CM Mann announces university named after Guru Teg Bahadur at Anandpur Sahib

A day after declaring Sri Anandpur Sahib a “holy city” during a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday announced the establishment of a “world  class university” named after the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur, here. The announcement came during 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.

Addressing the gathering from the land founded by the Guru, CM Mann said the proposed university would become a global centre for high-quality education, research, interfaith dialogue and studies inspired by the Guru’s message of human rights, peace and sacrifice. “Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji 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,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government was committed to developing Anandpur Sahib not only as a spiritual capital but also as a centre of academic excellence and global learning. He added that the announcement formed part of a broader vision for infrastructural and cultural uplift of the area. Mann said more developmental decisions would follow in harmony with the sentiments of devotees visiting the birthplace of the Khalsa.

The Sarv Dharam Sammelan, organised as part of the ongoing week-long commemorative events, brought together prominent leaders and spiritual representatives of various faiths. AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who also addressed the Sammelan, lauded the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur and said the Guru's martyrdom was a unique chapter in world history. “Guru Tegh Bahadur taught the world that defending freedom of faith is a duty of all. His ideals of humanity and justice continue to guide us even after 350 years,” Kejriwal said.

Local MLA and Cabinet minister Harjot Singh Bains thanked the government for making Anandpur Sahib the focal point of historic commemorations and said the sammelan successfully spread the message of unity among all religions. He added 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 Guru’s city,” Bains said.

The Sarv Dharam Sammelan witnessed participation of saints, scholars, religious heads, and thousands of devotees who had gathered at Guru Ka Bagh, where the Baba Budha Dal Nihang sect played host. The event emphasised communal harmony, universal brotherhood, and the Guru’s message of protecting human dignity regardless of religion.

With today’s announcements, the Punjab Government concluded the sammelan on a significant note, positioning Anandpur Sahib for transformative educational and cultural growth.