Following the surge in the COVID-19 cases and restrictions imposed by the governments in the wake of this, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has decided to cancel the plan of organizing mega function, which was scheduled from April 29 to May in Bhai Gurdas Jee Nagar (New Amritsar) here to celebrate 400th Parkash Gurpurb of Ninth Guru Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib.
Addressing a press conference at the SGPC office in Amritsar on Wednesday, SGPC president Jagir Kaur said, “The 400th Prakash Gurpurab centenary celebrations were scheduled to be celebrated grandly in collaboration with the sangat. But due to the surge in the Covid-19 cases, small ceremonies will now be held at the Diwan Hall Gurdwara Manji Sahib at Sri Darbar Sahib.”
She said that the decision had been taken after holding discussions with government officials.
She said, “There was a lot of enthusiasm among the sangat for the centenary celebrations, but due to the COVID-19, there would not be a large gathering. A series of events are being organised at Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal, the birthplace of the ninth Guru in Amritsar, which is being telecast live through various platforms. During the centenary, similar events will be telecast live so that the sangat of country and world can get connected with the historic day celebration. During the centenary celebrations, links would be provided to the channels for live coverage for the events from April 29 to May 1. Any channel which wants to do the live coverage would be able to do so.”
Kaur said that COVID-19 had affected the whole world, and as always, the SGPC is working for the betterment of humanity even in this time of crisis.
“Although the SGPC was already providing better treatment to the corona patients at its healthcare institutions, now given the critical situation, Sri Guru Ram Das Charitable Hospital at Chatiwind Gate has been completely dedicated for the corona patients,” said Kaur.
“A total of 100 beds have been provided here, and corona vaccination facility is also being provided free of cost. SGPC has made arrangements for vaccination at Sri Guru Ram Das Medical College Vallah, Sri Guru Ram Das Charitable Hospital Amritsar, Baba Buddha Ji Hospital Bir Sahib and at Fuhara Chowk Amritsar. The SGPC is taking good care of the corona patients, and the medical teams are providing better services for their care”, said she.
She said that praising the services of Sri Guru Ram Das Medical College, the government has also shown it in its advertisements in the first place published in the newspapers.
She said, “There is a big problem of oxygen for the treatment of corona patients for which the government should make steadfast and solid arrangements. The matter has also been taken up with the Chief Secretary of Punjab Government.”
She said, “Covid-19 vaccine is also not fully available, which could be a problem. So, the government should make its arrangement. SGPC had already deposited money in advance for the vaccine and appealed to the government to ensure uninterrupted supply of the vaccine.”
