Amritsar, July 10
On the lines of 550th Gurpurb of Guru Nanak Dev’s in 2019, the SGPC has planned to introduce special coins, postage stamp and envelope dedicated to the first centenary anniversary of Saka (massacre) Panja Sahib.
However, this time, the SGPC has decided to launch copper coins only, keeping in view its easy affordability in comparison to gold and silver ones.
The SGPC also intends to commemorate the event at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Pakistan. A communication has already been forwarded to the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) for the visa facilitation.
Besides the coins, the SGPC, in coordination with the Indian Postal Department, wishes to release special stamps and envelopes too to mark the occasion.
The event falls on October 30 and is commemorated at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, Rawalpindi, which is attended by ‘Nanaknaam leva’ devotees from all over the globe with fervour.
The SGPC has asked the PSGPC to initially facilitate the visit of a six-member delegation to have discussion over the programme in July so that arrangements could be made accordingly. The delegation includes SGPC general secretary Karnail Singh Panjoli, executive member Jarnail Singh Dograwala, Dharam Parchar Committee member Ajaib Singh Abhiyasi, yatra incharge, Rajinder Singh Ruby and SGPC members Bhai Rajinder Singh Mehta and Gurmeet Singh.
Abhiyasi said the communication from the Pakistan body was still awaited. He said the SGPC had designed a special logo to mark the occasion, besides plans were being made to introduce special copper coins, which would have the Sikh body’s logo on the one side and the image of Gurdwara Panja Sahib on the other. “Similarly, a special postage stamp and envelope too will be introduced.”
As per information, the SGPC will also conduct gurmat programmes at Gurdwara Panja Sahib by initiating ‘akhand path’ on October 28 and the bhog will be performed on October 30. Besides this, the SGPC will organise a special seminar. A special jatha too will be sent to Pakistan to mark the occasion.
DESIGNS READY, NOD AWAITED
We’ve already prepared the designs of logo, coins, stamp and envelope, which will take a practical shape only after getting communication from the PSGPC and the Evacuee Trust Property Board, who have intimated. — Ajaib Singh Abhiyasi, Dharam Parchar Committee member
Amritsar: SGPC plans to launch copper coins on Saka Panja Sahib centenary
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