SULTANPUR LODHI: Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Monday held a meeting with Sant Samaj for commemorating the 550th anniversary of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev, in a befitting manner.The CM urged the representatives of the Sant Samaj to give their suggestions and inputs for crystallising the concept and programmes for the celebrations. He constituted a committee, comprising local government minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, cooperation minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and PWD minister Vijay Inder Singla, for preparing the blueprint for the mega event.Amarinder said the year-long celebrations would focus on life, ideology, and works of the founder of the Guru, which till date continue to inspire millions across the globe. He said the suggestions and recommendations of the Sant Samaj would be considered by the committee before finalizing the blue print for the celebrations.He requested Baba Sarbjot Singh Bedi to form a committee of the representatives from Sant Samaj, which would keep in regular touch with the state executive committee to ensure meticulous implementation of the final programme.The CM apprised the members of the Sant Samaj his government would be celebrating various events at the historic places closely connected with the life of Guru Nanak, including Sultanpur Lodhi, Dera Baba Nanak and Batala, besides others.He said on the suggestion of the state government, the Prime Minister had formed a 36-member national committee under the chairmanship of Union home minister, with Union finance minister, Punjab CM, Union cultural affairs minister and principal secretary, cultural affairs as its members.He said former PM Manmohan Singh was also being consulted by the state government to chalk out the modalities and action programme for these celebrations.Giving details of the schedule, the CM said the Parkash Purb (anniversary) of the Guru would be celebrated on November 12, 2019 and the state government would initiate development works at the historical places, associated with his life in the second week of November.He said the state had sought a special package of Rs 2,145 crore from the Centre. The projects envisaged by the Punjab government include, setting up of a National Institute of Interfaith Studies at Amritsar and a Rs 500-crore 500-bed super specialty hospital at Gurdaspur in the name of Guru Nanak. Besides, the state government would establish a heritage village Pind Babe Nanak Da at Sultanpur Lodhi.

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