BHAGWANT MANN INVITES PRESIDENT OF INDIA TO PARTICIPATE IN EVENTS TO COMMEMORATE 350TH MARTYRDOM DAY OF SRI GURU TEGH BAHADUR JI

*URGES PRESIDENT OF INDIA TO BE A PART OF THE HISTORIC CELEBRATIONS*

New Delhi/ Chandigarh October 27-Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday extended an invitation to the President of India Droupadi Murmu to attend the events commemorating the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji at the holy city of Sri Anandpur Sahib.

In a meeting held here at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the President of India to join the mega events to mark the auspicious occasion. The Chief Minister said that he had urged Droupadi Murmu ji to be a part of the historic events adding that modalities for their visit will be finalized very soon. He said that a detailed official program of events had been shared with the President of India and she has been requested to attend these events as per their convenience.

Bhagwant Singh Mann apprised the President of India that the state government has already chalked a number of events to commemorate this once in a lifetime event across the state in a befitting manner. The Chief Minister said that on the historic occasion of the 350th Martyrdom Day of the ‘Hind Di Chadar’ (Protector of India), Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji, the Punjab Government will organize grand and historic events. He said that these series of events will be organized with deep reverence and respect across the state and these historic events will primarily take place on the sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib under the auspices of the state government.

The Chief Minister said that the commemorative events had already begun from Saturday after the Punjab government performed Ardas at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and later grand Kirtan Darbar was organized at Gurdwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that from November 1 to November 18, light-and-sound shows will take place across all districts of Punjab, showcasing the life and philosophy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Likewise, he said that Kirtan darbars will be organized in towns and cities sanctified by Guru sahib’s visits and on November 18, a Kirtan Darbar will be held in Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir).

The Chief Minister said that on the next day viz. November 19 a Nagar Kirtan will be organized from Srinagar, in which hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits will participate. Similarly, he e said that on November 20, three Nagar Kirtans will be organized from Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo), Faridkot, and Gurdaspur adding that all these four nagar kirtans will culminate at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that from November 23 to 25, the state government will organize massive events at Sri Anandpur Sahib to commemorate the occasion.

The Chief Minister said that a “Tent City,” named “Chakk Nanaki,” will be set up for the accommodation of thousands of pilgrims arriving in large numbers. Likewise, he said that an interfaith conference will be held, along with exhibitions and drone shows illuminating Guru Sahib’s life and message. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that on November 24, a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly will take place at Sri Anandpur Sahib, where prominent personalities will share reflections on the Guru ji’s life, philosophy, and his sacrifice for religious freedom and human rights.

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350TH MARTYRDOM DAY OF SRI GURU TEGH BAHADUR JI: HARJOT BAINS MEETS J&K CHIEF MINISTER, EXTENDS INVITATION

Chandigarh, October 27:As part of the Punjab Government's initiative to invite leaders from across the Nation for the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, along with Advisor to Tourism & Cultural Affairs Department Deepak Bali, called on the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Mr. Omar Abdullah at Srinagar on Monday evening, and extended a formal invitation to attend the main events scheduled at Sri Anandpur Sahib next month.

The Education Minister briefed Mr. Abdullah about the series of state-level events being organized to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who laid down his life to protect the values of religious freedom and human dignity. He also apprised him about the key highlights of the commemoration ceremonies, including the main events from November 23 to 25 at Sri Anandpur Sahib.

Accepting the invitation, the Chief Minister acknowledged the profound significance of Guru Sahib’s martyrdom and His eternal message of peace, harmony and universal brotherhood, which continues to inspire humanity.

Apprising about the series of commemorative programmes, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that these special events are being held across various sacred sites associated with the life, divine teachings and supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and His disciples- Bhai Sati Das ji, Bhai Mati Das ji, Bhai Dayala ji and Bhai Jaita ji (Baba Jiwan Singh ji).

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO ESTABLISH AAM AADMI CLINICS AT CENTRAL JAILS

*— CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN LED PUNJAB GOVT TAKES PIONEERING STEP TO EXTEND QUALITY HEALTHCARE TO INMATES*

*— HEALTH MINISTER DR BALBIR SINGH EMPHASISES HOLISTIC CARE, INCLUDING MENTAL HEALTH, FOR JAIL INMATES*

CHANDIGARH, October 27:Building on the monumental success of the Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government is now planning a pioneering pilot project to open Aam Aadmi Clinics within Central Jails to provide comprehensive and quality healthcare, including crucial mental health support, to inmates.

Sharing details about the new initiative, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said that apart from treating physical ailments, taking care of the mental health of inmates is equally important. "We recognise that many who are behind bars are mentally disturbed, which can be a factor in them committing crimes,” he said.

Terming jails as 'Sudhar Ghars' or reform homes, Dr Balbir Singh affirmed that true justice lies in reforming individuals. “When an inmate leaves the jail, they should be healthy in both body and mind. This holistic reform is essential for realising Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's dream of a 'Rangla Punjab'," he said.

Dr Balbir Singh stated that psychologists and psychiatrists will be deputed in Aam Aadmi Clinics at jails to provide essential psychosocial counselling to the inmates.

The expansion into correctional facilities comes on the back of the outstanding performance of the 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics already functional in the state. These clinics have achieved a landmark by providing free treatment to over 4.20 crore people, with more than 2.29 crore diagnostic tests conducted free of cost since their inception on August 15, 2022.

The Health Minister said that these clinics offer 107 types of free medicines and 47 types of free diagnostic tests, including specialized tests for pregnancy, Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, and Dengue, making quality healthcare accessible to all.