Advani praises Punjabi bravery, Badal promises march

LUDHIANA: Former deputy prime minister LK Advani showered praise on the Punjabi community for its bravery, courage and rich contribution in the freedom struggle of the country on Sunday while addressing a large gathering to commemorate the martyrdom of Baba Jiwan Singh (Bhai Jaita). The function was jointly organized by the Punjab Government and Baba Jiwan Singh Foundation at Grain Market near Jalandhar bypass.
“Sacrifice is must for the success of all great endeavours and this martyrdom day of Bhai Jiwan Singh reminds us, especially the valiant community of Punjabis, of that,” said Advani.
He further added that Punjabis had been at the forefront of freedom struggle and revolutionary movements. “Most people, who were punished in Port Blair, were Punjabis and whenever we talk about great revolutionaries, the name of Bhagat Singh is taken all across the country,” he said.
Talking about Bhai Jiwan Singh, Advani said that the next function for this day should be organized at Anandpur Sahib as after the martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur on November 11, 1675, at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, Bhai Jiwan Singh walked 322km to Anandpur Sahib, while carrying his head and handed it to Sri Guru Gobind Singh.
Badal, who later addressed the gathering, announced that the martyrdom day function of Baba Jiwan Singh would be organized in the form of a march starting from Gurdwara Sheesh Ganj in Delhi to Anandpur Sahib near Ropar.
He also announced on the occasion, the setting up of a chair in one of the universities of Punjab in the memory of Baba Jiwan Singh to perpetuate his rich legacy of self-sacrifice and unique martyrdom.
Others who spoke on the occasion, were deputy speaker of Lok Sabha Charanjit Singh Atwal and deputy chief minister Sukhbir Badal.