NEW DELHI—A group of Akali Sikh Parliamentarians met the Union Home Minister of India, Rajnath Singh, on August 23 seeking the installation of the Defense Academy at Sri Anandpur Sahib in tribute to the 350th birth anniversary of the Tenth Sikh master, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Talking with Sikh24’s correspondent, Akali MP Prem Singh Chandumajra said that if the Defense academy gets installed in Sri Anandpur Sahib, then, it will prove as a milestone for the security of the country. ‘The academy will also educate and encourage the Youth of Punjab to join the Armed forces’ he added. He informed us that the delegation also rose following the demands:
- Opening of a special research centre at Punjab University, Patiala for research on Sikh History and Sikh culture.
- Installation of an elevated road from the Railway Station of Patna to the Gurdwara Sahib before the inauguration of the 350th birth anniversary programs. The installation of an elevated road was necessary to facilitate a hassle free pilgrimage for the Sikh devotees from India and abroad.
- Appointment of two Sikh MP’s in Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib Management Board
Rajya Sabha members Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Balwinder Singh Bhoondarh and Manjit Singh GK (President, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee) were also present on this occasion.
What cynicism! Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Singhs in their proud dastaars are deemed unworthy of even appearing in the military day parade yet Guru Gobind is to be ‘honoured’ by having the defence academy put in Anandpur Sahib – the birthplace of the Khalsa! This tamasha is nothing more than a brazen attempt to try and misappropriate the birthplace of Khalsa and rob Anandpur Sahib of its historical and doctrinal Sikh importance.