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Time of India
02-08-2025
- General
- Time of India
One City. Five Iconic Spots. Endless Emotions—Welcome to Amritsar!
Amritsar literally means 'pool of nectar'. This place is the perfect blend of religious heritage, history, and is a cultural epicenter of Punjab as well. This is considered a holy spot as the holy shrine 'Golden Temple' of Sikhism is located here, but one cannot mistake this place as just a holy place—it is much more than that. Amritsar also holds deep historical significance as it is a mark of all that the country endured to be free today, and the best part of Amritsar is its Punjabi culture, rich in energy and positivity. Let's deep dive into what makes 'Amritsar' a much-loved spot: Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib) Topping the charts is definitely the holy shrine of Amritsar. The Golden Temple was founded in the 16th century by Guru Arjan Dev and was completed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1809. This temple is famous worldwide for its breathtaking beauty—it has gold-plated domes and is surrounded by the Amrit Sarovar, creating a great reflection of the temple in the water. This holy temple also distributes langar (a free meal) to almost 50,000 people a day, and people can also join in the preparation of the langar, also known as Sewa. One can also visit the Central Sikh Museum, which houses rare manuscripts and Sikh heritage artefacts and is also free to enter. The best part is that this temple is open 24/7, so one can visit this temple anytime of the day. Jallianwala Bagh This place would send chills down your body! A dark day in history—on April 13th, 1919, Brigadier-General Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on an unarmed assembly of people. According to British reports, it is said that around 379 people were killed, but Indian reports say that almost 1,500 people were killed, with 120 bodies retrieved from the well located there. This place was preserved by the government and now is known as 'Jallianwala Bagh', where one can see red brick walls with bullet marks, a Martyr's Well which is enclosed, and the Flame of Liberty which honors the dead. In the gallery present here, one can look at paintings and letters of this time and also see a nightly light and sound show narrated from Udham Singh's perspective. One can visit this place from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. Partition Museum This museum was inaugurated on 25th August 2017 and was the world's first 'people's museum', which was built to preserve the stories, letters, and objects donated by survivors of the Partition. This museum comprises items from pre-partition, 1947 violence, and post-partition rehabilitation, and one can also listen to the recorded oral histories as well as interactive media stations. This museum gives us a glimpse into what our ancestors went through and the instability they lived in. One can visit this museum from Tuesday to Sunday (10 am to 6 pm). Gobindgarh Fort This fort is located in the heart of Amritsar and was originally built in 1760 by the Bhangi Misl (sovereign states of the Sikh confederacy) and was renamed by Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century. This iconic fort also has a living museum and, through exhibits and shows, tells thousands of stories and legends about Punjab. You can see shows like Sher‑e‑Punjab, which features the story of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Coin and Weapon Museum, the Pagri Museum, and the craft bazaar (Phulkari, juttis). One can also go on rides like the camel cart, Segway, children's skill games, and delve into the delicious Punjabi food at the cafeteria. This place was once the sanctuary of the Kohinoor and provides a home to the impressive collection of old and rare currencies and a replica of the famed jewel (The Kohi-Noor) here. This fort is open daily, but the entry is chargeable. Wagah Border Ceremony The Wagah Border is located on the Grand Trunk Road. This place hosts the energetic 45-minute ceremony celebrating the daily flag lowering on the border. Here, you can witness the choreographed drills, patriotic songs, and crowd chants, which will definitely give you a sense of pride for your country—that it still stands with its head held high even after all it went through. This border holds great importance as it marks the division of the Punjab region during the Partition of India in 1947. This border is also known as the Attari-Wagah Border, with Attari being the Indian side of the border. The border opens here at 10 AM for seating; the ceremony begins 30-40 minutes before the sunset. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
SGPC puts on hold decision to display ex-PM Manmohan Singh's portrait in museum at Golden Temple
CHANDIGARH: In a fresh controversy, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Friday decided to put on hold its decision to display a portrait of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in the Central Sikh Museum at the Golden Temple complex. This comes after Balwant Singh Rajoana, who is currently in a Patiala jail after being convicted for the assassination of then Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, objected to the move in a letter. SGPC Secretary Partap Singh said that in the recent meeting of the executive committee of the SGPC, the installation of Dr Manmohan Singh's portrait in the Central Sikh Museum was approved. "However, following objections raised by various groups, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami has ordered the matter to be put on hold for the time being," he said, adding that the SGPC respects the sentiments of the Sikh community and believes that a general consensus is essential on the matter. He further said the decision regarding the portrait will be reconsidered in a future meeting of the executive committee. In his letter addressed to the SGPC, Rajoana expressed his opposition to the move, stating that Dr Manmohan Singh during his tenure as Prime Minister represented a political party that he termed responsible for atrocities against Sikhs.
