First phase of Khalsa Heritage Complex inaugurated

Anandpur Sahib, Apr 14 (UNI) On the historic day of Baisakhi, the first phase of the Khalsa Heritage Complex was dedicated to the nation after the 'Ardas' (prayer) ceremony jointly performed by eminent Sikh personalities including heads of various Sikh religious institutions and organisations.

The inaguration ceremony was not attended by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) led by former Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal during whose tenure the foundation stone of this Rs 221 crore project was laid in 1999 during the Khalsa tricenternary celebrations.

A handful of members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC) not aligned to the SAD and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) members attended the function which was held in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vidanti and the Jathedars of Takht Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo and Takht Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib and the SGPC President Avtar Singh also did not attend the function.

Amid the recitation of 'Shabad Kirtan', Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and his other Cabinet Colleagues, PPCC President Shamsher Singh Dullo paid obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum of Gurdwara Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib before the dedication ceremony.

The inauguration of the first phase of the Complex was marked by unveiling of a plaque amid the chanting of 'Satnam Waheguru and Bole So Nihal', jointly by prominent Sikh personalities namely -- Sant Baba Harbans Singh Kar Sewawale from Delhi, Baba Labh Singh Kar Sewawale Qila Anandgarh Sahib, Baba Jagtar Singh from Tarn Taran, Baba Gurbachan Singh Dashmesh Privar, Baba Sarbjot Singh Bedi, President Sant Samaj and Bhai Jasbir Singh Rode, former Jathedar Akal Takht, in the presence of the Chief Minister. The first phase includes an exhibition gallery and an auditorium while the second and third phases which will be taken-up would include the Khalsa Heritage Museum.

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