Indian Railways to Commemorate 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
Indian Railways is preparing to honor the 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This initiative aims to educate the younger generation about the teachings and sacrifices of the revered Sikh Guru. A high-level meeting at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi discussed various proposals to commemorate this significant event, marking a historic collaboration between Indian Railways and the Sikh community.
Meeting Highlights and Proposals
During the meeting, Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries, Shri Ravneet Singh, emphasized the importance of the event. He noted that this was the first dedicated meeting to gather input from major Sikh organizations regarding the commemorations. The discussions included several proposals aimed at enhancing the visibility and accessibility of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s legacy. Suggestions included displaying his Shlokas at railway stations and on trains nationwide, operating special commemorative trains, and installing Punjabi signboards at key railway stations in Haryana, Patna, and Hazur Sahib.
Additionally, the proposals called for improved cleanliness and hygiene on trains, particularly the Sachkhand Express, and the provision of Langar (community meals) on board. Enhancements to facilities on pilgrimage trains and increased connectivity to significant Sikh pilgrimage sites, especially in Delhi, were also discussed. The meeting aimed to ensure that the commemorations would resonate with the Sikh community and the general public.
Key Figures in Attendance
The meeting saw participation from prominent Sikh leaders and representatives, including S. Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Cabinet Minister of Delhi, and S. Gurcharan Grewal, General Secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC). Other notable attendees included S. Jagjot Singh Sohi, President of Takht Sri Patna Sahib, and S. Jagdish Singh Jhinda, President of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee. Their involvement underscores the collaborative effort to honor Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s contributions to society.
Senior officials from Indian Railways were also present, including Shri Naveen Gulati, Member (Infrastructure), and Shri Hitendra Malhotra, Member (Operations & Business Development). Their participation highlights the commitment of Indian Railways to consider the suggestions made during the meeting and to take necessary actions for the success of the commemorative events.
Future Plans and Enhancements
Shri Ravneet Singh shared that various proposals were put forward during the meeting, including the renaming of Delhi Railway Station to Guru Tegh Bahadur Railway Station. Other suggestions included daily train services to Takht Sri Patna Sahib with improved pantry car facilities and infrastructure enhancements at Patna Sahib station, such as lifts and escalators. The discussions also focused on improving hygiene at pilgrimage stations and enhancing accessibility to Patna Sahib via the Vande Bharat Express.
Moreover, plans for a special train connecting the Five Takhts for three months were proposed, along with increased train stoppages at key locations like Karnal and Kurukshetra. The aim is to enhance connectivity to Hazoor Sahib and other Takhts through modern trains, ensuring that the Sikh community can easily access these significant sites.
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