New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): A six-member delegation led by Sardar Parvinder Singh, Senior Member of the Uttar Pradesh State Minorities Commission and President of the Uttar Pradesh Sikh Gurdwara Coordination Committee, met with Delhi Lieutenant Governor Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu during his visit to Lucknow. The courtesy meeting focused on discussing the key initiatives, welfare policies, and historical preservation efforts undertaken for the Sikh community under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
During the interaction, Sardar Parvinder Singh highlighted the origins of Veer Bal Diwas, recalling that the proposal was initially submitted to the Chief Minister in 2017 and reiterated in 2018 to honour the supreme sacrifice of the four Sahibzades. The state government accepted the proposal, formalizing the observance at an official level and hosting Prakash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib alongside Gurbani Kirtan at the Chief Minister’s official residence.
The delegation noted significant academic reforms, specifically the inclusion of the history of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and the four Sahibzades into the curriculum for Grades 8, 9, and 10 across the province. Through annual events organized on Veer Bal Diwas, roughly 30 million students actively participate in speech, essay, painting, and quiz contests, helping the younger generation connect with Sikh history and values.
Sardar Parvinder Singh also outlined infrastructural and community developments, pointing out that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has participated in nearly 100 events dedicated to Gurpurabs and martyrdom anniversaries. Key urban and heritage projects include the construction of Khalsa Chowk in Lucknow and designated state funding for the restoration and upkeep of historic Gurdwaras across Uttar Pradesh.
The delegation formally honoured Lieutenant Governor Sandhu with a memento marking the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, along with a traditional shawl and bouquet. Representatives also attended a felicitation programme at Gurdwara Yahiyaganj. The delegation included Sardar Taranjit Singh, Sardar Harpreet Singh, Sardar Charanjeet Singh Hora, Sardar Kawaljeet Singh, and Sardar Trilochan Singh, all of whom reiterated the community’s commitment to social harmony and nation-building.
