Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini Honoured with ‘Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award’ for Promoting Social Harmony and Sikh Welfare

Chandigarh, October 13 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was honoured with the prestigious ‘Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award’ by the Global Punjabi Association for his exemplary leadership, commitment to social harmony, and continuous efforts toward the welfare of the Sikh community.

During the ceremony held at Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, Chandigarh, the Chief Minister also unveiled the Hindi book “Tilak Janju Ka Rakha” authored by Dr. Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chief Patron of the Global Punjabi Association. The book is a well-researched chronicle on the life, journeys, and supreme sacrifice of the ninth Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

Expressing his gratitude, CM Saini said it was a deeply inspiring and emotional moment to release a book based on the life and martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji — who gave his life to defend humanity and the freedom of faith. He recalled how, during Aurangzeb’s oppressive rule, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji fearlessly stood up against tyranny, sacrificing his life to protect the religious rights of Kashmiri Pandits.

He narrated that when Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was executed in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, his disciple Bhai Jaita bravely carried the Guru’s severed head to Anandpur Sahib. Along the way, a devotee named Kushal offered his life to protect Bhai Jaita from the pursuing Mughal forces — a powerful symbol of sacrifice and devotion.

CM Saini also mentioned that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative, the 400th Prakash Purab of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was celebrated nationwide as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. A commemorative postal stamp and coin were also issued in his honour, and the Prime Minister declared the martyrdom day of Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh as Veer Bal Diwas, celebrated annually.

Highlighting Haryana’s deep spiritual bond with Sikh history, Saini said that from Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, all Sikh Gurus visited the land of Haryana, where over 30 Gurudwaras stand as reminders of their sacred journeys. He emphasized that inspired by Guru tradition, the Haryana government continues to work with a spirit of seva (service) for the welfare of all communities.

The Chief Minister recalled major steps taken by his government, including the formation of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee in December 2022, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the Sikh community. He also mentioned the transfer of 70 kanals of land to Gurdwara Shri Chilla Sahib in Sirsa, naming of the Yamunanagar Medical College after Hind Ki Chadar Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and the Asandh College after Baba Fateh Singh Ji. Additionally, a VLDA College has been established in Lakhnaur Sahib in the name of Mata Gujri Ji, and the Swarn Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra Scheme was launched to provide financial assistance to pilgrims visiting major Sikh shrines like Shri Hazur Sahib, Shri Nankana Sahib, Shri Hemkunt Sahib, and Shri Patna Sahib.

Saini said that in the age of science, technology, and artificial intelligence, the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji remain more relevant than ever, inspiring future generations to live by the values of sacrifice, courage, and compassion.

The event was attended by Goswami Sushil Maharaj, Maharani Uma Singh of Nabha, CM’s OSD Virender Badkhalsa, Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal, and several dignitaries and members of the Global Punjabi Association.