CM inaugurates heritage street in Amritsar, terms it ‘sewa’ at guru’s abode

As a few politico-religious personalities did not shy away from giving credit to the Badals for the spruced-up heritage street to the Golden Temple, both chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and his deputy Sukhbir Singh Badal termed it a “sewa” at guru’s adobe.

The CM, who opened the stretch on Tuesday along with the Golden Temple Plaza, also refrained from political speech. Lauding the effort of Sukhbir and his team, the CM said: “The credit for this project doesn’t go to me, Sukhbir or the government. This is all about sewa at guru ki nagri.”

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Badal, who walked through the heritage street along with other Akali leaders and religious personalities, said the state government was building memorials to ensure that the future generations know about their history, culture and tradition.

Speaking on the occasion, Sukhbir said: “I thank the almighty for blessing me with the good fortune to do this sewa.” He even sought an apology for any shortcoming in the project.

Terming the interpretation centre in the basement of the plaza the highlight of the place where Sikh history, religious philosophy, ethos and culture would be showcased, Sukhbir urged people to come and see the wonderful place.

Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh appreciated the efforts put in by the CM and Sukhbir for the project and urged the Sikh “sangat” to give “another chance to the Badals not only to make the Guru ki nagri extremely beautiful place but also make Punjab as beautiful as Paris”.

Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhumma also exhorted the Sikh community across the globe to visit the place and witness the marvellous makeover.

Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, state BJP chief Vijay Sampla, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee president Manjit Singh GK, state cabinet ministers, MLAs and representatives of Sikh bodies were also present.