DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the state government will organise series of events to commemorate the upcoming 350th martyrdom day of ninth Sikh Guru Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji.

Chairing a review meeting of the Tourism department, the Chief Minister said that the state government will observe the 350th martyrdom day of ninth Sikh Guru Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji on a massive level. He said that a series of functions will be organised across the state and comprehensive development of places having the footsteps of the Guru Sahib will be ensured. Bhagwant Singh Mann asked the Tourism department to chalk out a detailed program to organise a series of events to commemorate the martyrdom day of the great Sikh Guru.

The Chief Minister said that Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji laid down his life to protect the right of freedom to worship and preserve human and secular values. He said that Guru ji's supreme sacrifice was unique and unparalleled in the history of mankind and symbolized the crusade against tyranny and oppression. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the ninth guru of Sikhs sacrificed his life for the sake of preserving human rights in the country.

Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to promote tourism in Punjab, the Chief Minister gave nod to organise Rangla Punjab festival in the state in February. He said that the purpose of this festival is to showcase Punjab as the most preferred global tourist destination adding that Punjab has a rich and glorious cultural legacy along with beautiful destinations which can attract the tourists from across the globe. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there is a huge potential for developing the state as a favourite tourist destination for which all out efforts should be made adding that the untapped potential of tourism in the state should be harnessed for attracting the tourists.

The Chief Minister envisioned that the festival will act as a catalyst in the socio-economic development of Punjab as it will open new vistas of employment for the youth of the state by promoting tourism. He said that it is the high time when vibrant and blessed Punjab is showcased to people across the globe to give major fillip to tourism.

Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this festival will attract a large number of tourists in the state and give a boost to the economy of Punjab.

The Chief Minister also gave nod for organising heritage festivals across the state to perpetuate the glorious cultural heritage of the state for the coming generations. He asked the Tourism and Cultural department to chalk out a detailed proposal in the form of calendar events so that these festivals can be celebrated every year.

Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these festivals should be celebrated on a grand level so that the rich heritage of the state can be preserved in a big way.

The Chief Minister also asked the Tourism department to explore the feasibility of the setting up of ultra modern convention centres on the lines of Pargati Maidan.

He said that these convention centres must be set up in big cities like Amritsar, Ludhiana and New Chandigarh adding that these must house Arena, hotels, shopping malls and others. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it will help in giving a boost to tourism in the state by organising big shows by renowned and internationally acclaimed artists.

The Chief Minister also asked the department to prepare a detailed plan for further developing areas around Ranjit Sagar Dam, Shahpur Kandi Dam and Kandi areas of the state. He said that these areas can be developed as ideal tourist destinations for attracting the tourists from across the globe. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there is a huge potential for developing these areas as a tourist destination for which all out efforts should be made.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister expressed happiness that the trial run of first boutique hotel of Punjab built in Quilla Mubarak has started. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he will certainly visit the hotel during his visit to the Royal city in coming days. He said that this aesthetically designed hotel built on PPP mode will set a new benchmark in comfort, hospitality and elegance adding that it will be a favourite place for destination weddings and others.

(editor@dailyworld.in)