Mann announces varsity named after Guru at Anandpur Sahib

Patiala/Ropar: On an idea mooted by AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday announced the state govt would set up a world class university named after Guru Tegh Bahadur at Anandpur Sahib.

The announcement came during events at Gurdwara Baba Budha Dal Chauni to mark the 350th martyrdom day of the ninth Sikh Guru. Mann said the university would be a befitting tribute and a catalyst for research on the supreme sacrifice, life and philosophy of Guru Tegh Bahadur, inspiring future generations and perpetuating his legacy.


Mann urged people to imbibe the spirit of self-sacrifice as preached and practised by the Guru, also known as ‘Hind Di Chaadar' as he laid down his life to safeguard the freedom of worship, besides upholding human and secular values. "The Sangat (community) will be consulted to include the subjects and departments in the university. An academic chair will be established in the university and Gurbani translated into several languages and taught," said Mann.

Mann reiterated that no stone would be left unturned for the holistic development of Amritsar Walled City, Talwandi Sabo and Anandpur Sahib, with no dearth of funds or resources. "A free public transport system of e-rickshaws and mini buses will be provided for devotees," he said.

At the event, Kejriwal said he had spent three days in Anandpur Sahib with his wife as an act of devotion, paying obeisance at Gurdwara Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Bhaura Sahib. He said the state govt had made elaborate arrangements for devotees and sought forgiveness if any shortcomings had occurred in the sewa. He stated that emulating the message of Guru Tegh Bahadur would eliminate communal tension and pave the way for world peace.

Kejriwal added that all arrangements had been possible because the state govt had followed the path shown by the Gurus, spending every penny judiciously on education, health and rural irrigation.

Punjab ministers Aman Arora, Harpal Cheema, Harjot Singh Bains, Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, Lal Chand Kataruchak, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Lok Sabha MP Malwinder Singh Kang and others were present.

Earlier, Mann and Kejriwal joined devotees at Gurdwara Baba Budha Dal Chauni to pray for the progress of the state and the prosperity of Punjabis.

They took part in the Ardas performed after the Bhog of Akhand Path. "It was a matter of great honor for us to have the opportunity to serve during the events to mark 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur," they said. "Sikhism propagated the true model of socialism and secularism. Guru Granth Sahib is a lighthouse of universal brotherhood, secularism and socialism for every human being," they added.

Mixed reality experience

Punjab govt launched a first-of-its-kind 360° mixed reality experience to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Accessible via QR code on smartphones, the initiative combines technology and tradition to honour the Guru's courage and spiritual leadership while engaging devotees through immersive digital storytelling. Titled ‘Hind Di Chadar', the experience brings to life 11 defining moments from the Guru's sacred journey, including his coronation, his defence of religious freedom, his final act of martyrdom at Chandni Chowk, and the secret cremation at Rakab Ganj Sahib. Each moment is presented with visual richness and authentic narration, drawing on the Guru Granth Sahib and preserved historical accounts to ensure authenticity.



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