In a monumental initiative to honour Sikh history and spiritual legacy, the Punjab Government on Sunday announced grand plans to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sikhs ninth master Guru Tegh Bahadur and the 450th foundation anniversary of Sri Amritsar Sahib with unprecedented global outreach, spiritual fervour, and inclusive public participation. The announcement was made by Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan during a press interaction in Chandigarh and later at Gurdwara Sri Dukh Niwaran Sahib in Patiala.   Calling the centenaries not just state events but a global message of humanity, justice, and sacrifice, Sandhwan said that the government aimed at engaging with the masses, especially the Sikh Sangat, to shape the commemorations through collective wisdom and spiritual insight. These milestones belong not only to Punjab or the Sikh community but to all of humanity, he stated.   Peoples Celebration, Not Just Govts Event In a significant departure from routine official commemorations, the Government is actively seeking suggestions from citizens, religious organizations, scholars, and civil society to decide the nature, structure, and scale of the events. This will be a people-driven campaign, said Sandhwan, adding that a WhatsApp number, email IDs, and a dedicated government website have already been launched to collect ideas and inputs.   He said that anyone case send suggestions by mailing to gtb350.pbgmail.com; or amritsar450.pbgmail.com; through WhatsApp at 7380010010; and by logging on to campaign.punjab.gov.in.   I will personally meet institutions, spiritual leaders, and communities every day to ensure these events are shaped with collective consciousness. We are not doing this as a ritual but as a duty, a tribute, and a legacy-building exercise, Sandhwan said.   Modern Technology, Global Outreach The centenary celebrations will blend traditional devotion with modern tools — including artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and multimedia — to make Guru Sahibs teachings accessible to a global audience.   These commemorations are not confined to Punjab or even India. Using modern technology, we will take the message of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahibs unparalleled sacrifice and Amritsar Sahibs spiritual heritage to every corner of the globe, Sandhwan asserted.   Programs will be held not just in India but in key diaspora locations around the world, designed to reflect Sikh values of justice, sacrifice, and inclusiveness. Cultural exhibitions, digital documentaries, virtual tours, and AI-based educational tools are being explored.   Special Session of Punjab Assembly Punjab Government will also convene a special session of the Vidhan Sabha dedicated to discussions on Sikh legacy, the importance of religious freedom, heritage preservation, and the role of community in sustaining spiritual traditions. Legislators will deliberate on how Guru Tegh Bahadurs message remains relevant in todays world, especially in the context of global human rights and interfaith harmony.   Campaign Begins with Ardas The campaign to gather public suggestions began with prayers at Gurdwara Sri Dukh Niwaran Sahib in Patiala, where Sandhwan offered ardas for guidance and spiritual strength in organizing the celebrations with devotion and humility.   Speaking at the gurdwara, he said: We have begun this campaign with ardas at the sacred feet of Guru Sahib, seeking his blessings so these centenaries can be celebrated away from political motives and with purity of spirit.   He invoked the profound Sikh historical narrative, stating, While Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji rejected the sacred thread (janjhu) to challenge ritualism, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib sacrificed his life to protect that very thread and tilak — not as symbols of one religion, but as emblems of freedom and justice for all.   Scholars Join Hands Prominent Sikh scholars including Prof Paramveer Singh of Punjabi University and Dr Harjit Singh of Gurmat College shared their thoughts during the Patiala meeting. Prof Paramveer presented three books to the Speaker and emphasized the need for educational outreach as part of the centenary celebrations.   Honouring a Legacy That Transcends Time Sandhwan reiterated that Guru Tegh Bahadurs martyrdom is not just a Sikh event but a turning point in global history — an act of ultimate courage to defend the rights of others. He gave his life not for his own belief, but to protect the beliefs of another. Theres no parallel to that in the world. Thats why this needs global remembrance, he said.   Describing Amritsar Sahib as the spiritual heartbeat of Punjab, Sandhwan said that the 450th anniversary of its foundation provides a moment to revisit the socio-cultural, spiritual, and humanitarian contributions of the holy city to the world.   The Speaker concluded with a call for unity, collective responsibility, and sincere participation. This is not just a celebration, its a call — to reflect, to unite, and to carry forward the light our Gurus lit for humanity. Let us come together — sangat, scholars, civil society, and citizens — to make these centenaries a truly historic chapter in our shared legacy, he said.

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