Amritsar / Navi Mumbai:As a historic step on the holy occasion of Khalsa Sajna Diwas (Vaisakhi), Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis made a series of historic announcements for the Sikh community of Maharashtra. This was due to the efforts of Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa, Head of Damdami Taksal and President of Sant Samaj.
Addressing the late evening Gurmat Samagam at Sampada in Navi Mumbai, Chief Minister Fadnavis began and ended his speech with the words “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh”. On the occasion, Shri Fadnavis expressed his heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the visionary leadership of Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale and his tireless efforts to unite the Guru Nanak Naam Leva Sangat across Maharashtra. The Chief Minister appreciated the Damdami Taksal chief for inspiring and guiding the society for collective upliftment and his deep commitment to Panthic values and public welfare and said that we are truly blessed to have such spiritual guidance and government support to work together.
On this occasion, on the basis of a comprehensive memorandum of concerns and aspirations of the Sikh community by Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa, Chief Minister Shri Fadnavis formed a Centenary Celebration Committee with government participation for the 350th martyrdom centenary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the 350th Gurta Gaddi centenary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and announced to hold the celebrations at Sri Nanded on 15-16 November 2025, in Nagpur on 6 December 2025 and in Mumbai on 21-22 December 2025.
Chief Minister Fadnavis also announced to extend the amnesty scheme announced for the Sindhi community to Sikhs, Hindu Punjabis, Sikligars and other Guru Nanak Naam Leva communities. He also said that the Maharashtra state will take steps to provide annual assistance of Rs 10 lakh to Guru Nanak Dharamshalas, which is equivalent to the assistance given to Madrasas. He also assured to resolve long pending issues like rail connectivity with Sri Hazur Sahib, allotment of land for Punjab Bhawan, establishment of Sikh educational and healthcare institutions and representation in legislative bodies.
Chief Minister Fadnavis said that our heads always bow, the historical sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus and Sahibzadas. He mentioned the rich history of penance, brilliance, bravery and sacrifice of the Sikh Gurus. He said, I consider myself fortunate that I grew up listening to and reading the history of the Gurus. I got the opportunity to imbibe their thoughts by listening to the sacred words of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The ninth Guru of Sikhism, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, stood firm against the atrocities of the cruel Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, and sacrificed his life to protect Hindu religion and culture. That is why Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is also called ‘Hind di Chadar’. Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji carried forward the same tradition of bravery and sacrifice. Chief Minister Fadnavis said that Gurbani and ideology will be conveyed to everyone. So that the sacrifices of our Gurus are remembered by the coming generations.
Chief Minister Shri Fadnavis appreciated the efforts of the 11-member Sikh Coordination Committee to effectively present the concerns of the community. He said that we thank Waheguru Ji for the grace and are committed to work collectively for the welfare of the Panth.
On this occasion, Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa, Head of Damdami Taksal, said that “We humbly welcome the Honorable Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis and thank him for these bold and visionary announcements. Today is a new chapter for the Sikh community of Maharashtra. Our faith, history and contribution have been recognized at the highest level. This commitment will elevate the Guru Nanak Naam Leva Sangat across the state.”