Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described early 18th century Sikh military commander Banda Singh Bahadur as a "great warrior" and said farmers for the first time got their rights and the common man felt empowered due to his efforts.
"Baba Banda Singh Bahadur-ji was not just a great warrior but was also very sensitive towards common people. After getting inspiration from Guru Gobind Singh-ji, he imbibed values of a warrior and embarked on a new journey for social development," Modi said at a function here to mark the 300th anniversary of the Sikh military commander's martyrdom.
"During Baba Banda Singh Bahadur-ji's time, for the first time, farmers were given their rights, the common man felt empowered, poor people and the minorities felt secured. He favoured economic freedom," he added.
The Prime Minister also released a book on the Sikh warrior.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal were also present on the occasion.
Last month, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had released a commemorative silver coin marking Banda Singh Bahadur's 300th martyrdom day.
--IANS
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