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Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
From cleaning, repairing of roads to Guru Tegh Bahadur sites: Bains pledges Rs 20L from discretionary funds, one month's salary as part of religious sentence
Complying with the direction of the Akal Takht, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has pledged Rs 20 lakh from his discretionary funds and one month's salary for the cleaning and repair of approach roads to sites associated with Guru Tegh Bahadur. In compliance with the order received from the Five Singh Sahibaan at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, and with the grace of Guru Sahib Ji, after completing the assigned service, I went to Sri Akal Takht Sahib, offered Ardaas, and submitted a report regarding the completed service, Bains said. For the cleaning and improvement of the roads leading to Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal, Gurdwara Kotha Sahib Patshahi Nauvin, and Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib, I pledge to contribute Rs 20 lakh from my discretionary funds and, as a personal offering, one month's salary, he said. Bains also said he would make every possible effort, personally and through the government for beautification works around other sites linked to Guru Tegh Bahadur. As a humble Sikh, I request forgiveness for mistakes committed knowingly or unknowingly in the past, and seek blessings to serve religion, the community, the nation, Punjab and society to the greatest extent in the future, he said. The Sikh clergy summoned Bains for organising entertainment performances, involving dance and music, at a programme held in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 24 to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth of the ten Sikh Gurus. The Punjab Language Department organised the event, held at Tagore Hall in Srinagar. At the meeting held at the Akal Takht secretariat, Bains apologised for the Srinagar event, which was seen as a deep affront to Sikh sentiments. The Sikh clergy asked him to immediately visit Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal, the birthplace of Guru Tegh Bahadur, in Amritsar, to inspect and ensure repairs and cleanliness on the approach roads and nearby streets. This is the first time that the Akal Takht mandated infrastructure development as part of a religious sentence.
Indian Express
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
In a first, Sikh clergy asks Punjab minister Harjot Singh Bains to repair roads as part of religious sentence
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains Wednesday appeared before the Akal Takht in Amritsar, the chief centre of religious authority of Sikhism, and was asked to repair roads as a religious sentence after an event in Jammu and Kashmir that was deemed offensive to Sikh sentiments. This marks the first time the Akal Takht has mandated infrastructure development as part of a religious sentence, which typically involves service at gurdwaras. The Sikh clergy summoned Bains for organising 'entertainment performances', involving dance and music, at a programme held in Srinagar on July 24 to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who was the ninth of the ten Sikh Gurus. The Punjab language department organised the event held at Tagore Hall in Srinagar. At the meeting held at the Akal Takht secretariat, Bains apologised for the Srinagar event, which was seen as a 'deep affront to Sikh sentiments'. The Sikh clergy asked him to immediately visit Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal, the birthplace of Guru Tegh Bahadur, in Amritsar, to inspect and ensure repairs and cleanliness on the approach roads and nearby streets. He will also have to visit Gurdwara Kotha Sahib (Patshahi Nauvin) in Amritsar to oversee development works in the surrounding infrastructure. Similarly, he will have to ensure necessary arrangements and road improvements at Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib in Baba Bakala. Bains will then offer prayers at the martyrdom site of Guru Tegh Bahadur at Gurdwara Sri Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi, and proceed to Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Punjab's Anandpur Sahib, where he will participate in service at the jora ghar (shoe house) for two days. Upon completion, he will make an offering of Rs 1,100 karah parshad and have ardas (a special prayer) performed. 'Sikh devotees from India and abroad submitted written complaints to Sri Akal Takht Sahib against Punjab Cabinet minister Harjot Singh; Jaswant Singh, Director of the Punjab language department, and Punjabi singer Bir Singh. After considering the complaints, the five Singh Sahibaan (religious leaders) concluded that governments should organise seminars, discussions, and lectures on the life and teachings of Guru Sahib, but even these must fully adhere to the Sikh religious code of conduct. It was directed that for such programmes, the Dharam Parchar Committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) should be consulted and involved,' said Acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj. 'Religious and Gurmat-based events, including Nagar Kirtans, are the rightful responsibility of Sikh institutions, and the Khalsa Panth is fully capable of conducting them. Therefore, the government should support the SGPC and other Sikh organisations in holding such commemorations at Sri Anandpur Sahib and other historical Sikh sites—similar to the cooperation extended by the Bihar Government during the 350th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji,' added Jathedar Gargaj. 'Sikh institutions, in turn, should also extend due respect to the government and its representatives participating in these programmes. As large numbers of devotees from across India and abroad are expected to visit Sri Anandpur Sahib and other related gurdwaras during these centenary events, the Punjab government has been urged to repair roads, improve infrastructure, and ensure proper facilities for the convenience of the Sangat,' he said. He said just as previous Punjab governments had established colleges, hospitals, and universities in the name of the Gurus during past centenary celebrations, the incumbent government should also take similar steps and establish institutions for public welfare as a tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur.
