Baisakhi spirit shines at Punjabi Bradri’s cultural festival

Patna: Punjabi Bradri organised the 74th Baisakhi cultural festival on Tuesday. The event, supported by the tourism and art and culture departments, was held to mark the harvest festival and commemorate the foundation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.Ashwini Kumar Choubey, former Union minister, was the chief guest on the occasion. After lighting the ceremonial lamp, Choubey, in his address, said he has been associated with the community since his time at Patna Science College in the 1970s. He expressed pride for belonging from the land of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and urged people to choose the path of humanity and brotherhood. He said along with personal growth, people should also pray for the prosperity of the rest of the world.Choubey, while lauding the contributions of outgoing CM Nitish Kumar, said he had known him since JP Andolan days. “Such changes are the course of nature. I wish the new govt great success,” he said.Harjot Kaur Bhamrah, chairman and member, board of revenue, govt of Bihar, while addressing the audience said she recalled the sacrifices of those killed during the freedom struggle at Jallianwala Bagh in 1919. “We are fortunate to live in the land of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Despite our roots in Punjab, our community takes pride in being Bihari Punjabis,” she said.Shyam Rajak, MLA and former minister, said the Punjabi Bradri is an integral part of Bihar’s growth. He emphasised that the cultural programmes serve to unite the community and spread the message of service, paving the path for the success of both the community and the state.Punjabi Bradri president Diljeet Khanna said the festival commemorates the hard work of farmers and the season’s first harvest. He added that the gathering aims to celebrate unity and brotherhood and propagate these values in society.Major general A S Bajaj, additional director general, NCC directorate, Bihar and Jharkhand was also present on this occasion.The cultural evening featured performances by the Harleen Singh group and traditional bhangra and gidda.