showing concern over the shortage of oxygen cylinders and vaccines, she said "There is a shortage of oxygen supply for the treatment of Covid patients. Similarly, the availability of vaccine was inadequate. The SGPC had already deposited money in advance for the vaccine. The government should make steadfast mechanism to ensure uninterrupted supply of oxygen and vaccines. The matter has also been taken up with the Chief Secretary of Punjab", she said.

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