India Gazette
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
J-K: Kala Manch performs a stage play against drug addiction
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 25 (ANI): In a bid to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse among youth in the Kashmir Valley, prominent theatre group Kashmir Kala Manch staged a powerful play titled Ze Kadam Kaethes Taam (translated as Do Kadam Faansi Tak) at Tagore Hall in Srinagar. The performance, delivered in the Kashmiri language, drew significant attention from young audiences and was lauded for its compelling message and strong performances. The play addresses the rising menace of drug abuse in the Kashmir Valley, driven by factors like unemployment, family disputes, and life challenges. Directed by theatre practitioner Hakeem Javaid, the play offers a realistic and emotional portrayal of individuals affected by substance abuse, showcasing its devastating impact on families and society. Javaid said, 'It's time to contribute something more to theatre. But looking at today's situation, the atmosphere we are living in, you're also living in, just like I am, so you know where today's youth are headed. I feel it's important to show them both paths, there are a lot of walnuts stuck on the tree--I'm throwing stones from here. All the fruits don't need to fall with just one stone. Maybe I'll need to throw one, two, three... maybe even ten stones. But still, we will keep trying.' Tariq Jameel shared that playing his role was about serving society, not personal gain, and thanked director Hakeem Javed for his vision. 'The biggest thing is that everyone in this universe--every person in this world--whatever work they want to do, they often look for what they can gain from it. But when I read this role, and the way director Hakeem Javed Sahab explained it to me, I completely let go of all thoughts of personal gain. I realised that this character is a powerful medium to serve society. Truly, it's a beautiful opportunity--I was given a platform to do something meaningful for the community. That's what made this role so enjoyable for me. Through it, I got the chance to represent those people who are disappointed with life or who have gone astray, whether because of family problems, unemployment, or any other struggle,' Jameel said. Anab Khan, a student, praised the play for its informative portrayal of drug abuse, a growing issue, and emphasised the importance of such performances in spreading awareness and protecting future generations. 'This play was highly informative, and we gained a lot of knowledge from it. It was especially focused on drug abuse, which is a growing problem today. The damage it causes is increasing day by day. So, as much as possible, we should watch such plays and give them the importance they deserve so that awareness spreads among people, the future generation can be protected, and actions can be taken against such issues,' Anab Khan, a student, said He added, 'The key point is that if we receive important information through theatre, it becomes highly meaningful for society. We need more and more such good plays to be performed regularly, and this information should be widely spread among people.' Beenish a performing artist praised the play, highlighting theatre's potential as a powerful medium for communication and awareness, especially among youth, using engaging storytelling to convey important messages like the dangers of drug abuse. She said, 'Personally speaking, this is one of my favourite plays, because I know how much hard work went into it. Hats off to all the members of the group. I would just like to say that today; theatre should become a way of communication--just like it was used in the old days. Back then, it was a medium to communicate messages, and even now, it can be used in that way. It's a fun and engaging method to spread awareness, and I believe it can both attract and inspire youngsters.' She said that theatre can be a guiding force for Kashmir's youth and that using humour to convey a message was 'excellent.' 'Theatre can guide the youth, especially when so many people today are drawn more toward entertainment and social media. Picking a topic like drug abuse and conveying it in this kind of engaging, fun manner is a great way to send a message. I think it's an excellent way to show teenagers and young people the right path, using a format they relate to,' she continued. (ANI)
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sad to see the poor upkeep of auditoriums in Gujarat: Siddharth Randeria
Siddharth Randeria 'There are shabby green rooms, uncomfortable seats' 'Poorly maintained theatres project a very bad image of the city' Speaking at a recent event in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Siddharth Randeria , whose Gujjubhai series of plays is hugely popular, had expressed his disappointment about the upkeep of theatres in Gujarat. The Chaal Jeevi Laiye! actor had said, 'The government has built some beautiful theatres in the state for live performances. However, the poor upkeep of these spaces is a matter of great concern. For artistes like me, who do about 250 shows of different plays in the state in a year, it is a sad development. Within months of the inauguration of these spaces, issues start popping up-be it seats not being maintained properly, sound system not being up to the mark or toilets not being cleaned. For example, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Ahmedabad-audiences are now hesitant to visit such places. Within months of the inauguration of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Nagargruh in Vadodara, sofas and water taps were stolen! As artistes, we have to perform under any circumstance since there are ticketed shows. But even audiences hesitate to visit these spaces now. I hope something can be done about this. In Rajkot, for instance, there is a provision where these theatres are maintained by a different institution. Maybe that can be tried everywhere.'He tells us, 'I have been doing plays for 50 years and I perform in different cities of Gujarat regularly. While the government deserves kudos for opening these spaces for live performances, I am sad to see their poor upkeep. For actors, these theatres are sacred places.' Excerpts:Many years ago, while doing a play in Bhavnagar, Smriti Irani had scolded the organisers for the poor maintenance of auditoriums. Unfortunately, not much has changed. At most theatres, the green rooms are shabby, seats are uncomfortable, and toilets are not clean. Ahmedabad is now a mega city and be it architecture or infrastructure, we are ahead of even Mumbai. But when it comes to spaces for theatre, there are very few options-like Tagore Hall and Thakorbhai Desai Hall. And most theatres are not maintained properly. I love doing Gujarati plays and the validation from my audience is very important. With poor maintenance of theatres, we are driving away this audience. Youngsters don't want to visit such theatres, and this is impacting our culture adversely. This 'chalta hai' attitude needs to go. If these theatres are maintained by a different organisation, like in the case of Hemu Gadhvi Hall in Rajkot, things can performing at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in the past, I have faced issues like the curtains not opening or shutting properly, stinking carpets etc. Such poorly maintained theatres project a very bad image of the city. Once, while performing at Tagore Hall, there were no chairs in the green room, and we had to rent chairs! Some fabulous theatres like Gandhinagar Gruh in Vadodara have suffered due to this negligence. While performing once at the Sir Sayajirao Nagar Gruh in Vadodara, we found out that there was nobody to operate lights and then arrangements had to be made. At the same venue, while performing Humare Ram recently, Ashutosh Rana had to apologise to the audience because the AC stopped functioning. Isn't this pathetic? We need to stop taking performers and audiences for granted.