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh: An Army Officer who earned a place at Central Sikh Museum for saving Amritsar during 1965 war
A portrait of an Army officer, standing tall and looking resplendent in his uniform, adorns the walls of the Central Sikh Museum inside the Golden Temple premises in Punjab's Amritsar. The painting is of the late Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh, a war hero credited with saving the city during the 1965 war with Pakistan. In November 2017, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had installed portraits of war heroes at the Central Sikh Museum, including Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh, Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Arora, and Marshal of Indian Air Force Arjan Singh. Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh found a place in the museum as the Sikh community believes that he saved the Golden Temple during the 1965 India-Pakistan war. Born on October 1, 1913, in Badrukhan village near Sangrur in the princely state of Jind, Harbaksh Singh hailed from a rich farming family. His father, Harnam Singh, was the first doctor in their village and had served with valour in the Tirah Campaign (1897-98) and the East African campaign during World War I. Harbaksh Singh was commissioned into the Indian Army on July 15, 1935. Over time, he rose through the ranks to become the general officer commanding-in-chief of Western Command, playing a pivotal role during the 1965 war. During the conflict, Pakistan launched a massive surprise offensive on the Amritsar and Dera Baba Nanak sectors. The story passed down through generations in Punjab is that, alarmed by the scale of the attack by Pakistan, the Army leadership in Delhi ordered a retreat behind the Beas River — a move that would have left Amritsar and the Darbar Sahib at risk of being overrun. Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh defied the order. His leadership proved decisive. The Indian forces held their position, repelled the Pakistani assault, and safeguarded Punjab from deeper incursion. Though some attempted to question his insubordination after the war, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri firmly stood by Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh, recognising his judgment and valour. In 1966, the government honoured him with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award. In 2016, then SGPC president Kirpal Singh Badungar, while announcing that his portrait would be installed at the Central Sikh Museum, said, 'Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh, who was commandant of the Army unit, showed exemplary confidence during the war and played a key role in defeating Pakistani troops. It was due to him that Pakistan could not touch Amritsar. Otherwise, his seniors from Delhi had ordered him to step back to the Beas river — but he did not take these orders and stood his ground to fight Pakistan. Because he knew that stepping back would mean giving Amritsar to Pakistan. His bravery is a source of inspiration for youth. This is why we have decided to install his portrait at the Central Sikh Museum (Golden Temple) to pay tribute to him.' On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the 1965 war on September 9, 2015, the Punjab government had invited and honoured Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh's daughter, Harmala Kaur, at Asal Uttar in Tarn Taran district. Speaking to The Indian Express after the event, she had said, 'My father has written an autobiography; his contribution cannot be ignored. It is true that sometimes politics gets in the way…but he was always sure that he was in the right position to take the right decision at that time.' Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh's story has become folklore in the border districts, and he was the inspiration behind the Nishan-e-Sikhi Institute of Science and Training (NSIST) at Khadur Sahib in Tarn Taran district, where youth are trained to join the Army. Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh passed away on November 14, 1999, but his legacy lives on in the Darbar Sahib premises.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Maharashtra Sikhs celebrate SGPC's decision to honour Dr Manmohan Singh at Central Sikh Museum in Amritsar
MUMBAI: Sikhs in the city and state have reasons to celebrate the recent decision of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee ( SGPC ), also known as the mini "parliament of the Sikhs" due to the important roles it plays in the life of the community. The SGPC has decided to honour former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh by placing his portrait in the Central Sikh Museum , Amritsar . As the first Sikh to serve as India's Prime Minister, Dr Singh's tenure was marked by dignity, integrity, and visionary economic leadership. The decision to place his portrait at the iconic Central Sikh Museum in Amritsar, where Dr Singh now shares space with several legends of the community throughout history, reflects a profound acknowledgment of the eminent economist-politician's remarkable contributions to the country and the global Sikh community. "This is a moment of immense pride for Sikhs across the world. Dr Manmohan Singh not only brought honour to the Sikh identity on the world stage but also upheld the highest ideals of humility, intellect, and service throughout his public life. SGPC's decision is a fitting tribute to his legacy and an inspiration for future generations," said Bal Malkit Singh, Convenor of the Maharashtra Sikh Association. He hoped that this honour would motivate youths who would draw strength from such exemplary role models. He added that Dr Manmohan Singh's appeal cut across people of ideological differences. His statesman-like persona placed him in the league of great leaders. He deserved to be among the pantheon of legends in the Sikh community.
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Former PM Manmohan Singh's portrait to be displayed at Golden Temple museum
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has announced to install portraits of various Sikh personalities, including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, at the Central Sikh Museum in Golden Temple complex. A meeting of the SGPC executive committee, chaired by president Harjinder Singh Dhami, was held at the gurdwara body's head office on Tuesday. The committee also discussed the three-page letter to the SGPC written by Balwant Singh Rajoana, a convict on death row in the Beant Singh assassination case. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Dhami stated the SGPC will soon take a decision on the mercy petition filed by Sikh body in Rajoana's case. He said Rajoana had written about the discrimination faced by Sikhs at the hands of governments. The letter also mentions Rajoana's request to withdraw the mercy petition filed by SGPC on his behalf. Calling it a matter of community's concern, Dhami said the SGPC is making efforts to build a consensus by holding consultations with Panthic representative bodies, Nihung Singh groups, and Sikh sects. Two meetings have already taken place, and another meeting is scheduled for May 17 in Chandigarh with Sikh judges and lawyers. After that, a representative Panthic gathering will be convened, and a decision will be made in line with Panthic sentiment. Dhami also said the SGPC has decided to give ₹5 lakh aid to the families of four Sikhs killed recently in an attack in Poonch, Jammu, amid India-Pakistan conflict. He also announced plans for beautification of the path from Sri Guru Ram Das Ji Langar Hall to Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib at Sri Harmandar Sahib complex, including planting trees on both sides to create a lush and shaded environment for devotees. This service will be undertaken by Kar Sewa Baba Kashmir Singh Bhuriwale. Additionally, he informed that the SGPC executive committee approved the display of portraits of Giani Mohan Singh (ex-head granthi of Harmandar Sahib), former Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh, Baba Inderjit Singh Raqbewale, Baba Bishan Singh (Tarna Dal, Baba Bakala), and SGPC member Randhir Singh Cheema at the Central Sikh Museum.
