Addressing a function to commemorate 300th anniversary of martyrdom of Sikh general Baba Banda Singh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a high-level national committee will be formed that would chalk out an elaborate plan for the celebrations.
"Government of India will be celebrating 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh in every corner of the country. It will be celebrated everywhere across the world where Indians reside.
"For this, the government of India has earmarked an amount of Rs 100 crore. A high-level committee is being formed to look into organisation of the events," Modi said.
Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Sikh Guru was born on December 22, 1666.
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"Commemoration of the historical events will connect future generations with our roots. Those who forget history can never create history. Only those can create history who are connected with the historical roots.
"So, if we celebrate 300th, 350th or a centenary, all these events connect us with the great and historical traditions," he said.
Incidentally, the AAP government in Delhi had recently named the Barapullah bridge after Baba Banda Singh.
Modi began his speech with the Sikh victory cry of "Jo
He said the present generation should seek inspiration from the life of Baba Banda Bahadur and try to emulate him in their day-to-day life.
Modi said the Sikh general was a sensitive administrator and never deviated from the path of justice for all despite living most part of his life under adverse circumstances and shadow of war.
"He did not deviate from his path...He did not let himself to be distracted," Modi said.
Likening his skills with to Maratha King Shivaji, the PM said with his organisational
capabilities and great courage, Baba Banda Bahadur took on his enemies with limited resources.
"He fought for the equal rights of the people. He ensured that the farmer gets his due. He worked on empowering people and igniting the spirit of development in the masses. He was a real socialist...People under him got justice," Modi said.
Recalling one of the decisions of the warrior, who was born as Lachhman Dass to a Dogra Rajput family, Modi said in that age, the rulers and emperors brought out currency bearing image of their face. "But the currency he brought out bore the faces of Sikh gurus...He never sought anything for himself," he said.
Modi also released a coffee table book on Baba Banda Bahadur Singh.
In his address, the Punjab CM said even Modi can be described as "bahadur" for what he has achieved for the country.
Asking people to go digital, Modi told them to use their
mobile phone as their wallet and there was no need to use cash.
"People will not forgive the corrupt, the country has to be rid of all ills during the past 70 years," he said.
"I had said there will be hardships for now, but things will improve. You might have to stand in queues to withdraw money, but it's essential to eliminate corruption," he said, and cited instances of parents doling out heavy sums for admission of their children in schools and for higher studies.
On shortage of currency notes, Modi suggested use of plastic money and to go cashless.
"There are 40 crore smartphones in the country today. Everything is available on mobile banking, net banking and through credit and debit cards. You just need to download an app on your phone, and for 40 crore people, everything is possible without visiting a bank or standing in queues," he said.
"Some people have lost glow on their faces... Earlier they used to chant money-money, now they are chanting Modi-Modi," he said.
He said to eradicate poverty from country, it has to be removed first from big states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and West Bengal.
Modi cited the example of Madhya Pradesh to highlight the efficiency of BJP rule.
"Madhya Pradesh was considered a 'Bimaru' state. But the people of MP gave BJP a chance. The state government there, led by Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has transformed the state. Today, Madhya Pradesh is a shining example of efficiency," he added.